Recently launched ChaCha (beta), has debuted as the first Internet search engine, that replies to queries via IM.
Unlike other search engines, ChaCha allows its users to address their queries to 'guides' who help them with live customized search. Users may chat with the guides about their questions, via a small instant message chat window on the site, while the guide provides the user with relevant text results in another window, simultaneously. Moreover, the site also allows users to opt for regular search on the web.
CEO Scott A. Jones said, "ChaCha is for everyone — from the novice searcher to the most experienced. Even expert searchers don't always have all the answers. For instance, say someone wanted to buy his or her teenager a new game for the holidays but didn’t know what game was hip. Well, on ChaCha, one could be connected to a real-life gamer whose expertise and knowledge are perfectly suited for that query. The guide not only helps find the perfect game, but even sends links of where to buy it."
Moreover, ChaCha promises to connect users with the guide who knows something about the search topic. This feature aims at expanding the general knowledge of the user on the subject or even turn the user on to new or different piece of information that's even more relevant.
The guides work from their homes through an application on their own computers. They are then paid according to the hours. Over 14,000 'guides' worldwide, help users find results round the clock and their results are rated by end users on speed and relevance of results. ChaCha is free to consumers and is advertisement supported.
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here for access to ChaCha.com.
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