MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.-Google Inc. added two new features to its mobile search service, allowing users to access information from its Google Local Web site through their cell phones.
With the expanded service, wireless subscribers with XHTML-enabled handsets can find local business listings and access driving directions via text messaging. The service also delivers interactive, zoomable street maps.
Google initially launched a short message service-based mobile search for mobile users last year. Google Local is available in the United States and Canada.
“Google’s mobile search and Google SMS services are important advancements in our goal to provide users immediate access to valuable information anywhere and anytime,” said Jonathan Rosenberg, vice president of product management for Google.
The company’s shares were down $1.43 to $191.80 in mid-day trading on the Nasdaq Tuesday.
