Sprint, Microsoft Present Location-Aware Search

Earlier today, Sprint and Microsoft announced a collaborative effort designed to provide fully integrated, location-aware search functionality on Sprint cell phones. The two companies have been working together since November 2006 on search related technology, and today’s effort is the next step in the strategic alliance.

Location-aware search is powered by GPS services built into certain Sprint cell phones. With the user’s permission, a cell phone can quickly identify its current location in order to avoid entering that information manually, essentially providing a default setting based on real-time location data. With GPS search, your phone will immediately return local results; of course, if you prefer to search the entire web, or wish to search outside your local listings, Sprint’s Live Search box is still easy to access and use.

In addition, select Sprint cell phones will now also incorporate voice search, making it possible to speak a business name or category directly into the phone, and enjoy hands-free search results tailored specifically to a local area. This advance is also due to the Sprint-Microsoft partnership, and takes advantage of a new user interface design courtesy of Tellme (a recent Microsoft acquisition).