Lots of cool things are coming from this week's CTIA conference. One is the launch of a mobile service from V-ENABLE. The company is a leading developer of voice-activated technologies for mobile devices and has relationships with biggies like Verizon Communications(NYSE: VZ).

Now, it has Mobile411. Basically, you can talk into your phone and get directory assistance -- for free. Other features include maps, directions and weather reports.

The service is completely supported by ad revenues. It's a also a big market. There were about three billion wireless 411 calls last year in the US.

I had a chance to talk to V-ENABLE's founder and chief technology officer, Dipanshu Sharma. Here's his take:

"411 has so far been a voice application. We launched today the world's first visual 411 service that brings 411, mapping/directions and local advertising together. Now users can use our patented multimodal interface to ask for businesses using their voice or type their request. We also have full operator integration so the user can get a live operator, ask for a business and get the maps and directions to that business on the phone screen once the call with the operator ends. Complimenting phone screen to traditional voice services is the trend. As we all know, Apple Inc. [NASDAQ: AAPL] will be launching visual voicemail in June and we just launched the most advanced visual 411 offering."

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including the Complete M&A Handbook and the EDGAR-Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.

Talking back to your mobile phone originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.