Japanese mobile operator NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and web services giant Google jointly announced a partnership to deliver search services, search-related advertisements and potential applications to the carrier's i-mode users. In addition to the existing i-mode menu site search service, DoCoMo subscribers will now be served Google search results for mobile and PC web sites via the new i-mode search-box, which will appear on the top-page of the i-mode portal. DoCoMo and Google will also collaborate to enhance the user-friendliness of i-mode services, promising to improve access to Google services easier via i-mode handsets, most likely by preloading the Google Maps application onto future device releases. The expanded search services are scheduled to launch in spring 2008; concurrent with the rollout, DoCoMo will also introduce keyword-based advertisements employing Google's AdWords platform.
Google and DoCoMo added they will continue studying new mobile marketing services; the two firms are also in discussions to bring to market handsets based on Google's fledgling Android mobile OS.
For more on the DoCoMo/Google deal:
- read this release [1]
Related articles:
Google [2] unveils Android, Open Handset Alliance
Google [3] in handset talks with operators
Google [4] developing mobile content search service
Google [5] files mobile advertising patent
Google [6] AdWords go mobile
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/ntt-docomo-and-google-partner-mobile-internet-services
[2] http://www.fiercemobilecontent.com/story/google-unveils-android-open-handset-alliance/2007-11-06
[3] http://www.fiercedeveloper.com/story/google-handset-talks-operators/2007-08-07
[4] http://www.fiercemobilecontent.com/story/google-developing-mobile-content-search-service/2007-07-17
[5] http://www.fiercemobilecontent.com/story/google-files-mobile-advertising-patent/2007-01-26
[6] http://www.fiercemobilecontent.com/story/google-adwords-go-mobile/2006-09-07