Yahoo launches oneSearch, forms partnerships

08-01-2007

by Emmet Ryan

On the opening day of the Consumer Electronics Show, internet giant Yahoo has launched a search engine service for mobile devices.

The oneSearch service is designed to optimise search functions by delivering answers directly into the results, as well as web links. For example, if a user wants to see the result of a sporting event they can do so by typing the name of a team or participant into the search box. The result from that event as well as upcoming fixtures will be listed first, followed by additional content.

The service was made available on Monday to users through Yahoo's Go for Mobile 2.0 beta service. The company aims to make the service available across all its mobile web and SMS services by the end of January. Different regional and language versions will be rolled out over the coming months.

"Yahoo oneSearch changes the mobile search game by fundamentally improving the way consumers access and use the internet on their mobile phones," said Marco Boerries, senior vice president of Connected Life, Yahoo, in a statement.

The launch of oneSearch coincides with the release of the new beta version of Yahoo Go. The application is designed to customise internet use to meet consumers' personal needs. Yahoo, on Monday, also announced a series of partnerships with companies who will roll out Go on their various devices and services.

Three Group, the parent company of Three Ireland, has announced the Go service will be made available to customers in Ireland, the UK, Sweden, Denmark and Italy.

Korean mobile handset manufacturer Samsung has announced that it will provide Go on millions of new devices in over 60 countries. Samsung will pre-load Yahoo services, including Go, oneSearch, Yahoo Mail and Yahoo Messenger, on its mobile phones beginning in the first half of 2007.

"Samsung recognises consumers' need for internet access through their mobiles anytime, anywhere," said Kitae Lee, president of Samsung's telecommunications network business, in a statement. "Samsung mobile phones with Yahoo services will provide consumers with fast and convenient access to the internet, even on the move."

Nokia has also agreed to partner with Yahoo to provide the service on its handsets. The search giant will also partner with Research In Motion to deliver the service to PDAs, while web browser provider Opera has named Yahoo as the exclusive provider of search functions on its mobile browsers.