Microsoft’s Tellme launches toll-free search number

The voice-activated mobile search space continued to heat up as Microsoft Corp. launched a series of services delivering local business information.
The free offerings, unveiled by Microsoft subsidiary Tellme Networks Inc., allow users to dial a toll-free number, 1-800-555-TELL, from any phone and say their location and a business category-restaurants, for instance-to access local listings. The service includes a downloadable application for mobile users to receive results via text message including maps and driving directions.
Users can also access information regarding movie tickets, news, sports and ringtones, and can choose to send queries via text message.
“Tellme’s vision for mobile search is simple-you should be able to just say what you want and get it,” said Tellme CEO Mike McCue. “We want people to be able to search from any phone the way that works best for them. The phone was designed for speaking rather than typing, so we focus on the natural phone interface-your voice.”
Text-based mobile search services are offered by a handful of other developers, including Google Inc., 4INFO, YellowPages.com and others. But voice-activated search is rapidly gaining attention-as well as investment capital-from major wireless players. Microsoft acquired Tellme last month in a deal rumored to be worth as much as $800 million, and Nuance Communications Inc. recently shelled out $140 million to snap up fellow speech-recognition technology provider BeVocal. Promptu, yet another player on the field, has raised more than $17 million in funding since rebranding last year.