Google introduced two new interesting features last month. The first, Google Answers, is a beta program that allows users to get personal answers from a professional researcher, in exchange for a fee. The second allows programmers to use the new Google Web APIs (application programming interfaces) to create, well, anything they can think of to interact with Google.
Google Answers
http://answers.google.com
Google Web APIs
http://www.google.com/apis/
Programmers, get more details of the Google APIs from here.
Google's Newest Technology: People Answering your Questions
SearchDay, April 22, 2002
http://searchenginewatch.com/searchday/02/sd0422-google-ans.html
Review by Search Engine Watch associate editor of the new Google Answers service.
New Google Answers Service Raises a Few Questions of Its Own
Information Today, April 24, 2002
http://www.infotoday.com/newsbreaks/nb020422-3.htm
Could the new Google Answers service replace expert librarians, researchers and reference desks? Various experts in the industry offer thoughts, but the consensus seems to be that they aren't scared of being wiped out.
Google gives some advice...for a price
News.com, April 19, 2002
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-887360.html
Can Google succeed with an answer service when others have had failures? A review of what others have tried, and a note that Google is not depending on the new program to make or break its business.
Something New From Google, Questions Answered For A Fee
Virtual Acquisition Shelf, April 18, 2002
http://resourceshelf.blogspot.com/?/2002_04_01_resourceshelf_archive.html
Q&A with Google about the new service.
Google's Need for Speed
Business 2.0, April 22, 2002
http://www.business2.com/articles/web/0,1653,39878,FF.html
A look at what business reasons Google might have for allowing programmers to interact with its service.
Developers dig in to Google's toolbox
News.com, April 17, 2002
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-884546.html
Another review of Google's API program and how it is or may be used.
