What Is the VoiceDial Feature on AT&T Wireless?

VoiceDial is a convenient feature for those moments when your hands are full and you're not able to make a call. To initiate VoiceDial, hit the star key and the number eight on your mobile phone. A voice prompt will ask, "What do you want to do? Say call or message followed by a name, or say 'tell me my choices'." Instruct your phone to call a number in your phone book by saying the name of the person. Your phone automatically dials the number, allowing you to chat hands-free.

If you're running short on time and can't stay on the phone for a long talk, use the VoiceClip function of VoiceDial. To start, dial "*8" on your mobile phone. When the voice prompt asks what you want to do, say the word "Message," followed by the name of the person you want to call. Leave a message on the person's voicemail without ever having to dial their number. You can send a VoiceClip to as many as three people at the same time or to a group. The recipient of your VoiceClip receives a text message that instructs her how to retrieve your voicemail.

Another voice feature that AT&T; offers is VoiceInfo, which is available free of charge to all customers whether or not they are signed up with VoiceDial. VoiceInfo gives you access to weather updates, current news, sports and entertainment. To use VoiceInfo, hold up your phone and say "Voice info." Your phone will respond with "Okay, voice info. When you hear the category you want, just say it." Your phone will then say categories such as sports, finance and news. If you want sports information, say "Sports" to receive up-to-date sports information. You can also use VoiceInfo to pre-arrange a call to your phone, which comes in handy if you're in a meeting and want an excuse to take a break. In addition, VoiceInfo can be set for wake-up calls in the morning.

VoiceDial and VoiceInfo will not operate in all service areas. VoiceDial requires a monthly fee, and although VoiceInfo has no monthly charges, you will incur airtime and roaming charges when you use this feature. VoiceDial calls can only be used to dial 10- and 11-digit phone numbers. You cannot call 411, 911 or other three-digit numbers with VoiceDial. Your VoiceDial address book can store as many as 2,000 names. To sign up for VoiceDial, you can visit AT&T;'s website or call customer service.