ESPOO, Finland—Nokia Corp. announced plans to build on its relationship with Yahoo Inc., embedding the Internet giant’s mobile search application on its Nseries multimedia handsets and other phones running the Symbian operating system.
The world’s largest handset maker said Yahoo will provide Web and image search results in more than 10 languages across a number of Nokia smart-phones models. Nokia began working with Yahoo in April 2005 in an effort to bring search and other Internet-based services to users of more sophisticated handsets; Yahoo also provides its wares for some of Nokia’s multimedia phones.
“Nokia is extremely focused on providing the multimedia computer user the easiest route to explore the Internet and find what they need while they are on the go, such as images, facts, restaurants and addresses,” said Ralph Eric Kunz, Nokia’s vice president of multimedia experiences.
Both Yahoo and Google Inc. continue to make significant strides in wireless as the lines blur between mobile and fixed-line Internet services. Both Internet giants are teaming with phone-makers and carriers to gain entry to the mobile playground, and both are hoping to expand on their success in monetizing Internet search services.
Google has struck a deal to place a branded key on Motorola Inc. handsets that will launch a wireless Web session using Google’s site as the home page; the company also provides wireless Internet services for the Web ‘n’ Walk offering from T-Mobile in Europe. Last week, Google quietly expanded its AdWords program to wireless, allowing advertisers to place targeted marketing messages in search results.
