deafTECH

Ever been in a unfamiliar place and wanted to find someplace to eat? Most of you would probably pull out your Sidekick (or other mobile device) and start trying to find a good restaurant nearby using the web browser. What a hassle, especially if the coverage is spotty and you’re driving! Why not let Google take care of it for you via SMS [1]? Google’s new SMS service launched this past Thursday [2], and allows you to send a fast SMS message to “46645″ (GOOGL on your phone) with the name of the restaurant or type of food you’re looking for and the zip code or the town and state you are in. Google responds within seconds with a message listing locations nearby to check out so you can take care of that growling stomach of yours. Google SMS also currently allows you to do a Froogle price lookup (if you want to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere before you plunk down moola for that fancy gadget you’ve got your eye on in a store) by sending a SMS message with the item name/type. Google even has a SMS tip sheet that you can print out and put in your wallet/holster for quick reference [3]. Using Google SMS is much much faster than waiting for the slow web browsers found on the Sidekick and other wireless devices!

(In last week’s column, I mentioned using the OGO to access AIM Relay wirelessly via the Screen Name ‘My IP Relay’ by MCI. I have been informed that AOL has added another relay provider, Hamilton Relay, via the Screen Name ‘HipRelay’ [4]. Kudos to AOL for offering users of AIM Relay a choice of vendors!)

[1] http://www.google.com/sms/

[2] http://www.google.com/googleblog/2004/10/get-411-with-46645.html

[3] http://www.google.com/sms/tips.pdf

[4] http://media.aoltimewarner.com/media/newmedia/cb_press_view.cfm?release_num=55254223

This week AT&T Wireless [1] released a new clamshell wireless device with a keyboard, called OGO [2] . Using an OGO gives you wireless access to AOL, MSN, and Yahoo! services (both IM and email) as well as ISP POP email. You will also be able to send and receive SMS messages. Pricing is quite reasonable at $100 (after $30 mail-in rebate) and monthly service starts at $18/mo (for access to one of the major 3 services, adding another service costs an additional $3. All 3 would cost $24/mo) for
unlimited service [3]. The OGO has coverage in all major US metro areas [4]. You do not have to sign a contract to get the OGO. There is no cancellation fee. A major credit card is all that is needed to begin using the OGO. I have been using one since Monday, and I can say that this is a nice alternative to the Sidekick if all you need access to is your email and IM. There is no built-in phone, and there is no web browser or any other extra functionality. The control pad is a bit funky, and the device does not vibrate when it is open – only when it is closed. The life of the removable battery is quite good – it seems to last about one day under heavy usage, and if you are careful about usage, you can
stretch it out to two days.

The Sidekick still has the best AOL IM client out there. The OGO’s AOL IM client only allows you to see up to 30 buddies that you have placed in your “Mobile Device” category on your AOL IM Buddy List. However, it is a good alternative to those who do not need the extra trappings of the Sidekick, or want a cheaper device. It will definitely be much easier to buy an OGO than other mobile phones – there is no credit check needed. AT&T is heavily targeting the youth text messaging market with this device
- and it turns out to be a surprisingly good choice for the deaf market as well, if you are willing to live with its limitations. You will be able to access AOL Relay service by MCI via the screen name “My IP Relay” with the OGO, so it may be just right for your needs.

[1] http://www.attws.com
[2] http://tinyurl.com/586af
[3] http://tinyurl.com/5xebu
[4] http://www.attws.com/ogo/map.html