Google has unveiled Voice Local Search, otherwise known as directory assistance. According to the product page, you can use it to actually connect to the business you are searching free of charge — perhaps this could be used as an easy way to make long distance calls for people without long distance plans?
Using this service, you can:
* search for a local business by name or category. You can say “Giovanni’s Pizzeria†or just “pizzaâ€.
* get connected to the business, free of charge.
* get the details by SMS if you’re using a mobile phone. Just say “text messageâ€.
To use the service, dial 1-800-GOOG-411 from any phone. Unfortunately it’s only available in English for US businesses from US phones. This is still in the experimental stage (after all, Gmail is still in beta after how many years?). Coincidentally, Microsoft bought the TellMe service just last month.
