Opera dumps Google for Yahoo

Also from CES: Following yesterday's introduction of its revamped Go for Mobile 2.0 search service, web giant Yahoo announced a number of mobile search agreements with international carriers and device manufacturers alike, but perhaps none was more significant than its new strategic partnership with web browser developer Opera Software, which in signing on with Yahoo effectively terminated its year-long agreement with rival search firm Google. In dumping Google to name Yahoo its exclusive mobile search partner, Opera becomes the first major technology firm to switch from one mobile search service provider to another.

Opera announced Google as the default partner for its mobile web browsers Opera Mobile and Opera Mini in December 2005. "Opera has shipped more than 50 million mobile browsers and our experience is that search is one of the most important services to be included in a mobile browser," said Opera founder and CEO Jon S. von Tetzchner in a prepared statement announcing the new Yahoo deal. "Therefore it has been important for us to find a partner that will work closely with Opera to optimize the user experience."

For more on the Yahoo/Opera agreement:
- read this release
- FierceWireless' report 

Related articles:
- Carriers snub search giants for mobile search
- Yahoo tests mobile search advertising