Search for businesses by name or category — Can’t stand typing? Let your fingers rest - GOOG-411 will understand your voice and find the business you’re looking for. You can search by name (”Giovanni’s pizza”) or category (”Pizza”).
Connect to the business directly, free of charge — No need to write down a note or memorize long phone numbers. GOOG-411 lets you connect to the business you choose, free of charge.
Get more details by SMS — Simply say “text message” and GOOG-411 will send you a text message with more information and a link to a map of the business you’ve selected, free of charge.
According to a recent press release by Google under their mobile division, Google is now offering a free 411 information service.
Right now, all wireless service providers — as far as I know, all — offer a 411 service that you can call for a charge of $1.25 (on average). With this new Google service, which I’m sure will spread like wildfire across the websphere, these wireless cell phone providers may actually have competition.
What’s to happen next?
Consumers may see a backlash effect from companies such as Verizon, Cingular (now AT&T), T-mobile, and like companies, that they will start offering free 411 or stop offering it at all.
Is Google the first company to offer this free service? No, 1800-FREE411 was the first company to do it. I have used their number (1-800-373-3411) on a couple of ocassions, but I most recently have resorted to using the Google Maps app for my Treo650.
Very good idea for Google to market it the 411 service, but where will they actually generate revenue from it? This is where the Google Business site of things come into play. Google is always looking for more ways to expand their network of information and organize information in the best way possible. This will be just another means for people to access Google’s information.
Leave your comment Join the discussion