As the use of mobile phones in everyday life continues to grow, using the mobile Internet technology available with most of these services is expected to increase as well. As many of you know, searching is the second most popular Internet task next to email. Because of this, it is little surprise the search engine industry is embracing the mobile generation as well.
While search is indeed a popular activity, search providers are not focusing on Internet search as much as they are local search when it comes to the mobile user. While Internet search is indeed available, companies like Google and Yahoo are focusing on local mobile search and map services a great deal. You can now add Live.com (MSN Search) to that list also.
According to an announcement on the Live.com blog, Microsoft if launching Live Search for Mobile Beta, a local search mobile service offering users 3 different methods they can search with:
Mobile Software – Download an application to your phone for local search, maps, driving directions, and live traffic information in a faster, richer and more interactive user interface. It’s the best way to search from your phone.
Mobile Browsing – Access maps and directions directly on your phone’s browser. Simply enter mobile.live.com/search into your phone’s address bar and select Map. Choose from the scopes of Local, Web, Map, News and Spaces and get Live Search from your mobile device.
Text Messages (SMS)– If you don’t have a data plan, you can simply send a text message to 95483 (WLIVE) with a query like “Toys Chicago, IL†or “Coffee 90210†and you’ll immediately receive a text message reply with the nearest business listings with address and phone numbers.
For more information, visit Live.com’s mobile search about page.
