GOOG 411?
Posted on May 27th, 2008 by Ogre
Hey, anyone know about this? I want to know what’s in it for Google? They’re about information — are they collecting information about your calls? Maybe I’m just suspicious, but perhaps I’m just wondering…
Popularity: 11% [?]
Possibly similar posts - Freedom of Anonymous Speech? - Best Baseball Game Ever - Five Candidates - Media Bias Example #3,463 - Stimulus: Republican vs. Democrat
Recall the old addage “If it sounds too good to be free, it probably is.”
There’s an ulterior motive: the screening of calls, and data collection/mining. And, don’t forget, even if you star 69 the heck out of these calls before you make them, your provider might ultimately give up your number anyway.
Nope, I don’t see myself interested in this “free service.”
Which is why I’m suspicious. And Google is a far-left company, anyway. I just wonder how useful this collection of information can be … and if I can screw up the data somehow…
I’m not sure how to screw up the data, but you can be sure they are trying to move their advertising into other medias as quickly as possible. This gives their servers a chance to recognize voices, patterns, and frequently requested listings. You can be sure they start using their ad inventory on this medium next.
I’m always suspicious of Google, so I use another free directory assistance provider - 800-411-SAVE. They use live operators and I don’t have to worry about the voice recognition missing what I am saying - never mind feeding the Google empire.
Indeed, I bet there is advertising included in this one! Thanks for the tip on the 800 free directory service.