Nokia introduces mobile search to its smartphones

Nokia has introduced a mobile search software solution that provides users with easy and fast access to leading search engines directly from their handset. The search application is a simple and fast way for Nokia smartphone users to find and connect to any website as well as local search engines. The current search service and content providers include Eniro, Fonecta, Medio Systems, Yahoo! and Yell.com.

The mobile search application is currently being piloted in the UK, Finland and Sweden and will be distributed in the standard sales packs of the Nokia 6680, 6681 and 6630 smartphones. Existing owners of these devices can download the search application for free from www.nokia.com/mobilesearch.

The local search engines enable searching for local services or businesses – anything from restaurants and hotels to taxi numbers or flower shops. Results of local searches display the relevant contact data, and the user can instantly, with the push of a button, call the given telephone number or save it to contacts. Moreover, with integrated mapping solutions from ABmaps.com portal by AtlasCT and digital map data from NAVTEQ, the results can be shown on a map, aiding users on the go to locate their destination. Users can also save and send the map as MMS to a friend.

When traveling between countries, the search application automatically offers to change to available local search engines. Users can also change the location setting manually.