Google Launches Voice-Activated Directory Assistance Service

6:30 am on April 9, 2007 | Category: Business, Telephone, Web Services

Search giant, Google Inc., quietly launched its own toll-free directory assistance service at the end of last week, allowing callers to search the Google Local database over the phone.

Google Voice Local Search, as the new service is called, is fully controlled by voice commands, and appears to be completely ad-free (for the moment anyway). At this point in time, it only provides search data for businesses in the United States, although it is possible to call in from Canada.

Callers can access the service by dialing 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from any landline or cellular phone.

“Using this service, you get fast access to the same local information you’d find on Google Maps,” according to a statement on the Google Labs website. “You don’t need a computer, you don’t need an Internet connection, and you don’t even need to use your cellphone keypad.”

Users who do call from a cell phone, however, get the added option of receiving business contact info and additional details in the form of an SMS message.

The launch of GOOG411 comes less than a month after Microsoft’s acquisition of Tellme Networks, a software company specializing in the development of speech recognition applications. This has led many analysts to believe that the stage is set for a major showdown between the two internet giants for dominance of the mobile search and click-to-call advertising businesses.

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    2 Comments »

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    1. Nothing like a little competition but I am sticking with 1-800-FREE-411. They have been providing free DA longer. Although, this will be an interesting fight.

      Comment by Toby — April 10, 2007 #

    2. I spoke to a local entrepenaur here in the DC/Maryland area and he has a patent on this technology. His name is Christopher O’Donnell (WFC, LLC) and worth a phone call as his foresight might be an interesting aside to this article and DA industry.

      Comment by Brad — April 17, 2007 #

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