Google Overhauls BlackBerry Map App, Adds Voice SearchGoogle Overhauls BlackBerry Map App, Adds Voice Search

Today Google announced a new version of its mobile map software for BlackBerries. The new software is a major revision, and adds tons of new features, including voice search and integration with Google Buzz.According to Google, today is the first time it has updated Maps for Mobile for the BlackBerry platform this year. All the fun and nifty new features it has give to Android and the iPhone and now accessible from the venerable BlackBerry.

Maps 4.0 for BlackBerry's biggest new feature is search by voice. With the application open, users simply press and hold the green call button, speak their search, and voila. Google will return search results relevant to the user's location, and also lets people search for places, and addresses.

Also included in Maps 4.0 is Google's Buzz social networking service. By accessing the Google Buzz layer, BlackBerry users can see what their friends are up to around them. BlackBerry users can also post comments directly to their Buzz account from within Google Maps.

Another new feature for BlackBerries is the ability to access and view starred items. Users of Google Maps on the desktop have the option to star their favorite places. Google Maps saves those starred items. BlackBerry users who sign into their Google account from their device will automatically have access to their starred locations.

Last, Google is giving BlackBerry users access to Maps' Labs function. As with Gmail, Maps Labs are experimental are non-1.0 features that Google is testing. Right now, there are several Labs available, including terrain layers and easier search for nearby businesses.

The software is a free download from Google.