Research In Motion has announced that Google Talk instant messaging and Google Local for mobile will be supported on the BlackBerry wireless platform.
BlackBerry e-mail devices will soon support the Google Talk instant-messaging and Google Local mapping programs, the handheld maker recently announced, extending the Internet titan’s push to put its services on mobile devices.
Financial details for the deal between BlackBerry maker Research in Motion Ltd. and search-engine leader Google Inc. were not disclosed.
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.
Google Talk for BlackBerry, due for launch before midyear, will not be the only instant-messaging service available on a BlackBerry. RIM itself offers BlackBerry Messenger for users of the device to chat, and certain carriers also offer some rival services. T-Mobile USA, a unit of Deutsche Telekom AG, offers the AIM and ICQ services from the America Online unit of Time Warner Inc. on BlackBerry devices, as well as Yahoo Messenger from Yahoo Inc.
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.
Instant messaging and local content are two increasingly important areas of focus for mobile applications and we are very pleased to work with Google in extending these two popular Google services to BlackBerry users, said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. Google Talk for BlackBerry and Google Local for mobile will offer additional flexibility to BlackBerry customers in terms of how, when and where they stay in touch.
Deep Nishar, Director, Product Management, Google Inc. added:
As mobile technology continues to converge, consumers are becoming increasingly more connected and require access to information at home, at work, and on the road. By extending Google Talk and Google Local beyond the desktop, BlackBerry users will have greater access to the information they need regardless of where they are.
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.
Last week, Motorola Inc. said it will soon begin selling Web-enabled cell phones that feature easy access to Google’s search engine by clicking on a button on the phone’s keypad. Google is also the default search engine on Palm Inc.’s new Treo 700w smartphone.
Google Talk for BlackBerry is expected to be available in the Spring timeframe. Google Local for mobile is available now 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.