Google SMS search is no more. The search giant quietly killed the platform this week, bringing an end to searches being conducted by users of non-smartphone or feature phone devices.
Google SMS search was a semi-popular feature before users gained access to higher end devices that provided faster and better search results.
The Google SMS service allows users to text messages to 466453 (Google) and then receive search results back in the form of a text message. The messages returned were actual answers to questions and not links to web pages. Google SMS search was often used for currency conversions, weather information and local listings.
Google employee Jessica S. posted on Reddit:
“Hi everyone,
Closing products always involves tough choices, but we do think very hard about each decision and its implications for our users. Streamlining our services enables us to focus on creating beautiful technology that will improve people’s lives.
Thanks, Jess”
While the Google services page still shows a link for Google SMS it simply leads to a 404 page.
Feature phone sales worldwide have been on the decline as more users shift towards low-end smartphones in areas where income simple doesn’t afford middle and high-end upgrades.
According to Gartner the number of mobile phone sales in the last quarter of 2012 was 472 million units, that’s down from 478 million units a year prior.
Google SMS search has long been replaced with voice activated search features that offer a more rich and immersed experience.
Google at this time has not explains if the move was based on a lack of participation in the Google SMS search platform or simply a lack of revenue that could be generated from the simplistic program.
Google SMS search did have one positive, it was a great way to find quick information for travels who weren’t paying for roaming data plans.
Will you miss Google SMS search or did you already forget that it existed.
