April 17, 2007 4:00 AM PDT
Tellme tells you where, free of charge
Tellme Networks, which Microsoft is acquiring, today is scheduled to launch a free service that allows people to get directory listings on their phone by voice or text message. The service is designed to enable Tellme users to call 1-800-555-TELL (8355) and say "business search" to get a business listing or to search for a category like "cafes."
People can also send a text message to TELLM (83556) with a request such as "Starbucks San Francisco" and get a text message back with listings and map links. Tellme also offers a software download for mobile phones that lets people speak their request and see results displayed on the phone screen. Google also recently launched free voice-activated local search.
Elinor Mills covers Internet security and privacy. She joined CNET News in 2005 after working as a foreign correspondent for Reuters in Portugal and writing for The Industry Standard, the IDG News Service, and the Associated Press. E-mail Elinor. 
