Search for local business listings, maps and directions on your mobile for free

Posted on August 3, 2007 at 6:38 am

Looks like Microsoft is entering the mobile search market to compete against rival Google with it’s recent acquisition of Tellme, a free 411-type of service to find local business listings, maps, directions, restaurant reviews, sports, weather, stock quotes, movie listings, travel info, news, etc either through text messaging or by voice recognition. Previously, I had talked about Google’s 411 service which came out a little bit after Tellme, so you’ll have to play around with both to see which one is better!

However, playing around with Tellme and it’s new features is making me think that it might actually be better than Google 411. There are three ways that you can get the information you are looking for:

1. Call a 1-800 number (like Google) and say what type of search you want to do (business search, driving directions, etc)

2. Send a text message to 83556 with the query as name, city, state, zip. For example, “pizza new orleans la 70122″ and you’ll get a text message back with the listings (also like Google)

3. Download the Tellme software and simply speak what you want and see the results right on your mobile phone screen (and it’s free!) Currently this works with at&t, Cingular, and Sprint.

Another cool feature is the ability to listen to restaurant reviews through the Tellme service. It only works in the San Francisco area currently, but it’ll be great once it expands to more cities. You’ll be able to listen to actual people talk about their experiences with a particular restaurant rather than just reading customer reviews online.

Also, the “Travel” option can come in very handy if you’re out and about, but need some local transportation services. Simply call and say “Travel” to connect with airlines, taxi services, rental car companies, or hotels!

If you’ve used both of these services, post a comment on which one you think is better! Enjoy!

[tags]local business listings, find local business listings, free 411 service, local movie listings, local phone listings, free local listing, local search, local directory, tellme[/tags]

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Comments

4 Responses to “Search for local business listings, maps and directions on your mobile for free”

Mary said on : August 3rd, 2007 at 10:07 am

Ive been using peekamo for aboy 3 months and so far so good. It’s given me the ability to send free text messaging and group messages.

akishore said on : August 3rd, 2007 at 10:13 am

Mary, thanks for the info! I’ve not heard of Peekamo as of yet, I will check that out. Appreciate it!

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