Google has made available a free, native Symbian C++ version of Google Maps for mobile that was developed by Google for Symbian smartphones.

The new version of Google Maps for mobile will provide users with a faster and more responsive mobile version of Google's mapping and location services software for Symbian smartphones. The client is available for download for S60 3rd Edition on Symbian OS-based phones at www.google.com/gmm and will be demonstrated at the Symbian stand during the Symbian Smartphone Show in London, UK, October 16-17th.

"At Google our goal is to develop our products to bring the best possible experience to the user. With this in mind, we created an optimized version of Google Maps for mobile that takes advantage of the performance and deep integration we can achieve using native Symbian C++ to deliver an excellent experience for the large, important and growing market of Symbian users," said Shannon Maher, Director of Engineering at Google," said Shannon Maher, Director of Engineering at Google.

Available now as a free download, Google Maps for mobile offers Symbian smartphone users the ability to locate their approximate position using A-GPS and based on this information can provide the following services:

• Detailed directions - Whether you plan to walk or drive, your route is displayed on the map itself, together with step-by-step directions
• Integrated search results - Local business locations and contact information appear all in one place, integrated on your map
• Easily movable maps - Interactive maps let you zoom in or out, and move in all directions so you can orient yourself visually
• Satellite imagery - Get a bird's eye view of your desired location.