Mobile local search, or MoLo, is a technology[2] that enables users to search for local information through their mobile devices. It encompasses various access methods including GPS tracking, SS7 protocol, and screen or voice-based searches. The type of information accessible ranges from specific business details to products and event data within a localized area. The service providers include mobile carriers, directory enquiry providers, and Yellow Pages[1] publishers. The business models for these services can be caller-pays, advertiser-pays, or a blend of the two. MoLo’s significance lies in its immediacy, local knowledge, and precision. However, its use raises privacy[3] concerns related to GPS tracking and data mining of consumer[4] behaviors. The growth and value of the MoLo industry vary, with expectations of exceeding US$1 billion by 2010. This technology is linked to other aspects such as dash-top mobile, mobile platforms, and social event recommendations.
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Mobile local search is a technology that lets people search for local things using mobile equipment such as mobile phones, PDAs, and other mobile devices. Mobile local search satisfies the need to offer a mobile subscriber spontaneous access to near-position services and information such as businesses, products, events, restaurant, movie theatre or other local information. Mobile local search is the search and discovery of persons, places, and things within an identifiable space defined by distinct parameters. These parameters are evolving. Today they include social networks, individuals, cities, neighborhoods, landmarks, and actions that are relevant to the searcher's past, current, and future location. These parameters provide structure to vertically deep and horizontally broad data categories that can stand-alone or are combined to comprise searchable directories.
Mobile local search is usually based on organized directories accessed through specialized search tools, rather than the web, although mobile local search often provides links to mobile (WAP) web sites. It is also an application of a location-based service.