Get Driving Directions by Cellphone

There's a new service that cuts the time it takes to get directions from a cellphone. It's called Dial DIR-ECT-IONS, and it works as it sounds: You dial the word "directions" into a cellphone (347-328-4667) and speak the address, name of business chain or event to which you need directions. Step-by-step directions are instantly sent to your phone via SMS, or text message.

The service, from a company called Dial Directions Inc., is free -- except for the cost of receiving text messages on your phone. After the first 30 days of use, a one-line advertisement will start appearing at the bottom of the last text message sent per set of directions (some take multiple text messages to include all of the steps).

The service was launched in July, but this week marks its expansion to metropolitan areas as the company attempts to take the service nationwide.

To receive these directions, you must first tell the service what you're looking for. The female voice representing Dial Directions is friendly and doesn't sound stiff and robotic. She offers to give instructions on how to use the service if you don't know how. After telling her what you're looking for, she asks what city you're in and where you're trying to go.