BeVocal Inc. yesterday debuted its free voice-enabled search engine that helps Internet-enabled cell phone users find business locations. The announcement came at the DEMOmobile 2000 Seminar being held this week in Pasadena, CA.
To use the service, wireless users dial 1-800-4BVOCAL and then ask for “Business Finder.” The user will then speak the name of the business, which will activate a search engine that includes 1 million nationwide business locations that are parented by over 2,000 corporations.
Once the business is found, users will be given the opportunity to call through to the location for store hours and promotional information. BeVocal will also offer cell phone users turn-by-turn driving directions from the spot they call through Internet firm MapQuest Inc., New York.
Users can search by brand name or generic terms like “bank” or “gas station.” In any event, the user will be given information for brand-name companies that have signed undisclosed agreements with BeVocal to be a part of the service. Some of these firms include Starbucks, Kinko’s, Budget and TGI Fridays.
BeVocal, Santa Clara, CA, also offers airline information, traffic reports, weather information and stock market updates as part of its consumer-based wireless services package.
