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
Why SEOs can’t afford to wait around for a mobile-first index
SEO and performance marketing agency BrightEdge today released a new report which sheds light on the steadily widening gap between mobile and desktop search. I spoke to Erik Newton, VP of Customer Marketing and Head of SEO at BrightEdge, about the report’s findings, Google’s mobile-first index tests, and how SEOs can adapt their strategy.
Mobile SEO: The 3 areas that really matter for SEO performance
Mobile SEO is distinct from its desktop counterpart in significant - sometimes very subtle - ways. As mobile usage continues to grow, user behaviors and expectations change too. In this article, we'll look at three categories in which mobile SEO stands apart, with practical tips to help marketers drive improved performance in each.
What do we know so far about Google’s new homepage?
Google has released a new, feed-based mobile homepage in the US, in perhaps the most drastic and significant update of its homepage since 1996. We take a look at what the relaunch entails, and how it might change things for marketers.
Everything you need to know about visual search (so far)
Visual search is one of the most complex and fiercely competed sectors of our industry. Here's a review of the key players, and what their technology allows us to do.
