eLibrary
"The Net" Works
Free Google Phone ToolsFree Google Phone Tools
by Matt Keelan
Have you looked at your home or cell phone bill lately? Phone companies are charging up to $1.79 for a single directory
assistance call!
Enter GOOG-411. Our good friends at Google are providing free business listings from any phone by dialing 800-GOOG-411
(800-466-4411). And, unlike some of its competitors, GOOG-411 is ad free!
Google's service is voice activated. Simply say the city and state of the listing you're looking for, or enter its zip
code on your cell phone keypad. Then tell GOOG-411 either the name of the business or a category (such as pizza) and the service
will offer you a selection of relevant businesses. Choose the business you'd like and GOOG-411 will automatically connect you.
If you are calling from a cell phone, GOOG-411 can do even more tricks. If you want to know more about the business you've
selected, say "Text Message" and Google will text you with more information about the business. And if you want a map of the
business sent to your smart phone, just say "Map It!"
Google also has a free information service via text messaging called Google SMS. Simply text a search query to GOOGLE (466453)
and Google will reply with your results in seconds. For example, if you text "home depot 75080," Google will reply with the
two closest locations along with their address and phone number. You may also search for a category, city and state as
in "coffee new york ny."
But, unlike GOOG-411, Google SMS can also provide:
Google SMS also has a calculator, currency converter, foreign language translator and more. For a complete list text "help"
to Google SMS or visit
m.google.com/sms
from your smart phone.
Warning: Both of these services are free from Google but charges from your carrier for usage may apply.
© 2008 Avalion Consulting, LLC.
All rights reserved.
No copies may be made without prior written
permission of Avalion Consulting, LLC.
Dallas, TX 75207
214-751-2800