Search technology giant Google has quietly rolled out a new Web search feature that lets users track FedEx and UPS packages as part of its continuing push to expand beyond basic keyword queries.
The addition of numbers tracking adds to the nifty features the Mountain View, Calif.-based firm has added in recent months, including glossary feature to troll the Web for definitions, a calculator and local search service that allows users to segment their searches by location, including address or zip code.
In addition to FedEx and UPS parcels, Google’s new feature will return results for patents and other specialized numbers like FAA aircraft registrations and FCC equipment identification numbers.
In a help note, Google said a user could simply type “fedex” followed by a space and a FedEx tracking number to get the latest information on the location of a package.
For UPS packages, users can simply enter the tracking number and get up-to-the-minute information.
It’s not clear how package and numbers tracking can add revenues to Google’s bottom line, but the move is in keeping with the company’s continued push into unconventional search areas.
In recent months, Google has been making an aggressive push to grab a share of the desktop. In addition to its popular Internet Explorer toolbar, the company has launched a branded Deskbar within the Windows taskbar to let users perform Google searches without the use of a Web browser.
The Google Deskbar allow searches from any part of an operating system, including within any Windows application.