Google extends Local to mobiles

By Steve Malone

Posted on 8 Nov 2005 at 10:21

Search engine Google has migrated its Local service to mobile phones in the US. The service allows visitors to find businesses and addresses throughout the country as well as offering maps and satellite images to help find your way around.

As you might expect, the service is aimed mainly at people on the move with heavy emphasis on maps and directions. Thus it uses the directions service part of Google maps to offer detailed directions on how to get from A to B down to the street level in the US. One wonders what it does to your driving though if you are peering at instructions on your mobile at the same time.

By searching for businesses, the visitor can access both the address and phone number. Naturally, you can call the business directly through the phone. Up to 20 locations can be stored on the phone.

Google Local for mobile only works on Java-enabled phones that are able to receive data. An ordinary WAP phone will not do. The service itself is free although Google points out the mobile carrier will charge for the data calls.

Google says that it is working to extend the Local for mobile service outside of the US 'as soon as possible'.