Another instance of the green phone icon appearing for some AdWords listings in Google search results has been reported online.
Threadwatch and numerous other sites have reported Google's click-to-call icon being displayed again. New York City hotels seem to be the popular place for them this morning.
A Google query performed in Opera 9 TP2 and Internet Explorer returned the green phone symbol next to a listing for the Marriott Marquis Hotel.
Click on the icon, and an Ajax window opens as part of the listing. "Speak with now. Enter your telephone number." appears atop a box where the number can be typed in by the user. Then, clicking the "Connect for free" button will generate a call to the advertiser.
Google said in its click-to-call help that it foots the bill for local and long-distance calls. Calls to a mobile phone may incur charges per the plan details for that phone.
Users have the option to save their phone number for future click-to-calls. Google noted it does not share the number with the advertiser or with anyone without consent. However, Google does retain the call details temporarily and will delete it "after a period reasonably necessary to operate, audit, and evaluate the service."
