14 DAY TRIAL // One of the nicest features in Google Maps for mobile, though available only for BlackBerry and Android handsets until now, is search by voice. It certainly proves easier to speak to a phone than to write on it, and Google Maps now offers this feature to more users than before. Google Maps for mobile 4.1 on Windows Mobile and Symbian S60 phones now includes search by voice, certainly a welcome addition, the Internet giant announced on Wednesday.
“Search by voice lets you easily search for anything by simply speaking your search terms instead of typing them. Just open Google Maps, press your phone’s 'call' button, and clearly speak your search term like 'Park Plaza.' Search by voice works with all the kinds of searches Google Maps for mobile already supports, including places, addresses (1600 Amphitheatre Parkway), specific businesses (The French Laundry), or types of businesses (sushi restaurants new york),” a recent post on the Google Mobile Blog states.
Of course, search by voice is not the only new feature available for Windows Mobile and Symbian S60 users. Google Maps for mobile 4.1 brings forth a redesigned settings page, which now includes Search by voice language choices. Users are offered the possibility to choose a preferred language from a series of supported options, including various English accents and Mandarin Chinese. Moreover, they can use the “Report a problem” option to inform Google on any issues found in Google Maps.
The updated version of Google Maps for mobile for Windows Mobile and Symbian S60 handsets is accessible to users in all countries where Google Maps is already available. Those willing to try out the latest version of Google Maps for mobile 4.1 can do so by simply going to m.google.com/maps in the phone’s web browser. Google Maps for mobile 4.1 is available for download from Softpedia too, via this link for Windows Mobile devices, or via this link for Symbian S60-based mobile phones.