The Simple premise of GOOG-411 isn't any different than your typical 411 call, you simple dial 1-800-GOOG-411 and a voice will greet you asking for the city and state you're looking for plus the name of the business or the business type. If you give an exact business name Google will read back the result it believes you're looking for, simply say yes and the phone number will be read back to you, along with the option to have Google dial the number for you at no charge!
If you don't have an exact business name GOOG-411 can also read off listings for a certain "Industry" for instance "Italian Restaurants" or "AutoBody Shops" when you find the choice you want simply choose that option and Google will read you back the number and once again offer you the option of instant connect.
If you're on the go and you want to save the business information you've just obtained GOOG-411 also offers the ability to have the business information sent directly to your mobile device via a text message, you can then access that information later which includes the business name, address and phone number. Its really that simple to receive information while quickly storing it for free (Given you have an unlimited text messaging service, otherwise you'll be charge the price of 1 text message).
GOOG 411 Vs. Traditional 411
The standard 411 service is accurate, but you'll pay big time to use it, sometimes more than $1 per search plus an additional automatic connect fee. I've seen some 411 services charge up to $1.75 for a single connect. You also won't find SMS message delivery with these services, which means if you don't get the number right the first time you may have to call back again. I personally don't want to pay even $.50 for something I can get for free and with more options.
GOOG-411 Vs. 1-800-Free-411
Both of these services offer free phone number lookup but with one big difference, 1-800-Free-411 makes you listen to ads that can last up to 15 seconds, although most ads are only 10 seconds (Either way a distraction when driving in my car and trying to get a number at the same time) and in my opinion the voice recognition and phone number look up doesn't compare, Goog-411 is simply more competent when it comes to understanding most callers while providing more accurate results. Once again Goog-411 also offers SMS abilities that can be saved while providing additional business information, 1-800-Free 411 also offers this feature, however I found the Goog-411 information was better laid out and easier to access, I actually wasn't familiar with the Free411 SMS until it was pointed out to me.
One area that 1-800-Free-411 does stand out is the companies ability to display business, government and residential listings, whereas Goog-411 only offers Business listings at this time.
There are other 411 services those just happen to be two of the largest, and while there are others GOOG-411 in my opinion is the best, not only because its free, but because it works ad advertised almost everytime.
Whether calling from your Mobile phone or a home phone line I highly recommend you give GOOG-411 a try, its fast, its easy and best of all its free to receive numbers.
