I have previously mentioned GOOG-411 as a great, free way to get directory assistance. Unfortunately, Google has decided to discontinue the service.
So, if you still want an equivalent service are there any alternatives? Happily, there are several, one of which I will talk about today – BING-411 from Microsoft.
How to use BING-411
Using BING-411 is as easy as using GOOG-411. The number is 1-800-246-4411 (1-800-BING-411) from any phone. Once you are connected, you will be asked to say the company’s name and the city and state (or give a business category and it will list appropriate companies for that area). When BING finds the business, you can confirm it is the correct one and then BING-411 can either dial the number for you or you can get directions (either spoken on the phone or texted to your phone).
What else can you do with BING-411?
You can also do the following from the main menu (you can get to this main menu by saying “Tell Me My Choices”):
- Weather conditions
- Stock Quotes
- Sports
- Cheap Gas
- Traffic (it will give you the amount of time between two places and the traffic conditions)
- Movies times and theatre information (you can say a movie title and get the next show times and theatres)
- Horoscopes
- News
- Time
Limitations to BING-411
Right now it only works in the US.
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