While Sprint scrambles to get their house in order and get their only hope for serious survival in the US wireless landscape off the ground, the No. 3 US wireless carrier has announced that it has teamed up with Google to bring more functionality to its handset lineup. Apparently, Sprint wants to use Google's search functionality in its mobile web portal. And, Sprint wants to introduce homescreen search on certain devices later this year.
Google Maps and YouTube are also slated to come pre-installed on future handsets, which should be music to Sprint subscriber ears'. Location-based search will also be introduced later this year.
Let's see what the more consumer-oriented approach to wireless service does for Sprint's flagging performance. The new partnership with Google combined with the unlimited Simply Everything plan and the Samsung Instinct, Sprint could have a winning combination on their hands.
Press release on link.
Sprint and Google Expand Relationship to Enable Richer Mobile Experience and more Choices for Sprint Customers
Sprint Handsets to Feature Easy Access to Google Mobile Search, Google Maps for Mobile, YouTube and More
Overland Park – May 7, 2008 – Sprint and Google [NASDAQ: GOOG] this day announced a partnership aimed at more deeply integrating Google applications and services into Sprint customers’ mobile experience. As part of the deal, Google™ will become Sprint's preferred mobile search provider and Sprint users will have easier access to Google Maps™ for mobile, YouTube™ and more.
Sprint and Google are committed to providing users with the most dynamic mobile experience possible. Both companies have actively advocated the importance of an open mobile ecosystem and understand that users should have more choice when it comes to selecting and accessing content on a mobile phone.
“Our partnership with Google is a great example of how Sprint is making the mobile Internet experience even more customer-friendly and useful to our customers,” said Kevin Packingham, vice president of product management at Sprint. “Sprint looks forward to extending its partnership with Google, and to bringing customers a mobile experience enhanced by the speed of the Now Network, complimented by the services of Google.”
“Google and Sprint have a lot in common when it comes to our vision for the mobile web,” said Doug Garland, vice president of product management at Google. “We both believe in openness and providing compelling, easy-to-use mobile services that consumers can use every day. We look forward to working together to deliver a great experience.”
With some capabilities available as soon as this summer, the partnership with Google and Sprint offers Sprint customers:
- Google mobile search: Google will become the default search provider for web search and local search (GPS-enabled) on the Sprint portal on customers’ current web-enabled Sprint phones as well as new devices. On choose new devices later this year, Sprint customers will be able to bring up a Google search box on their device's home screen, providing them with one-click access to Google mobile search.
- Google Maps for mobile: Also featured on new Sprint handsets and available on some current smart phones will be Google Maps for mobile, an application that enables users to view maps and satellite imagery, find local businesses, get driving directions and view real-time traffic information when they're on the go.
- YouTube: With this new partnership, millions of fun and interesting YouTube videos — as well as all the user's favorites, videos and channels — will be accessible from choose new Sprint handsets.
- Location-enabled search and maps: Sprint will also enable users to take advantage of location data for Google search and Google Maps for mobile, making it even easier for users to discover what's around them and then figure out how to get there.
Going forward, Sprint and Google will continue to explore ways to provide users with compelling mobile experiences and more application choices.
Today's announcement extends the two companies' collaborative history. In November 2006, Sprint and Google made Gmail™ available from the Sprint portal. Late last year, Sprint joined Google as a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance™, which is currently developing the Android™ open mobile platform. And earlier today, the two companies announced that they would contribute to the formation of Clearwire, a company focused on building the first nationwide mobile WiMAX network.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving approximately 54 million customers at the end of 2007; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.
About Google Inc.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information each day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google this day is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.
Google, Google Maps, Android, Gmail, Open Handset Alliance and YouTube are trademarks of Google Inc. in the United Says and / or other countries. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
####
Media Contacts:
Jennifer Walsh Kiefer, Sprint
913-794-2950
jennifer.r.walsh@sprint.com
Michael Kirkland
Google Inc.
415-793-5571
mkirkland@google.com
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