Google Voice Local Search

Google Voice Local Search

This is experimental, which is a bummer because it could mean it goes away, but Google Voice Local Search is really sweet. Call 1-800-GOOG-411. Say the city and state. Say a business name or a category. Google finds the location, then dials it for you. You can also get the details sent to your mobile phone by saying "text message" and then it still connects you. Totally free (so far) and no ads.

I tried Lowes and Ames, Iowa and it worked flawlessly. I also gave it something more tricky. I tried Ames, Iowa and then "Lawn Mower Repair" for a category. The first result was a small engine repair place in Ames. The second was a truck repair place in a surrounding town and the third was a lawnscaping service also in a surrounding town. I had it send me a text message for the first result and I think it's who I'm going to call tomorrow about fixing my lawn mower!

This will have to replace 1-800-FREE-411 until they decide to scrap it. :-)