Google iPhone App: Speak to Search

After a 3 day delay, the new version of the Google mobile app for the iPhone has been released. The coveted feature of Speak to Search is now available although it doesn't always work perfectly. I did a test run looking for "trees" and it gave me search results for "trains" and Amtrak. Not sure if it learns to read your voice better over time but I am guessing not.

In theory assuming the speach function works perfectly you will save the time of typing (especially if you have stubby fingers like me) but in the end you're still going to be clicking on the search results and looking through the iPhone web browser.

Much like the overzealous Apple commercials, the process at which all the above occurs takes longer in real life than the video demonstrates.

Outside of the search feature, the app also offers you a mini google desktop of sorts that gives you the common tools you're used to such as Reader, Talk, Docs, etc. It's almost like a platform within a platform. Although it doesn't work perfectly kudos to Google for giving the Apple users a set of tools even though they are making a big push right now to launch their own Android platform. The question is, how long until Google finds a way to monetize this application? Much like YouTube, they are certainly going to try.