Comments on: V-Enable Adds Real Humans For New 411 Pitch http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/ Startup and Technology News Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:53:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Mobile Search Trends Show Economic Decline And Rise In Pizza | NewsMeToday http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2418393 Mobile Search Trends Show Economic Decline And Rise In Pizza | NewsMeToday Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:16:31 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2418393 [...] The company also has live operators working behind the scenes so that users can call and get human assistance, if necessary. V-Enable sent us similar retail statistics in December. The company is backed by [...] [...] The company also has live operators working behind the scenes so that users can call and get human assistance, if necessary. V-Enable sent us similar retail statistics in December. The company is backed by [...]

]]> By: Mobile Search Trends Show Economic Decline And Rise In Pizza http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2417400 Mobile Search Trends Show Economic Decline And Rise In Pizza Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:31:59 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2417400 [...] The company also has live operators working behind the scenes so that users can call and get human assistance, if necessary. V-Enable sent us similar retail statistics in December. The company is backed by [...] [...] The company also has live operators working behind the scenes so that users can call and get human assistance, if necessary. V-Enable sent us similar retail statistics in December. The company is backed by [...]

]]> By: Penny Pincher http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2285651 Penny Pincher Fri, 09 May 2008 21:02:40 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2285651 Guys, Guys, Guys.... use 800-411-SAVE... They have live agents and it is FREE. They have the same ads as the other free DA services but you don't have to repeat yourselves over and over. Guys, Guys, Guys…. use 800-411-SAVE… They have live agents and it is FREE. They have the same ads as the other free DA services but you don’t have to repeat yourselves over and over.

]]> By: pinetrees10 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2164483 pinetrees10 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:46:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2164483 I just tried Jingle's and Google's and couldn't get an operator, either. I just tried Jingle’s and Google’s and couldn’t get an operator, either.

]]> By: pinetrees10 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2164478 pinetrees10 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:42:12 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2164478 I agree that there are free directory assistance services available with operator back-up. AND I agree that with so many choices, those that offer operators will be more attractive to more callers than those services that do not offer operators. Operators vs. no operators is just one of the many important differences between all of the existing free phone-based directory assistance services. My favorite service is 1-800-YELLOWPAGES (800-935-5697). I also like that they offer residential, where some of the other ones only offer business. And, of course there's the fact that I can use it from ANY phone...mobile, home, office without any downloads or anything...just dial. My advice....try them all and keep your favorite direct-dial free directory assistance number(s) in your phone directories. I still use 411 sometimes, too! Happy number-finding! I agree that there are free directory assistance services available with operator back-up. AND I agree that with so many choices, those that offer operators will be more attractive to more callers than those services that do not offer operators. Operators vs. no operators is just one of the many important differences between all of the existing free phone-based directory assistance services.

My favorite service is 1-800-YELLOWPAGES (800-935-5697). I also like that they offer residential, where some of the other ones only offer business. And, of course there’s the fact that I can use it from ANY phone…mobile, home, office without any downloads or anything…just dial.

My advice….try them all and keep your favorite direct-dial free directory assistance number(s) in your phone directories. I still use 411 sometimes, too! Happy number-finding!

]]> By: Larry Chung http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2163263 Larry Chung Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:01:57 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2163263 1-800-Free-411 doesn't have an operator. I just tried it. 1-800-Goog-411 doesn't have an operator. 1-800-Free-411 doesn’t have an operator. I just tried it.

1-800-Goog-411 doesn’t have an operator.

]]> By: Ben http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2163202 Ben Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:25:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2163202 Why not just use chacha - you can get 411 answers from real people and any other information. Why not just use chacha - you can get 411 answers from real people and any other information.

]]> By: TechCrunch Japanese アーカイブ » V-Enableの新しい411サービス、人間の交換手の対応を提供 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2163002 TechCrunch Japanese アーカイブ » V-Enableの新しい411サービス、人間の交換手の対応を提供 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:37:29 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2163002 [...] [原文へ] [...] [...] [原文へ] [...]

]]> By: Randy Haldeman http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162869 Randy Haldeman Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:34:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162869 "V-Enable claims they are the first free 411 service to offer operator assistance." Actually, they are the 5th: 1st] 1-800-San-Diego (you need to live there to get it) 2nd] 1-800-Free-411 (Jingle) 3rd] 1-800-Metro411 (defunct) 4th] 1-800-YellowPages (Most effective) 5th] V-Enable (handset or web dependent - can't be dialed from most phones) The only one that doesn't is Google's GOOG-411. And since 411 automation only works 25 to 45% of the time, an operator is essential if you want people to not get frustrated and to continue to call you back. It is more expensive, but the only way to continue to build an audience to which you can sell Sponsor and Switch-Away ads into . “V-Enable claims they are the first free 411 service to offer operator assistance.”

Actually, they are the 5th:

1st] 1-800-San-Diego (you need to live there to get it)
2nd] 1-800-Free-411 (Jingle)
3rd] 1-800-Metro411 (defunct)
4th] 1-800-YellowPages (Most effective)
5th] V-Enable (handset or web dependent - can’t be dialed from most phones)

The only one that doesn’t is Google’s GOOG-411.

And since 411 automation only works 25 to 45% of the time, an operator is essential if you want people to not get frustrated and to continue to call you back. It is more expensive, but the only way to continue to build an audience to which you can sell Sponsor and Switch-Away ads into .

]]> By: Steve Weiss http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162855 Steve Weiss Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:24:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162855 Doesn't 1-800-FREE-411 have live operators if the automation fails? Doesn’t 1-800-FREE-411 have live operators if the automation fails?

]]> By: Campbell Moore http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162733 Campbell Moore Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:40:34 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162733 Real humans? Revolutionary! Real humans? Revolutionary!

]]> By: Brian Hanifin http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162651 Brian Hanifin Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:02:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162651 I'm surprised everyone else missed this. Their website has a link labeled: "0.Connect to Operator" which links to "tel:411". Obviously they are not paying operators... they are having your phone dial 411. Ha! I’m surprised everyone else missed this. Their website has a link labeled:

“0.Connect to Operator” which links to “tel:411″. Obviously they are not paying operators… they are having your phone dial 411. Ha!

]]> By: SoftwareSweatshop http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162497 SoftwareSweatshop Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:57:51 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162497 Goog411 was the coolest thing to me, until it didn't understand what I was saying. I'm gonna try V-Enable now. Raza Imam http://SoftwareSweatshop.com Goog411 was the coolest thing to me, until it didn’t understand what I was saying.

I’m gonna try V-Enable now.

Raza Imam
http://SoftwareSweatshop.com

]]> By: WG http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162474 WG Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:44:19 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162474 Duncan, 1-800-Free-411 actually had human back-up for quite a while. I think they've abandoned it now due to costs; very hard to find a business model currently that can cover those costs, other than charging consumers. Duncan, 1-800-Free-411 actually had human back-up for quite a while. I think they’ve abandoned it now due to costs; very hard to find a business model currently that can cover those costs, other than charging consumers.

]]> By: Shai Berger http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162411 Shai Berger Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:10:41 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162411 Never mind... video link works. Never mind… video link works.

]]> By: srcasm http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162387 srcasm Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:59:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162387 @Driftwood, I agree with you that this is not a step backwards. Many companies out there need to realize the while computers are great for many things they still can't replace humans in every aspect. Sometimes emotion or a body that can think is necessary to safe time and sanity. @Et, I was thinking the same thing. Maybe TC can get us some more info on how they plan to make the big bucks while still keeping this model in place. I have a few ideas but I'd be interested in how they're going to do it. @Driftwood,
I agree with you that this is not a step backwards. Many companies out there need to realize the while computers are great for many things they still can’t replace humans in every aspect. Sometimes emotion or a body that can think is necessary to safe time and sanity.

@Et,
I was thinking the same thing. Maybe TC can get us some more info on how they plan to make the big bucks while still keeping this model in place. I have a few ideas but I’d be interested in how they’re going to do it.

]]> By: Shai Berger http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162382 Shai Berger Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:55:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162382 Video link is not working. Any word on their business model? Last I heard, Free411 was still losing money on every call, despite pre- and post-roll audio ads. Video link is not working.

Any word on their business model? Last I heard, Free411 was still losing money on every call, despite pre- and post-roll audio ads.

]]> By: Et http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162277 Et Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:12:14 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162277 But what's the business model? It's normal to offer an automated system for free as marginal costs are near zero, but humans raise drastacally the marginal cost. How do they plan to make money or at least break even? But what’s the business model?
It’s normal to offer an automated system for free as marginal costs are near zero, but humans raise drastacally the marginal cost.
How do they plan to make money or at least break even?

]]> By: Jim McNelis http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162224 Jim McNelis Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:44:32 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162224 That iphone interface sucks balls. If I need a business number I use Google Maps. I already have my friend's numbers, so no need for white pages. That iphone interface sucks balls. If I need a business number I use Google Maps. I already have my friend’s numbers, so no need for white pages.

]]> By: 113.com http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162190 113.com Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:30:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162190 Worth celebrating... ;-) Worth celebrating… ;-)

]]> By: Driftwood http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162183 Driftwood Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:25:17 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162183 "Using real people to assist with free 411 calls seems like a step back into the past" I disagree. It's an added service, one that gives you the availability of a human which can better help you find what you want if automation fails. I think giving your "customer" more options to get the information needed, especially for free, can only be a step forward. “Using real people to assist with free 411 calls seems like a step back into the past”

I disagree. It’s an added service, one that gives you the availability of a human which can better help you find what you want if automation fails.

I think giving your “customer” more options to get the information needed, especially for free, can only be a step forward.

]]> By: Ankit Gupta http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162150 Ankit Gupta Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:14:06 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162150 This is somewhat similar to the concept ChaCha has with their phone number, except that you can't have a discussion with the person answering your question. This is somewhat similar to the concept ChaCha has with their phone number, except that you can’t have a discussion with the person answering your question.

]]> By: sabine http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162114 sabine Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:55:42 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162114 chris hogg "U.S. based though so no solution yet for those outside her walls." her walls??? you know hillary still wanna be president so us still it or his living in chic country...lol back to human help ..for most of us i believe nothing more important than human to talk with instead of computer chris hogg
“U.S. based though so no solution yet for those outside her walls.”

her walls??? you know hillary still wanna be president so us still it or his
living in chic country…lol

back to human help ..for most of us i believe nothing more important than human to talk with instead of computer

]]> By: Chris Hogg http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162082 Chris Hogg Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:43:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/11/v-enalbe-adds-real-humans-for-new-411-pitch/#comment-2162082 I don't think operator assistance is attractive to just boomers -- I'm much younger than boomers and I would find it immensely helpful to get real-person help when automation fails. I personally use automation every time possible, but I've also run into glitches in using Goog411 and when you can get real help it's really frustrating. I was searching for a local business in Toronto, Canada and it gave me every result BUT the one I was looking for. An operator probably could have handled that right away without me having to wait on the line listening to a computer voice tell me about a billion unrelated businesses. FreeMobile is still only U.S. based though so no solution yet for those outside her walls. I don’t think operator assistance is attractive to just boomers — I’m much younger than boomers and I would find it immensely helpful to get real-person help when automation fails.

I personally use automation every time possible, but I’ve also run into glitches in using Goog411 and when you can get real help it’s really frustrating. I was searching for a local business in Toronto, Canada and it gave me every result BUT the one I was looking for. An operator probably could have handled that right away without me having to wait on the line listening to a computer voice tell me about a billion unrelated businesses.

FreeMobile is still only U.S. based though so no solution yet for those outside her walls.

]]>