Google Updates Maps For Symbian, Windows Mobile

Users of Symbian S60 3rd Edition and Windows Mobile devices can now use Google's updated version of its Google Maps for public transportation, according to an announcement on Google's blog.

Public transportation riders in more than 50 cities worldwide currently utilize Google Maps to find their way in transportation systems as well as to find commercial services advertised on the Google feature. Google noted that it is continuing to add new cities for the service at a rapid rate.

"Whether you live in or are passing through Zurich, Ottawa, Bordeaux or Chicago -- and plenty of places in between -- you can have transit schedules in your pocket at all times," said Google product manager Mat Balez on the Google blog. Balez said the features on Google Maps will show user-oriented ratings for businesses on the maps.

To utilize the feature, users simply search for directions and destinations on a public transportation system and click on a transit tab. Google posted a demo video for the service on its blog.

Earlier this month, Google updated the public transit feature for BlackBerry and Java-based handsets.

In addition to its use for vehicle drivers, Mobile Maps increasingly is being utilized by public transposition systems' passengers. In one example, Google has integrated Google Maps on New Jersey's NJ Transit Web site, which provides scheduling data for 164 rail and light-rail stations. After choosing a destination, a user can find businesses such as a dry cleaner or a newsstand along with directions on how to reach them.