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Jul. 2, 2007 at 9:30am Eastern by Greg Sterling
Google Voice Search Adds 'Map It' Feature
Google's free directory assistance/voice search offering 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) has added a "map it" feature. Users can say "map it" after receiving the desired listing and get a text message with a link to a map (which opens a WAP browser). I tested the feature a couple of times , and it worked very easily.
Google draws upon its Google Maps database to serve text-to-speech listings -- and now maps -- to Goog411 callers. Google's competitors include Jingle Networks' 1-800-Free411, AT&T's 1-800-YellowPages and several others. Jingle Networks was recently awarded a patent for contextual ad serving in a free directory assistance environment.
Right now that patent doesn't implicate the Google service since there are not yet any ads on Goog411.
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By Greg Sterling
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Greg:
On ResourceShelf, I've put together a list of what some others offer in terms of receiving info (numbers, address, map, links) via SMS.
+ Tellme/Microsoft: 1-800-555-TELL
In addition to business directory info, other services are available (news, stock quotes, movie times (including ticket purchase), travel info, etc.).
Tellme Business listings (phone number, address, and a link to a map) can be sent via SMS.
Another useful feature is that you can also send the directory info/map to others via SMS. Just say or type the other persons phone number. The data is sent instantly.
Btw, Tellme business directory info is also available via SMS at 83556 (TELLM) and with some carriers and phones, via a client app.
+ 1-800-FREE411
Residential, government and business listings.
The phone number (only) can be sent to you via SMS (press "3").
+ 1-800-YellowPages/(1-800-935-5697)
AT&T service. Currently available in Bakersfield, Calif.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Columbus, Ohio.
+ 1-800-411-SAVE
Free service not available in all areas.
+ 1-800-SAN-DIEGO
Not available in all areas.
Speaking of maps and roadways, don't forget about the voice-activated, real-time traffic info service from Traffic.com at 1-866-MY-TRAFC (1-866-698-7232).