Google is testing a free 411 service that uses voice recognition technology to return search results over the phone. Call 1-800-GOOG-411 to get local information through Google’s automated service. From Google’s About Voice Local Search page,

” As part of our ongoing effort to make the world’s information universally accessible, we’re testing a free service called Google Voice Local Search. Using this service, you get fast access to the same local information you’d find on Google Maps. But you don’t need a computer, you don’t need an Internet connection, and you don’t even need to use your cell-phone keypad. It’s voice-activated, and you can access it from any phone (mobile or landline), in any location, at any time.”

Though it has a difficult time recognizing foreign words and street intersections, Voice Local Search is easy to use and, oh yeah, free.

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