Google launches Local Search for Mobile

Google introduced Local Search for Mobile, a redesigned search experience that integrates with Google Maps and includes browseable categories to offer typing-free queries. Writing on the Official Google Mobile Blog, Mobile Local Search Team product manager Joshua Siegel describes using the new application on a recent trip to Hawaii: "Before I left, I researched places to visit on Google Maps. I signed in to my Google account and starred the places I wanted to go. Once I got to Hawaii, by signing in on my phone, I was able to see the places I starred on desktop Maps under ‘Starred Places.' I could then click through on place names to visit mobile-optimized versions of Place Pages for Google Maps that include opening hours, reviews, photos, and more. The new category browse feature made it easy to find a place to rent bicycles for a quick tour of the coastline. I just tapped on ‘Entertainment & Recreation' and then ‘Bicycles' to execute a search--no typing necessary. When it was time for scuba diving, I didn't see an appropriate category, so I started typing ‘SCUBA' in the search box and clicked on a suggestion for ‘Scuba Tour Agency.'"

While Local Search for Mobile is presently limited to users in the U.S. and China, the service is available across multiple operating systems and devices by accessing www.google.com/m/local, or clicking on the Local tab on www.google.com.

For more on Local Search for Mobile:
- read this Official Google Mobile Blog entry

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