Google Voice Search Adds ‘Map It’ Feature
Jul 2, 2007 at 9:30am ET by Greg Sterling
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.
Share, Bookmark & Discuss This Article
More:
Keep Updated: News Via Email | News Via RSS Feed | News Via Twitter
See more stories like this in the Members Library! Check out the Google: Voice Search sections of the Members Library where this story is filed. Members also get access to exclusive video content, a members-only weekly & monthly newsletter, plus more. Check out all the benefits!
ONE COMMENT ON Google Voice Search Adds ‘Map It’ Feature
TOP STORIES
SEARCH NEWS BRIEFS
FEATURES & ANALYSIS
RECENT COMMNENTS
- SHarmeling said " The take home message here is undoubtedly key: These points of prioritization are well stated and ad"
- nickstamoulis said " Hi Travis, Very good points, but also something to consider is the overall demographics that use the"
- nickstamoulis said " Hi Nick, I agree with 1000%. Having worked at several agencies and on the client side and more recen"
FREE DAILY SEARCH NEWS RECAP!
Stay on top of all the search news with our daily summary, the SearchCap newsletter. View a sample ›
STAY CURRENT THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Search Engine Land produces SMX, the Search Marketing Expo conference series. SMX events deliver the most comprehensive educational and networking experiences - whether you're just starting in search marketing or you're a seasoned expert.
SMX Web Site » | SMX Difference » | SMX News »
Join us at an upcoming SMX event:
- SMX Singapore - July 2-3, 2009
- SMX São Paulo - August 4-5
- SMX East - October 5-7, 2009
- SMX Stockholm - 12-13 October, 2009
- SMX Mexico - November 11, 2009
Learn more about search marketing with our free online webcasts and webinars from our sister site, Search Marketing Now. Upcoming online events include:
- How Large Offline Marketers Drive Superior Search Marketing Results - July 21, 2009
- Trademarks, Brand Terms and PPC Advertising: Updates You Must Know - July
22, 2009
- Attribution Management Buyers Guide - July 28, 2009
TRACK US SOCIALLY
- Wall Street Journal Recommended Reading
- Ad Age Power 150 Blog
- Technorati Top 100 Blog
- Techmeme Leaderboard Source
- Best Search Engine Community/Forum
Featured sites from our Blogroll
Get Your Search Engine Land
Premium Membership!
Become a premium member today and receive:
- Express commenting privileges & photo.
- Exclusive videos & newsletters.
- Discounts to our SMX conferences.
- Access to "How To" & Other Archives.
© 2009 Third Door Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Google, Yahoo & Microsoft logos trademark respective companies and used with permission.
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).