Google dials up cell-phone maps

IDG News Service - Google Inc. extended its popular mapping and directions service to cell phone users today.

Called Google Local for mobile, the downloadable application lets users search for locations and then view them on a map. Users can also view the location as a satellite image and get driving directions. Also, when users find a listing through the service, they can click on the phone number and automatically place a call to the number.

Users can shift their view of the map or zoom, just like they can drag and zoom in on maps in Google Local on computers.

Only mobile phones that can download Java applications can use the service, which is now available only in the U.S. That means Cingular Wireless LLC, Sprint Nextel Corp. and T-Mobile USA Inc. customers with certain phones can download the application but Verizon Communications Inc., Alltel Corp. and U.S. Cellular customers won't be able to use it. BlackBerry and Palm devices are not supported.

The application is free to download, but customers will be charged data access fees by their operators to use it.

Google already offers other mobile services, including text messages to Google asking for the location of a business or for driving directions and Internet searches on Web-enabled phones.