Google via TXT

The idea to do the BOHAN Byte as a vlog came from work on a sales PowerPoint for a new client, which is interactive in design, allowing viewers to navigate to any section of the presentation rather than see the slides presented in a linear order (increases both comprehension and retention rates). If PowerPoint is the new web, then video is becoming the new PowerPoint (or Keynote for you MAC users), because video remains a linear presentation medium (beginning, middle, end).

And now for the topic: Google via TXT...



Even in the digital world, "everything old is new again." Take for example the venerable Google, at one time a mere startup, now the unquestionably the industry leader, despite what Microsoft or Yahoo! may do in the near future.

In an increasingly mobile world, how is Google responding? Of course, you can access the Google website on internet-enabled cell phones and other mobile devices. But that still leaves out the majority of cell phone users who do not have internet access on their phones.

So Google is beta-testing a TXT messaging service that works like this:

Create a TXT message on your cellphone that includes a keyword (or phrase) and a ZIP code. Send that TXT message to phone number 46645 or "GOOGL" (the "E" is excluded). In a few moments you will receive two reply TXT messages from Google, with the name, address and phone number of the first few businesses that match your keyword(s) and ZIP code.

For example, send the TXT message "PIZZA 37203" to GOOGL and the system will reply TXT you with the name, address and phone numbers for Mellow Mushroom, DaVinci's and Papa John's pizza, all in the same ZIP code as our office.

Why is this important for our clients? If this GOOGL TXT program ever comes out of beta development and becomes more popular, we may want to help clients optimize their websites and improve their Google ranking to be sure they appear in this type of search.

In a broader sense, the use of TXT messaging is becoming more common, certainly with younger generations and teens for whom TXT is a very large part of their peer communications, and we should know how to use it effectively. Also, TXT messages like email can be forwarded and shared with others, so the more viral the message, the better.

Restaurants and destinations could use the technology to send TXT alerts about new menu items or promotions or special events to customers and prospects who have either given permission previously for us to send them TXT messages, or who send a TXT message in response to an advertisement or POS display.

TXT a message with a month/date/year to "PALMBCH" and receive a reply TXT with a list of events for that date in Palm Beach County. Or TXT a message with your ZIP code to "FAZOLIS" and receive the nearest restaurant contact information along with a code for a discount or the latest promotion.

Imagine the possibilities...

TTFN! Your BFF,
Bayard

CES 2008

Every technology has its time. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Earlier this month manufacturers introduced a tsunami of new concepts and technologies, as they do every year, some certainly more “ready” than others for the current market. I’ll bring you a few highlights of the best and most likely to succeed in later blogs, but just like the American Idol TV show, there are a few that can be dismissed after a quick audition. This year’s clear loser? The combination MP3-Player/Taser Gun. Perhaps it’s ahead of its time, or more likely it will never have a right time, let’s hope… If you can’t wait, some of the best reviews are on www.engadget.com and on www.cnet.com

Over the past holiday, consumer spending on digital appliances was led by the “GPS” sales – clearly a technology whose time has come (www.garmin.com, www.magellangps.com, www.tomtom.com, www.navico.com). Since the introduction of a new evolutionary software last year, the GPS experience has become far more like a trusted friend with a map in the front seat than their previous more complicated incarnation (released at CES before its time). So consumers are responding now, and the winners are those companies (restaurants & shops) who were early adopters, investing in advertising placements on those GPS software maps (www.mapinfo.com, www.esri.com) before anyone could even guess at how to calculate their value.

Thanks for the feedback last week on “Tell Me” (1-800-555-TELL, www.tellme.com)… Two people said they used the Driving Directions and another echoed the research that women’s voices aren’t as clearly understood yet. But continuing on last week’s theme of useful speech recognition technology, I wanted to share my favorite and most-used technology from last year – the Post-It Note for a new century (my tagline, not theirs) – www.jott.com

This is another completely free service. You call an 800# and dictate any message for up to 30 seconds. That message is then translated into text and you can choose to have it emailed to you, or to someone else, or to a group of people, or even have it posted to your blog or Twitter.* Go ahead and register then "jott" yourself a note – see for yourself. In the interest of fairness, there are other competitors who offer the same or similar services: www.yap.com, www.pinger.com, www.bubblemotion.com, www.simulscribe.com, www.spinvox.com, etc…

* Twitter – Staying “hyper-connected” has never been easier, but it sure is hard to explain if you haven’t experienced it. For more information, see the next BOHAN Byte or check it out yourself at www.twitter.com