We previously discussed various ways to avoid the evil 411 fees from the major cell phone carriers when you’re out and about and just simply need to look up a phone number.  Of course, so many phones have the capability of looking up numbers over the mobile internet or even sending a text message to some services like Google itself.  But someones, you just want to use the phone to TALK and find out the phone number or place you’re looking for.  My friend MDS just discovered a great new service to add to your options while out on the road.

 

Google to the rescue again — they just launched their Google Local Phone Search service a.k.a. 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-4664-411).  Program that number into your cell phone’s speed dial list now.

 

  • Just dial 1-800-4664-411
  • When you call, you’ll hear, “Goog411, Experimental…what city & state?”
  • And then “What businesss name or category“.
  • After supplying what you’re trying to find, Goog411 will come back with the “Top 8 results“
  • After you just say or key in the # of the listing you want it will then connect you (“by Level 3 Communications”) to the number for free!  You’ll also have the option of getting the address and tel # information details over the phone read to you.

 

ESSIST TIP: Just say “text message” at the prompt and Goog411 will also give you the phone & address information via text message if you’d like, so you can save the number to your phone or have it as reference if it’s someplace you call often

 

Like everything else in life, nothing is perfect.  While you’ll benefit from the “google brain” to serve up the most relevant search results, just like on the web (& be introduced to click-to-call CPC advertisers based on your voice search results!), GOOG411 doesn’t go into residential results like 1-800-FREE-411.  So it’s a trade off.  You’ll have to test it out and find out it’s sweet-spot so you’ll know when to use it vs. 1-800-FREE-411.

 

Basically, it’s best if you’re trying to find a “gas station” or “pizza” restaurant or “post office” or other generic categories of places.

 

Although the service is very intuitive, there’s a quick cheat sheet you can scan to make sure you get the most out of the service when you call.

 

Of course, this service is NOT JUST for cell phone calls.  You can call from any phone, landline, satellite, or cell phone.  But since it’s a way to look-up businesses by name or category — like a mobile yellow pages, this is perfect for when you’re out and about!

 

Leave a comment and let me know how you like the service or if you find any cool features.



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