by Playfuls Staff |
12th January 2006
In its fight with PDAs and smartphones, Research in Motion is trying to find new ways of attracting the users and today they launched a new feature for BlackBerry, in collaboration with Google. [more]
Research In Motion announced that Google Talk instant messaging and Google Local for mobile will be supported on the BlackBerry wireless platform.
Google Talk for BlackBerry, a version of the instant messaging application specifically designed for BlackBerry handsets, will allow users to send and receive instant text messages with other members of the Google Talk community, while on the go. Google Talk for BlackBerry extends the user experience of the popular desktop-based Google Talk instant messaging service to BlackBerry devices, allowing users to add, delete and rename contacts, know when their Friends are online and available, leave conversations and resume them later, copy conversation text into memory and even be notified when a message is being typed.
Use of Google Talk requires a Gmail account which can be obtained when invited by another Gmail user or by visiting https://www.google.com/accounts/SmsMailSignup1. Google Talk users may invite other Gmail users to their contact lists directly from their BlackBerry handset, just as they would from a PC.
Additionally, users can now download Google Local for mobile, which enables BlackBerry users to view maps and satellite imagery, find local businesses and get driving directions on their BlackBerry handsets. Google Local for mobile provides draggable maps, directions and imagery, as well as a "click to call" feature. Google Local for mobile will store any addresses you have typed in or used for directions for quick and access to previous locations.
The satellite imagery viewing of Google Local for mobile allows users to zoom in on an image for a closer look at the terrain, zoom out for a grander perspective, or move the map in any direction. This interactive satellite view gives you a chance to explore and evaluate your locations in far greater detail.
Google Talk for BlackBerry is expected to be available in the Spring timeframe. Google Local for mobile is available today at www.google.com/glm. Both applications will be free, subject to any data service rates applicable for downloading and using the applications with a limited data plan.
