Thursday, Feb 28, 2008    Text size: 

The use of Google to power the Nokia Search application will be limited to higher-end models in select markets initially, with availability in broader markets and more handsets planned for the future.

According to Nokia, its Search function is available with one click on the standby screen, and enables users to act on search results using device assets such as maps, messaging or the browser with just one click.

"Providing choices for our consumers is an important driver in Nokia's Internet service strategy," Ilkka Raiskinen, Nokia's vice-president of software and services, said. "This integration allows our consumers the ability to use the innovative search technologies, which have made Google almost synonymous with Internet search."

"Adding Google to Nokia Search provides mobile users with fast, relevant and comprehensive search experience that will be familiar to the people who use Google to search the web from their desktop," Vic Gundotra, Google's VP of engineering and products for mobile, said. "Google search combined with the high quality applications on Nokia devices help make information available to Nokia device users wherever they are and provide an excellent overall experience."

The new agreement follows previous collaborations between the companies, highlighted by Google search's earlier availability on Nokia Internet tablets, and a 2007 deal where according to the company, the Nokia N95 8GB became the first mobile device to support the Google-owned YouTube video-sharing platform.