Google to integrate voice recognition in local search
Google expanded it’s toll-free local search to Delhi region a few days back and as expected (and discussed), 
the company is planning to integrate voice recognition (in local languages) in it’s toll-free search.
..is in the process of automating the voice search service and is collecting voice and dialect samples from users in Hyderabad and Delhi. “In case the automated service cannot recognise the user query, it is further assisted by a call centre employee, but we do not intend to build the call centre operation [ source]
So essentially, the toll-free is a way to train their voice recognition engine (which is what I mentioned in the last post as well) and Google will be able to deliver the results via sms/email.
Local search is becoming an interesting market and am sure the entire dynamics will change in the next few years – the play is data + technology and the oldies (i.e. justdial and other call center based services) will face tough challenge from new technology players.
What’s your opinion?
Recommended Read: Yahoo’s voice search in local accent.
Local search market is indeed growing and more and more players are entering. As for online I am in awe of Asklaila.com and what they have done is commendable. The oldies/call center based local search need to innovate in order to compete with the likes of Google. Just Dial is good, but it can be a lot better. It has to become better if they want to survive. Few years down the line, I see a lot of consolidation happening in this market. Especially those startups concentration mostly on restaurants, there are too many of them already.
Aashish,
Voice recognition is already ON in Hyderabad since at least last week. One my solo attempt at Voice so far, It recognised my query for Internet Cafe near Madhapur easily and sent me results over sms.
I made this call around 8 in the evening and don’t know whether voice recognition is enabled for the entire day or not.
Hmm..this is very interesting!!
It would be better if google replace “I’m feeling lucky” button with city name based on pin number:
For eg: “Google Search” “Search Bangalore”
Two buttons are suffice to get more attentions of users to google local search.
[...] voice service (Google launched voice service and is now integrating voice recognition to automate the search) – this needs some serious cash, if you are going call center route, but otherwise you won’t [...]
[...] Google has launched it’s toll-free service and is taking voice recognition route. [...]