Google revamps search for BlackBerry 6.0 devices

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) introduced an updated version of its mobile search services optimized for Research In Motion's (NASDAQ:RIMM) BlackBerry 6.0-based devices with WebKit-enabled browsers.

Google search for BlackBerry 6.0 devices now includes auto-complete tools.

The retooled service integrates enhanced search features throughout the homepage and result pages, adding auto-complete tools, more comprehensive results, image search options and local search functionality. Google notes the improved search service is available to BlackBerry 6.0 users in 70 countries and 20 languages.

The revamped Google Search for BlackBerry follows roughly two months after RIM announced Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Bing will replace Google as the BlackBerry platform's default search and mapping engine. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said BlackBerry users will see the new alliance bear fruit by the end of this year, stating Bing integration will take place at the operating system level and adding "This goes way beyond a search box." Ballmer also said Microsoft will make significant investments to integrate RIM technologies into its cloud initiatives.

At the current growth rate, the U.S. mobile paid search segment is on track to end the year at an overall value of $1.1 billion, according to data issued in March by banking and investment firm Macquarie Group. Macquarie notes that Google alone rakes in 96.8 percent of U.S. mobile search spending, with Bing and Yahoo dividing the remaining 3.2 percent.

For more:
- read this Official Google Mobile Blog entry

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