Google Local Goes Mobile

The search engine giant Google Inc. (www.google.com) released two new local services that enable people on-the-go to quickly and easily connect to the information they want from their mobile phones or wireless device.

Users can connect to Google Local by visiting mobile.google.com/local on their XHTML-enabled mobile phone and entering the search term in the 'What' search box and location in the 'Where' search box.

Founded in 1998, Google develops innovative search technologies developing business model based on targeted advertising programs and corporate search solutions.

"Whether people are traveling long distances or looking for a restaurant in their hometown, Google's new mobile services make it a snap for them to find what they're looking for--without the hassle of referring to paper maps, reference guides, or often outdated directories," said Jonathan Rosenberg, vice president, product management, Google Inc.

Google SMS provides another option for the users to access information on-the-go.

This service allows users to 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 been offering mobile services for more than four years. In 2001, Google Web Search was introduced via WML-enabled and iMode-enabled phones (Japan).