Free411 lets you get the wrong number for free
posted Sep 23rd 2005 6:15PM
We hate dialing 411. In part, it's the cheapskate in us; we can
still remember when the old Ma Bell gave that service away for free. In part, it's because we get inaccurate info more
often than not, which makes paying for it even more infuriating. A new service, Free411, promises to address the first
half of that equation, by forcing you to sit through targeted 10-second ads every time you ask for a number. The theory
is that you'll be so taken by the ad that you'll go ahead and call the advertiser instead of the party you were
originally trying to reach (that, of course, has some interesting ramifications if you're trying to, say, track down
that girl you met at a party last night, whose number you already lost — who are you going to end up with instead?).
The service, from startup Jingle Networks, can be reached at 1-800-FREE-411. Now if only they can do something about
that accuracy problem.
[Via CNet]
Just tested the service. The speech recognition was accurae, and very impressive, hearing a 10 second ad is certainly worth saving $2! way to go
The add isn't to bad when you get connected free of charge.
I tried going through the operater too. You still get the add. The put in the add just before giving you the number.
funny, just tried the service. It didnt recognize me the first time but it did the second time. Plus no 10 second ad, just something about how you can press 9 to find the last number requested (unless that is an ad)
I just tried it, and I didn't get any ad at all. It gave me my number straight away. I agree that the speech recognition is impressive; I've never had regular 411 recognize anything before!
ill just stick with sms'ing google . . .
much better - especially since i dont have to write down the number,
its right there in my sms.
(treo's have the best sms software out . . .looks like on ongoing chat,
so my google sms is just filled with usefull numbers that i really dont want to put in my addres book . . .)
cool
that # will be programmed into my cell phone.
I've been using Berry411 on my BlackBerry for a while now. Not only do I get the number, but I get the address, directions and a map...all for free without ads. For regular cell phones try using http://wap.google.com/lochp
I love it! This will save my money for gas. You rock free411.
Get a FREE IPOD NANO! Go to my site.
What the heck is 411 for everyone outside of the US??
What the heck is 411 for everyone outside of the US??
411 - directory lookup
I've never actually used 411, so i don't really see a need for this, although i would rather pay the $2 than sit through an ad, even if for only 10 seconds. It just goes on my phone bill, so i don't really mind. Although i would be irritated if i had to take a twoonie out of my pocket and put it in the phone :P.
Still it seems some people have a use for it.
this can be used on skype to make free skypeout calls to anybody in the us, thats pc to phone for free! cool isnt it?