|
Going Local on Google 411 (aka Goog 411)
|
|
|
|
Written by Glenn Letham
|
|
Monday, 16 April 2007
|
|
 You likely heard about the recent Beta service from Google called Goog 411...
local search from Google using your mobile.
I've been testing out the service and have to say its totally sweet. Best of
all, it enables the mobile user to by-pass some of the crazy charges that the
unsuspecting mobile user typically winds up "taking it" from their carrier..
sorry to be so frank but after recently pouring over my cell phone bills doing
taxes I can't help but cringe at the charges that these guys throw at us users.
Now I have to admit I am much better off being with T-Mobile since I'm now in
the US, thanks to my $29 all I can eat data plan. Compare that to the horrendous
charges I used to get from Rogers Wireless in Canada... man I feel for you CDN mobile users having to get stroked by these guys each
month. Anyway, instead of dialing 411 which will usually get you a charge of $1 or
even $1.50 from your carrier (regardless of where you are) try this cool voice
recognition local search from Google. It's totally free although you will have
to pay for your airtime and txt messaging charges from your carrier - still a
great deal compared to $1 a pop! The service uses voice recognition technology
to walk the user through the options. Specify a city, submit a business name or
type, then listen to the results.
A test of this app using a Nokia N80 proved very simple and had surprisingly
good results. I search Fort Collins, Colorado for "Bowling" and the "hits" were
very accurate providing me with listings of bowling alleys within my region. Once
I selected the desired listing I am automatically connected... optionally, you
can enter the command "text message" and the results are sent via txt messaging...
unfortunately I'm still waiting for the results to come through to my phone..
perhaps T-Mobile isn't supported at this time! Oops.. I take that back... the
text message did arrive about 10 minutes after my request (after all, the service
is still in Beta). Low and behold I received a txt that contained the address
and phone number of the listing... one suggestion I would make would be to also
provide a hyperlink to call up the location on Google Maps Mobile.. after all,
doesn't everyone have that application loaded ;0) See a screen-cap of the txt message here - Give it a try - See http://labs.google.com/goog411/ or dial 1-800-GOOG-411
|
|
Social Media Strategies |
 Social Media Strategy Workbook: This Workbook will help you to define your goals and audiences and to decide on the channels that make the most sense for you. Ready to figure out what social media means for you and your own organization? This Social Media Planning Workbook will help you to define your goals and audiences and to brainstorm the channels that make the most sense for you.
Social Media Marketing: How to Build a Socially Armed Team: It's not only the responsibility of the marketing department to engage customers anymore, it's the entire organizations responsibility, and social media has made consumers even more accessible.
Social Media Marketing: 12 Essential Tips for Success: With all the hype surrounding social media and consumer–generated content, marketers need clear and simple information to make sense of this new and powerful trend.
|
|
