"Google Voice Local Search is Google’s experimental service to make local-business search accessible over the phone.
To try this service, just dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from any phone.
Using this service, you can:
* search for a local business by name or category.
You can say "Giovanni's Pizzeria" or just "pizza".
* get connected to the business, free of charge.
* get the details by SMS if you’re using a mobile phone.
Just say "text message".
And it's free. Google doesn’t charge you a thing for the call or for connecting you to the business. Regular phone charges may apply, based on your telephone service provider.
Note: Google Voice Local Search is still in its experimental stage. It may not be available at all times and may not work for all users. We’re fine-tuning the service to get better at recognizing your requests. It’s currently only available in English, in the US, for US business listings."
I tried the service this morning and it works great (although if you talk ghetto, I'm sure the automated system will not like you). I asked it send an SMS to my phone by saying "SMS" and not "text message" as stated above. A text message is the way to go since most likely you're driving or don't have a pen/paper handy. Check it out!
9.4.07
8.4.07
FCC Says "No" To Phones On Planes
April 7, 2007 12:00 AM
"After more than two years of debate, the Federal Communications Commission said no last week to allowing cell phones on airplanes. But the FCC didn't close the door on in-flight Net access, and the Wi-Fi Alliance is ready to jump into the airborne wireless vacuum.
Public demand and wireless technology improvements will spur the development of in-flight Wi-Fi, says Karen Hanley, marketing director at the 300-member Wi-Fi Alliance. A combination of satellite and terrestrial cell towers will likely deliver Wi-Fi data services to aircraft, she says.
In shutting down discussion of cell phone use on planes, the FCC said there was "insufficient technical information" on whether their use could interfere with terrestrial networks. It may reconsider the issue later if "appropriate technical data" becomes available.
In addition to concerns about network interference, the FCC has received thousands of messages from consumers who don't want phones on planes because they don't want to put up with the chatter. That's an issue that still must be resolved, Hanley says. She and the Wi-Fi Alliance are interested in a resolution since once Wi-Fi data services get airborne, it opens up the possibility of Wi-Fi voice services."
Great news. I wasn't looking forward to some cackling hen discussing her bathroom ensemble or some businessman sounding overly important (yet sits in economy) for an entire flight. Options: grab your laptop, a book, or your headphones and STFU.
Good call FCC.
"After more than two years of debate, the Federal Communications Commission said no last week to allowing cell phones on airplanes. But the FCC didn't close the door on in-flight Net access, and the Wi-Fi Alliance is ready to jump into the airborne wireless vacuum.
Public demand and wireless technology improvements will spur the development of in-flight Wi-Fi, says Karen Hanley, marketing director at the 300-member Wi-Fi Alliance. A combination of satellite and terrestrial cell towers will likely deliver Wi-Fi data services to aircraft, she says.
In shutting down discussion of cell phone use on planes, the FCC said there was "insufficient technical information" on whether their use could interfere with terrestrial networks. It may reconsider the issue later if "appropriate technical data" becomes available.
In addition to concerns about network interference, the FCC has received thousands of messages from consumers who don't want phones on planes because they don't want to put up with the chatter. That's an issue that still must be resolved, Hanley says. She and the Wi-Fi Alliance are interested in a resolution since once Wi-Fi data services get airborne, it opens up the possibility of Wi-Fi voice services."
Great news. I wasn't looking forward to some cackling hen discussing her bathroom ensemble or some businessman sounding overly important (yet sits in economy) for an entire flight. Options: grab your laptop, a book, or your headphones and STFU.
Good call FCC.
7.4.07
AquaDom - The World's Largest Cylindrical Aquarium
Placed at the lobby of the Radisson SAS Hotel in Berlin, the 25 meters high AquaDom is the largest cylindrical aquarium ever built. Filled with about 900,000 liters of seawater, it contains some 2600 fish of 56 species.
Some of the interior rooms and suites look out over the atrium, offering "ocean views" of the AquaDom.
More pictures including construction details can be found from the original blog.
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