AOL Top Mobile Search 2007

by: Bena Roberts Thursday, December 13th, 2007

Rating: Mobile Search Emerges (AOL’s words not mine)

AOL’s guru mobile search man Farhan Memon pinged me in the early hours to tell me about this press release. He highlighted the fact that ringtone content was integrated into the search and how AOL is stealing a lead in this area.

I am sure that UpSnap and Google both announced mobile content search services earlier in the year – but AOL deserves kudos for being the first to boast on the success on mobile search and drive new business. But I think the point that Farhan was making reflected on the partnership with Thumbplay earlier this year for ringtone content search and the success in this is proven (see below) but ringontes being the number 9 best search in mobile.

Top Mobile Searches:
People used mobile devices to not only stay connected, but to also seek out information in 2007. Leading this year’s mobile search list is Iraq, followed by MySpace (no. 2); iPhone (no.3); Games (no.4); and Mail (no. 5).
Farhan filled in the rest to number 10: chat (#6), music (#7), Facebook (#8), ringtones (#9) and eBay (#10)

From the press release:
“Search results provide a unique snapshot of what’s on the minds of millions of people from around the world, over the course of a year,” said John Kannapell, Senior Vice President, AOL Search. “This year’s annual list of top searches from AOL offers an interesting take on what people found interesting in news, politics, entertainment and pop culture in 2007.”

What we think?
This is proof that mobile search is gaining traction and is the glue that connects consumers with data on the mobile Internet.