News in IT

Now you can search for anything, even when you're on the move. Navtej Kohli shares the news.


Microsoft introduced several new and updated features in connection
with an updated version of Live Search for Windows Mobile, continuing
its efforts to strengthen its hand in the mobile device game.


The update provides a new way of organizing local information and
Internet searches, dubbed "Collections." The feature is designed to
aggregate frequent searches, making their results easier to access
while on the road - for instance, enabling a user to always look up
nearby events.


In addition, the update also provides deeper integration with Windows
Mobile phones, user generated PC content, and Web search, and offers
weather forecasts.


Microsoft's release of Live Search for Windows Mobile marks the
company's second major announcement on the mobile device front.
Microsoft also revealed that it would supply Windows Live services to
one of its fiercest competitors in the smartphone arena -- Research in
Motion (RIM).


Microsoft will now provide a version of its Windows Live services to
run on BlackBerry devices. Services for BlackBerry devices are
scheduled for summer release.


The efforts come as an indication of the burgeoning importance of
mobile search and services. A recent report from Juniper Research found
that by 2013, about 30 percent of the expected 4.2 billion owners of
wireless devices will depend on mobile device searches to find and
locate local digital information.


Live Search for Windows Mobile also adds a "map a contact" feature that
displays a map and directions to any contacts in the user's contacts
list. Enhancements to Web search include the ability to launch searches
directly from the client, according to the spokesperson. Additionally,
a new weather report feature includes four-day forecasts.