The Computational Knowledge Engine
May 15, 2009
Wolfram Alpha has launched.
It's a new-fangled "computational knowledge engine". And possibly an early version of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. The premise is deceptively straightforward: ask a question, get answers. Wikipedia explains Wolfram Alpha as "an online service that answers factual queries directly by computing the answer from structured data, instead of providing a list of documents or web pages that might contain the answer".
This isn't a system for finding answers, or directing users to websites with answers (in the style of Google). This thing computes the answers - pulled right from its very own crackling labyrinth of circuitry and Tesla coils and vacuum tubes. TechCrunch has a pretty thorough low-down. Interesting stuff.
Takes a few minutes of fiddling about with it before the possibilities really come into focus.
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