Former Googlers Ready Mechanical Zoo Social Recommendations Engine


CNET writes about a new “stealth startup” from former Google News product manager Nathan Stoll. The new site “Mechanical Zoo” is reportedly in alpha right now. Here’s how CNET’s Stefanie Olson describes its intended function:

At a high level, Mechanical Zoo is building an application–rather than a destination site–that will help people tap into the knowledge of their social circle to find information, such as what movie to see or where to go out on a Friday night. The company is not ready to publicly preview or talk about its technology, but it currently has at least 100 “alpha” users testing the service. According to [ex-Googler Max] Ventilla, it will be a Yahoo Answers-type product, with more built-in intelligence about your personal tastes.

The description is intriguing as part social and part local search application. The company apparently has raised close to a million dollars in Angel money to date. The article suggests Mechanical Zoo will launch next month.

Mechanical Zoo is simply the latest in a growing list of startups being founded (and in some cases funded) by Xooglers.



Greg Sterling is a Contributing Editor at Search Engine Land, and writes a personal blog Screenwerk, examining the broader world of media and advertising. He also posts at Internet2Go, which is focused on the mobile Internet.

See more articles by Greg Sterling >


Share, Bookmark & Discuss This Article
More:


Keep Updated: News Via Email | News Via RSS Feed | News Via Twitter


See more stories like this in the Members Library! Check out the Google: Employees, Search Engines: Social Search Engines sections of the Members Library where this story is filed. Members also get access to exclusive video content, a members-only weekly & monthly newsletter, plus more. Check out all the benefits!

Comments are closed.


RECENT COMMENTS

  • Shari Thurow said " Hi all- Information architects, at least the most knowledgeable ones, understand the main finding be"
  • nuttakorn said " I think 2010 is about Real-time and personalize search algorithms that Google will pay attention to "
  • nuttakorn said " I just heard many sources that Google.cn will shut down tomorrow. You can see this source of news fr"

See All »


FREE DAILY SEARCH NEWS RECAP!

SearchCap is a once-per-day newsletter update:

STAY CURRENT THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Our feed & social options update you as news happens.


Advertise With Us »

Search Marketing Expo

Search Engine Land produces SMX, the Search Marketing Expo conference series. SMX events deliver the most comprehensive educational and networking experiences - whether you're just starting in search marketing or you're a seasoned expert.


SMX Web Site » | SMX Difference » | SMX News »


Join us at an upcoming SMX event:

Search Marketing Now Learn more about search marketing with our free online webcasts and webinars from our sister site, Search Marketing Now. Upcoming online events include:


See more webcast topics »

FOLLOW US SOCIALLY
Upcoming Search Engine Land Conferences

Get Your Search Engine Land
Premium Membership!

Become a premium member today and receive:

  • Express commenting privileges & photo.
  • Exclusive videos & newsletters.
  • Discounts to our SMX conferences.
  • Access to "How To" & Other Archives.

Learn More

Upcoming Search Engine Land Conferences
Add to GoogleAdd to My Yahoo!Add to BloglinesAdd to NetvibesAdd to Windows Live