Fans of Google's orkut social network now have a better way to interact via their mobile phones. Google recently introduced a full orkut application for devices that can run Java.Last year, Google rolled out a mobile version of its orkut site, which was a way for some users to access orkut via their mobile browsers. Web-based access isn't always the best way to interact with social networks, however. Google has figured that out.

The new application -- which is a free download -- will run on Java ME MIDP 2.0-enabled handsets, such as BlackBerries and S60 phones from Nokia.

New features include:

• Take a photo on your phone and upload it right to your orkut album.
• Share photos with orkut friends or SMS the photos to phone contacts not yet on orkut.
• Call or SMS any of your orkut friends or phone contacts without leaving the app.
• View scraps, updates from friends, and photo albums in offline mode.

These new features enhance what was already provided by orkut mobile, which includes the ability to write status updates, scraps and comments, as well as view and accept friend requests.

Google says this new application is in beta status (big surprise). It can be snagged directly from your phone's browser at m.google.com/orkut.

If you're an orkut fan, be sure to give the new mobile application a whirl.