Wolfram Alpha Computational Search Engine

Okay, all the blogs have been buzzing about this being the "future of the internet," and I've ignored it up until now. Today, I finally caved to the mountain of links asking me to take a look, and I was very impressed. I think everyone should definitely see this.

Wolf Alfram is a new kind of computational search engine. Some people think it's going to save Google from anti-trust lawsuits, because of the potentially stiff competition that the idea offers. Check it out this video first: Introduction to Wolfram Alpha

And then try out Wolfram Alpha for yourself here (that's right, it's already available in its baby form): Wolfram Alpha Home

As the guy points out, the engine is in it's early stages, but that doesn't make it any less WOW. :)

Why is Google so Brilliant?

So, while I was in DC, my friend Neil turned me on to the divine radiance that is Gmail. I mean, ever since I saw this billboard in my hometown:



I knew that Google was setting a high standard! You see, visiting the URL on the billboard was just the first step towards applying for a job with Google.

The good news just kept rolling in. I've read articles hither and yon about Google's excellent management practices, its plush treatment of employees, and its culture of ueber-creativity. Just look at the Google blog, and you'll see that these guys have plenty of time to goof off, even though they are constantly creating some of the finest web content!

Today they are talking about the eye-tracking studies coming out of their "usability lab." This is brilliant, truly fascinating stuff! Tech Crunch has already picked up on it, check out their post here. I find Google's videos of the actual tests particularly interesting.