Phone Phun

Having acquired TellMe, Microsoft has added some new features to TellMe's business directory feature. In addition to the voice interface at 1-800-555-TELL, the tool now offers an SMS interface: end a text message to TELLM (83556) with a business request such as “starbucks san francisco ca” or “pizza boston ma” and get a text message back with the listing and a link to a map.

Or, you can download the Tellme by Mobile software to your mobile phone: this will let you speak your request then see the results displayed on your phone screen for a voice plus visual search, including maps and driving directions.

Another free directory assistance service, this one from Google. Call 1-800-GOOG-411 (that's 800-4664-411). As you would expect from Google, the entire thing is automated — there are no human operators. In my experiments, GOOG 411 provides highly relevant results with great voice recognition. But it's limited to businesses, it's not a white pages search. I like that it offers to connect you to the business immediately, so you don't need to write down or dial another number.

So: GOOG 411 or Free 411 or 877-520-FIND or TellMe's Free 411… which do you prefer?

Another dial-a-story number to add to your mobile phone's speed dial for emergency kidlet-entertainment purposes: the Goshen County (Wyoming) Library offers a free 24/7 dial-a-story line at (307) 532-2626. When I called the story was Aesop's fable "The Fox and the Grapes."

And yet another: the Winston County, Mississippi library has a free story line at (662)773-3566. These stories are read by children, which adds a while extra-thick layer of cuteness.

Need help making life's difficult decisions? Text any "yes" or "no" question to 8ball@mosio.com from your phone and fate will decide the answer for you.

(This free Magic 8-Ball service is provided by the Mosio Project, a subscription-based mobile product.)

Feb. 22: AllFreeCalls.net "will be back in the next 5 days".

50 days later: still waiting.

On Monday, the AllFreeCalls CEO said in his blog that they are "the day to return is almost upon us … expect to have an announcement in the next 48hr."

Here's a fun one: Dial-An-Old-Time-Radio-Show. Based in Texas, you can listen in on old-timey radio. 1-972-889-2OTR (that's 1-972-889-2687).

(Thanks to Bill for the tip!)