Mobile search/information service AskMeNow has left beta mode and officially launched today. After registering at the site people have three ways to use the service — by calling 1-888-EZASKME (392-7563) and speaking their question through an interactive voice response prompt system, or by sending an SMS with their question to “ASKME” (27563), or by using an application to submit their question. That seems to cover all the bases…
Questions that use a template (weather, sports scores and things like that) are free to the user (AskMeNow generates revenue via “one-to-one advertising and sponsorship”) whereas more complex questions on the “AskMeAnything” service cost 49c. These complex questions (such as “How was Ned Kelly captured?” or “What French restaurant is closest to the corner of 6th and 49th in New York City?”) are answered by AnswerAgents — which appear to be people with an internet connection and probably some other information sources.
There doesn’t seem to be anything radically new here, but the service does cover all the different ways people may want to use it, which is a plus. As always, the success of this service will come down to how well it actually works and how well it’s marketed.
Related stories:
–Yahoo Buys Whereonearth For Local Search
–Mobile Search: Mobile Monday at the Googleplex
–New Service Speeds Mobile Search
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