We already suspected Google might enter the 411 arena, when they were granted a voice recognition patent last year. With Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Tellme, it seemed even more likely that Google would one day launch a mobile voice search service. That day is now here, with Google launching Google Voice Local Search.
As part of our ongoing effort to make the world’s information universally accessible, we’re testing a free service called Google Voice Local Search. Using this service, you get fast access to the same local information you’d find on Google Maps. But you don’t need a computer, you don’t need an Internet connection, and you don’t even need to use your cell-phone keypad. It’s voice-activated, and you can access it from any phone (mobile or landline), in any location, at any time.
To use the service simply dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from any phone.
According to Google, the new service lets you:
- search for a local business by name or category. You can say “Giovanni’s Pizzeria” or just “pizza”.
- get connected to the business, free of charge.
- get the details by SMS if you’re using a mobile phone. Just say “text message”.
The service is free, but Google warns that, as part of Google Labs, the service may be erratic.
R.I.P. paid 411 services.
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