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April 1, 2008

ChaCha Refocuses Business Model on Mobile Text Search

Almost two years ago, ChaCha launched a service that enabled users to conduct a live chat with a "search guide" to aid in search engine queries. That service flopped, but they believe that their mobile text service can still be a hit. Now, ChaCha is refocusing its business to center around its mobile business.

Users can conduct a search query using text or voice. A few minutes later, a text arrives with the answer. I decided to give it a try myself this morning. I texted to ask what ingredients are in a Java Chip Frappuccino. (I didn't state that the coffee drink comes from Starucks.) Six minutes later, I got my text with the answer, though it did leave out the optional whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

At first, it might seem like a long time. But keep in mind that during those six minutes, I was able to get work done, instead of conducting the search, checking out the results, and finding the answer myself.

ChaCha is making a play for what search users are increasingly demonstrating they want, which is answers, not search results.

Posted by Nathania Johnson at April 1, 2008 10:21 AM