Google Launches Free 411 Service Called Goog-411 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 1, 2007 - Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) has announced the launch of its new free 411 service, Goog-411, which provides users with fast and easy access to local business information. This service is expected to revolutionize the way people search for businesses by providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional 411 services.
Goog-411 is accessible by dialing 1-800-GOOG-411 and is completely automated. Users simply provide their city and state and ask for a specific business or business category. The service then provides users with the requested information, either spoken back or text messaged back to them, and automatically connects them to the phone number requested.
"Goog-411 is using Google's normal local business information available on Google Maps and elsewhere. Businesses that want to add or correct data can do so here," said a Google spokesperson. The service has been tested and found to be excellent, although voice recognition was working at about 70% efficiency. If the service does not understand the request, users can simply say "back" and try again.
According to industry estimates, approximately 2.6 billion 411 calls are made in the United States each year, making it a $7 billion/year market. By offering a free and easy-to-use alternative to traditional 411 services, Goog-411 is expected to significantly disrupt this market.
"We are excited to offer this service to our users and are confident that they will find it to be a valuable tool in their daily lives," said a spokesperson for Google. "We encourage everyone to give it a try and see how simple it is to find and connect with local businesses for free."
To learn more about Goog-411, please visit Google's website or watch the video on YouTube to guess which team member shown is the voice behind GOOG-411.
About Google Inc.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. wannabes Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com. Goog-411 launched in April 2007.
