Google happens to have one of the biggest Indian offices in Hyderabad, that could be one of the reasons why the service was launched here so that its easier for Googlers to test it out before its nation wide launch.

First off, whats unusual about this product is that, unlike its other products Google is advertising Phone Search on Radio and Billboards around the city. You don’t see Google advertising its products often do you?

Secondly, Google is known for its innovative products, however, this product is just a copy of a local competitor, JustDial. JustDial services have been around for a while now. The business grew quickly and is currently preparing to launch its services in US market (1-800-JUST-DIAL). JustDial is good at what it does and I think they will do good in US too.

Google Phone Search is no more than a local directory service where you can talk to a Phone search representative who will help you with the information you are looking for. There is nothing Google about this product, not in the way it works or the way its being advertised.  It certainly is not a 20% project coming from an engineer as there is not a lot of technology involved here.

Anyway here are a few more Google Phone Search ads spotted around the city (Hyderabad,India).

This service is not any different from Just Dial, but as its new expect the unexpected. For example when I called for some information I received 4 SMS messages after I hung up, Now I didn’t expect that but Google can surely afford to send 3-4 messages on every call.

The best thing about this service is that once you get the information you have the option of getting connected to the other party absolutely free, you don’t even pay for calling from land line or even mobile phone. Anyway without any further due you can call on the following number to avail this service 1 800 41 99 99 99.

You can get information about Local businesses, Movies, Restaurants, etc, etc.

Ideally this service is suppose to be available across all networks, BSNL, Airtel, Vodafone, etc.. etc.. but currently Vodafone users are not able to use this service as the network does not allow calls to 1800 numbers.