Erictric

Google is focusing efforts to bring the popular search engine to people in Africa, via SMS. Most people in Africa don’t have a computer but about one-third of the population on the continent owns a mobile phone, cheap $10 cell phones that is, with only voice and SMS capabilities. With the new Google Mobile, people will enjoy features such as SMS Tips, Google SMS Search, and SMS based Google Trader. The search service is similar to its North American counterpart but with smaller content. Current search keywords include: health tips, clinic finder, agriculture tips, weather and help.

Google Mobile is currently available in Uganda only and will be free from Google, but charges from the carrier for usage may apply. If the latter is the case, I am not sure how much people will be using the services. I mean if they barely have $10 to buy a phone, I don’t think they will want to be paying for text-messages or buying stuff off Google Trader. Either way, it’s really cool that Google is thinking about everyone on planet Earth. Kudos to you Google! For more information, go here.

[ source: TechCrunch ]