The service, dubbed “Google SMS Beta,” which runs on the SMS (Short Message Service) system allows mobile users in the United States to input certain search queries to Google using the same methods they would to text message other mobile users.

“Using your phone to send and receive text messages is a newer phenomenon in the U.S. Now we're getting into the fray with Google SMS. It's a way to access Google for precise information from your mobile phone or handheld device,” wrote SMS Project manager Benjamin Ling Thursday on the “Google Blog.”

Searches from mobile devices will be limited, as advanced features such as “Google Image Search” will not work. All queries will be returned as text only – so no links or graphics will be displayed.

Results from searches may prove to be quite useful for users on the go. Google’s SMS FAQ reports that phone book listings, online product prices for comparison shopping, calculator answers, and dictionary definitions will all be available for users of the new service.

There are currently no fees for users to use the service, but standard text messaging rates do apply.

For more information, visit http://www.google.com/sms/.