It is amazing how much information can be displayed on even the smallest map, yet we sometimes forget that geographic content is not always available visually.
If you're out and about, you can call GOOG-411 and get local information about businesses. Now we've made it even easier to orient yourself without a map in front of you: call GOOG-411, ask for 'details', and in addition to the address and phone number of the business, we'll also point you to the nearest street intersection or adjacent streets.
You can try it now: call 1-800-466-4411, look up 'Google in New York', ask us for more 'details', and we'll tell you that our Chelsea office is 'near the intersection with West 16th Street'. Unless you're a seasoned New Yorker, this might very well save you from walking up or down a few blocks.
The nearby intersections are available for most businesses in the US and Canada. They are derived automatically by an algorithm written on 20% time by Googlers in New York and London. Tell us other ways you would want to use this new feature -- we hope to expand it to other products soon!
Using GOOG-411
Call 1-800-GOOG-411. (That's 1-800-466-4411). Say where you are and what you're looking for. GOOG-411 will connect you with the business you choose. For the fastest and most simple experience, use the hints below:
| At any point in the call: | ||
| To go back | say "go back" | All phones |
| To start over | say "start over" or press * | All phones |
| When prompted for your query: | ||
| To enter city and state and business name or category | say the full names for example, "Joe's Pizzeria Palo Alto California" | All phones |
| To enter a zip code | say it or enter with keypad | All phones |
| To spell a business name | press 1 and spell with keypad for example, TOYS would be 8697 | All phones |
| When given results: | ||
| To navigate between results | say or press the listing number | All phones |
| To receive an SMS | say "text message" | Mobile phones only |
| To receive a map link | say "map it" | Mobile phones only |
| To get more details | say "details" | All phones |
| To get help | say "help" | All phones |
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