Google launches free 411

Before I get back to clinical applications of technology, here's a tip that you might want to put in speed dial on your cell phone (1-800-466-4411). It's an automated 411 service that's free, and after testing it, I can say that it works pretty well. Although the bot pronounces "Brooklyn," "brew-clin."

Update: Om has some tidbits to offer about this service. He says that Google had hired a few people from Nuance, makers of Dragon Naturally Speaking the voice recognition software that I use, and it's possible that they were involved with this project.

It's officially called "Google Voice Local Search," and you can follow this link to see their FAQs. Hot tip: "Rather than saying the exact name of the business, try saying a category: for example, instead of saying 'Chez Camille,' just say 'French restaurant.'" I could imagine the bot trying to locate "Shake-a-Meal."