411 on GOOG-411

This may be old news for some, but it was new to me when I found out about it this morning (maybe I've just been too busy working on my life-size, papier-mâché sculpture of Dwight Schrute). Google is now offering a new 411 service that is toll-free and pretty darn useful. Simply call 1-800-GOOG-411. (1-800-4664-411). The system uses voice recognition software, which I’ve found to be clunky at times with other systems that use it, but I had no trouble tracking down my favorite comic book store's address and phone number.

Tell GOOG-411 your city and state and either the name of the company or a category of businesses that you’re looking for (i.e. "comic book stores"), and a friendly, helpful GOOG-411 computerized operator will help you out.

Also, if you are calling from a cell phone, just say "text message" and GOOG-411 sends you a text message with your search results phone number, address and an optional map link.

For more details, check out the GOOG-411 site:

http://www.google.com/goog411/