12 July 2005

For when you just cannot be without search
Yahoo launches SMS search

Following Google's lead, Yahoo has extended its search service with an offering that allows mobile phone users to receive query results via SMS messages.

It works pretty much the same way — key in 92466 (spells Yahoo, natch) for the short code, then text your query. For local search, enter a business name or type and location (”coffee 14850,” e.g.) to get back results close to where you are.

It’s rolled out to Cingular, Sprint and Verizon right now, T-Mobile apparently coming on board soon (and probably Nextel, though the distinction will be moot shortly)

Unlike Google, however, White said that once a user retrieves a reply from Yahoo's text message search service, they can refresh it without having to retype the query. That could be useful, he said, for retrieving the latest stock quote on a company.

Yahoo SMS search is available for Cingular, Sprint and Verizon Wireless customers. Other carriers should be added soon. Google's SMS service supports most US carriers, including all of the "big 5" which would add T-Mobile USA and Nextel to Yahoo's list.

Google launched a SMS search technology similar to Yahoo's late last year, as well as an XHTML based version.

The Yahoo technology for now is available to users in the United States only. A demo can be viewed here.

To see a full list of shortcuts available for both services, get more information on how to use Yahoo! Search on a mobile phone and details on carrier and device compatibility consumers can go to http://mobile.yahoo.com/search.
Yahoo! is not charging consumers for either service. However, data fees may apply; consumers will need to check their plan with their wireless carrier.