We’ve certainly seen some fairly interesting dedicated handset buttons before, but it’s hard to argue with the functionality of a standalone GOOG-411 key. Apparently, Thomson has teamed up with Google to integrate the “first ever one-touch, auto-dial GOOG-411 button” into over a dozen of its GE-branded DECT 6.0 phones. In case you’ve been chilling under a stone of late, GOOG-411 is the search giant’s “free, voice-activated, business directory assistance service,” and it will be within reach on a slew of April-bound home phones. Each phone can use one of 20 ringtones, plus a special VIP Melody — a separate ringtone to use when that special someone calls (note: requires Caller ID). The handsets each have a dedicated headset jack, so you can plug in a headset for those long calls, and still enjoy the mobility of a cordless phone. The handsets are extremely light, and very comfortable to hold. The DECT 6.0 technology makes the wireless transmission virtually static free, and provides a very long range.
Call quality is good — better than expected, really – due to the DECT 6.0 technology. This same technology also makes this a WiFi-friendly phone, since it’s not competing for the same wireless spectrum. The speakerphone function has a nice volume, albeit with a slightly tinny output. Intercom calls are clear and powerful. As a phone, this is a fine product. I didn’t test the answering machine portion because no one ever calls me.
The dedicated Goog-411 button, featured prominently on the product packaging, is simply a speed dial for 1-800-GOOG-411, Google’s free directory assistance offering. I doubt anyone will buy this phone just because that button is there, but it is handy for folks like me who always forget whether it’s 1-800-GOOG-411 or 1-800-411-GOOG. It saves you having to use a programmable speed dial slot, and from navigating through the menu to select it from your phone book. If you haven’t used Goog-411 yet, give it a try: I’ve been using it more and more lately — especially when out and about — because it’s often faster to call Goog-411 than to fire up my mobile browser.
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