Google is testing a free service called Google Voice Local Search. Kind of like 411 but free. I tried getting it to work for Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and was surprised that I got some results. Wrong, unexpected results, but results nonetheless.

Using this service, you get access to the same local information you’d find on Google Maps. But you don’t need a computer, you don’t need an Internet connection, and you don’t even need to use your cell-phone keypad. It’s voice-activated, and you can access it from any phone (mobile or landline), in any location, at any time.

Here are a few of the features:

* You can find a business listing by category. Just say "pizza," for example.
* You can send the listing details to your mobile phone via SMS.
* The service is fully automated, so it doesn’t rely on human operators.
* It connects you directly to the business, free of charge. However, your telephone company may apply regular charges for making a phone call or receiving an SMS.

Google Voice Local Search is still in its experimental stage. It’s currently only available in English, in the US, for US business listings.