Google's new "Search by Number" feature

[zakur]

Google now offers ways to search for unique types of classification numbers -- UPS tracking numbers, FedEx tracking numbers, FAA airplane registration numbers, patent numbers, and FCC equipment identification numbers. Three of these numbers require the use of a special syntax, but none of them require the customary ':' .

UPS Tracking numbers -- Enter the tracking number directly, e.g. 1Z9999W999999999 .

FedEx Tracking Numbers -- Enter 'fedex', a space, and then the tracking number, e.g. fedex 999999999999 .

Patent Numbers -- Enter 'patent', a space, and then the tracking number, e.g. patent 5123123 .

FAA Airplane Registration Numbers -- Enter the number, e.g. n199ua .

FCC Equipment Registration Numbers -- Enter 'fcc', a space, and then the equipment number, e.g. fcc B4Z-34009-PIR .

[xouper]

I tried a few of those. Cool.

I see the airplane I made my first parachute jump from (N8222U) is now owned by a Delaware corporation (and we all know about Delaware corporations :)).

What's next? Will google become the de facto front end for searching everything on the net?

[iSani]

Originally posted by xouper

What's next? Will google become the de facto front end for searching everything on the net?
What do you mean become? :)

[xouper]

iSani: What do you mean become? :) Is that a rhetorical question? Or are you asking me for some counter-examples?

[zakur]

Google has just added Universal Product Code (UPC) lookup to its repertoire. Enter a product's UPC into the Google search box (e.g.: 074711352000). If the product can be found, results include a link to the UPC Database for more information.

The above UPC was found on the box of staples in the desk drawer in front of me. Of the four barcoded items in the drawer, I was able to find a record for 3 of them in the UPC Database.

I don't know how practical this will be for most of us, but it is sorta cool.

For a complete list of Google Number searches: http://www.google.com/help/features.html#number

[The idea]

Originally posted by zakur
Patent Numbers -- Enter 'patent', a space, and then the tracking number, e.g. patent 5123123 .

It just got even easier to learn about psychotronic weaponry!

[Brian]

I don't know how new this is but if you Google:
What is duck
duck can be most any word, inset at the top of the results is:
Web Definition: duck - small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs more definitions.
Found that looking for "what is ECC".

[Cecil]

Google also has a built-in calculator. Try searching for a mathematical expression, like sqrt(9)+4^3

It even does trigonometry!

[rdaneel]

If Google be comes Omniscient, should we start praying to it?
Just what do you sacrafice to a search engine? :cool:

[xouper]

Cecil: Google also has a built-in calculator. Try searching for a mathematical expression, like sqrt(9)+4^3

It even does trigonometry!It will also do units conversions. Try this one, for example:

160 pounds * 4000 feet in Calories

[sol4590]

Originally posted by rdaneel
If Google be comes Omniscient, should we start praying to it?
Just what do you sacrafice to a search engine? :cool:

The first thing would be to condemn and murder those who still use lycos, altavista, search.com, etc.

Seriously, this is pretty amazing. Next time I get in a fight with my wife, I'll just ask google what I should do to sweeten her up again.