GOOG-411 (Google 411)
by SAB on Jan.28, 2009, under Technology
For some reason Google is one of those giant companies that feels like the things they do must be scary and evil, even though their motto says the opposite. Probably because they keep inserting themselves into every facet of my life.
Recently I’ve phased out Outlook, and started using Web Gmail and Google Calendar for all my work. I can get to my data wherever I am, it’s fast, and it works really well. I even use their Chrome browser, only for Mail and my Calendar though -- I don’t like those cookies stored in Firefox and I find it irritating to delete my cache every time I want to do a Google search.
Enter GOOG-4111:
Of course there’s a creepy catch: the pleasant voice when you call says “Calls Recorded. Press star for more details.” Upon investigation, it seems Google records the call, records your number, and adds it to their research to improve the service. Just a little creepy. Google’s privacy policy is fairly straightforward, but if you’re concerned you can protect your privacy when calling GOOG-411 by dialing *67 before you dial the 1-800 number to block your caller information. Alternately, you have the option of deleting the data they store on your number with a few key presses… it’s much easier to dial *67 though.
OVERALL:
Wow, leave it to Google to revolutionize the 411 service, and to do it for free. With *67 you have a fairly private voice recognition telephone/internet search. Amazing.
5 STARS OUT OF 5 (SUPER AWESOME)
