When we chat about SMS-based (text messaging) search we usually include the big players including Google, Yahoo, MSN (their real-time traffic alerts are very useful) and 4info.net a Bay Area start-up that is doing some great work and offers several ways to access their service. One of several other company’s that don’t get a great deal of attention in this space is Synfonic. This company, also based in the Bay area, has been around for over a year (they launched a day prior to Google launching their SMS offering) and we’ve mentioned them several times here on the blog.
So why the mention today?
Synfonic offers what you would expect from an SMS provider including local directory info (powered by Yahoo), movie showtimes, stock quotes, sports scores, and more.
However, I noticed the other day that Synfonic also provides local gas price comparison info for the U.S. I haven’t seen this info available via any other SMS service. You’ll need to be a registered Synfonic user to access this service. However, registration is free and fast. Once that’s done, simply enter a Zip Code and in a few seconds you’ll receive three prices from gas stations in the Zip Code you’ve entered. It makes sense to have this info handy when you’re out and about. Instructions here.
Web-based gas price info tools include Gas Buddy and Gas Price Watch. Btw, Gas Price Watch says they’e working on a mobile version of the service.
Related reading
How to reduce the impact of images on your mobile site speed
With Google placing more and more emphasis on mobile site speed and user experience in order to achieve a good ranking, discovering issues with your mobile site speed is critical. But how can you fix those issues once you're there?
Accelerated Mobile Pages vs Facebook Instant Articles: Is Google winning the mobile war?
Google's Accelerated Mobile Pages and Facebook's Instant Articles are both lightning-fast takes on the mobile web. But Google unveiled some stats at its I/O developer conference which indicate Google might be winning the war.
How to optimize your mobile site speed: Testing for issues
The size of webpages sent to mobile phones has quadrupled in just five years, causing a major problem for webmasters and SEOs who want to optimize for mobile. This column will explore the source of delays in mobile page speed, and how to test webpages for problems.
Voice search: A digital space race
Voice search has been identified by the world’s leading technology providers as a huge opportunity to acquire market share over the next decade. It currently lacks mainstream adoption - but all that could change before long. So who is in the lead for the voice search "space race"?
