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BlackBerry to Support Google Messaging - Yahoo! News


NEW YORK - BlackBerry e-mail devices will soon support the Google Talk instant-messaging and Google Local mapping programs, the handheld maker said Thursday, 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, 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. (Nasdaq:YHOO - news)


The BlackBerry version of the popular Google Local service will let users view maps and satellite images, find local businesses and get driving directions on their handsets. The Google Talk service requires a Gmail e-mail account. Both applications will be free, subject to any data-service charges from the wireless service provider.


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.

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