These days, the buzz in mobile is nothing new. I can already see industry tradeshows (Adweek, SES, etc.) using mobile as the major buzz word for the next couple of years. In a race that is as intense as the
race to the moon, the search giants are trying to get as much leverage as they can to take pole position.
Yahoo GO! recently invited me to participate in a survey which would qualify me to become their mobile search panel. Evidently, being "their panel" gives me an opportunity to be heard. In translation, I'll help them refine their mobile offering for free. Considering my nature in exploring all things mobile, I graciously signed up for the survey. 15 minutes later, I was told that I should expect something in the inbox shortly for more instructions.
As it stands, most of the Google mobile products are reigning supreme. I've not used Yahoo products since the early days (circa 2004-05). I hope these initiatives will help the overall mobile community to grow as a whole.
I will provide more updates later (assuming I am allowed to do so). Of course, if you don't hear from me, it could also mean that I am not allowed to disclose.
Yahoo OneSearch aka Mobile Search is now offering new and improved weather forecast. Not surprised here since they powered iPhone's Weather Widget. Now you can get the same forecast on most phones over browser. I normally bookmark Google's mobile search result for NY 10011 zone, but will test this out on my Treo 680 or N95-3 next time I have the SIM card in there.
Microsoft announced they will be launching mobile banner ads to advertisers interested in reaching customers using mobile Hotmail and Messenger. This is a natural progression for Microsoft to continue its pursuit to compete with Google in two playing fields: Mobile and Advertising. While Google's mobile advertising model is based on a more open-ended network (Adsense publishers can be anyone), Microsoft's staple of users on Messenger and Hotmail is pretty sizable in itself. In addition, its mobile operating system has had a first mover advantage with a large user base.
Yahoo's actively trying to get people to pay attention to their mobile search products. On their homepage today, they shared the popular searches for actors on mobile. Click through for more results.
Couple days ago, I wrote about Yahoo Go 3.0 Beta being available. I took the time to install it on my Nokia N95 and here is my review:
Got an email from Yahoo! today. Annoucing the beta version of Yahoo! GO 3.0. It is compatile with iPhone, WM5/6 and Nokia S60 devices. Yahoo! GO is composed of an array of web services designed for your handheld device (Maps, Mail, Messenger, etc.). In addition, there are some 3rd party mobile widgets available for download (MTV News, eBay, etc.) I'll give it a go and report back shortly. (Note the Nokia N95 8GB used in the photo... sweet!)
These days, the buzz in mobile is nothing new. I can already see industry tradeshows (Adweek, SES, etc.) using mobile as the major buzz word for the next couple of years. In a race that is as intense as the race to the moon, the search giants are trying to get as much leverage as they can to take pole position.