Google Mobile App for S60
Google Mobile App for S60 is, effectively, an update from and an extension to the Google S60 Search application announced last year.
The homescreen shortcut uses either 'c' key or the 'pencil' key depending on which device you are using. There's an optional prompt that pops up a reminder of the shortcut (see first screenshot - it used just be the pencil key on supported devices), but this can be turned off if you wish.
Above is an example of a basic Google search for 'pub'. With 'My Location' enabled an appropriate set of local results is offered automatically. The My Location feature ties in with and uses 'My Location' from Google Maps (Latitude). Either the device's GPS or cell-positioning can be used to obtain current location information.
The location specific search is a very useful way to find a service, shop or other object that is physically near by without having to worry about where you are or how to enter your current location. As well as business listings, you can also get information about local event listings (e.g. cinema film times). This is exactly the sort of search that is most useful in a mobile context. It is a neat solution, which has been slickly implemented.
The search box will auto-suggest search terms based on your own search history and Google's own data. Once a search is carried out you are transferred into the mobile web version of Google's search service.
The Google Mobile App for S60 also offers shortcuts (the icons along the top row) to access other Google applications installed on the phone. If you do not have the application installed then the phone will prompt you to download them. The default shortcuts are for GMail, Google Maps, YouTube and Picasa. Clicking on More will reveal additional services, with the exact listing dictated by what country you are in (some Google mobile services are only available in the USA).
In the application's settings you can choose to switch the quick key access (homescreen shortcut) off, similarly the shortcut prompt can also be switched off.
If you regularly use Google search and services on your phone then the Google Mobile App for S60 will certainly speed up access times and save keypresses.
You can download and install the application from m.google.com. Currently only S60 3rd Edition devices are supported.
More information is available on the Google Mobile Blog. Ricky also has a good write up on Symbian Guru.
S60 YouTube application updated to 2.0.17
Google have also updated their S60 YouTube application today to version 2.0.17 from 2.0.14. It's only a minor update, but may be worth updating to, if you have been having performance or compatibility issues with the application. It's still not optimised for S60 5th Edition, should you feel tempted to do what Steve did and rip the SISx file out to try.....
Rafe Blandford, AAS