Verizon Android phones to ship with Chomp app search

September 13, 2011 | By Sandhya Raman

Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) will preload its Android smartphones with its new app store powered by mobile app search engine, Chomp, starting this fall.

The Chomp search button will allow users to search for apps by category or keywords like "kids' games" or "restaurant guides."

Chomp CEO Ben Keighran said the difference between Chomp and a Web-based search engine like Google lies in the algorithm. Searching for a "social network" in Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) may lead you to the Wikipedia page for social networks, he said, while using Chomp would show you various social networking apps.

This isn't Verizon's first time partnering with Chomp. In May, Verizon began offering the Chomp app through its V Cast Apps, allowing users to search for apps availale in V Cast and the Android Market at the same time.

Chomp will power Verizon Apps for Android devices.

"As the number of apps has exploded, app discovery can be a challenge for mobile users. Customers who use Verizon Apps store want to find the apps they want easily and quickly, and by integrating Chomp's search engine, we're enhancing that experience," said Todd Murphy, director of the Consumer Solutions Group at Verizon Wireless.

Keighran said that Chomp's search capabilities will push apps from lesser known mobile developers, since its algorithm takes new apps into its ranking, as well as app descriptions, app reviews and information available on Twitter and blogs. These factors, he said, explain the "DNA of every app."