Google It with BlackBerry

Research in Motion and Google announced that BlackBerry handsets will be equipped for instant messaging, local search and maps from Google. In other words, users will have free of charge access to two applications from Google - Google Talk and Google Local.

Google Talk for BlackBerry is easy and intuitive to use. After downloading Google Talk for BlackBerry, users can quickly sign in through their Gmail username and password, access their existing Google Talk contact lists, see which Google Talk Friends are online, and send and receive instant messages.

The service will be available for download on a BlackBerry device sometime this spring. For the moment users can download a software called Google Local for mobile, which enables BlackBerry customers to view maps and satellite imagery, find local businesses and get driving directions on their BlackBerry handsets. 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 users a chance to explore and evaluate their locations in far greater detail. Both applications will be free to download.