Jon Holato

Yesterday Google launched a new service into Google Labs called Google Voice Local Search, aka GOOG-411. Google describes the service as an “experimental service to make local-business search accessible over the phone.”

To use the service is very easy, simply dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-4664-411) from your phone. Best of all it’s absolutely free, no more paying $2+ for 411 calls through your mobile service provider. From GOOG-411 one can search for a local business by name or category, get connected to the business (free of charge), and get details by SMS by saying “text message.” The system is completely voice recognition and there are no human operators.

Carin and I just tested this out and I must say it’s very easy and very efficient. We dialed 1-800-GOOG-411 and an operator asked for city and state. She said “Paramus, New Jersey” and the system recognized it immediately. Then it asked for what location we wanted, and Carin said “Nordstrom.” After a split second it said it had found two locations matching our criteria. It said the first one, Nordstrom at Garden State Plaza and then said say “one” for more information about this listing. Carin said one it gave a detailed description of the location including address of phone number. I should mention you don’t have to listen to the details, you can have it immediately connect you to the location without hearing more information. After we heard the additional details it said “say text message” to receive more information to your phone. Carin said “text message” and it said message sent and began connecting us to the location. About 1.5 seconds after we hung up she received the text message.

Wonderful feature Google has going here. The system itself from a technical standpoint was flawless and everything worked without hitch. The results it returned too, were perfect. This is definitely the future of where mobile service is heading and it’s no surprise to see Google leading the pack. Hats off to you again Googlers!