Comments on: Tellme Launches Free 411 Business Search Service http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/ Startup and Technology News Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:45:14 -0800 hourly 1 By: Jason Bogovich http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1336925 Jason Bogovich Thu, 19 Apr 2007 03:02:43 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1336925 Doesn't a phone text message > Google SMS or like service from tellme make calling any number obsolete? Maybe I should time how long it takes to do each. If there service doesn't auto connect then it's a non-starter. 1. sent text to 46645 type in: business zipcode 2. Send. 3. receive return listing from Google. 4. Press phone number in return text message, answer "Yes" to "Call this number?" You are connected and you didn't even have to put the phone to your ear or press one to idenity yourself as an english speaking person. Sorry about the A+ Lister comment I didn't really mean it. Jason B. Doesn’t a phone text message > Google SMS or like service from tellme make calling any number obsolete? Maybe I should time how long it takes to do each. If there service doesn’t auto connect then it’s a non-starter.

1. sent text to 46645 type in: business zipcode
2. Send.
3. receive return listing from Google.
4. Press phone number in return text message, answer “Yes” to “Call this number?”

You are connected and you didn’t even have to put the phone to your ear or press one to idenity yourself as an english speaking person.

Sorry about the A+ Lister comment I didn’t really mean it.

Jason B.

]]> By: Randy H http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1336444 Randy H Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:21:57 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1336444 6.8 billion calls were made to directory assistance last year (up from 6.3B the year before). With the average cost of a "411" call at $1.25, that generates over $8B for the phone companies. That's a nice "cash cow" that is now in serious jeopardy. With Jingle (800-Free411), Google (800-GOOG411), TellMe (800-555-TELL), and AT&T (800-YellowPages) all taking away market share from the paid providers, I wonder when all the other phone companies will get in the game. Will they sit by idly and watch their market share drop to these ad-sponsored services, or will they jump in and fight them in this new arena. It will be interesting to watch. But in the end, it will be good for consumers (free), good for advertisers (the best time to advertise is when someone is searching for your product), and good for the phone companies (they'll make more money with ad-supported search than paid search; i.e. Google makes $10B a year from advertiser-sponsored searches). 6.8 billion calls were made to directory assistance last year (up from 6.3B the year before). With the average cost of a “411″ call at $1.25, that generates over $8B for the phone companies. That’s a nice “cash cow” that is now in serious jeopardy.

With Jingle (800-Free411), Google (800-GOOG411), TellMe (800-555-TELL), and AT&T (800-YellowPages) all taking away market share from the paid providers, I wonder when all the other phone companies will get in the game. Will they sit by idly and watch their market share drop to these ad-sponsored services, or will they jump in and fight them in this new arena.

It will be interesting to watch. But in the end, it will be good for consumers (free), good for advertisers (the best time to advertise is when someone is searching for your product), and good for the phone companies (they’ll make more money with ad-supported search than paid search; i.e. Google makes $10B a year from advertiser-sponsored searches).

]]> By: Dave http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1336341 Dave Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:15:46 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1336341 I'm glad Yan mentioned 1-800-FREE411. It's been around since the fall of 2005, has saved me and my friends a lot of money, and their web site claims that they've saved consumers $400million since their launch. Strange that it seems like such a well-kept secret. Besides, don't Google and Microsoft (Microsoft is acquiring Tellme Networks) already have enough informations about me? I’m glad Yan mentioned 1-800-FREE411. It’s been around since the fall of 2005, has saved me and my friends a lot of money, and their web site claims that they’ve saved consumers $400million since their launch. Strange that it seems like such a well-kept secret.

Besides, don’t Google and Microsoft (Microsoft is acquiring Tellme Networks) already have enough informations about me?

]]> By: vic http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1335563 vic Wed, 18 Apr 2007 03:52:38 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1335563 Boy, I'm pretty behind on cell phone features. Mobile 411 is news to me, but it seems there's a heated debate on it in the comments here. I'm guessing you need an Internet subscription on your mobile phone to use both Google 411 and Tellme? http://highspeed-internet-provider.com Boy, I’m pretty behind on cell phone features. Mobile 411 is news to me, but it seems there’s a heated debate on it in the comments here. I’m guessing you need an Internet subscription on your mobile phone to use both Google 411 and Tellme?

http://highspee...et-provider.com

]]> By: mike http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1335243 mike Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:59:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1335243 These services aren’t new for Tellme although the press release makes them sound new. When the press release says “users now have 3 ways to access the service”, it means that this new local business search functionality (the only new thing here) can be used with all three of Tellme’s existing multi-modal search use cases (text in, voice in, and downloadable voice & visual search). But it’s important to note that these three search modes already existed. These services aren’t new for Tellme although the press release makes them sound new. When the press release says “users now have 3 ways to access the service”, it means that this new local business search functionality (the only new thing here) can be used with all three of Tellme’s existing multi-modal search use cases (text in, voice in, and downloadable voice & visual search). But it’s important to note that these three search modes already existed.

]]> By: Yan http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1335205 Yan Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:21:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1335205 I like Tellme the best since it does all of the things you mentioned plus directory assistance thus rendering the other two numbers in your phone book (Goog411 and Free411) unnecessary. The unique thing about Goog411 is that it actually connects you to the requested number while the other two just give you details. The unique thing about Free411 is the live operator support which can be very valuable if English is not your native language. Coincidently, I just did a comparison of Goog411, Free411, and Tellme on my blog last night. Check it out if interested at http://probargainhunter.com/2007/04/12/goog411-vs-free411-vs-tellme-who-is-better/ I like Tellme the best since it does all of the things you mentioned plus directory assistance thus rendering the other two numbers in your phone book (Goog411 and Free411) unnecessary.

The unique thing about Goog411 is that it actually connects you to the requested number while the other two just give you details.
The unique thing about Free411 is the live operator support which can be very valuable if English is not your native language.

Coincidently, I just did a comparison of Goog411, Free411, and Tellme on my blog last night. Check it out if interested at
http://probarga...-who-is-better/

]]> By: Bob http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1335204 Bob Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:19:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1335204 mike - how come no disclosure since tellme is an advertiser on techcrunch? just saw multiple ads on another page in the big leaderboard and the 300 box. mike – how come no disclosure since tellme is an advertiser on techcrunch? just saw multiple ads on another page in the big leaderboard and the 300 box.

]]> By: Vikram http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334873 Vikram Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:44:45 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334873 Hi Guys, Please check this blog http://techmantra.net And subscribe with it via Feedburner .. Please Please Please Please Please Please Please ............ Hi Guys, Please check this blog http://techmantra.net
And subscribe with it via Feedburner ..

Please Please Please Please Please Please Please …………

]]> By: Mark S http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334777 Mark S Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:01:30 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334777 My mother is also offering a free 411 service...my dog is also considering it since the pack is all about it. Is anyone original? My mother is also offering a free 411 service…my dog is also considering it since the pack is all about it.

Is anyone original?

]]> By: RaJesh Anandakrishnan http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334741 RaJesh Anandakrishnan Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:28:32 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334741 Its surprising to see that at a time multiple people working on same concept. Yesterday Google, Today Tellme & Tomorrow??? www.suggestusability.com Its surprising to see that at a time multiple people working on same concept. Yesterday Google, Today Tellme & Tomorrow???

http://www.sugg...stusability.com

]]> By: Jason http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334649 Jason Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:16:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334649 I blogged about the Tellme service at the time of the the Google 411 service. Tellme is the innovator in this area and their technology is leaps and bonds above the Google technolgoy. Most users have used tellme's service many times but not even known about it. The press is trying to make it seem like Microsoft is following Google again, if you get sick of that kind of press you can read my blog where I call the shots like i see them. A+ listers are not the A+ers they used to be. Someone needs to make a techmeme.com that pulls the best news but excludes the A listers, that would bring all the good blogging to the top. My post about Tellme service weeks ago. (title talks about the Google service but I talk about both) http://geekspeaker.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!588D139CAFEFE462!659.entry I blogged about the Tellme service at the time of the the Google 411 service. Tellme is the innovator in this area and their technology is leaps and bonds above the Google technolgoy. Most users have used tellme’s service many times but not even known about it. The press is trying to make it seem like Microsoft is following Google again, if you get sick of that kind of press you can read my blog where I call the shots like i see them. A+ listers are not the A+ers they used to be. Someone needs to make a techmeme.com that pulls the best news but excludes the A listers, that would bring all the good blogging to the top.

My post about Tellme service weeks ago. (title talks about the Google service but I talk about both) http://geekspea...ve.com/blog/cns!588D139CAFEFE462!659.entry

]]> By: Jay http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334409 Jay Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:10:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334409 It has "Me too" written all over it. Goog-411 is by far the best. It has “Me too” written all over it. Goog-411 is by far the best.

]]> By: pr0xy k1ll3r http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334315 pr0xy k1ll3r Tue, 17 Apr 2007 07:49:03 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334315 F*ck ryan.. stick to the topic! F*ck ryan.. stick to the topic!

]]> By: Ryan http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334268 Ryan Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:50:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334268 Offtopic: MySpace is blocking embedded *images* from Photobucket too now. Ugh. Can PhotoBucket Survive Without MySpace? http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/12/can-photobucket-survive-without-myspace/ Offtopic: MySpace is blocking embedded *images* from Photobucket too now. Ugh.

Can PhotoBucket Survive Without MySpace?
http://www.tech...ithout-myspace/

]]> By: Aaron http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334265 Aaron Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:47:39 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334265 I'll start hating google when someone makes something better, and TellMe ain't it I’ll start hating google when someone makes something better, and TellMe ain’t it

]]> By: Jake http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334254 Jake Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:32:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334254 I'm so sick of everyone talking about how great google is. Fuck google. And how is this news? TellMe has been offering free 411, and biz search, for.. year+? I’m so sick of everyone talking about how great google is. Fuck google.

And how is this news? TellMe has been offering free 411, and biz search, for.. year+?

]]> By: Tony http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334221 Tony Tue, 17 Apr 2007 05:43:09 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334221 Just tried it. Yawwwnnn. There's no option to connect directly to the business (like goog411), so you need either a sharp short-term memory or pen ready. Goog411 still owns. They seem to "get" users. I'm sure Tellme/Microsoft will do a "me too" and add it at some point. Just tried it. Yawwwnnn. There’s no option to connect directly to the business (like goog411), so you need either a sharp short-term memory or pen ready.

Goog411 still owns. They seem to “get” users. I’m sure Tellme/Microsoft will do a “me too” and add it at some point.

]]> By: Direct Textbooks http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334208 Direct Textbooks Tue, 17 Apr 2007 05:25:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334208 I just tried the service, it worked great via voice. I will use it again. I'm sure Google's is fine too, just prefer anyone else. I just tried the service, it worked great via voice. I will use it again.

I’m sure Google’s is fine too, just prefer anyone else.

]]> By: Aman http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334192 Aman Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:57:14 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334192 Hi, TC ! I am a rookie who has started to walk on the road to BLOGDOM ! If you have time, kindly, check Tek-Kon (http://tek-kon.blogspot.com) out and illuminate me ! Am I walking the walk the way it is meant to be. Thanx ! Hi, TC !

I am a rookie who has started to walk on the road to BLOGDOM !

If you have time, kindly, check Tek-Kon (http://tek-kon.blogspot.com) out and illuminate me !

Am I walking the walk the way it is meant to be.

Thanx !

]]> By: davydany http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334188 davydany Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:53:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334188 i used GOOG411...and i love it! its faster than callin your friend and annoyin him when its 1 in the nite... i used GOOG411…and i love it! its faster than callin your friend and annoyin him when its 1 in the nite…

]]> By: permanent hater http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334181 permanent hater Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:45:01 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334181 Do people really use all those 411 dirs? What's the point? I just call up a buddy and have him Google whatever I need. Do people really use all those 411 dirs? What’s the point? I just call up a buddy and have him Google whatever I need.

]]> By: hE oNLY mADE oNe http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/comment-page-1/#comment-1334175 hE oNLY mADE oNe Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:39:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/04/16/tellme-launches-free-411-business-search-service/#comment-1334175 I thought that's what their main product was...where the hell they been? I thought that’s what their main product was…where the hell they been?

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