Google adds search support for mobile application stores

Android Marketplace, Apple's App Store links to appear in mobile search.

Google has added links to mobile application stores to its mobile search service.

The company said in an official blog posting that it would begin serving links to users of both Android and iPhone OS handsets that would link to the devices' respective application download services.

In addition to normal Google search results, handset users will be presented with links to applications that are offered through either the Android Marketplace or Apple's iPhone OS App Store.

"As mobile apps continue to proliferate in stores like Android Market and the iPhone App Store, finding relevant information on the web about these apps is becoming more important to help you decide which apps to download," wrote Google engineers Milena Nikolic and Paul Hedfield.

"In addition to helping you find the mobile app information you’re looking for, Google search for mobile now also makes it easier for you to get the actual apps themselves while you’re searching."

The company said that while the service is currently limited to Android and iPhone OS users in the US, expansion to other countries and support for additional devices is planned.