Google launches mobile community

Google Inc. is targeting mobile enthusiasts to join the newly launched Google Mobile Community.

The new service is a social network where people who are passionate about mobile can connect with other mobile initiatives and discuss cool new applications. The Google crew is also asking users to give feedback on Google mobile products and services.

“If you've been following this blog at all, it's probably pretty clear that we're passionate about mobile technology,” said Bret Luboyeski, mobile product specialist at Mountain View, CA-based Google, in the Google Mobile Blog.

“And if you have really been following this blog, it probably means that you are passionate about mobile technology too,” he said. “Well, we've created a place for you to connect with other mobile enthusiasts.”

Google envisions the community as a place where people can discuss the world of mobile in general, including what one wishes his or her phone could do or users who are looking to buy a new phone and are not sure which one to pick.

Well, now they can ask the group.

Of course, it makes eminent sense for Google to use this community to get feedback on its own products and services. Expect the search engine giant to throw out questions about its products - a sort of test lab, if you will.

Google expects that it will get unsolicited feedback such as what people like the most about its products, what don’t they like and what features they hope to see in the future.

For example there is a review of Google maps and Tele Atlas. Also, there is a posting about Sidekick applications.

One post helps readers get started with Google's open-source Android mobile operating system and another talks about how Google Maps can save the day.

The community has already attracted a few participants since its quiet debut.

The community comes just days after Google - again quietly - launched new mobile services.

The company introduced a new mobile phone tricks channel on YouTube, installed a mobile notebook and created Gmail for mobile.

Additionally, the launch of Google Sync enables BlackBerry and smartphone users to synchronize their calendars and documents on handsets.

Associate Editor Giselle Abramovich covers ad networks, advertising, content, email, media, messaging, legal/privacy, search, social networks, television and video.