Quixey: Functionally Search for Apps

A New Approach to App Discovery: Functional Search with Quixey

Considering the increasing reliance on mobile applications, it stands to reason that locating apps based on their intended function represents the most intuitive search method. A novel search service is currently being developed with this very principle in mind.

Quixey positions itself as a functional search engine, designed to locate applications across diverse platforms and tailored to specific user needs.

Currently in beta, Quixey [No Longer Available] has quickly gained traction due to its thoughtfully designed and easily navigable website. Its primary objective is to assist users in identifying the optimal app for any given task.

The Growing Importance of App Search

As applications become increasingly integrated into our everyday routines – utilized on computers, smartphones, automobiles, and soon, within smart home environments – the need for efficient app discovery becomes paramount.

Quixey intends to streamline this process, enabling users to pinpoint the most suitable application regardless of the operating system or device.

Evaluating Quixey's Utility

The question remains: how effective is this service in practice? A closer examination is warranted to assess its current capabilities.

Let's investigate its performance and determine whether Quixey delivers on its promise of simplifying app search.

Quixey: A Functional Search Approach

The following is a short introductory video available on the company’s official website:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qzob5HpGbk

As demonstrated, functional search centers around communicating your desired action to the search engine using natural language. Users simply input their request into the search field labeled "What do you want to do?"

The system then endeavors to identify the most appropriate application to fulfill the user’s requirement. A key advantage is the elimination of the need to know specific app names or provide extensive details.

Furthermore, Quixey’s search extends across a wide range of platforms, including mobile devices, PDAs, tablets, personal computers, and web-based applications, when locating a suitable app.

Key Features of Quixey’s Search

Functional Queries: Search based on what you want to achieve, not just keywords.
Broad Platform Support: Applications are discovered across multiple device types.
App Name Independence: Users don't need to know the exact app title.

This approach to app discovery offers a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. It focuses on the functionality desired, rather than requiring precise technical knowledge.

The goal is to simplify the process of finding the right tool for a specific task. Quixey aims to connect users with relevant applications efficiently and effectively.

Understanding the Functional Search Engine's Operation

The precise mechanisms behind this search engine aren't explicitly detailed on the platform itself. However, it's stated that Quixey achieves highly relevant search results through a process of data aggregation.

This involves systematically scraping information from a diverse range of online sources, including blogs, online forums, and social media platforms, to gain comprehensive insights into each application.

Data Sources for App Information

The engine leverages existing reviews and descriptions sourced from reputable websites. CrunchBase is utilized for evaluations of the companies developing the apps.

TechCrunch provides product-specific reviews, offering perspectives on app functionality and user experience. Furthermore, CheckPoint contributes security ratings, ensuring users are informed about potential risks.

All of this collected data is then integrated to generate the search results page, which will be examined further with a practical search example.

Exploring Application Search Capabilities

A unique search query was recently tested using a highly practical search engine. The following screenshot illustrates the search process:

The initial results proved successful, notably highlighting the Text Formatting Toolbar – a tool previously discussed. This directly addressed the intended search objective. Results are visually distinguished by prominent arrow indicators.

These indicators clearly delineate the software listings and provide concise notes to aid in app selection. The information presented within these snippets is aggregated from sources such as download sites and developer webpages.

Refining Your Search

Filters are conveniently located on the left side of the page. These allow users to specify their desired platform and to choose between free and paid applications.

Further app analysis is possible by adjusting the view. This allows sorting based on mentions within resources like CrunchBase, TechCrunch, and Check Point.

Selecting an application link directs you to a dedicated page. Here, additional details are provided, including download links and developer commentary.

Video content, when available, is also accessible on these individual app pages.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Functional Search

As demonstrated previously, the desired application was successfully located in the initial search results. The success rate for different keywords or search 'descriptions' will naturally vary based on the query. While the search functionality relies on keywords, exploratory searches using common phrases (such as index my books) yielded both relevant and less relevant results.

Recognizing its status as a beta service, it’s understood that complete accuracy isn't yet achieved, however, the potential for refinement is evident.

Quixey presents itself as a focused tool for pinpointing the appropriate application. It enters a competitive landscape alongside existing platforms like Appolicious, all vying for prominence in app discovery.

Consider also these resources we’ve previously highlighted:

5 Sites To Find Free Alternatives To Popular Software
5 Search Engines To Find & Download Free Mobile Apps
Top 5 Sites to Help You Find Apps for Your Android Phone

Quixey distinguishes itself by incorporating natural language processing into the app search experience. Furthermore, the company intends to offer complimentary, customizable app search solutions in the near future. We encourage you to test Quixey [No Longer Available] and its functional search capabilities, and share your impressions.