I think wolfram alpha is a better deal than Cuil, but might get as bad a name because of their flawed positioning.
The method does not work without domain specificity. Its not a general purpose tool. Marketing it as one is the biggest mistake wolfram has done and is the reason most people will be dissapointed and inevitably try to slot it as another cuil.
However, if you are willing to disregard that largely cosmetic flaw, the computational engine is very impressive stuff. Assuming, in the future they are able to market/position it properly for specific domains for which they ensure that data is enough, this is going to be an awesome tool and may well compete with Google for the domain specific queries.
I think the majority of the populace will not have the wherewithal to appreciate it. The part that does will see its potential, and I think that's all Wolfram cares about.
Comments
I think wolfram alpha is a better deal than Cuil, but might get as bad a name because of their flawed positioning.
The method does not work without domain specificity. Its not a general purpose tool. Marketing it as one is the biggest mistake wolfram has done and is the reason most people will be dissapointed and inevitably try to slot it as another cuil.
However, if you are willing to disregard that largely cosmetic flaw, the computational engine is very impressive stuff. Assuming, in the future they are able to market/position it properly for specific domains for which they ensure that data is enough, this is going to be an awesome tool and may well compete with Google for the domain specific queries.
I think the majority of the populace will not have the wherewithal to appreciate it. The part that does will see its potential, and I think that's all Wolfram cares about.