Published:
Best Buy Mobile Announces Partnership with Google to Co-Market Google Mobile App
MINNEAPOLIS - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Best Buy Mobile, the mobile specialty retail unit of Best Buy Co., Inc.,
today 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 U.S. 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.
About Best Buy Mobile
Best Buy Mobile features one of the largest selections of carriers,
handsets and accessories available anywhere, as well as a highly-trained
staff to help customers make the most of their mobile phones. Best Buy
Mobile locations feature more than 90 different handsets from nine
carriers, and over 130 accessories. Employees undergo at least 80 hours
of intensive training, as well as continuing education on mobile phone
technology and trends. Look for your mobile phone solution at Best Buy
Mobile locations in every Best Buy store as well as in standalone stores
nationwide.
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, China and Mexico,
Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment
products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The
Best Buy family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more
than $45 billion in annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy;
Audiovisions; The Carphone Warehouse; Future Shop; Geek Squad, Jiangsu
Five Star; Magnolia Audio Video; Napster; Pacific Sales; The Phone
House; and Speakeasy. Approximately 155,000 employees apply their
talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers
through retail locations, multiple call centers and Web sites, in-home
solutions, product delivery and activities in our communities. Community
partnership is central to the way we do business at Best Buy. In fiscal
2009, we donated a combined $33.4 million to improve the vitality of the
communities where our employees and customers live and work. For more
information about Best Buy, visit www.bestbuy.com.
Media Contacts:
Miguel Sepulveda, 404-870-6810
MS&L
PR for Best Buy Mobile
miguel.sepulveda@mslworldwide.com
or
Best
Buy Public Relations
612-292-NEWS
newscenter@bestbuy.com
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