Cingular inked a deal with Tellme Networks for its voice recognition software, which the carrier will use to power an enhanced 411 service to offer Internet-style searches in addition to traditional telephone directory information. The new service will enable Cingular subscribers to ask questions regarding local movie times as well as driving directions. Tellme can deliver the service as either text-to-speech or as an SMS.

Love the quote from Jeff (Disclaimer: Jeff and I co-authored the text on VoiceXML back in the days)

“Speaking is faster than typing and looking is faster than listening,” said Jeff Kunins, VP for product management at Tellme.