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A conversation with my iPhone

By
Philip Elmer-DeWitt
Philip Elmer-DeWitt
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By
Philip Elmer-DeWitt
Philip Elmer-DeWitt
Down Arrow Button Icon
November 18, 2008, 8:45 AM ET

Google voice search, the most eagerly anticipated improvement to the iPhone since 3G, finally showed up late Monday.

For readers who haven’t been following this drama, Google (GOOG) on Friday launched a media blitz for this hot new feature, which lets you search the Web by simply speaking into your phone. But for reasons known only to God and Steve Jobs, Apple (AAPL) made the world cool its heels a few days before releasing the program. (See Has Google lost its voice?)

Needless to say, we couldn’t wait to give the app a try. So first thing Tuesday morning, we downloaded the free update, fired up Google Mobile App, and started talking to our iPhone. Here’s what ensued:

  • Q: What took so long?
  • A: Woodfield Mall
  • Q: Why the delay?
  • A: “I did it my way” (Frank Sinatra)
  • Q: Did Steve Jobs hold you up?
  • A: What’s Steve Jobs got up his sleeve?
  • Q: Are Apple-Google relations strained?
  • A: Look for good fortune on 8/8/08
  • Q: What’s next for Google Mobile App?
  • A: Utility vehicles, Mobile Alabama

We can’t wait!

Below: Watch Google engineer Mike LeBeau find a giant squid on his iPhone.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ3Glr5Ff28]

About the Author
By Philip Elmer-DeWitt
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