Google News Now Offers Local News For iPhone Customers
May 13, 2011
Google unveiled a new feature for its mobile users. Beginning today, U.S. visitors to the Google News website using an iPhone/iPod touch will be able to find “News near you.”
To use this localized news feature simply visit http://news.google.com using Mobile Safari. The first time you visit, a pop-up will ask you if you want to share your location. Upon saying yes, the Google News page will now include a section called “News near you” towards the bottom of the page.
The site will also recommend installing a web app on the iPhone, by tapping on the arrow and then clicking on the “Add to Home Screen” message.
Users may reorganize and/or turn this feature off by using the site’s personalization page.
In releasing this enhancement, Google continues updating the functionality of its web-based apps for iOS rather than releasing native apps into the App Store.
For example, in October, it greatly enhanced Gmail; in September, the editing of Google Docs via Mobile Safari was made possible. By enhancing its web apps, Google can make changes to their services instantly and without Apple's approval.
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