Pretty important. I would argue if “they” can get it right, it will drive usage like a hockey stick. Tiny keyboards, awkward SMS codes and other such input challenges are among the (myriad) problems that Mobile Local Search currently faces. Although different situations require different input mechanisms, e.g., car vs. on foot. (People I know at the new class of “free DA” providers would argue they’re already doing voice driven Local Search.)
Here’s more from OM Malik, including a link to Gary Price’s ResourceShelf, which reports on a new Google patent filing re a voice interface for search.
