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Filed under: Productivity, Google, Search

Goog-411 now provides intersection info


Goog-411 isn't the most glamorous of Google's services, but the ability to call and get Google's directory service for free is indispensable if you don't have a phone with a browser. The service seems to be getting better all the time, and the latest feature will tell you the cross streets of the business you're looking for. That's a useful service in areas where building numbers are scarce, or all the roads have names instead of numbers.

To use this new feature, do a Goog-411 search like normal, giving your city or ZIP and saying your search terms. When the list of business comes up, and you choose one, say "details." It's not exactly a revolution, but it's the kind of basic, useful feature you'd assume Goog-411 would have had since the beginning.

[via TechCrunch]

Filed under: Internet, Mobile Minute, Search

FREE-411 launches Dial DIR-ECT-IONS

Dial DIR-ECT-IONS
There are plenty of free services for getting a phone number or address by talking to a computer over your cellphone. Google has GOOG 411, Microsoft has Live Search 411, and then there's the grandaddy of them all, FREE411. But what if you need more than an address or phone number? What if you need driving directions and you don't have mobile web access on your phone?

FREE411 has launched a new service called Dial DIR-ECT-IONS that lets you get step by step directions on pretty much any phone. If you can receive text messages, you can use the service.

Here's how it works. You dial 347-328-4667 (DIR-ECT-IONS) on your cellphone and a friendly voice asks where you'd like to and where you are. When you hang up, the service will send your directions in a text message. If your carrier charges fees for SMS, they will apply. But can you really put a price on a good set of directions when you're lost?

Dial DIR-ECT-IONS isn't the only game in town. Ask.com launched a similar service last month.

[via WebWare]

Filed under: Business, Text, Web services, Google, Search

Google adds maps to 1-800-GOOG-411

Google adds maps to 1-800-GOOG-411Google has beefed up its 411 voice search service with some directions.

Google launched a 411 voice search at 1-800-GOOG-411 in April. The service allows users to call in a search query and get the result by voice. Now Google has integrated maps into the voice search. The 411 voice search service with maps works the same way, but during your call you would say "map it" to get a text message with details of your search plus a link out to a map result on your mobile phone.

1-800-GOOG-411 is a free service, but only available in the US for US based business listings.

Filed under: Audio, Internet, Web services, Google

Google launches GOOG 411

google launches goog 411Google has announced a new labs project, a free 411 service. The Google Voice Local Search is an experiment, but it aims to get users fully automated access to local business information.

The GOOG 411 service holds the same information that would typically be found on Google.com, but for times when you just cant get to an internet connection and all you have access to is a cell phone or home phone, this is your next best bet.

The service is free to use, and Google does not charge businesses for connecting customers to them. It is still in an experimental form, and only available in English in the US, for US business listings. To try out the service, dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from any phone.

Update: Download Squad's Brad Linder put GOOG 411 to the test, and here's the result:

goog 411.mp3

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