Search Engine Land posted a quick blip on an experimental new service from Google called Voice Local Search.  Previously a rumor, the Google Labs version of the local search is up and, I'm happy to say, running.

Google Voice Local Search, or Goog-411, is an automated directory service with a kick.  No people to talk to.  And no fees.  It will connect you with listings for free and even send text messages of search results to your mobile phone.

I gave the Goog-411 number (1-800-466-4411) a call to try it out first-hand.

The first think I noticed is that Google immediately tells you they're recording the call.  You're then asked for a city and state.  The "cheat sheet" for the service says that you either say a city and state, say a zip code, or type a zip code into your phone.

It easily recognized my city and state a number of times.  In fact, I tried no less than 20 searches and it hit them all dead-on 19 times.  The one it missed was most likely not Google's fault (more on that in minute).

Basic searches were pretty standard.  Each listing is given a number and all you have to do connect with the business is say the number and then wait.  When you say a number, the automated voice says "I'll connect you, or say details".  If you say details it'll give you the address and phone number.  It will also offer to send the details to your phone by saying "text message".  But I was calling from a land line so that didn't work very well.  I'll have to try it again from my cell phone (which is conveniently at home).

The one thing it had a problem with was my query for "parakeet".  When I changed my search to "birds" it worked just fine.  So I doubt it was a lack of understanding and more likely because there were no listings for "parakeet".

It'd be nice to be given the option of saying a phone number to send text messages to.  And I'd love to be able to get more results (each query returned 8 results).  Instead of looping back to the beginning, I'd love to be able to say "more" and continue getting results.  I know there are more than 8 pizza places in Springfield… and my favorite one never came up in the results even though it's available by doing an Internet-based local search.

For an experimental product Goog-411 works pretty well.  In fact, I'll be adding it to my phone book so that I can use it before trying traditional directory assistance in the future.  I'm sure Google has more tricks of their sleeve for this one so I'll keep you posted as new features are rolled out.

And finally… how is Google going to monetize this?