Google launches voice-controlled search engine

So just after I mention that Google needs to push into this space Google has unveiled the latest venture from its Labs, a voice-based local search tool for phones.

Google Voice Local Search lets you search for a local business in the US simply by speaking the search term. Users call a freephone number and can then be connected to business or can choose to receive the details via a text message.

The company notes that the service is still experimental as most of Googles initial launches are and may not be available at all times and may not work for all users (example those with think Irish accents). It is currently restricted to the US, and only returns results for related businesses, but like the desktop version of Google Local search is likely to become more widely available as testing progresses.

Check it out at labs.google.com/goog411/

The world's largest internet players (Google, Yahoo! and Microsoft) are jockeying for position in voice-activated search services as they strive to extend their reach beyond computers to mobile phones. Lets face it, there are a lot more phones than computers out there and often the need for information is required on the go.

Who can blame them for aggresively pursueing this strategy; with mobile advertising revenues forecast to grow eightfold in the next four years, to $11.5 billion and the market for directory enquiries worth $8 billion a year in the US alone.

GigaOM has reported that Gary Clayton, the chief creative officer of TellMe and Victor Chen, a senior TellMe executive have joined Yahoo! recently. Gary Clayton has joined as a vice president in R&D division of Yahoo! This is a coup for Yahoo! and must annoy Microsoft to no end.

It seems that Yahoo! is trying to develop its own TellMe inhouse. It seems clear that Yahoo! is planning to add voice to its web services.

This space is now reaching boiling point.