It can do calculus, regression analysis, compute orbital paths and fluid dynamics, and call up detailed information about specific genes. Scientists, engineers, and math geeks are going to love Wolfram Alpha. When it does come up with an answer, it can be brilliant. These algorithms are based on computer scientist Stephen Wolfram’s Mathematicasoftware. Rather, it ingests data into its own massive databases so that it can run the information through its own constantly-growing set of algorithms to “compute” the answers. It doesn’t scour the Web for data to return the best results. Wolfram Alpha is not a regular search engine. When the company states on its blog that its algorithms “include some of the most sophisticated ever developed” it is helping to set expectations pretty high. But given all the hype that is surrounding Wolfram Alpha’s launch, the already-brimming rivalry with Google, and the fact that it just bought a supercomputer to help handle its expected load, it needs to be evaluated seriously and without a handicap. It is certainly not going to be another Cuil, the once-stealth search engine which fell flat on its face at launch. Wolfram Alpha is obviously at a very early stage of development (hence the “alpha” in the name), and it does show a lot of promise. I’ve been putting Wolfram Alpha through the paces for the past few days and I come away impressed, but not super-impressed. Or check out this screencast, which goes through some examples of what Wolfram Alpha can do. If you can’t wait that long the first 50 TechCrunch readers to send an email to will get invited to a fully-functioning preview. The new search engine that everybody is gushing over and that even Sergey Brin is keeping an eye on, is set to launch on Monday and may soft-launch as early as later today.
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