This is pretty slick. Basically you call 1-800-Goog-411 (1-800-466-4411) and it gives you an audio version of the Google maps search engine. You can search for local businesses then they’ll redirect the call to them.

Apparently it sends you a text message or something if you say “Map it”. I haven’t tried this yet because for the last 6 months I’ve become a non-cellphone-using-fascist. Cell phones were draining my soul, but that’s another story. From time to time I miss using one. Anyhoo, I hope someone reading this will give it a try and post a comment explaining how it works.

I saw a while ago that google now offers location pinpointing without GPS. In a nutshell They triangulate your position based the cell towers you are connected to. It’s not extremely accurate, but close enough for getting directions. I’m suspect Goog-411 makes use of that.

-Steve Nelson