As part of Google’s ongoing effort to make the world’s information universally accessible, they have created and are testing a free service called Google Voice Local Search. The service allows you to use any phone to search for a business listing. Simply call 800-GOOG-411 (800-466-4411) and speak your search phrase.
You can search for a specific business name or for a category. For example, you could just say “pizza” — and you’ll get a listing of pizza providers. You can then send the listing details to your mobile phone via SMS by saying “text message.”
The service is fully automated, so it doesn’t rely on human operators. It connects you directly to the business, free of charge. However, your telephone company may apply regular charges for making a phone call or receiving an SMS. The information provided is the same local information you’d find on Google Maps.
Google Voice Local Search is still in its experimental stage. It may not be available at all times and may not work for all users. They are fine-tuning the service to get better at recognizing users’ requests and finding the businesses they are looking for. It’s currently only available in the United States in English.
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