Google mobile services reach Europe

Google has extended its mobile services to Europe

Google has extended its mobile Gmail, Google News and Personalised Homepage services to users in the UK, Germany, France and Spain. 

The Gmail services have been available in the US since December last year, with users logging in through a special mobile web address. 

However, the services launched in Europe can be accessed by pointing a mobile web browser to the usual Google.com page and choosing the link to News or Personalised Home.

In the case of Gmail, users need to visit the usual web address on their phone and the interface will optimise the page to their mobile device.

Mobile Gmail users can view attached photos and documents from their phone, and make phone call replies to people if they have their phone number stored in their Gmail contacts list.

"Google is committed to unlocking the technological potential that today's mobile phones promise by providing products and services that are practical, easy to use and free," said a statement from Google.

The search giant said that the mobile internet would be increasingly important as the number of phones and handheld devices continues to rise in the world.

However, the company denied that it was trying to sideline mobile operators as they would be the ones to gain from users' increased access of online services.