Google Squared: Is It Worth It?

Google has recently put forth a new experimental search tool "Google Squared" which is in direct competition to Wolfram Alpha, a knowledge engine. To put in simple words, Google Squared collects the information from the web and presents it in a structured form allowing the users to compare various characteristics of different items in the search.

It is a great concept because as a user I otherwise have to go through so many sites, procuring the results, evaluating them, comparing them and then reaching at conclusions. But does Google Squared really solves the problem? I conducted the test myself and got the following results:

Searching for 'handycams' strangely displays only two results and one of them is a memory stick.



Interestingly, a search like 'sony mobile phones' displays all brands including Nokia, Motorola, Samsung and even iPhone.



Although you have the facility to add new columns and new items but the search results are far from satisfactory. More so, when you put a query for which Google Squared could not gather results, it prompts you to create a square by entering 5 example items like I did for 'technology blogging' but sadly the first six results also included Business Week, a business related magazine that has nothing to do with technology.

The concept of providing structured data is intriguing but the implementation in the form of Google Squared is not impressive or inspiring as a matter of fact. At least for now, Google Squared does not have all the arsenal to dethrone Wolfram Alpha.