Early in September, I wrote about Google registering the domain names Howtogomo.com, Howtogomo.net, and Howtogomo.org, and I wondered why the search engine giant went out and bought the web addresses.
Well, it looks like we finally know why.
Although currently ‘Access Restricted’, Howtogomo.com has been launched on the web this week and it appears to be a service that allows visitors to get mobile-friendly versions of websites.
Unless you know the correct password, when you click the Preview button, you’ll receive an ‘Incorrect Password’ message.
While a service like this is nothing new, demand and competition is growing.
Google already has a similar service called ‘Google Mobile Optimizer’ found at google.com/gwt/n, however it’s very limited in features.
[Updated, Nov. 1, 10:05am EST: Google has now made the website public, as shown in the picture below. However, you may encounter an “Over Quota” error and have to try again later.
According to the Agency Guide that can be downloaded from the website, the initiative is designed to educate businesses about the mobile opportunity and empower them to build mobile-friendly sites. A web tool called the GoMoMeter shows you how your current site looks on a smartphone, and provides a free report with personalized recommendations.]
Discussion: ReadWriteWeb, Techmeme, PC Magazine, Betabeat, Search Engine Land, Softpedia, Press-Register, 9to5Google and CNET