Google experiments with 411 phone service

By Cory Bergman 

Call 1-800-GOOG-411 and you can test out Google’s new 411 phone directory service. I just tried it for “KING 5” in Seattle, and the robotic voice gave me eight options, just as if I had searched for the same term on Google Local. The first three options were correct. A little clunky when compared to talking with a real person, but hey, it’s free. And you can also ask for the results to be sent to your cell phone in a text message. Nifty. Meanwhile, Microsoft recently acquired TellMe, a directory assistance provider and voice-activated mobile search firm.

Adds lovethisworld in comments: “First I dialed the wrong number GOOG is 4664 not 4004 (as the person who so kindly explained for clearly the severalth time told me). Dialed the right number, it worked. What is that sound? Sounds like the operator is scatting while searching.”

Adds Steve: “I like how the guy makes a fake computer noise while it searches, the beedeleboop thing – it’s hilarious.”

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