Microsoft updates Live Search Mobile

Microsoft announced an update to its Live Search Mobile application for Windows Mobile-based devices, promising a series of new features that make it easier for users to find local businesses and receive maps and directions via mobile device. The Live Search Mobile upgrade includes:

• LocateMe: A location-based feature that offers users their approximate location, even without a GPS-enabled device. Users may instantly search the area around their current location as well as view a map of the immediate area.
• Query Autosuggest: During search query entry, the Live Search client will suggest completed queries from partial input.
• Bird's Eye View Imagery: Aerial imagery of select urban areas from a natural angle.
• Mixed Query: Business names entered as a location in the search field will still yield a search result, regardless of the user's default location.

The Live Search Mobile revamp follows a week after Microsoft announced a significant new mobile search partnership with Verizon Wireless. Per terms of the five-year agreement, Microsoft will provide portal, local and Internet search as well as mobile advertising services on Verizon devices--the partnership goes into effect during the first half of 2009, when Microsoft Live Search will launch as the default search service on new Verizon Wireless feature phones and smartphones.

For more on the Live Search Mobile upgrade:
- read this Live Search blog entry

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