Free 411: GOOG or CALL
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to the RSS feed for this blog. Or you can subscribe to a combined news feed for all SMM publications. Thanks for visiting!
Both Google and Microsoft have now introduced their voice-based local search facility for your phone. This service is only currently available in the United States. Even though I live less than 20 miles from the US border neither service works here. Last week it was a little clearer. Calling GOOG-411 ( 1-800-466-4411 ), I was told that the service was not available. Calling CALL-411 ( 1-800-225-5411 ), I got a busy signal. This week it is less satisfactory. The Google service gives me information on Langley, Washington when I ask for Langley, British Columbia. The Microsoft service tells me repeatedly, “I didn’t get that”. Presumably it’s only a matter of time until both services are available here.
Tom Spring of PC World was able to do a matched comparison. In his opinion, the result currently is a draw. Both services delivered the correct result, with Google taking a little longer since it repeats the request for confirmation. He has an interesting comment that the Google service is much simpler while the Microsoft service is slightly confusing in offering more choices. It’s perhaps no coincidence that this mirrors how both approach the regular keyword search. Google has that beautifully simple search page. Microsoft usually offers search within a portal page that flags the other services they have available.
It would be interesting to know whether either or both do user tests in deciding which format they will follow. Usability or the science of creating satisfactory user experiences regrettably does not receive the attention it should. Watching how typical users complete tasks as they use a particular service or website is an easy way to confirm that the best choices are being made. Given the expense of creating such services, it would seem foolhardy not to spend the limited extra dollars involved in checking whether the users think you have it right.
Related:
GOOG-411, A Harbinger Of The Mobile Web
GOOG-411 or CALL-411 - Voice-actuated Mobile Web
BTW, Live Search 411 Is Taking On GOOG 411
StayGoLinks
October 28th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
[...] Web Design « Free 411: GOOG or CALL [...]
November 21st, 2007 at 3:43 pm
[...] Related: Free 411: GOOG or CALL [...]
February 17th, 2008 at 2:14 am
I have tried them both and prefer 1-800 The Info. This service is provided by Verizon, who has one of the best directory databases in the business. I was able to get a listing quickly, and have it sent to my cell phone before connecting to the business I requested. When I called back to do a little more checking, I was able to search by Category, which would be great while traveling.
Better to use one built by an expert in the field, as they have been offering paid directory assistance for years. The operators where very nice and helpful when I had to go there.
My money is on Verizon and 1800 The Info
February 27th, 2008 at 7:31 am
When it comes to free directory assistance, you have a lot of choices (at least in the US - and surely the same is or will be soon in other countries, too) - and with choice comes variety and change over time. As described in responses to the original post above, some characteristics will be more important to each user than others. Be sure to try them all, put your favorites in your mobile phone directory, and try them all again every so often. You never know when you will change who your favorite is!! (By the way, I have two in my phone right now, and my favorite is 1-800-YellowPages.) Grin!
1-800-YellowPages (800-935-5697)
1-800-555-Tell (800-555-8355)
1-800-Call-411 (800-225-5411)
1-800-Call-Dex (800-225-5339) (”beta” system)
1-800-Free-411 (800-373-3411)
1-800-Goog-411 (800-466-4411)
1-800-Info-Fast (800-463-6327)
1-800-San-Diego (800-726-3434) (for those in the San Diego, CA area)
1-800-The-Info (800-843-4636)
SayHello Service (904-358-3333) (It’s not a toll-free number, so check with your local phone company in the 904 area code in FL to see if it’s free for you.)
And, I still pay for 411 sometimes, too! It all just depends on the situation - now we all have a lot more choices, depending on the situation.
Happy calling!
February 27th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Thanks for the list, pinetrees. You are clearly an expert in this field.
March 5th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I’ve tried a few of these services and have finally landed on 1-800-The-Info. One thing that’s great is they have operators if you need it. Goog and Call411 are only automated and that works a some of the time, but I’ve found that a human is something that you just can’t replace.