Comments on: Skype To Use Jingle’s 411 Service http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/ Startup and Technology News Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:00:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: 1-800-FREE411 Sells Out Half Its Ad Inventory For the Year, Growth Steadies. : New Web 2.0 Magazine http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1955784 1-800-FREE411 Sells Out Half Its Ad Inventory For the Year, Growth Steadies. : New Web 2.0 Magazine Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:00:40 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1955784 [...] and pure telephone play. It’s Website, where you can also get free directory numbers and is integrated with Skype, is basically an afterthought. Traffic to the site has declined from a peak of about 850,000 U.S. [...] [...] and pure telephone play. It’s Website, where you can also get free directory numbers and is integrated with Skype, is basically an afterthought. Traffic to the site has declined from a peak of about 850,000 U.S. [...]

]]> By: 1-800-FREE411 Sells Out Half Its Ad Inventory For the Year, Growth Steadies. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1954943 1-800-FREE411 Sells Out Half Its Ad Inventory For the Year, Growth Steadies. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:07:42 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1954943 [...] and pure telephone play. It’s Website, where you can also get free directory numbers and is integrated with Skype, is basically an afterthought. Traffic to the site has declined from a peak of about 850,000 U.S. [...] [...] and pure telephone play. It’s Website, where you can also get free directory numbers and is integrated with Skype, is basically an afterthought. Traffic to the site has declined from a peak of about 850,000 U.S. [...]

]]> By: Tech Untangled » Blog Archive » Jingle’s 1-800-FREE-411 Service on Skype http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1555162 Tech Untangled » Blog Archive » Jingle’s 1-800-FREE-411 Service on Skype Tue, 14 Aug 2007 03:38:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1555162 [...] doesn’t see the value in this: Personally, I find this deal a little dumb. Skype users are generally on an Internet connected [...] [...] doesn’t see the value in this: Personally, I find this deal a little dumb. Skype users are generally on an Internet connected [...]

]]> By: Tech Untangled http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1485690 Tech Untangled Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:31:54 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1485690 I agree that this doesn't make sense on a laptop or a desktop computer. However, it makes sense in the phone form-factor environments such as Skype cordless phones, wifi phones, etc. This is where skype is desperately trying to get to. See more at <a href="http://techuntangled.com/jingle%e2%80%99s-1-800-free-411-service-on-skype" rel="nofollow">http://techuntangled.com/jingle's-1-800-free-411-service-on-skype</a> I agree that this doesn’t make sense on a laptop or a desktop computer. However, it makes sense in the phone form-factor environments such as Skype cordless phones, wifi phones, etc. This is where skype is desperately trying to get to. See more at http://techuntangled.com/jingle’s-1-800-free-411-service-on-skype

]]> By: John http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1485369 John Fri, 06 Jul 2007 03:47:19 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1485369 It shouldn't matter if they are matching ads to queries or not; that "idea" shouldn't be patentable. One company could very well create a service that would match ads more accurately, but be held back because they are violating some lame patent. Just another case of those who can innovate and those who can't litigate. It shouldn’t matter if they are matching ads to queries or not; that “idea” shouldn’t be patentable. One company could very well create a service that would match ads more accurately, but be held back because they are violating some lame patent.

Just another case of those who can innovate and those who can’t litigate.

]]> By: Rishi http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1485199 Rishi Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:27:24 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1485199 @SS : I guess that you could call Jingle direct. I was assuming when I said that, that Skype had some sort of exclusive contract with Jingle that reduced the wait time or provided some other advantage to the end user that would make them want to use Skype rather than their regular phone line. @SS : I guess that you could call Jingle direct.

I was assuming when I said that, that Skype had some sort of exclusive contract with Jingle that reduced the wait time or provided some other advantage to the end user that would make them want to use Skype rather than their regular phone line.

]]> By: Jeff Banden http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1485153 Jeff Banden Thu, 05 Jul 2007 23:30:11 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1485153 Did you see the new Skype Beta 3.5 released today ?? The joined the online-video craze... check out the profiles. Did you see the new Skype Beta 3.5 released today ?? The joined the online-video craze… check out the profiles.

]]> By: Small Business Commandos http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484983 Small Business Commandos Thu, 05 Jul 2007 20:51:51 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484983 Does everyone miss that this is about MONEY? Jingle has built an advertiser supported system that places the value on every call. Skype has a growing base of users. some of which will use a service that makes it easier to connect. Look, DA is about a $9 BILLION business in the US because people WANT and NEED information. Jingle, GOOG411, TellMe and others are chopping away at that, and it will be funded by advertising. Don't like ads? Pay $1.50 and use 411. Does everyone miss that this is about MONEY?

Jingle has built an advertiser supported system that places the value on every call.

Skype has a growing base of users. some of which will use a service that makes it easier to connect.

Look, DA is about a $9 BILLION business in the US because people WANT and NEED information.

Jingle, GOOG411, TellMe and others are chopping away at that, and it will be funded by advertising.

Don’t like ads? Pay $1.50 and use 411.

]]> By: iclic http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484976 iclic Thu, 05 Jul 2007 20:41:57 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484976 Sure that keyword based searches are more efficient but maybe Skyke wants to change that paradigm toward voice based services. Sure that keyword based searches are more efficient but maybe Skyke wants to change that paradigm toward voice based services.

]]> By: BowRiverBrown http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484928 BowRiverBrown Thu, 05 Jul 2007 20:09:24 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484928 The Jingle patent is very similar to Overture's patent, which Google paid millions in royalties for before they went public. Overture's patent had to do with matching advertisements with search queries. Jingle's patent is analogous, and it has to do with matching ads with directory assistance queries. Companies can still play ads in DA services, but if they play ads that are targeted to the search query, then they are supposedly in violation of Jingle's patent. It would be fine to play "sponsorship" ads that have nothing to do with a specific DA query, but as soon as the ads are targeted based on the query, the patent is enforceable. Re the Skype announcement, I agree w/ Rishi...if Skype mobile handsets become popular, then this partnership makes sense. Otherwise, it's definitely easier to use a web lookup when tied to a computer. The Jingle patent is very similar to Overture’s patent, which Google paid millions in royalties for before they went public. Overture’s patent had to do with matching advertisements with search queries. Jingle’s patent is analogous, and it has to do with matching ads with directory assistance queries. Companies can still play ads in DA services, but if they play ads that are targeted to the search query, then they are supposedly in violation of Jingle’s patent. It would be fine to play “sponsorship” ads that have nothing to do with a specific DA query, but as soon as the ads are targeted based on the query, the patent is enforceable.
Re the Skype announcement, I agree w/ Rishi…if Skype mobile handsets become popular, then this partnership makes sense. Otherwise, it’s definitely easier to use a web lookup when tied to a computer.

]]> By: KindAndThoughtful http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484885 KindAndThoughtful Thu, 05 Jul 2007 19:27:43 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484885 "The human body is a magazine of inventions, the patent office, where are the models from which every hint is taken. All the tools and engines on earth are only extensions of its limbs and senses. " “The human body is a magazine of inventions, the patent office, where are the models from which every hint is taken. All the tools and engines on earth are only extensions of its limbs and senses. “

]]> By: Concrete Stain http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484883 Concrete Stain Thu, 05 Jul 2007 19:24:20 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484883 yeah not big news ; just brings to light - the ridiculous patent they got. :( yeah not big news ;

just brings to light - the ridiculous patent they got. :(

]]> By: Andy Nardone http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484867 Andy Nardone Thu, 05 Jul 2007 19:02:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484867 GOOG411 - superior information and, as of now, it's free. Maybe Jingle's trying to ring up a buyout talking tough about a patent. Goog has to monetize these queries eventually, no? While I haven't used the service in months, when I did use Free411 the ads were utterly useless. Does that say more about its ad inventory or the "value" of its patented algorithm? And as Wally #6 mentioned, my local Cosi lost a lot of my money because Jingle always connected me to the joint's fax line. GOOG411 - superior information and, as of now, it’s free. Maybe Jingle’s trying to ring up a buyout talking tough about a patent. Goog has to monetize these queries eventually, no?

While I haven’t used the service in months, when I did use Free411 the ads were utterly useless. Does that say more about its ad inventory or the “value” of its patented algorithm? And as Wally #6 mentioned, my local Cosi lost a lot of my money because Jingle always connected me to the joint’s fax line.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484864 Andrew Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:52:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484864 @11...if you are a start up you probably can't fight a patent battle with a big boy anyways. And you getting a patent, essentially puts your competitive advantage out there for them to see. Then all they have to do is change 1 tiny detail and your patent no longer applies @11…if you are a start up you probably can’t fight a patent battle with a big boy anyways. And you getting a patent, essentially puts your competitive advantage out there for them to see. Then all they have to do is change 1 tiny detail and your patent no longer applies

]]> By: Vijay Teach Me http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484850 Vijay Teach Me Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:40:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484850 Free 411 with Skype when U R on the web, I might use it for cross reference. Do 411 operators have more updated info than it is on the web (superpages.com, google local, yp.yahoo.com) Vijay Free 411 with Skype when U R on the web, I might use it for cross reference.
Do 411 operators have more updated info than it is on the web (superpages.com, google local, yp.yahoo.com)

Vijay

]]> By: MajorNetworkNews http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484824 MajorNetworkNews Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:10:39 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484824 Well, they are playing the game the way the game is played. If they did not get a patent, someone else would have and would now be coming after them. It's hard to take some patent moral highground when it means someone else will likely smush you later. Until the whole patent thing is tossed or fixed, companies like Jingle have no choice but to play the game this way. Well, they are playing the game the way the game is played. If they did not get a patent, someone else would have and would now be coming after them.

It’s hard to take some patent moral highground when it means someone else will likely smush you later.

Until the whole patent thing is tossed or fixed, companies like Jingle have no choice but to play the game this way.

]]> By: SS http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484816 SS Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:00:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484816 @Rishi: why not just call the number directly from your cell? Wouldn't that be faster than loading up Skype and then pressing the button? @Rishi: why not just call the number directly from your cell? Wouldn’t that be faster than loading up Skype and then pressing the button?

]]> By: SS http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484811 SS Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:58:37 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484811 @beatbox: you can find the patent at uspto.gov - just pick up the patent # from the earlier TC post. I read it and as Michael said, it is rather absurb. Basically, the patent defines a "process" where a call comes in and a smart system is used to choose the best ad to serve based on geo-location etc. @Michael: I love your comment, "If taking a paid service, pairing it with an advertisement and then distributing it for free is patentable, then we’re in real trouble". I am about to patent free pay-per-click search and I will just charge for a quick pop up ad. Google beware! Very true, but...if you allow me to be the devil's advocate for a moment, we got ourselves in this mess to begin with. A patent began with being a competitive advantage to a tool to prevent your hind from being fried by the likes of MSFT/IBM to now a way to increase your valuation! @beatbox: you can find the patent at uspto.gov - just pick up the patent # from the earlier TC post. I read it and as Michael said, it is rather absurb. Basically, the patent defines a “process” where a call comes in and a smart system is used to choose the best ad to serve based on geo-location etc.

@Michael: I love your comment, “If taking a paid service, pairing it with an advertisement and then distributing it for free is patentable, then we’re in real trouble”. I am about to patent free pay-per-click search and I will just charge for a quick pop up ad. Google beware!

Very true, but…if you allow me to be the devil’s advocate for a moment, we got ourselves in this mess to begin with. A patent began with being a competitive advantage to a tool to prevent your hind from being fried by the likes of MSFT/IBM to now a way to increase your valuation!

]]> By: Rishi http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484807 Rishi Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:54:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484807 This move by Skype could be a sign that it is expanding in the mobile VOIP market. On a computer based VOIP, users can use google to find business listings faster than 411. However, users on a 3G cellphone will most likely find it easier to call Jingle through Skype, by simply clicking on a button, then using a a web browser, which are generally not easy to use on mobile phones. This move by Skype could be a sign that it is expanding in the mobile VOIP market.

On a computer based VOIP, users can use google to find business listings faster than 411.

However, users on a 3G cellphone will most likely find it easier to call Jingle through Skype, by simply clicking on a button, then using a a web browser, which are generally not easy to use on mobile phones.

]]> By: K.Kaviraj http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484794 K.Kaviraj Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:44:01 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484794 ... …

]]> By: K.,Kaviraj http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484793 K.,Kaviraj Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:43:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484793 Heeey man .. this patent is really not gud ..... If it was some algorithm or som invention - then it is fine ..... Just thinking of a business logic and patenting is really Absurd !!!! ...... Just think if TECHCRUCH says " Web product review" is patented and no one should do this !!!!...... ;-) ...... Jingle's patent also sounds the same .... I really don kno wat these people registering patents are looking into ????? Heeey man .. this patent is really not gud ….. If it was some algorithm or som invention - then it is fine ….. Just thinking of a business logic and patenting is really Absurd !!!! …… Just think if TECHCRUCH says ” Web product review” is patented and no one should do this !!!!…… ;-) …… Jingle’s patent also sounds the same …. I really don kno wat these people registering patents are looking into ?????

]]> By: Sameer http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484774 Sameer Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:19:34 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484774 This is nice post. I totally agree with your thoughts of patents. This is nice post. I totally agree with your thoughts of patents.

]]> By: Wally http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484773 Wally Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:18:17 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484773 Agreed on the questionable intent of the patent. Has anyone else had bad experiences with their service? On two separate occasions (calling for two different companies), they put me through to a fax line. Thanks for hurting my ears, Jingle. But I would never use 411 if I was on my computer...totally pointless, IMHO. Agreed on the questionable intent of the patent.

Has anyone else had bad experiences with their service? On two separate occasions (calling for two different companies), they put me through to a fax line. Thanks for hurting my ears, Jingle.

But I would never use 411 if I was on my computer…totally pointless, IMHO.

]]> By: Michael Arrington http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484759 Michael Arrington Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:01:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484759 No, not being hypocritical. I think if they got the patent for defensive reasons, fine. But to go on the attack seems to be hypocritical of them, actually. We'll see how the litigation goes. But I'm no longer a user. No, not being hypocritical. I think if they got the patent for defensive reasons, fine. But to go on the attack seems to be hypocritical of them, actually. We’ll see how the litigation goes. But I’m no longer a user.

]]> By: Beatbox http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484754 Beatbox Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:59:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/05/skype-to-use-jingles-411-service/#comment-1484754 Michael, There's got to be more to the patent than just the fact that it's a free ad-supported information service. I tried to do a search on Google Patents, but I couldn't find it. If anyone can find the patent, please post the link as I would like to read more about it. Michael,

There’s got to be more to the patent than just the fact that it’s a free ad-supported information service. I tried to do a search on Google Patents, but I couldn’t find it. If anyone can find the patent, please post the link as I would like to read more about it.

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