Google Launches Local Mobile Services

Google has started offering a stripped-down version of their local services for mobile users that puts a focus on driving directions and mapping services. Mobile users will be able to search for addresses or businesses and recent results will be stored for future reference. Direction services are limited to listings within a certain radius, but the popular satellite view is available.

Chris Sherman has the full story over at Search Engine Watch in "Google Launches Local for Mobile.

From the article:

The new service allows you to search for specific addresses, businesses or business categories in the United States. Unlike the web-based Google Local service, results are minimal, featuring maps or satellite imagery. Information about individual businesses is limited to address and phone number, with an option to call the business by clicking a link

Google Local for mobile is free from Google, though there are a few additional requirements to use the service. Your phone must be Java-enabled (J2ME), and you must have access to a data plan from your mobile service provider. Google recommends subscribing to an unlimited data plan if you plan to use Google Local for mobile on a regular basis to avoid being charged for each use of the service.