Google Maps on BenQ mobile phones

BenQ Mobile has announced that mobile phone users across Europe will be able to quickly and easily access Google Maps for mobile which will be pre-installed on a number of BenQ-Siemens UMTS handsets beginning in June 2006.

Google Maps enables users to easily and quickly find local restaurants, galleries, shops or favorite hotspots. It gives users access to detailed directions, integrated search results, maps and satellite imagery from Google Earth directly from their mobile phone.

As part of an increasing focus on providing a total product experience, BenQ Mobile is committed to forging new partnerships to offer consumers rich and accessible content.  Google is one of the world's best known search engines and BenQ Mobile is delighted to be able to bring the benefits of Google Maps to mobile users, in conjunction with some of its latest UMTS devices.

"Content is playing a significant part in shaping a new phase for the mobile industry. People are increasingly using their mobiles to look for information on the Internet.  By working in partnership with Google we will enable them to find what they are looking for – quickly and easily," commented Clemens Joos, CEO of BenQ Mobile. "People know and trust Google and I am pleased BenQ Mobile will bring some of its best loved services to mobile consumers."

Google's search services are currently available for browsers which render in HTML, XHTML, WML, and CHTML. Google Maps for mobile is an interactive J2ME application which includes maps, local search, driving directions, and click-to-call functionality. The product is known as Google Maps pour Mobile in France; Google Mappe per Mobile in Italy; Google Maps für Handys in Germany; and Google Maps para Móvil in Spain. Google Maps can be downloaded by visiting www.google.com/gmm from any web capable mobile phone browser.