Google Click to Call

Google Click-to-Call Cancellation Story Was Fake

2006-10-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

Earlier a story was doing rounds that Google's click-to-call project had been shelved. The post appeared on Google blog and it was certainly hard to digest.

After concientiously considering, Google has decided not to continue with Google Click-to-call project. The project has been in the media on last days because of the notice of Google agreement with e-Bay. We finally consider click-to-call agreement with e-Bay a monopolistic aproach that would dama...

A number of VoIP proponents regarded this as a fake. The spelling mistakes in the post strengthened their claim. Even it was difficult for me to believe and the Google team was approached for putting some light on the whole episode.

Finally we all got the message from the horse's mouth that the Google Click- to-Call project was still alive.

A bug in Blogger enabled an unauthorized user to make a fake post on the Google Blog last night, claiming that we've discontinued our AdWords click-to-call test. The bug was fixed quickly and the post removed. As for the click-to-call test, it is progressing on schedule, and we're pleased with the results thus far.

We don't know as to how serious the bug is but one thing is for sure that the Click-to-Call project is still going strong.

Google Click To Call: Why The Blogosphere Can Move Very Fast, React and Correct

2006-10-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Om found a story via WiFiNetNews (now pulled) that talked about Google canceling its Click2Call efforts.

Om pursued the story in true reportorial fashion, and reached out to Google PR for comment. Today he received that return phone call and immediately amplified the story with a new post, and closed off comments to the original posting.

Had this not been the age of the blogs, chances are the story would have been a one day exclusive on a web site, followed by a rapid syndication of the news around the globe. It would have also been Monday or Tuesday before the correction was posted and Google would have taken some hits on Monday by the Wall Street types.

Instead, between Om's corrective action, Michael Arrington's suggesting that this was a hack job of the Google blog site, and the rest of the blog army both covering the news account, then correcting the story as more facts came available, Google has been spared and what's more, all of the j-bloggers (journalist oriented bloggers like Om, Mike, me, etc.) are able to amplify the story, recognize that the hacking is the story, not the false report.

Did any of us err by reporting on it? I think not. The story was first picked up by a reputable and responsible Glenn Fleishman. Om questioned if this was real and called the appropriate news contacts. The rest of us pointed to the story, also referencing that this was a report by Om and not going too deep. I speculated that if this was in fact that perhaps the patent which Microsoft acquired from Teleo could be a reason, more to point out that the Redmond company also plans to play in the space.

Bottom line is the responsible parties in blogosphere worked the story, got to the bottom of the matter and within less than 24 hours, had the facts up and out. The mainstream press could have done this also, but over a weekend, and given the way those sites tend to work, the story would be a day old or more before the correction took hold.

Google Click-To-Call Surfaces In The UK

2006-10-27T06:11:00.001-07:00

Google's Click-To-Call feature, introduced in the U.S. some time ago, has been made available to our British friends. Certain sponsored ads now have a small green telephone icon next to them - click on it, and you're informed that "Google can call your phone now and connect you to this company."

A moderator on the Search Engine Watch Forums seems to have been the first to mention the update (although "credit goes to my workmate Sami for this spot"). "I actually prefer this 'Don't Call Us, We'll Call You' model compared to MIVA's toll-free number setup," wrote "evilgreenmonkey," also known as Robert Kerry.

Kerry then threw out a couple questions. "Is this going to revolutionise paid search? Will Google's promotion of Pay Per Call boost take up of MIVA's rival solution?"

"egain" responded about an hour later. "Personally I think so, we as a online marketing agency, have just launched our own service that does the same thing, to a positive response. To me it can only get bigger."

Kerry linked to an example of Google's Click-To-Call feature, visible in these results for jet2. An important detail is that you can "connect for free." "Google foots the bill for all calls, both local and long-distance," a FAQ page stated. "However, if you give us a mobile phone number, your normal airtime fees or other fees charged by your provider for the call may apply."

Google also gave an obligatory nod to user privacy. "Your number is blocked so that the advertiser can't see it. Google doesn't share your number with the advertiser, and we won't use the number to make any other calls to you. In addition, your information will be deleted from our servers after a period reasonably necessary to operate the service."

Google’s Click-to-Call Cancelled?

2006-10-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

This is one of the stranger messages appearing on the official Google Blog – note the last line of this unsigned post (update: that post has been removed now, see below for updates):

Google Click-to-Call project cancelled

10/07/2006 05:07:34 PM
After concientiously considering, Google has decided not to continue with Google Click-to-call project. The project has been in the media on last days because of the notice of Google agreement with e-Bay. We finally consider click-to-call agreement with e-Bay a monopolistic aproach that would damage small companies in the CRM area.

This message has been translated using Google language tools.

What’s click-to-call anyway? Here’s a screenshot from February this year, followed by Google’s help entry on this:

We’re testing a new product that gives you a free and fast way to speak directly to the advertiser you found on a Google search results page – over the phone.

Here’s how it works: When you click the phone icon, you’ll be invited to enter your phone number. Once you click ’Connect For Free,’ Google calls the number you provided. When you pick up, you hear ringing on the other end as Google connects you to the other party. When they answer, you simply talk normally as you would with any other call.

Google tests out Click-to-Call AdWords

2006-10-23T02:15:00.000-07:00

Google is apparently testing out click-to-call AdWords - I can’t see it myself, but Seth just searched for ‘refinance’ and spotted some phone icons alongside the AdWords listings. He entered his phone number and within five seconds received an automated phone call, which connected to the purchaser of the AdWords listing when it had him on the line. Wish I had a screenshot for you (UPDATE: screenshots below) - but here’s how it works, direct from the Google Click-To-Call FAQ:

What’s the phone icon on Google search results? How does it work?

We’re testing a new product that gives you a free and fast way to speak directly to the advertiser you found on a Google search results page – over the phone.

Here’s how it works: When you click the phone icon, you can enter your phone number. Once you click ‘Connect For Free,’ Google calls the number you provided. When you pick up, you hear ringing on the other end as Google connects you to the other party. Then, chat away on our dime.

We won’t share your telephone number with anyone, including the advertiser. When you’re connected with the advertiser, your number is blocked so the advertiser can’t see it. In addition, we’ll delete the number from our servers after a short period of time.

Seems Google’s getting into the pay-per-call business. What are the rates, I wonder?

UPDATE: Screenshots!

Fig. 1 - phone icons appear alongside AdWords

Fig. 2 - opportunity to enter your phone number

Fig. 3 - connecting…

Fig. 4 - yep, you’re now connected to the advertiser.

A lot of business implications here but at the moment that little evil part of me is thinking ‘great, a single form-field way to pester others with crank calls from advertisers at three in the morning.’ Om Malik wrote about Google’s use of VoIP for commercial purposes back in September - I’m guessing the call made from Google to the lead (step 3 in the screenshots) is an early implementation of this. Of course Ingenio will be concerned - Google’s trying to eat their lunch.

Google Click-to-Call Privacy Notice

2006-10-23T02:12:00.000-07:00

The Google Privacy Policy describes how we treat personal information when you use Google's products and services, including information provided when you use Google Click-to-Call. In addition, the following describes our privacy practices that are specific to Google Click-to-Call.

Personal information

To use Google Click-to-Call, you need to provide us with a phone number so that we can connect you with the merchant you would like to reach. We do not share your phone number with the merchant you are trying to reach.

Uses

Each time you use Google Click-to-Call, the phone number you provide will be transmitted to Google's servers so that we can provide you with the service. It will be deleted from our servers after a period reasonably necessary to operate, audit, and evaluate the service.
The phone number you provide will also be securely stored in an encrypted "cookie" on your computer so that you can easily re-use Google Click-to-Call and other Google services, such as our mobile services.
Connectivity for Google Click-to-Call is provided by a third party vendor, subject to this privacy notice, agreement of confidentiality, and any federal data retention requirements that may be applicable to the vendor. Neither Google nor our vendor will sell, rent or otherwise share your personal information with any third parties except in the limited circumstances described in this notice and the Google Privacy Policy.

Your Choices

If you do not wish to have your phone number stored on your computer in a cookie, you can set your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, some website features or services may not function properly without cookies.

More information

Google adheres to the US Safe Harbor privacy principles. For more information about the Safe Harbor framework or our registration, see the Department of Commerce's web site.

For more information about our privacy practices, go to the full privacy policy. If you have additional questions, please contact us any time. Or write to us at:

Privacy Matters

c/o Google Inc.

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway

Mountain View CA 94043 ( USA)