What if you could search the Web using your voice and your phone? In the US you can, sort of.

Here are a few news items we have missed. Fortunately Planet Ocean’s Search Engine News newsletter has reminded us.

Google Launches 411 Service

Google launched a free telephone information service called Google Voice Local Search or GOOG-411 (which is an American way of spelling out the phone number 800-466-4411). We guess you could call that number from Europe as well, but the info given is US only.

GOOG-411 will ask you for what city and state you are interested in. Tell the nice lady!

Then give her your category. The automated voice will give you the eight top local search results. GOOG-411 will connect you to the establishment of your choice.

When you hear the selection that you want, either speak or enter the number and GOOG-411 connects your call to the establishment.

“We recommend that you call 800-GOOG-411 and see where you stand,” Planet Ocean says. “Do a local search for your product or service and make sure you’re scoring at least in the Top 8. Perhaps already, but certainly soon you’ll be glad you prepared.”

Microsoft’s Tellme Services

Microsoft recently acquired Tellme in order to be able to provide similar services.

You can search Windows Local Search by calling 1-800-555-TELL.

Say “Business Search” at the main menu. Then ask for a business name like “Domino’s” or a type of business like “day spa”.

When you hear the one you want, just say “Text me the info” to have the phone number, address, and a map sent to your mobile phone.

Alternatively you may send a text message to 83556 (TELLM) from any mobile phone.

There is also a special application you can download to your phone.

Tellme still gets the SearchEngineNews.com thumbs up for accurately detecting location and for very fast response time via text, but a big thumbs down for not being able to classify businesses into categories.