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June 23, 2008
Google 411 Launches in Canada
Google is the world leader among search engines and even Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has conceded Google's won the search game.
But most people don't think of Google as an offline information service - until they try GOOG 411. Canadians now have their chance to experience GOOG 411. Not French Canadians, though. Google has launched GOOG 411 in the Canadian market only in English.
Canadians can dial 1-800-GOOG-411 to connect to a computer that's armed with voice recognition software software.
The automated voice will ask for city and province. A voice menu will assist users by finding the information they're looking for.
Users can ask for directions to a business or location, phone numbers, or receive a voice spoken text message about the business or restaurant that they're researching.
Posted by Kevin Heisler on June 23, 2008 2:42 PM
Comments
Aussiewebmaster June 23, 2008 11:28 PM
google has an abundant resources online. So I think It will be easy for them to spread their offline service biz.
Reviewbyseekfeed June 24, 2008 3:14 AM
@Aussiewebmaster: Google is probably not going to charge for GOOG-411. Because they're getting the equivalent of millions of dollars for samples to fine-tune voice-recognition software, for free, from everyone who uses it.
thricebedeamned June 24, 2008 7:52 AM
great discussion - excellent point aussiewebmaster. Google has the largest laboratory in the world to test its software. They have the luxury of not monetizing every product.
Kevin Heisler June 24, 2008 12:53 PM
This is information people dont mind receiving.
But for people with a hearing problems like me, another option may be used. I always use ASK411(275411) to get my listings. Their service is free until the end of january. I just send them my request through SMS and get a reply with the number that i need right away. No hassle.
Martin Kissel January 14, 2009 11:22 PM
Funny I use this all the time and the service has improved in the past 10-12 months... how they will monetize has yet to be developed but am waiting for an ad to play while connecting you