Google Trials Search-by-Phone

Google may have an answer for those tired of paying for expensive 411 calls from their cell phone: Google Voice Local Search, which goes by the nickname Goog-411. The service, currently in testing on the search company's Labs site, makes local business searches accessible via the phone.

In theory, Goog-411 is simple: users call a toll-free number (1-800-GOOG-411) and speak their search query, which is then processed through speech recognition software. If there is an exact match, Google can connect the user directly to the business free of charge.

Results from the search are read back to the user, who can request them be sent via text message to a cell phone. Initial reviews of the service have been mostly positive, although Google reminds callers that Goog-411 is still in its experimental stages.

According to Google, the data used is the same as would be found using Google Maps, although no computer is required in this case. For now, the test offering is only available in English and in the United States.

Goog-411 is not the company's first foray into cell phone based searching: the company currently offers searching by SMS and a special version of its homepage and Gmail service designed for mobile browsers. However, it is the first to encroach on territory currently owned by the phone networks themselves.