Sprint and Microsoft announced today that they are offering Sprint Nextel cell phone subscribers access to Microsoft's Windows Live search platform via their wireless handsets. Available on the main WAP deck of the subscribers handset, the search experience allows users to search for local listings as well as other information available on the WAP deck such as ring tones, wall papers, news, weather, sports, etc.
Users will have to enter their ZIP code to get local information, but the news reports indicate that the service will become location enabled utilizing GPS capabilities on the mobile phones. It would make searching for Pizza or a Starbucks really easy when you are on the road. From the joint release - "The location-based offering available today from Sprint and Microsoft requires users to input their location by entering their ZIP code, address, or city and state. Future versions of the service are planned to enable consumers to give permission to automatically locate them and show the nearest businesses that match their search."
The economics of the deal hinge on Microsoft's ability to sell advertising in the search results. The companies will share in the advertising revenue. The service will be free to Sprint Nextel users that have a data plan. An interesting quote from Sprint on this deal, from a Reuters article - "It's probably one of the largest opportunities in wireless data services today," said John Styers, general manager of mobile advertising for Sprint Nextel.
This announcement comes on the heals of other carrier/local search deals. Medio locked up Telus and Verizon, InfoSpace is running Cingulars search, and JumpTap will power search at Alltel.
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