Yahoo Jazzes Up Mobile Search
Google SMS started serving search results to mobile users in the US just a few days back. Now Yahoo! follows it with even more comprehensive feature set. Google SMS is currently text based for the results; Yahoo! jazzes them up with maps, website icons, as well as local searching. Website icons are a feature where user can call a VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) number on their mobile handset by clicking on an icon.
This move by Yahoo! and Google proves that they are no longer satisfied just by serving the online user community. Mobile internet connectivity is the next big thing for them and they are not planning to let any other party take the initiative. This can especially get them a better chance to compete with local players in developed Asian countries like Japan and Korea where internet on mobile is a craze.
Although both Google and Yahoo! are currently offering these services for no charge, the companies admit that they might look into commercialization of services once they get popular. Also interesting would be the fact that how soon these companies can move out of US market to cater to global demand. Currently the local searches on these services have been limited to American localities.
Sushubh Mittal is the Search Engine Journal Tech Columnist and Editor of TechWhack
