The Digital Gutenberg Cranks Out a Dictionary
December 5, 2009
I find it interesting that the Google is moving more quickly into content publishing. A recent example appears in “Google Quietly Rolls Out Dictionary”. Now Google has had a dictionary for years, but it was limited to defining nerdy words and phrases. The most recent incarnation of the automated service includes some interesting features:
…looking up a word on the Dictionary website provides a list of definitions pulled from a variety of academically authoritative sources (oh, and Wikipedia). It has a few cool features. You can mark words with the star button and come back to them later, see a list of recent searches and switch to translator resources or dictionaries for other languages.
The part of the write up that surprised me was this statement: “Dictionary companies have expected Google would saunter into their realm any day.” No kidding. I think it is encouraging that dictionary publishers have anticipated Google’s move. Google works dictionary magic with software. Some traditional dictionary companies use humans. Which approach has the financial advantage? I wonder what traditional dictionary publishers are doing to challenge the Google.
Stephen Arnold, December 5, 2009
I wish to disclose that I was not paid to point out that Google is a digital Gutenberg, powered by tireless, smart software. I think I have to report this to the Government Printing Office. Yep, for sure.
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