Google Adds Mobile Local Features

[Jeff]

Google Inc. has released two new local services that are designed to enable people on-the-go to quickly and easily connect to the information they want from their mobile phones or wireless device. From local business listings to interactive street maps, users can now access Google Local information via a mobile Web browser and driving directions using Google SMS.

When users visit Google 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. For example, if users enter the query [wifi hotspot] in the 'What' search box and [90266] in the 'Where' search box, they will receive Google Local results of wifi hotspots in Manhattan Beach, California. 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.

With Google SMS, users can send a search query as a text message to the U.S. five digit shortcode 46645 (GOOGL on most phones) and receive Google Local, Froogle, finance, weather, and movie showtime results. Google has also added 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.

Related Links

• http://mobile.google.com/local
• http://sms.google.com
• http://www.google.com