|
|
|
Google Launches Voice Activated Search |
|
|
|
Written by Adam Gosling
|
|
Wednesday, 11 April 2007 |
Google plans to connect callers to businesses in the United States
using a new voice-activated 411-style service that uses Google Maps
data.
Google Local Voice Search For Phones is the latest addition to Google
Labs. The location-based search service lets you track businesses near
you using your mobile phone.
The service doesn't automatically determine your location, you have to
tell it where you are calling from. Only available for the US at this
stage, the service can be accessed by dialing 1-800-GOOG-411
(1-800-466-4411).
The data is drawn from the Google Maps information and can assist you
in hooking up with local businesses. Looks like residential numbers
might be included in the future too.
Google Voice Local Search is free to use and Google doesn't charge
anything to connect you to the business you are searching for, although
depending on your wireless carrier you still may be charged for the
call.
You can actually use the service from any phone not just your mobile as
the system is voice activated on a 1800 number, no Internet connection
is required.
Although the search is localised, you have to tell Google where you
are, the service can't predict your location (at this time?).
Here are a few of the features according to Google:
-
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.
At this point, the service is still in its experimental stage and we
don't support ads. At this point this does not appear to be a VoIP
service, but we thought we would report on it since it sounds like it
could become one.
Find out more about the Google voice activated search service here.
Related news items Newer news items
Older news items |
|
|
