Goog411, a free automated directory assistance number, will be shut down on November 12th, 2010. Though the official article did not include details on why they choose to discontinue the service, it is known that Google wants to target smartphone users with these technologies and a similar service will still be offered with Android phones. For us “plain old telephone” users (and even “regular” cell phone users), Goog411 was a great way to find local businesses when Google searching was not an option. Not only that, but Goog411 allowed people to make long distance calls in the US for free, a feature beloved by many.
For now, we say goodbye to Goog411, and hope that Google might reconsider. Google Voice Search will continue to be offered to Android users.
Users who have texting can text the name and location of a business to 466453 (“GOOGLE”) and Google will send you the results back. (See the demo below)
Read the official announcement
“What does texting 466453 (“GOOGLE”) look like?”
The Google texting service is fast, and not limited to just directory searching. For more information on Google’s SMS service, visit their SMS website. Here is an example of searching for a business number using Google’s SMS service:
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Me:
Blue Rooster Waterville WA
466453:
Local Listings: Blue Rooster Bakery and Art Gallery 100 W. Walnut Waterville, WA, 98858 1 (509) 293-6070 Tip: get Web snippets; send HELP WEB to learn more.
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