After pondering over two big stories today, Sprint introduces location based services and Nokia and Yahoo team up to offer search , I realized there's a bigger story here.
I can't see how any service provider will allow Yahoo to control search/info request on the phone. Service providers are already in a tizzy about having users go to other portals to get info. So that got me to thinking.
The two things service providers have that can be used. They have the GPS data of their users at all times and they tell the phone manufacturers what software/platform to put on the phones they will be selling.
Why can't SP's put their own mobile search window on the cell phone? Why can't they basically introduce a desktop search for the cell phone?
You won't need to go to the web to find your mobile info. Type in Starbucks or pizza and be directed to Sprint's mobile services. Remember, this is a MOBILE NAVIGATION PLATFORM, not search. If you want search go to www.google.com.
By sending a keyword query into Sprint's server, is it quicker than surfing the Net? Is that an advantage in itself?
The next question is who's in charge of the mobile keywords? Sprint, Verizon aren't in the business of selling keywords. Will they license a mobile keyword directory?
Who will be in charge of this mobile keyword directory? I already gave my idea how big this will be HERE .
Typing in Starbucks or pizza gives the same info based on your location, and it doesn't matter what SP you are using. What it does though is give the SP a tremendous amount of data they call sell for mobile marketing campaigns.
This cuts the SMS info request companies off at the knees. I would rather type in Starbucks in the "window" than go thru the effort of sending a SMS to Google or 4INFO.
Sprint loses out on the $1.25 411 calls, but they can charge more overall for this data package.
With Sprint introducing a commercial tool (GPS) as a consumer application, the playing field really changes. Not only do service providers have the ability to think outside the box, they can at the same time, keep you in theirs.
Out of nowhere I can see how the service providers present a serious threat to the search engines and could own the mobile search space.
Would love comments on this one.
Hey Google, did you ever think a pin dropping could sound so loud??
3 comments:
Vangorilla...
If that's true, and it could be, Google will have no choice but to get into the phone space that a company like Virgin Mobile inhabits. Think about it, the Google phone with a lot of Google goodies inbedded in the phone itself. The control for the end user is becoming more cat and mouse every day.
Walden
HEY PRIMATE -
Why not just come out and say it? All these posts are about Neomedia Technologies, their patents, and their present and future role in all this.
If you don't make that clear, it might make many readers believe that the door is wide open to develop the same kinds of technologies, which can slow this whole thing down in litigation.
Tell the world about NEOM. It is okay to do that you know.
I doubt 4INFO or Google are limiting themselves to a SMS search. There are a lot of ways for them to provide mobile search for info and content even if a carrier like Sprint chooses not to work with them - like via WAP or an app. From a strategic point of view, Sprint is better off staying open and charging for data usage to prevent their subs from going to a more open mobile provider. In the end open always wins.
Post a Comment