Experiments in directory assistance by Google for Phones

Another first for Google Inc., is the starting of tests and experiments that will enable the use of speech recognition in telephones to make it easier for consumers to get the required information without being transferred from one department to another. A voice activated test has already been introduced on an experimental basis and Google has sent open invitation to US callers. Now you can dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from a phone and test the service that Google calls as the Google Voice local search. The service is free of charge and is available on the Google labs site. According to Google labs, using this service will enhance the access of the same information that is currently available on Google Maps. In brief, this would mean that you will not require a computer with an internet connection, all you need is a basic phone.

This experiment by Google is a follow up to the Microsoft acquisition of Tellme Networks Inc., a voice search firm. It is a deal that is currently being valued at $800 million and is supposed to be the largest acquisition by Microsoft in the last 5 years. The entire gamut of activity taking place in voice search technology is for an expansion plan beyond the pay per click advertising. According to the Kelsey Group Inc., the US market has a lot of potential for this kind of a service and the estimation for a directory assistance market stands at $9.4 billion a year. Math Booth from Kelsey stated that the entry of Google into this arena will change the market economics completely.

If you have an operator to take a call by a customer will cost on an average 16cents per call. If Google succeeds in implementing an automated service into advertising supported local business information then the approximate cost of providing directory assistance will be slashed down to 2 cents a call.