Look Ma, No Hands - Google Mobile App for Blackberry now with Search by voice and My Location
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 | 4:53 AM
Remember the last time you tried to search for "Marks & Spencers London SW1W" on your Blackberry and ended up with 10 extra characters in the spelling of "Spencers" before you gave up on the "London" bit? If you're like us and hate typing on that tiny keyboard, you'll be glad to hear that Google Mobile App on your Blackberry will let you search with your voice and with My Location. Give it a try by visiting http://m.google.com on your Blackberry. (Blackberry Storm is not supported at this time.) Your fingers will thank you for it.
Get the latest version of Google Mobile App at http://m.google.com
Suppose you're vacationing in London, and you have a craving for fish and chips. With the My Location feature enabled, you can just enter "fish n chips" into Google Mobile App, and it will return the fish and chips restaurants closest to you. No need to type in "fish and chips near SW1W". And since Google Mobile App displays search suggestions as you type, you may only need to type part of the query before "Best Fish n Chips in London" pops up as a suggestion. We're a fan of anything that saves keystrokes on the way to deep-fried British goodness.
Search suggestions appear as you type, saving you keystrokes and time
And if you happen to speak with a British accent, you'll be happy to know that we now support British English as well. Google Mobile App is now available on all versions of Blackberry running on O/S 4.1+ and with Search by voice on O/S 4.2 and above, although the Blackberry Storm is not supported at this time.
Posted by Luca Zanolin, Google Mobile App engineer
Labels: Mobile Blog
66 comments:
Michael Romero said...
Is this not live for BlackBerry Storm devices? I went to http://m.google.com on my Storm and I don't see the ability to download the App.
March 25, 2009 at 8:59 AM
Carlos F Rodriguez said...
I couldn't download it to the Blackberry Storm. AIt doesn't ahve a shortcut to download it.
March 25, 2009 at 9:08 AM
Unknown said...
i just tried it from a sprint 8330 BlackBerry and for some reason its not showing it for me either. hmm.
March 25, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Steve said...
March 25, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Todd Benson said...
Chiming in on the fact that it NOT available (at time of this writing) for the Blackberry Storm. *whimpers*
March 25, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Kev said...
does anyone know when this will go live for the storm?? thanks
March 25, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Unknown said...
ok as an update, it didnt say anything on m.google.com about the voice search, so i downloaded the google mobile app again anyways, and its being used by myself right now to find the closest italian eatery!
this is awesome
it IS working on BlackBerry 8330 (curve)
March 25, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Unknown said...
no link to download anything for me either. i'm on a storm.
March 25, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Kev said...
Yeah I am on a storm also and I don't see a link to download google mobile or a page like the screencaps above!!
March 25, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Dan said...
Any update how to get it on the Storm?
March 25, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Brady said...
No Storm support? That seems like a bad move considering it's one of the hottest phones on the market right now. *cries*
March 25, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Jojo said...
I would advise that if you launch new apps or functionality for devices like a blackberry and it's not available for all blackberry devices, in my case the storm that you list which blackberry devices it does support.
Every time I see a post like this I only get let down to see that it doesn't support my Storm...
March 25, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Anonymous said...
Sam, I've upgraded today to the latest GMA on my 8330, but each time I hold down the *send* key to search by voice, I get an error message that says "try restarting Google Mobile App". Did you have to do anything special to get yours to work? Who's your carrier?
March 25, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Dan said...
March 25, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Dan said...
I found using Opera Mini on a Storm you can browse to the page and see the link to the .jad. I haven't had time to play with it or test the voice search since I'm at work.
If you disable compatibility mode it seems you lose the ability to move around to the different links at the top of the screen for me but I haven't had time to test searches either since I have spotty coverage. I received an error that says Google Mobile App can't connect but like I said, that might just be low signal strength.
It looks like the .jad url is http://m.google.com/m/download/googlemobileapp/apps/3.3.38/L1/BlackBerry-42/GoogleSearch.jad?dc=gorganic
Good luck to those who want to try it!
March 25, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Todd Benson said...
Dan, thanks. I'm trying right now. Downloaded to my desktop and emailing to my Storm.
March 25, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Todd Benson said...
Dan, would not work for me trying to install from email.
March 25, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Brian J King said...
Obviously no storm support. I guess let us know when there will be plz.
March 25, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Ryan Morehead said...
Yes, the future please put Blackberry (Except Storm) or something, so that I don't get excited for nothing.
March 25, 2009 at 1:11 PM
Unknown said...
Running a BB Curve 8330 on VZW and when I hold the *send* key to speak, I get an error message that says "try restarting Google Mobile App".
it ID's my geo and other functions appear to work - just not this.
Any help would be appreciated!
March 25, 2009 at 1:15 PM
Shtikler said...
Ditto me on the error message for VZW 8330 Curve. What gives?
March 25, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Unknown said...
Works great on my VZW 8830! Love the voice search!
March 25, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Dan said...
@ Todd - I just went to the site and typed in that URL on my storm.
March 25, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Unknown said...
Very sad that another Google Mobile App is not available for the Storm. As someone said earlier, at least be up front and tell us its not Storm compatable so we don't try to get it and only get frustrated.
March 25, 2009 at 2:04 PM
Unknown said...
installed on my storm... haven't messed with it much, but the voice search option certainly doesn't work.
March 25, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Unknown said...
I used cut and paste to grab the address in Dan's post above and was able to DL it with BB browser on the third try.
I used the voice search and said McDonalds and it came back with "Vick's Dog Bowl". =o
March 25, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Chris said...
Getting same message as Wayne, "try restarting Google Mobile App", for VZW BB 8130 Pearl.
Any resolution available?
March 25, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Jono said...
Nice. For Symbian too please.
March 25, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Knigma said...
Just tried on my 8130 4.5.0.127 CDMA Pearl. Downloaded and replace my older version of GM Apps. But after rebooting (battery pull) I started the program and it mentioned changing security to allow for location and radio access but I am connected to a BES (BlackBerry Enterprise Server) and can not set the GPS to "Allow" I have to leave it at "Prompt". After saving the settings on Security Permissions the app started up and prompt a few times for "Application Permissions" it got to "GoogleSearch is attempting to access radio information that may identify your location." And is locked up at this point. I had to hold END key to restart. I remember this happening with some upgrades to Google Mobile Maps for the BlackBerry a few months ago.
What are the BES permissions needed for GoogleSearch ?
Once I rebooted the BB it started working.
March 25, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Todd Benson said...
All Storm users: Dan's link indeed works. I pasted it into a Opera Mini bookmark, then clicked the bookmark. It asked if I wanted to save the file. I clicked OK and the BB browser kicked in and installed the app.
I have not done a battery pull, but up to this point the voice thingy does not work.
The local search is nice since it is automatic based on your location (location-aware).
It does show the portrait keyboard in a constant state, and does not go to landscape mode. :(
A decent non-Google alternative would be the Superpages app.
March 25, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Josh H said...
I was able to download new version, but when I press talk button to speak I keep getting an error message that says "Try restarting Google Mobile App". Have tried restarting 5 times already with no luck.
March 25, 2009 at 4:26 PM
SFUMATO said...
voice does not work on VZW 8330 as others have said. Everything else works. Permissions and all settings are correct yet it does not work
March 25, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Ananya said...
When is it expected for symbian S60 phones...please...?
March 25, 2009 at 8:03 PM
brokenmonkey said...
This is bull, why support all the old phones first and not the Storm? Especially when the Storm can run older apps in compatibility mode anyway? I'd rather have a decent Google Reader app/site for BlackBerry than this anyway but since it exists why not give it to Storm users too? It seems like this is to keep up with the iPhone/G1 but if the similar BlackBerry device isn't supported why release it?
March 25, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Chris Rowan said...
March 25, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Chris Rowan said...
Back to my 8703e because I returned my Storm (don't get me started).
My Location works but Voice Search does NOT seem to work.
Running 4.2.1.110 which fits the bill. The little green phone icon doesn't show up.
Yes, I did a battery pull.
What gives?
March 25, 2009 at 11:20 PM
mystady.com said...
Holy crap! You listened to our feedback! You really really listened! Holy shit! Wow! I'm shocked.
Good show you guys, this is really really cool!
Can we get this kind of service and support on the Blogger side of the Googleverse?
Shocked...
March 26, 2009 at 2:14 AM
Unknown said...
"Try restarting Google Mobile App"
Hello, I am also getting this error as well. I tried changing my permission settings, battery pull, everything....
Any solutions to this fix yet? I am using a 8330 in Canada.
Thanks!
March 26, 2009 at 3:06 AM
Unknown said...
Google, you should be ashamed. The Blackberry Storm is the most advanced Blackberry on the market. It should be the first device to get software upgrades, not the last. The fact that you don't even have an older version of google app for the storm, but have now updated the app for older devices, is simply a bad decision.
Support the storm.
March 26, 2009 at 5:30 AM
Unknown said...
Voice search works great on my Bold!!
March 26, 2009 at 6:56 AM
brokenmonkey said...
Dan's link worked to get it on my Storm and it actually works, voice search and location. Which makes it all the more mysterious why there isn't a legit Storm version available. The only thing that doesn't work is the icons across the top, I can only open Gmail no matter which icon I clicked.
March 26, 2009 at 6:56 AM
Johnny Canuck said...
Absolute proof that now one reads the actual blog and simply goes straight the "Download Candy". They state in the first paragraph with a link that it does not work on the Storm...
Tried using it on the Pearl 2 8130 and it keeps flashing "Try Restarting Google Mobile App." Restarting does nothing.
Anyone else?
March 26, 2009 at 7:02 AM
Unknown said...
Cmon Google...the whole point of voice search is that you don't have to type...so of COURSE BBerry Storm users would want it...you don't need this if you have a Curve! Get busy!
March 26, 2009 at 7:15 AM
Dan said...
I really don't remember reading that disclaimer about not being supported for the Storm. I almost want to say it was added after since I think I read that paragraph a couple times after not seeing the link with the default blackberry browser.
March 26, 2009 at 7:26 AM
Unknown said...
Aaarrgguuhhhhhh . . . finally an app that would allow me to not have to type out what I'm searching for on my Storm, and it's the one app not yet supported! Blah. Common Google, help!
March 26, 2009 at 9:10 AM
Bradd Piontek said...
Any resolution to the "Try Restarting Google Mobile App." issue. i've installed this on two Curve 8330 (USC) with 4.5 installed on them. Voice Search does not work.
March 26, 2009 at 9:26 AM
ituga said...
I read the following quote, but I can't find it to be true: "And as always, local results have a link to open Google Maps for mobile to guide you there."
I'm on a Sprint BB 8830, and the only mapping options open the map inside the mobile browser (with limited functionality) instead of launching google maps.
am I doing something wrong?
March 26, 2009 at 1:46 PM
mbparks said...
I'll chime in here to regarding the Voice Search problems on the VZW BB Curve 8330. Same issue as everyone else, hold the green talk button and I am told to try restarting Google Mobile App. Looks like someone was asleep at the QC wheel.
March 26, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Anonymous said...
March 27, 2009 at 5:34 AM
Anonymous said...
...and windows mobile? sometime soon? I'd love to have that feature on my touch pro.
March 27, 2009 at 9:48 AM
the lazy inventor said...
I have a product suggestion. From the main Google Mobile App screen, it would be nice if there was a voice command to go directly to Google Maps with the query instead of searching for it and providing a link to maps. This would cut out a manual entry step while driving. For now I need to keep my convenience key tied to GMaps instead of GMobile.
March 27, 2009 at 9:58 AM
Unknown said...
Vzw 8130 4.5.0.77 -Same issue here with the voice search and "please restart google mobile app" also happens within google maps 3.0.2
March 27, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Anonymous said...
QFE
"sk said...
I have a product suggestion. From the main Google Mobile App screen, it would be nice if there was a voice command to go directly to Google Maps with the query instead of searching for it and providing a link to maps. This would cut out a manual entry step while driving. For now I need to keep my convenience key tied to GMaps instead of GMobile.
March 27, 2009 9:58 AM "
ABSOLUTELY!
March 27, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Finder said...
I have a Pearl 8130. When I hold down the *send* key to search by voice, I get an error message that says "try restarting Google Mobile App".
I tried changing different "permissions" and then, that failing, deleted and reinstalled it. I still get the error message?
March 27, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Unknown said...
Same on my Verizon 8330. Keeps saying try to restart the app. Did all that half a dozen times and even re-installed 4 times. Everything else works fine. Only the voice button gives the same restart message.
March 27, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Allanon said...
Go this today, it's absolutely B****Y brilliant _ Glad I didn't buy a Storm now! My iPhone owning mate even looked a bit sick when I showed him what it can do.
FABOULOUS!!!
March 27, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Anonymous said...
March 28, 2009 at 2:54 AM
Antonio B Duarte Jr said...
I really aprecciate to read your blog. We here from Brazil have learned a lot from your posts. When is possible take a look mine page of Curso de Analista de Suporte Técnico. Antonio B Duarte Jr.
March 28, 2009 at 3:24 AM
Finder said...
Official Google Mobile Blog?
Is there actually any one here from Google or Blackberry?
I see a post has been removed by an administrator, but nary an answer to a question.
March 28, 2009 at 6:01 PM
David Enzel said...
This app is amazing! It works perfectly on my BB 8830 on VZW. Is there a way to check for software updates from within the app?
March 29, 2009 at 5:38 AM
Anonymous said...
Hi Rich, and any other folks looking for support - just wanted to let you that there are 2 places to go if you need answers: our Help Center and our Help Forum. You'll probably have more luck there!
March 29, 2009 at 9:54 PM
blocusius said...
Hi,
I'm on blackberry bold in France and try to download the new google mobile app from m.google.com. I have a 500 error : java.io.IOException: Resource could not be found http://m.google.com/search/download/binaries/L1/3.3.38/BlackBerry-46/GoogleSearch-7.cod: 404 - Not Found.
Could you fix this ?
Thanks
April 9, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Unknown said...
Why, oh why, Google, did you not add the voice search feature to your Windows Mobile version of this application?
I am truly baffled by this decision.
You know the technology exists to do so ... It has for several years.
Microsoft's Live Search app does a poor job of implementing voice, plus I want to use my GOOGLE suite of products.
Please, at least provide some insight as to the reasons behind this poopy decision?
/s
April 15, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Unknown said...
can't get maps onto my BOLD (Blackberry 9000) :(
April 21, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Shtikler said...
For those who are still having difficulty with the 8330, I recently upgraded my OS to 4.5.0.138 and then it worked!
April 23, 2009 at 9:10 AM
Bass said...
When will this be available for Windows Mobile 6.1?
April 29, 2009 at 5:33 PM
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