Google 411: Hello? Operator?

Google Labs has just quietly launch a new 411 service accessible by dialing 1-800-GOOG-411. Michael at TechCrunch writes:

The product is completely automated and there is no way to talk to a human for additional or clarifying information. You tell it your city and state, and then ask for a specific business or business category. In my tests the product was excellent. Although the voice recognition was only working at about 70% efficiency, I just said “back” and retried when it didn’t understand what I said. Results are spoken back or text messaged back to you, and you are automatically put through to the phone number requested.

Sorry, carriers. There’s another cash cow lost to progress.

Google Launches Free 411 Service [TechCrunch]