Google is quickly finding a niche for itself in the mobile space. Get the scoop on the mobile versions of Gmail, Google SMS search, Google Reader, Google Maps, and more.
Google SMS
For SMS fanatics or phones without Java, Google offers Google SMS, which is basically a search engine run through your phone's text messaging. Just text your search to 46645 (GOOGL, alphanumerically), and Google quickly sends back a reply. For most searches, cities and zip codes are interchangeable, so just type what you know. For local addresses and phone numbers, text the name or category of the business and your address. For movies, try the title and your ZIP code ("casino royale 90014"). Google offers definitions ("define plethora"), currency conversions ("20 usd in euro"), and sports scores ("Washington Redskins"). Driving directions are also available ("10003 to Nyack, NY"), and these are sent in multiple messages; in our tests, the driving steps were numbered, which is helpful because the messages were not sent back in order.
Price and availability
Available now, Google SMS is free, although your carrier's standard text-messaging charges will apply.
Google Gmail Mobile
More than a simple reader, the downloadable Gmail Mobile app offers many of the functions you'd expect from Gmail. Your full contact list is available, including a while-you-type searchable database. Threaded conversations are organized into the tabbed windows you'll find on Gmail. Because Gmail Mobile downloads messages in advance, browsing through separate e-mails is quick, but users without an unlimited data plan should be wary. Only certain Java-enabled phones are currently supported (unfortunately, T-Mobile phones won't work at all), but the list is relatively long, and even our Palm Treo 700p, which didn't make the official cut, was able to run the program after we installed IBM's Websphere Java environment. Though it is possible to check Gmail through your phone's WAP browser, this pared down version of the Gmail site is clunky compared to the smoother standalone app. The browser version has a simpler design, without contact list access or the easy navigation of the standalone Gmail Mobile app.
Price and availability
Available now, Gmail Mobile can be downloaded for free from Google's Web site.
Google Maps
Google Maps for mobile is a standalone application offering maps and directions for your phone, including satellite images. Just like on your PC, maps are navigable by dragging, and zooming is as easy as a single click. You can find nearby businesses or plot directions. Directions are only given turn-by-turn, so you don't get a complete list of steps. Google Maps will update your route with traffic information, marking congested areas, though it doesn't suggest alternate routes to avoid traffic. Helio mobile is using Google Maps with GPS for navigation, but they are the only company currently combining the two features.
Price and availability
Available now, Google Maps can be downloaded for free from Google's Web site.
Google Search
If you have a WAP browser on your phone, you won't need Java to use Google's mobile-centric search page. When you go to Google's search page using your phone's browser, you'll notice a radio button for "Mobile Web (Beta)." With this option selected, Google will attempt to find only results that are optimized for a mobile browser. For standard Web searches, Google will still truncate pages for your mobile Web browser, breaking up long pages and jumping to pages or sub-pages that contain your specific search terms.
Price and availability
The free Google Search service works on any phone with a WAP browser.
Google Reader
Fans of Google Reader will appreciate Google's mobile implementation of its slick RSS page. The mobile version presents nine headlines at once from your RSS feeds, a clever trick that allows you to simply press a number on your phone's keypad to jump to the corresponding article. From within an article, pressing "0" allows you to skip to the next article. You can even search through your individual tags (or folders, as they're called on the Web site), browse single RSS feeds, or star articles for later browsing. Updating is quick, and as we checked articles on our phones, we could see the feed count diminish on our PC.
Price and availability
Available now, Google Reader works on any phone with a WAP browser.
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