Google Click2call lets you Click on Google Maps to call
Despite all the hoaxes, discussions and wondering, Google Click2call is alive and doing well. Sometime back, I read on Om Malik's weblog about this same issue. He stated that "Strange development on Google’s official blog which indicated that Google’s click-to-call project was canceled. Many readers including Aswath had pointed out that it was a hoax. We have updated the previous post to reflect that, and have also closed the comments on the previous post."
Anyway it turned out to be a hoax.
But just to make things clear, There is an article on Google Official weblog about the new developments with Google Click2call.
Ming Zeng of Google Maps team tell us how he found Blue Xmas lights using Google Click2call!
It works like this on the Google maps;
Search for a business, like a hardware store, on Google Maps, and click the 'call' link next to its phone number. This is on the left hand column of the map search page.(see the picture). Then, enter your phone number and click 'Connect For free.' Google calls your phone number and automatically connects you to the hardware store.
I would say great. Because I prefer to click than typing, whether on a keyboard or on the phone.
According to Ming's post, the business's phone number is automatically stored in your caller ID, when you make the first call, so you can easily call back in the future. And by checking the box to remember your phone number, you can make future calls from Google Maps with just two mouse clicks.
So who pays for this? Ming has the answer for this as well.
"We're providing the 'call' link as a free service to all businesses. These aren't ads and don't influence the ranking of businesses in the search results. We foot the bill for calls (local and long distance), but airtime fees or other mobile fees will still apply if you use a mobile phone number. Currently, the calling feature works if you live in the U.S. and are looking for a business located in the U.S."
You can learn more about this feature at Google Maps help page. The link is provided below.
Links;
Click on Google Maps to call
Om Malik's article.
Google Maps Click2call help
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