Every time a new search engine, with functionality different than The Google, comes to market people instantly declare “This is a Google Killer!” Somehow a new, unknown, technology outfit is going to overtake the search giant simply because they do something in a different manner. Possible. Not likely.
The first time the “Google Killer” mantra was waved about came with the launch of Cuil. Who? Exactly. This company claimed their technology would allow specific search results, in turn providing less clutter for the user. It didn’t. Forget even obtaining a 2rd tier search engine status – like Snap or Gigablast – Cuil has faded into history as a sub-standard search engine that happened to ride a quick marketing wave.
Fast-forward a few years and enter Wolfram Alpha.
Here we have a new technology, a new search engine that is “computational”. This search engine does not go out and spider the web looking for result, instead Wolfram Alpha uses an internal knowledge base to generate results (and does so impressively, I may add).
When Google first started, one of the main user groups seemed to be developers/geeks/scientists as the service the engine provided directed one to results with no crap. You needed to understand how a specific function python worked, Google found the answer – back then, there was usually only one or two – and you could be on your way. This is exactly what I see Wolfram Alpha as. A tool/application for “hardcore” users.
I suspect the casual, everyday user will find little use in Wolfram Alpha at first glance. Spend some time playing around, understanding the technology, and the value becomes apparent almost immediately.
Let’s be realistic, the next “it” application doesn’t simply appear over night. It’s in the wild for some time before the masses even realize. In no way is this new service a Google Killer but, in due time, this has the potential to be a significant Google competitor.