Yahoo and Google are launching wireless offerings that aim to entice more mobile handset users to access the Internet through their phones. Yahoo is teaming up with SBC to launch a handset that links with users' Yahoo accounts, address books and preferences. Nokia is on-board to develop the handset that should launch next year and will retail for $200 to $300. SBC and BellSouth's Cingular Wireless network will carry the phone. The handset's other features include an MP3 player, a 1.3-megapixel camera and a removable memory card.
Google's latest offering tailors the company's satellite maps program to JAVA friendly handsets. The mapping program retains its Internet functions so users can get driving or walking directions, search for businesses in a certain area and even have their phones automatically dial businesses that show up from the search. The company claims the service will work on over 100 different handset models. Although Google's tool is free, a data service plan is required.
For more on the Yahoo, Google wireless plays:
- see this piece from The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)