1-800-Google Launches

The Webguy wrote to mention a C|Net article talking about Google's newest toy - Local Voice Search. The service is dirt simple: you call a 1-800 number and, via voice recognition software, say the category of business you're trying to reach. You can also try for a specific name, though the C|Net blogger had some problems with that. The Google Blog has been updated with details as well: "Google Voice Local Search lets you search for local businesses from any phone and for free. If you're in the US, call 1-800-GOOG-411 and say what you want to find. Here are some of the features -You can find a business listing by category. Just say "pizza," for example. You can send the listing details to your mobile phone via SMS. The service is fully automated, so it doesn't rely on human operators. It connects you directly to the business, free of charge."

Hello, Google?

[bensafrickingenius]

"Nookie."

Cool!

[Aminion]

Finally there is an easy way of calling 911!

I wonder...

[had3l]

I wonder if it recognizes "Escort Services".

*sigh* who am I kidding?

Re:Hello, Google?

[Kindgott]

Sorry, Craigslist's new phone service is 1-800-GOOG-412.

I did it all for Tom Nook

[tepples]

Results: Tom Nook [neoseeker.com], The Nookie [ytmnd.com]

Re:So if the this is completely free of charge....

[SpatialVacancy]

.... just how does Google plan to make money from this? Sure it takes away business from traditional directory based searches, but I still fail to see how the cash that those services would get end up in Google's pocket. I'm sure that if I'm missing something that /.'ers will point out what that something is.

Similar Quote, from 1998 regarding google search:

.... just how does Google plan to make money from this? Sure it takes away business from traditional directory based searches, but I still fail to see how the cash that those services would get end up in Google's pocket. I'm sure that if I'm missing something that /.'ers will point out what that something is.

Re:I wonder...

[SagSaw]

For fun, I tried "Prostitutes". The #1 match:

International Aid [internationalaid.org], a local Christian charity.

Hello Google?

[i_ate_god]

I'm feeling lucky

Weird....

[theheff]

When i asked for it to find porn in Oklahoma, it gave me the first three results:

1. First Christian Church
2. The local police department
3. Animal Control

Maybe it's just not the same as the real google.

Re:I wonder...

[Class Act Dynamo]

Well, let me tell you; I am over here in Philly, and I decided to ask it for escorts. The first two results were "Stacey Lacey" and "Ebony and Ivory." I started laughing loudly after that and it misinterpreted that as me wanting to "go back." I suppose that answers the question.

Re:I wonder...

[Bogtha]

For fun, I tried "Prostitutes".

I bet that sounded very different in your head.

"Miserable Failure"

[gardyloo]

...
*Bing!* "White House Operator. How may I direct your call?"

      Man, I *wish* that still worked.

Re:Cool!

[duguk]

Only in America. In the UK you have to call 0118 999 88199 9119 725 3!

I'm feeling lucky!

[clayinpdx]

Google should add a 'I'm feeling lucky' option to the service, which would automatically dial the top-rated business for that category. That would be really exciting, especially if you're searching for something like 'escorts' and it dials the PD.