Help me test Google Voice Local Search

Do me a favor: Try 1-800-GOOG-411 and tell me about your experience. I'd like to use your comments for a Future Tense report.

Google Voice Local Search is a free 411 service that a user calls to get the phone number and other information on a business. The automated system uses voice recognition to determine what info the calling is seeking. It worked pretty well for me, but I'd like to hear what you think.

UPDATE: I covered GOOG-411 on yesterday's Future Tense (RealAudio - MP3 - iTunes). Listen to the program and you'll hear the results of my testing.

I specified St. Paul but never could get a match for Ristorante Luci. It did fine with Luci Ancora and Brewberry's coffeehouse.

We wonder if these free 411 services (there are others) are collecting personal data for sale. How else would they fund their venture?

Worked for me, and it was awesome. When Google takes over the world, I will be nothing but happy!

I was surprised at the poor results I got using 1-800-GOOG411. My first search was for "ad agencies" which gave me multiple choices that had nothing to do with advertising. My second attempt was to be connected to "The Onion" newspaper. I was connected to some herb garden store in Minneapolis. I don't think this service will catch on until the voice recognition/data base matching is improved.

Coincindentally, I am starting a directory assistance company in Minneapolis with a different business model. The company is called VOOM 411. People will dial a local number, 612 VOOM 411, and be connected to a live operator, who is able to perform an internet search, and connect the caller. People will be able to get directions, hear restaurant reviews, or anything else that one can find on the net. Prices will be competitive with traditional 411. It will be 100% live with no automation, thus making it the most user friendly service of its kind. We are targeting beta testing for June and July of 07 with the service going live in August. We'll check back with you then!