It looks like Sprint Nextel is making a step in the right direction when it comes to simplifying the discovery of content, and it is including another bonus: mobile advertising. Today the operator is launching Microsoft's Windows Live search bar that looks to be the most comprehensive search engine on a mobile phone we've seen yet. Users can search for content but also go outside of Sprint's network for local information such as nearby restaurants or movie theaters via one tool. The local search component allows businesses to bid for top listings as sponsored links in the local search directory. Like the wired Internet search world, businesses will pay a few pennies when customers click to call them through the service.
For more about Sprint Nextel's deal with Microsoft:
- check out this article from The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)