Best Buy Mobile partners with Google to co-market Google mobile app

MINNEAPOLIS, USA:Best Buy Mobile, the mobile specialty retail unit of Best Buy Co., Inc., announced a retail partnership with Google that will help bring Google Mobile App to consumers and expand their mobile experiences. Best Buy is the first retailer in the US to work with Google to distribute Google Mobile App on smartphones sold in-store.

“We know that consumers want smartphones and, increasingly, they want to use applications,” said Scott Moore, VP of Marketing for Best Buy Mobile.

“The challenge is that people still need help understanding what is available to them and how they can bring it to life on their device. This partnership between Best Buy and Google serves that role and will go a long way in bringing applications to more consumers regardless of what device, carrier or platform they use.”

Google Mobile App makes it fast and easy to search Google from your mobile phone. Key features include:

* One-click access to Google - search Google without having to navigate to the Internet.
* Search by voice - speak your query in plain English.
* My Location - search for local businesses without having to type your current location.
* Google Suggest - search for suggested queries and businesses that appear as you type.
* Links to other Google apps including Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube.

"We are excited to offer users a new and more personalized way of getting Google on their smartphones,” said Marc Vanlerberghe, Director of Marketing at Google. “While Google Mobile App is available as a free download from m.google.com, often times users run into problems because they don't have the right handset or data plan.

"Through this agreement, experts at Best Buy Mobile will be available to help users install Google Mobile App on their existing or new smartphone so that they can Walk Out Working."

Best Buy Mobile associates will install Google Mobile App on all compatible smartphones through the Walk Out Working program which is a free in-store smartphone setup.

Google will announce this additional method of getting Google Mobile App on its Mobile Blog (http://googlemobile.blogspot.com) and will provide more information on a new web site, (http://www.google.com/bestbuymobile), scheduled to launch November 9.

“This relationship is an opportunity for both Google and Best Buy Mobile to provide consumers with better access to innovative applications like Google Mobile App,” said Moore. “Going beyond simply selling mobile phones, working with ground-breaking companies like Google allows Best Buy Mobile to improve the buying experience and deliver against its customer promise of being there through the life of the phone”

Best Buy Mobile has become a leading destination for smartphone purchases, because of the promise it makes to customers: better choice of phones and networks; impartial, informed advice; straightforward pricing; and someone to be there for the life of the phone.