AOL Launches Improved Mobile Search

AOL has improved its mobile search capability, especially for Windows Mobile devices. Earlier I had incorrectly reported that there had been a full relaunch of its mobile portal. Only the search functionality has been improved and relaunched. There are now two types of search experiences: an enhanced Windows Mobile experience and a non-Windows Mobile version, which is also improved but with a slightly different presentation.

AOL noticed that a disproportionate number of users were using Windows Mobile devices (and mobile search), so the company created an experience with horizontal tabs that dynamically change depending on the query or context of the search.

Here’s an example for sushi, San Francisco:

Here’s an example for movies, 94118:

The new AOL mobile search seeks to leverage AOL’s branded content (e.g., MapQuest, AOL CityGuide, Moviefone) to attempt to deliver a better experience and more structure in search results.