Many cell phones are becoming quite advanced, allowing users always to be connected to the Internet. Users may look up anything with their favorite search engines. However, looking at a phone’s screen or typing on a small keyboard for extended periods often can be cumbersome or inconvenient. Likewise, not everyone has a phone with an Internet connection.
Microsoft has created a free service that allows callers to query the Bing search engine via a phone. The automated phone system can provide driving directions, movie times, weather forecasts and more.
To start, call (800) Bing-411 (246-4411). Listen to the prompts to see what options are available. For example, to find out about the weather, say “weather.” The system will ask for a city and state or a zip code. If you give the city verbally, be sure to enunciate clearly so that Bing picks the correct location. Say “stop” to go back to the previous menu at any time.
Microsoft provides Bing 411 for free. Cell phone users will be responsible for the minutes they use. There also are options to receive text messages. These, too, are free from Microsoft but will be charged like other text message by phone providers. Users may hear an occasional advertisement before they reach the normal menus. Callers will hear the regular menu options once the advertisements are over.
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Published 5/20/11