Google SMS: Free. Misunderstood. Underused.

The thought of paying $1.25 to call 411 from my mobile phone makes me cringe. I have the mobile internet, but there is a faster and easier way.

Google offers a service called 800-GOOG-411 which is a free, voice activated service to get addresses and phone numbers for businesses. But, I hate voice activated services still. I just don't think the technology is quite "there" yet. I always end up shouting and swearing at the machine like a curmudgeonly old man. It's not for me, but maybe it's for you.

The service that I'm beginning to find indespensible is called "Google SMS".

Here’s how Google SMS works.

The other day, I was out and about, having an odd craving for BBQ . There is a little upscale BBQ place here in Oklahoma City called Iron Starr Urban BBQ. I wanted to make a to-go order, but I didn’t have their phone number. But, out of principal, I will not use my providers overpriced 411 system.

I pulled out my mobile phone and typed a quick text message: “iron starr oklahoma city”, and sent it to the number “GOOGLE” (466453).

Here’s the SMS reply I got seconds later:

• Iron Starr
• 3700 N. Shartel Ave
• Oklahoma City, OK 73118
• 405-524-5925

Everything I needed. And it was free. You don’t need a special phone or anything. Just the ability to send SMS messages.

Google even has a site set up to make a trial run, with a simulated phone and a place to type in your search.

If I can convince just one of you to use Google SMS instead of being price gouged by your phone provider, I know that I’ve made the world a slightly better place.