T-Mobile USA, an early convert to branded Google mobile search for its web’n’walk mobile Internet service, has tied up with white-label provider Medio Systems to improve mobile search on its t-zones portal. According to the press release, Medio’s “mobile search and merchandising solution” will not only let users find content on-portal; it will recommend content to users based on their intent...For example, a search for a Nickelback ringtone will bring back every available Nickelback ringtone, CallerTune, wallpaper and news item on the t-zones portal that can be played or displayed on that user’s handset.
The enhanced T-Mobile search service is supported on currently available phone models, as well as on many older phones. The new mobile search system – which presents users the search option through a search box prominently placed at the top of t-zones pages – also offers improved local search. Users can search local business listings by area code, in addition to zip code and city names. They can also search by business name and browse categories of listings related to a query.
But the real tough act to follow: This mobile search scheme goes one better than the rest and proactively recommends similar content to users based on an analysis of their content preferences and intent.