According to the Google Mobile Blog, Google Maps has simplified getting directions on your BlackBerry, Nokia, G1 or iPhone — if you have the Maps client downloaded. Previously if users entered a business name on the Maps client as a directions end point, Google might not recognize it.

According to the post:

Until today, if you tried to get directions and entered a business name, “starbucks” for example, as the end or start point, Google Maps for mobile did not understand that you meant Starbucks the business. Rather, Google Maps for mobile would search for an address with “starbucks” in it.

Now those business names will be recognized. Presumably you’ll be directed toward the nearest location (in the case of a franchise or chain).

Formerly, you could search for a business, locate it and get directions to that location from your current location or another starting point. This is an incremental but helpful improvement, which removes steps in getting directions.

Related Topics: Channel: Mobile | Google: Maps & Local | Google: Mobile

About The Author: Greg Sterling is a Contributing Editor at Search Engine Land. He writes a personal blog Screenwerk, about SoLoMo issues and connecting the dots between online and offline. He also posts at Internet2Go, which is focused on the mobile Internet. Follow him @gsterling. See more articles by Greg Sterling

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