Google adds voice control to BlackBerry mobile app

Google's My Location application for BlackBerry handsets now features voice control functions, allowing users to speak to the device when requesting information.

"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," wrote Luca Zanolin, Google Mobile App engineer, in a blog post.

The location elements of the application also remove the need to input specific address information such as a postcode, which could be useful if the user is unaware of the specific address. Saying 'internet cafe', for example, will provide local results as well as links to mapping information.

Google said that the system will work for UK and US English, and could help to resolve common search errors like spelling mistakes, and other mistyped information.

"Now, on your vacation you could have sworn your friend said to meet in 'Lester Square'. Unfortunately 'Lester Square' is nowhere to be found on the Tube map. A quick voice search on Google Mobile App (just press and hold the green button) for 'Lester Square' reveals the true spelling. Leicester Square is actually only two stops away on the Piccadilly line. Problem solved," explained Zanolin.

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. Only the Blackberry Storm is not currently supported.