Sprint, Microsoft roll out location-based Live Search
by Donald Melanson 
posted Sep 18th 2007 at 12:02PM
It looks like Sprint users now have a few more search options at their disposal, with the carrier and Microsoft announcing today that Live Search will now automatically take the users' location into consideration. Apparently, the service makes use of cell-tower triangulation, and not GPS, to determine the users location, making it somewhat less accurate but far more widely available. What's more, the pair also announced a new voice search feature that'll work with five of Sprint's high end phones, including the Samsung a900 and a920, the Motorola Razr, the Sanyo 840 and the LG 550. As you can probably guess, it will let you speak search terms instead of typing them in, with it also giving you the option to press a button to call the business you're searching for. While Sprint is getting all Microsoft's attention at the moment, the company is quick to point out that the service is not exclusive, and "could become available via other operators in the future."
[Image courtesy of Search Engine Land]
[Image courtesy of Search Engine Land]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BT @ Sep 18th 2007 1:35PM
whatever happened to your windows mobile crowd, Sprint? is that not "high end" enough for you?
Andrew @ Sep 18th 2007 4:20PM
We apparently have enough money to buy an external GPS to use with our phones that Sprint cripples to kill GPS on (Mogul). I'm guilty. Oh well, it works better anyway.
Blair @ Sep 18th 2007 2:23PM
I'm at a loss to figure out how this works. When I use the LS App, or the LS page, I still have to designate a location.
Anybody figure this one out?
Jeremy S @ Sep 18th 2007 3:00PM
Well, point your phone's main browser to http://mobile.search.live.com/client/download.aspx to download it. And Windows mobile IS listed there. Though there was no support for the samsung a920.
dennispg @ Sep 19th 2007 2:34AM
thats the original live search app.. not the gps enabled one.
here is how you ACTUALLY get it:
youre expected to go to the sprint vision portal, and search for something. this brings you to a page of local results, with a link for "Precise GPS Location". Click that and you'll be taken to the sprint premium content store to download this program for $0.00.
or you can use this link to get to it directly:
http://search.portal.sprintpcs.com/wls.aspx
worked for me on an A900. seems to be java only though, and not downloadable on a 700wx.
JayCaesar @ Sep 18th 2007 3:49PM
gs jeremy let me check it out see how it is :)
Blair @ Sep 18th 2007 4:16PM
I have the application installed on my Q with Sprint- but there is no change in functionality. You still have to select your market (from a very limited list).
BT @ Sep 18th 2007 4:17PM
Jeremy S, there is actually a Windows Live search part for the windows mobile. However, when I try to do a search, it does not do anything correctly for the corresponding search....
Andrew @ Sep 18th 2007 8:02PM
There actually is a seperate application called Live Search, not the search bar at the top of the Windows Live app. I just downloaded Live Search for the first time yesterday (got my new external GPS yesterday). It doesn't look like the version in the pictures and there aren't any updates, so I don't think a Windows Mobile with the tower triangulation location method has been released.
shaniac @ Sep 18th 2007 11:28PM
This is a brand new custom local search app. It is avaialble for supported handsets via the Sprint WAP homepage. Local Search terms in the search box will get location on EVERY Sprint phone, but he supported devices for this app will be presented a link to download the new custom Live Search App.
Kirk Yuhnke @ Sep 19th 2007 12:10AM
It doesn't seem to be supported on Windows Mobile devices. I have a Treo 700wx and a local search on the Windows Live page is still asking me for my zip code. No trace of any location support.
Imagine that, *Microsoft* and Sprint launch a service for location based searches and it doesn't work on *Microsoft* phones. Someone tell me I'm missing something here!!
ryan @ Sep 19th 2007 11:49AM
It is not hard to setup but it can be a little bit messy when you need to figure out how to get the whole thing together. The guide on the following link should be able help you:
http://www.deluo.com/support/manuals/BT-WLS-QIG.pdf
It is for PDA phones but the sames principles should apply for smartphones like the Moto Q ;)
Blair @ Sep 20th 2007 2:32PM
Sprint's unfortunate response:
Thank you for contacting Sprint. I will be happy to assist you regarding the new Sprint Live search.
Unfortunately the only information we currently have regarding this feature is on out website at the link you provided. Please check Sprint.com for more features and updates.
Thank you again for contacting Sprint. We appreciate your business.
Zach W.
E-Care
Sprint
"Where our customers come first!"