Google to become the default search provider for Sprint

Google, in an attempt to further strengthen its position in the mobile market, has taken its relationship with Sprint to the next level. From now on, Sprint users will be able to access Google applications more easily than ever.

1. Google will become the default search provider in Sprint’s portal. Also, Sprint plans to add a Google search box to the screen of a chosen few devices so that users will be able to access Google with a single click.

2. Google will also be the default provider of GPS enabled local search for Sprint users.

3. Google Maps for mobile will be available on Sprint handsets. Using this, users will be able to access live traffic information, get direction assistance for driving, view roadmaps, find local businesses, and also view satellite imagery, which is a specialty of Google.

4. Google’s YouTube will be available on new Sprint handsets. Needless to say, this will probably be the most accessed application of Google in Sprint handsets.

Sprint has been one company which has always stood by Google and it’s not surprising at all that they’ve got into such a deal. If you remember, Sprint was one of the first companies to make Gmail available in its portal about a couple of years back. Also, Sprint is a part of Google’s Open Handset Alliance.

In my opinion, this is a perfect example of a symbiotic relationship. Google will gain a stronghold in the mobile market by reaching out to a lot of customers and Sprint will be able to offer a lot of choices and a richer mobile experience for its users.

Categories: Google, All things mobile phones.

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Local mobile search to have huge growth

Juniper Research has recently released a brilliant report which analyzes the future of advertising supported local mobile search services. Some of the important points mentioned in the report were

1. Around 1.3 billion mobile users, a whopping 30% of the user base, will utilize local mobile search facility in 2013.

2. Currently, North America and Western Europe are the best regions for local mobile search. However, this will change soon and China will likely become the leading market for local mobile search.

3. Experts feel that users are more likely to respond to ads that come with local mobile search facility than to generic ads that get displayed in mobile internet or mobile TV.

The research firm has pointed out that this service can only be as good as the local conditions. You need to have good coverage of points of interest, enough mapping data for the place, and lots of high quality local directories which can provide you with the necessary info about the place.

Personally, I think it’s great to have such a facility which you can use to find your way in an unfamiliar place. Especially, people who travel a lot and are constantly on the move will love this service. So, in my opinion, an ad-supported local search facility would be a great success with mobile users. However, the local infrastructure needs to be developed to a great extent in order to make this possible. Hope this happens soon.

Categories: Cell Phone Advertising, All things mobile phones.

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