WebProNews

Google has frequently touted Street View's ability to help folks scout out addresses or entire trips, and most people have accepted its usefulness in these matters.  Only Street View would sometimes remain tethered to desktop computers while its users were wandering around, and so it's nice to report that Street View has been introduced to Google Maps for mobile.

The mobile version's feature set isn't reduced or restricted.  A post on the Google Mobile Blog explains, "Wondering if the restaurant in your search results is the one you're thinking of?  Just click 'Street View' after your search to see the storefront.  Unsure about a complicated intersection in your directions?  Use Street View to see a photo, so there's no mistaking your turn."

 Google Maps For Mobile With Street View

Also, "You can browse Street View overlaid on the map or in full screen, rotate your view to see more of your surroundings, and move along the street."  Business reviews and walking directions are available, and search speed is supposed to be improved.

The only possible downsides to the mobile version of Street View might be filed under "user error"; we'd just warn folks not to get so focused that they miss quickly-dying phone batteries or questionably-driven city buses.

Street View continues to work its way from being an entertaining distraction to acting as a valuable tool.   Since this update covers "BlackBerry and many Java-enabled phones," it looks like increased compatibility is next on Google's "to do" list.