New iPhone Case Reduces Cell Phone Radiation by 60%

According to a press release, a protective case for the iPhone has launched which claims to reduce cell phone radiation by 60%

The Pong iPhone case is the first product proven by FCC-certified laboratories to reduce cell phone radiation. The case reduces the specific absorption rate (SAR, a mobile industry standard of measurement) by 60% and reduces intense `hotspot` cell phone radiation (Electric Field Intensity) by 85%. The Pong iPhone case is immediately available for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, through pongresearch.com.

A BlackBerry model will be available later this year, with models for other devices to follow.

Microsoft’s Bing targets mobile phones

Microsoft has rolled out Bing on Verizon Wireless’ network as part of an exclusive five-year deal with the carrier to provide search and advertising services, reports m-travel.

Microsoft’s GM for mobile media Charles Johnson told Bloomberg that in the first 20 days as Verizon’s default search, Microsoft’s mobile search handled 19 million queries, 10 to 15 times the previous rate. Microsoft reportedly paid $550 and $650 million to secure the five-year exclusive deal.

Google's Africa Strategy: Search And Trade Via SMS

Not only does Google want to organize all the world's information, it also wants to make all that information available to everyone in the world. TechCrunch reports.

In Africa, it is launching a suite of SMS services today, including SMS search, Q&A-style tips, and an SMS-based marketplace. The first country to get these services is Uganda.

The search service works like Google SMS in North America. You text a search term, and it responds via SMS with the result. Searches can be narrowed by using specific keywords such as “local time,” “weather,” “news,” “maps,” “translation,” or “currency conversion.” For more complicated searches, the related SMS tips service offers answers in an automated Q&A format.

But the most interesting application is Google Trader, which allows people to post items for sale and jobs via SMS. Other people can search for them by texting the service with the word “BUY” preceding the search term. Google Trader connects the buyer and seller together (each listing contains the seller’s cell phone number).

Related: Real time information about farming, health and trading will be available to mobile phone users in Uganda with new technology services developed by the Grameen Foundation, Google and telecom operator MTN. [Seattle Times]

Text-Message Service Fields Flood of Jackson Queries

In the wake of the sudden death of pop icon Michael Jackson one thing is clear: Fans can’t get enough of him, writes New York Times Bits blog.

Celebrations, vigils and synchronized moonwalks are being coordinated online. Sales of his music on Amazon and iTunes are soaring, according to The Times’ Media Decoder blog. Twitter is still populated with emotional outpourings of grief and messages commemorating Mr. Jackson’s music and legacy.

Mr. Jackson’s death is also prompting some people to ask questions about the life and history of the late singer. Mobile search service kgb, which employs human beings to answer text queries, has been flooded with questions about Mr. Jackson.

A spokesman for kgb said that since the first reports of Mr. Jackson’s hospitalization and death, the paid service — available by texting kgbkgb (or 542542) — has fielded more than 10,000 questions.

Got a Question? Ask K.G.B. Agents for the Answer

It's not quite the Soviet K.G.B., but a new service called kgb uses human agents to answer texted questions from mobile users for 50 cents a pop. Bits reports.

The New York company, which has been providing directory assistance services in the United States and around Europe since 1992, this month unveiled a human-powered mobile search service called kgbkgb. If you send a question via text message to kgbkgb (or 542542), a human “kgb special agent” will find the answer and text it back.

... Response times varies depending on the difficulty of the texted question, but a typical turnaround ranges from two to four minutes. A test question — “How many Oscar nominations did “The Wrestler” receive for the 2009 Academy Awards?” — was answered accurately in three minutes.

Links to related human powered mobile search services and other mobile searches on textually in Ask Experts / Mobile Searches category

Verizon, Google Close To Mobile Search Deal

According to the WSJ, Verizon is close to an agreement with Google on a wide-ranging partnership, in what could be a much-needed jolt for the anemic mobile search business.

"... The deal under discussion, which would make Google the default search provider on Verizon devices and give it a share of ad revenue, is aimed at dramatically simplifying what is now a confusing set of search options for cellphone users."

Mobile phones may be silenced in theatres

Theatregoers will no longer have to put up with noisy phones as Microsoft is developing a device that will jam the mobile signal inside buildings. The Telegraph reports.

"The company is developing a "device manners" system, which could force all mobiles on to silent mode and end the need for polite warnings before performances.

The system would use wireless technology to connect with mobiles in theatres and cinemas, forcing them to be silenced, barred from calls or switched off altogether.

In documents submitted to the US patent office, Microsoft also states that libraries and galleries could block visitors' digital cameras from photographing copyrighted work.

... So-called "phone jammers", which block reception in a small area, have been available on the black market for some time, but their use is illegal in Britain and punishable by hefty fines.

Manufacturers have been lobbying for a relaxation of the ban but have faced resistance from Ofcom, the telecoms regulator. "

Related: - Cell Phone Jammers Authorized in French Theaters

Google On The iPhone Spreads To 30+ Countries

Google's interface for the iPhone has been available in America for a while, but in what is sure to be a welcome development, the search giant is now making it available in over 30 different markets and 15 new languages. A special iPhone-appropriate edition of Google News is spreading as well.

[via Web Pro News]

Yahoo unveils a smarter mobile search

Yahoo announced a new mobile search strategy Wednesday at CTIA centered on the latest iteration of its Yahoo OneSearch product. NewsBlog reports.

"In a keynote address by Marco Boerries, the company's executive vice president of "connected life," Yahoo OneSearch 2.0 was released, promising "instant answers to any query, not just web links."

This means that search results will expand from traditional hyperlinks into other media--a search for "New York" could yield subway schedules, for example, or a search for local sushi restaurants could bring up available reservations.

Also central to OneSearch is voice-enabled technology. "Consumers can search for anything, including flight numbers, locations, Web site names, local restaurants, and more, by simply speaking," a release from Yahoo detailed.

The voice-activation software is now available for download on a number of RIM's BlackBerry devices, and Yahoo has said that over the next few months it will be compatible with more handsets."

ChaCha lets you, literally, ask a question

ChaCha, the human-powered Web search service, is launching a new service on Tuesday that will allow you to ask your question over the phone instead of having to text it. News.com reports.

"To use the new service you can call 800-224-2242 (which spells "chacha") and specify the information you want. ChaCha then sends you a text message with the answer. You can access your questions and answers on the Web as well."

Google; AT&T shocked by iPhone usage

Apple Insider reports that Google on Wednesday said it has seen 50 times more search requests coming from Apple iPhones than any other mobile handset -- a revelation so astonishing that the company originally suspected it had made an error culling its own data.

According to the Financial Times Vic Gundotra, head of Google’s mobile operations, said that if other handset manufacturers follow in Apple’s footsteps and make Web access easier on their handsets the number of mobile searches could outpace fixed internet search “within the next several years.”

[via ZDNet blogs]

Nokia to offer Google search on phones

Nokia will integrate the Web company's search engine into its phones.

The agreement initially covers models in Nokia's high-end N-series phones for select markets but the companies said it will be extended to additional Nokia handset models in the future.

Nokia said it will eventually make Google search available to its customers in over 100 countries.

[via Reuters]

46.1 Million People Use Mobile Search In US: Report

Nielsen Mobile has released the results of a survey of 5,700 mobile search users which found that 46.1 million people in the US used mobile search in the third quarter of 2007.

Of those people 18.1 million used 411 and 14.1 million used SMS-based searching.

The most popular searches included local listings followed by information such as sports scores, news or weather and mobile content.

A third of SMS searchers were under 25.

Moco News

ChaCha Debuts Human-Powered Mobile Search

ChaCha on Thursday announced a new human powered search service that allows users to text questions of any kind to 242242, which spells ChaCha on most mobile phones, and receive answers back by text. NewsFactor Network reports.

"While the service might not look unique at first glance, it is actually a real human being that sends the answers back. The service is currently available as a free trial, although the company said it plans to offer subscriptions in the future."

Mobile Phone comparison engine

TRG Online Ltd has announced the beta release v1 of their mobile phone comparison and review search engine right mobilephone for the UK.

The site will provide consumers the ability to instantly compare mobile phone offers from all the major networks and dealers in the UK, in addition it also offers reviews and ratings of mobile handsets provided by the site's users.

[via Press release]

Google Launches Mobile Phone SMS Search In China

Google has formally released a new localized product: mobile phone short message search in China.

This is the 25th localization product that Google has launched in China this year.

[via China Tech News]

Yahoo in 15-Nation Deal for Search on Cellphones

Under the deal, Yahoo will feature its search engine on mobile portals run by Telefónica of Spain in 15 countries in Europe and Latin America. The New York Times reports.

"Under the agreement, Yahoo will operate searches and sell advertising linked to them for Telefónica mobile services in 15 countries in Europe and Latin America.

... Google, meanwhile, has a search agreement with Vodafone, among others."

AOL Unveils New Mobile Search Services with transcodes

SearchEngineWatch reports that AOL is online with a mobile web search beta.

"AOL has offered some mobile services for years - December 2005 - (AOL Instant Messenger, mail, news, etc.) and has been testing new features since April.

The new mobile web search tool automatically "transcodes" or rewrites non-mobile pages into ones that are friendly mobile phones and devices. Google and Yahoo also offer this feature. "

Google Pushes Tailored Phones To Win Lucrative Ad Market

Google Inc. is searching for growth in cellphones. The WSJ reports.

"The company, which has made billions of dollars in Web advertising on computers, is courting wireless operators to carry handsets customized to Google products, including its search engine, email and a new mobile Web browser, say people familiar with the plans. It wants to capture a big chunk of the fast-growing market for ads on cellphones.

Google has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the cellphone project, say people who have been briefed on it. It has developed prototype handsets, made overtures to operators such as T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless, and talked over technical specifications with phone manufacturers. It hopes multiple manufacturers will make devices based on its specs and multiple carriers will offer them.

For wireless operators, the plans are a double-edged sword. Google's powerful brand and its popular Web services could help operators sign up more subscribers to data packages, on which they increasingly rely as voice revenue declines. However, operators have been wary about losing control over the mobile-ad market.

The long-rumored Google phones are still in the planning stages, and wouldn't be available to consumers until next year at the earliest, say people familiar with the idea. Some details are likely to shift as the plans develop."

Google creates iPhone-specific search page

According to TUAW, Google has created a brand new just-for-iPhone demo page for their search engine.

"It's all Javascript, as well, so it's fast and simple. The one drawback is that you can't actually go back after you've done a search (since it all loads in the same window), but it's Google, so odds are you'll find what you're looking for right away."

Google Plans Search Service for Mobile Content

According to The Wall Street Journal, Google is developing a new search service for cellphones that will help consumers find and buy ringtones, games and other mobile content.

"Google already offers cellphone users a version of its popular engine for searching the Web. Now the company wants to go beyond just looking up Web pages, effectively becoming a gateway for finding and paying for mobile media content."

Google releated fun spotted on Neotorama, "Google Eau de Toilette" for men. To help you "find" the girl that you are "searching for."

Yowgo: A image search engine for cell phones

Yowgo is an image search engine that allows you to send pictures to your cell phone for free.

mopocket tried it out:

Say, for example, I wanted to put Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney as the wallpaper on my phone. But the campaign does not provide this service. Well as simple search for Romney on YOWGO provided me with a plethora of material to use… now how do I get it on my phone. Underneath its picture is a little link that says ‘Send To Phone.’ This opens up a Mixxer site that allows you to enter your phone model and number and send away (it even lets you edit the picture). In no time you receive a WAP Push SMS with a link to a mobile website where your phone will then prompt you to download the picture. Thats it, your done.

Yahoo extends mobile phone search

Yahoo Inc. launched a new Internet search system for mobile phone users in Europe and Canada on Thursday, designed to provide locally relevant answers. Reuters reports.

"The service, which went live in the United States in March, now covers Britain, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Canada.

With this service, if a user wants to look for pizza restaurants nearby, he or she can type "pizza" into the search box on a handset and obtain a list of local restaurants as well as phone numbers with a click-to-call feature, the distances to locations and ratings, Yahoo said.

The service, dubbed oneSearch, also provides news, images, local weather and financial updates.

Wikipedia appears on cellphones in Japan

A Japanese Web portal operator has repackaged the content of Wikipedia so it can be searched and viewed on cell phones. InfoWorld

"NTT Resonant, which operates the Goo Internet portal, launched the http://wpedia.mobile.goo.ne.jp/ of "Goo Wikipedia" this week. The service includes only documents from the Japanese-language version of Wikipedia. The top page shows the current five most searched for terms."

South Korean mobile users hooked up to encyclopedia

Millions of South Koreans can get access to the Encyclopedia Britannica through their mobile phones from Tuesday, reports the AFP.

"SK Telecom said its 20 million-odd subscribers were now able to consult the prestigious encyclopedia on their cellphones. The new service is part of the company's efforts to tap the promising cellphone-based search market.

SK Telecom last September tied up with Google to develop a next-generation search engine specifically for cellphones."

UpSNAP launches Mobile Metasearch for Cell Phones

UpSNAP's' newly launched Mobile Metasearch is a search engine that sends a user request for mobile content to several other mobile content sites and returns the best results from each one in one page.

“In essence what Dogpile and MetaCrawler are doing for the World Wide Web, UpSNAP is doing for mobile phones,” said Tony Philipp, CEO of UpSNAP.

Press release

Google Launches free 411 service

Google announced a free 411 service yesterday, reports GigaOM.

In their own words: Google Voice Local Search is an experiment on Google Labs that offers free 411-like service. Google Voice Local Search is an experiment on Google Labs that offers free 411-like service.

With Google Voice Local Search, you get fully-automated, fast access to same local-business information you would find on Google.com. But you can access it from any phone, anywhere, at anytime.

The local-business information used by Google Voice Local Search is the same as that on Google Maps.

Nokia building Semantic Visual Search Engine

According to a patent filing published today, Nokia may be building a Semantic Visual Search Engine to organise the multimedia content on future mobile phones. mad4Mobile Phones reports.

"The patent covers a method "enabling a system to learn, categorize and search items such as images and video clips according to their semantic meanings."

Essentially the phone would contain software capable of learning about the photos and video clips on your phone and categorising them according to the elements they contain. "

Read more.

LG to install Google on millions of phones

LG Electronics said Wednesday it has reached a deal with the world's leading search engine Google to pre-install its services on millions of mobile phones. The AFP reports.

"Mobile users worldwide will be able easily to search for information, find locations, update blogs and manage e-mail while on the move, LG said in a statement.

Selected LG handsets, pre-installed with Google products and services, will be shipped globally in the second quarter. They will offer one-click access to Google's search engine as well as Google maps, Gmail and Blogger Mobile.

Samsung Electronics in January signed a similar pact with Google."

Yahoo jumps ahead of Google on mobile phone search

Yahoo introduced on Monday a new Internet search system for mobile phone users that delivers locally relevant answers, a move that vaults it ahead of what rival Google Inc. now offers, reports Reuters.

"Starting in the United States, with international markets to follow later this year, Yahoo said it planned to take advantage of the inherently local nature of many Web searches performed on phones.

"We are now putting search on every mobile phone that has a browser," said Marco Boerries, senior vice president of Yahoo's Connected Life business unit. "We are delivering the results consumers want with just one search, not a list of Web links."

Yahoo! Go on OneSearch, differs from how computer Web search delivers raw sets of links. Instead Yahoo serves up a list of actual information, such as news headlines, images from Yahoo's Flickr photos site, business listings, local weather and links to other Web sites.

Rather than showing popular movies or critical reviews, for example, Yahoo search lists local theaters playing a particular movie, user ratings of the film and news headlines related to the movie. Users only need to enter a zip code or city name for Yahoo oneSearch to begin delivering local search results.

Google takes a user several more steps to reach the same information as Yahoo oneSearch."