Need a number? Google’s done it again! GOOG-411

October 16, 2007

Well whatta ya know? Google announced a week or so ago that they are now offering free information calls, that’s right, instead of directory assistance fees on your home or cell phone, Google’s service is F-R-E-E!

It’s pretty simple and fun to use! Of course if you don’t like FULLY automated voice response systems you won’t like this service. So here’s how it works:

1. You’re at home, work, the car and you’re getting hungry
2. You decide pizza is a good idea to satisfy your appetite
3. Grab your phone and dial, 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-4664-411) and you’ll be connected to Google’s 411 directory.
4. You’ll be prompted for “What City and State?”
5. Ok, speak clearly as the first time I did this I mumbled Pennsylvania and the lookup failed. So I said, Exton, Pennsylvania
6. Say the name or business type you are interested in
7. “PIZZA!!!”
8. Google’s search will read off the top 8 or so results found, how cool is that!?
9. Once you hear the name you want just say “number 3″ for the third listing.
10. Voila! You’re then whisked away through the magic of the Google to that business.

Hmmm, so now is Google tracking who’s calling what number? Like are they Caller ID’ing my phone number when I dial their service and then see what I’m searching on? Not like this would be a first for them.

Check out Google’s 411 page.

Oh and while on this topic, just a reminder that you can SMS/text message GOOGL (46645) from your mobile phone and then get local listings, weather, sports, definitions, flight info, maps, and a whole lot more. Here is a link to GoogleSMS.