Yahoo! Launches Go for Mobile 2.0 for BlackBerry Users

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Yahoo! Launches Go for Mobile 2.0 for BlackBerry Users
9th January 2007

Research in Motion BlackBerry users can now can download the beta version of Yahoo! Go for Mobile 2.0 on select handsets in a deal that expands the messaging device maker's relationship with Yahoo Corp.

The beta version of Yahoo! Go 2.0 is currently only avaiable on select handsets including the BlackBerry 8700 Series, BlackBerry 7130 Series and BlackBerry Pearl, RIM said in a press release issued Monday.

Research in Motion founder, Jim Balsillie, said, "Yahoo! Mail and Yahoo! Messenger on BlackBerry handsets deliver an exceptional experience that is representative of our strong relationship. We are pleased to be working with Yahoo! to bring new services through Yahoo! Go 2.0 to BlackBerry users around the world."

RIM and Yahoo! first announced their relationship to bring Yahoo!'s services to BlackBerry users in early 2005. Since then, the companies have launched several Yahoo! services including Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! Messenger and Yahoo! Search.

"We have optimized Yahoo! Go 2.0 for BlackBerry and believe we have created an unmatched mobile Internet experience on their handsets," said Marco Boerries, senior vice president of connected life, Yahoo!. "Together, Yahoo! and RIM have already successfully launched Yahoo! services to BlackBerry users through more than 120 mobile operators in almost 60 countries, and with today's launch we are continuing to make it easy for people to stay connected to what's important to them."

Yahoo! Go for Mobile 2.0 is a new application for mobile Internet users that offers the ability to personalize content from the Internet for mobile search, the company explained. Features include:

OneSearch, which recognizes the intent of a search term and presents only relevant content - not just a list of web links to PC sites;

Local & Maps, which includes interactive maps, driving directions and real time traffic updates. It also gives BlackBerry users quick access to comprehensive local directory information for businesses across the US;

A Command Center, for accessing news and information, though we don't see this as any grand feature, both Research in Motion and Yahoo! believe otherwise. arguing that the BlackBerry user can personalize the information.

A photo-sharing widget for Flickr users that allows BlackBerry users to access photos and browse or search the millions of images posted by the Flickr community.

The companies also plan to make Yahoo! Go 2.0 available for future BlackBerry handsets and develop even tighter integration between it and the BlackBerry platform.