True Knowledge not a Google Killer – and that’s good

Every time a new search engine pops up, bloggers, journalists and analysts get all worked up about its potential (or otherwise) to be a ‘Google Killer.’ I’ve written about this before, and really can’t understand the apparent obsession with ‘killing’ a company that’s continuing to do remarkably well at meeting the needs of millions. It’s not perfect, of course, and there’s always room for more innovation/competition, but does Google need to die in the process?

It was therefore something of a relief to talk with William Tunstall-Pedoe, and to hear his talk of ‘complementing’ the Google search experience. William is CEO of Cambridge-based True Knowledge, a company that markets its technology as an ‘Answer Engine.’

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The True Knowledge web site has been around for a while, largely serving as technology show case and source of new knowledge for the voracious machine rather than as a serious destination site in its own right. Far more interesting is the way that the underlying technology enriches your everyday search experience via browser plugins, and augments third party sites and services (like hotly anticipated virtual personal assistant, Siri) by means of an API.

Have a listen to hear William’s views on what the company can do, and the ways in which it can enrich existing user behaviours.

Production of this podcast was supported by Talis, and show notes are available on their Nodalities blog.

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