It’s true, the world isn’t exactly at your fingertips; but ChaCha, a new innovative technology, quite literally, is.
If you have a question — about anything at all — getting the answer is as easy as typing the question in a text from your cell phone to 242242, which spells ‘ChaCha,’ and within seconds, the system will respond to you with an answer via text message.
ChaCha also operates by a phone call at 1-800-2ChaCha (800-224-2242). This service employs an automated attendant to answer questions and, like the texting option, is only accessible from a cell phone.
ChaCha is a type of conversational technology utilized by cell phone users that essentially connects people with questions to others with answers. The service is entirely free and works with virtually every cell phone service provider and phone type. Questions and answers are conducted in English and received either through a text message in less than a few minutes or almost immediately by phone.
The technology works as though one is conversing with a friend, except in the case of ChaCha, your questions are routed to a specific individual within its Guide community who is most knowledgeable about the topic in question. The headquarters are located in Carmel, Ind., but more than 35,000 Guides around the U.S. work for ChaCha answering questions, according to a text I received after using the service.
According to www.chacha.com, ChaCha is currently in the process of collaborating with cell phone carriers in order to find out where callers are when they ask a question. The Web site said that the information would be used to aggregate data so that callers can be accurately matched up with the most qualified and knowledgeable Guide for information on a specific local question.
Although the location is never stored or attached to any user’s specific phone number, ChaCha recognizes users’ privacy concerns and has a “locator off” option, selected when the latter message is texted to 242242.
Similarly, Google offers a text message service, Google SMS, and a voice-based service, Goog411, which allow users to ask questions on a range of topics. The service can locate businesses as well as give it users stock quotes.
Microsoft also has a voice-based service, Tellme, which displays answers on BlackBerrys from everything to location-specific questions about weather and traffic to businesses and movies.
These competitors, however, are not as versatile as the ChaCha service. To get started on Google, SMS users must text “help” to 466453 or visit m.google.com/sms from their cell phone. The service also requires questions to have key words when sent via text message, and Goog411 can only locate local businesses.
Tellme users must either call 1-800-555-Tell (800-555-8355) for voice-based service of locations only within the United States, or visit www.tellme.com. The service only works on certain cell phones and, because it’s voice-based, users must say key words such as “sports” or “movies” to get started. The information available in answers is very broad with all the game times and updates of different sports genres, and can sometimes require a continuous spoken process such as requiring users to choose movies by name, theater or ask for “new releases.”
In comparison to these services and computer search engines, ChaCha is much more accommodating. Searches are conducted quickly and privately and provide helpful answers to vital or rather irrelevant questions.
In January at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, ChaCha launched its mobile answers text service and has since answered hundreds of thousands of people’s questions. Whether you’re pressed for time or are just curious, ChaCha can stump your speculations — just ask.
•Text any questions to ‘ChaCha’ (242242) or call 1-800-2ChaCha (800-224-2242).
•Text “help” to Google at 466453 to get information.
•Some phones are able to access Tellme by either calling 800-555-8355 or visiting www.tellme.com.
Anything you want to know, ask ChaCha
Every day it becomes easier and easier to stay informed via cell phone
Published: Thursday, November 20, 2008
Updated: Thursday, November 20, 2008
 "Photo: David J. Olender / Photo Editor")
David J. Olender / Photo Editor
Technology is quickly advancing as there are almost no boundaries. Web sites such as ChaCha and Google provide all the answers that people are looking for, even sans computer. Now anyone can text message questions that they have to one of these providers, and they can receive the answers that are being sought almost instantly.
12 comments
Anon
ChaCha still sux. Never get an answer when I text, or I get some crummy answer that is not the least bit helpful. ChaCha SUCKS!!!
Jamie
Hey, I tried ChaCha and I got no response, why is that? My friends tried too, and they got no responses either.
Joe
Actually, you can not rely on ChaCha for anything. Period. Trust me on that.
Your name
ChaCha is really great! Another easy way to get directory assistance for free is calling 1-800-FREE411. You can get business, residential, AND government listings. and they can text the information to you. It is super easy and a great alternative if you are driving and cannot text ChaCha
Your name
ChaCha is a really great company. They are growing by leaps and bounds and as with any company with a sudden growth they have some burps along the way. People need to take that into consideration and be a bit patient with the system. I believe this company is going to explode popularity wise and I plan on being around for the celebration. Tell everyone you know to try it out, text your questions to 242242 or call from your cell 800- 242242, you will get a response then your answer within minutes. Heck you might even get some information you didn't even realize was out there. It is great for on the go, finding that last minute hotel, the cheapest eats in the area your in, that elusive little tidbit of information you can't remember and it is driving you crazy .... Try it, you'll like it. Then tell your friends and family to do the same. Trying is believing!
