Saturday, January 31, 2009

Google Search through Phone

Google Search through Phone

Dr P Vyasamoorthy

 

Google is now experimenting with an Innovative search facility using just the phone.  This service still is in beta state.  For searching, one has to call up the number:  1-800-41-999-999. The number is toll free and may be reached by any land line or mobile phone. There are no charges for sending the results either as a text message on your mobile or for the system to read it out. Local business information, movie times and real time flight status are offered at present. The service is available in Telugu, Hindi and English. Hyderabad and Delhi are covered for the time being.

 

The technology adopted is a combination of Computer recognition of voice based inputs and human assisted answering service. Initially you are connected to IVR that accepts your query. For business related info name of the business house, or product or service name and location need to be told orally over phone. If the system does not understand your speech, then you are transferred to a human being who interprets what you want and keys in your query on his terminal. The results are sent to your mobile phone instantly.

 

I wanted to test this service and so I asked for a known address, providing the name of the organization. The query was transferred to a real person and even before I could complete my conversation with the Call center staff member, the answer (correctly!) came on my mobile. Though Askme, Justdial and similar phone based Yellow page info providers are available, Google search is better as it includes Real time Flight Status and movies info. If Google adds Train info (more complicated?!) every commoner can benefit. I have seen a number of private websites giving Indian Train services info – Trains, time tables, route map, fares, seat availability, Railway Rules, dynamic status (real time info) of a train on the move,  etc.  In such sites (ex:  www.indiarailinfo.com  or http://www.cleartrip.com/trains/calendar ) only thing you can not do is to book tickets.  To book tickets you still need to visit IRCTC website.

 

Google Phone Search is very useful for persons on the move when there is no access to a Web browser or Internet PC / Laptop. Any business house however small it may be can register with Google free of charge. Try and suggest how this service may be improved.

 

 

 

 

 


Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30, Gruhalakshmi Colony,
Secunderabad 500015. Ph: LL: 040-27846631 Cell: 9490804278 I blog at:
http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/
http://societyforservingseniors.satyamcsr.org/

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