Google brings local information to iPhone

Google has today released a version of its Earth tool for download through the Apple iPhone App Store. The tool could prove useful to firms looking to arm workers with mobile mapping, travel and local information.

The application takes use of the iPhone's tilt application, meaning that users can flip their device to see around themselves, checking the terrain and other physical surroundings. Zoom is controlled using fingertips and the phone's pinch and push method, and local information is just a click away.

In a blog post the firm said, "With Google Earth you get to the full detail page for businesses, so you can get reviews, photos, user content, business hours, and other useful information. We also added a 'search near me' feature, so with one touch you can find businesses near your location, without having to navigate there first or type in the name of the city."

Other features link location information to a database of photos and geo-located wikipedia articles, letting mobile and international sales teams and other workers discover more information about their surroundings.

The application is available from today. It boasts information on 22 countries and is available in 18 languages.