Google Intros Local Search To Mobile Users
Yesterday Google released two new local services that enable web enabled mobile phone and PDA users to use Google Local services such as Google Maps and Local Search. From local business listings to interactive street maps, mobile users can now use Google Local via a mobile web and driving directions using Google SMS. Google has sold me on its Local Search offerings, I used Google Maps three times yesterday and the integrated Google Local / Map search offerings are an excellent timesaver. I can imagine that Google Local Mobile will continue to bring good service to the mobile web community.
Google Local – When users visit http://mobile.google.com/local on their XHTML-enabled mobile phone, they can enter their search term in the ‘What’ search box and location in the ‘Where’ search box to receive results from Google Local. Currently available in the U.S. and Canada, this service enables users to find business listings and driving directions, view an area using Google Maps with zooming capabilities, and click-to-call.
Google Driving Directions – Driving Directions With Google SMS enables users to send a search query as a text message to the U.S. five digit shortcode 46645 (GOOGL on most phones) driving directions to this list. For example, if users enter the query [from jfk to 50 broadway new york], they will receive turn-by-turn driving directions as a text message on their mobile phone or device. Google SMS is available on most U.S. carriers. More information can be found at http://sms.google.com.
