Best Buy to install Google mobile applications

A Best Buy sign is seen on a store in Alexandria, Virginia, September 15, 2009.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Best Buy is offering to install Google mobile applications on smartphones sold at its stores as the electronics retailer steps up services to lure shoppers and tackle competition.

As part of the deal, associates at the mobile retail unit of Best Buy will install "Google Mobile App" on all compatible smartphones through the "Walk Out Working" program, which is a free in-store smartphone setup.

Although Google Mobile App can be easily downloaded from m.google.com, users often run into problems because they don't have the right handset or data plan.

Google Mobile App offers faster searches on Google sites from any mobile phone. Key features include an option to search Google without having to navigate to the Internet and search by voice.

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

(Reporting by Dhanya Skariachan; Editing by Gary Hill)