Jul 1st, 2007
Tech: Goog411 To The Rescue
Today I was driving around town when my tummy decided some frozen custard from Ritter’s would be a good thing. Not knowing where to find the closest store, I whipped out my trusty cell phone and dialed up my new favorite resource: GOOG411. Within seconds I knew exactly which direction to head and shortly thereafter was enjoying a frosty treat.
This free service from the good folks at Google is a voice-activated phone directory available by dialing 1-800-GOOG-411. After dialing the number, the rest of the process is handled by voice prompts, making it ideal for use while driving. The automated system will ask the city, state, business name or category you wish to search. Next you’ll listen to a list of matching results, choose one and have Google dial the number for you.
The service is currently experimental, though I’ve had good results every time I’ve used it. Plus, it sure beats paying the 99 cents my cell provider charges for a call to 411. (Air time applies.) The next time you need an address or phone number, give GOOG411 a try!
I finally had occasion to use this service. I thought for sure I had a number stored in my cell phone, but alas - no. I must admit I had a hankering for some Chinese from . . . what was the name of that take out place? Oh, Golden Wok. OK called goog 411, named the city and state, named the business and was connected immediately. It works!