Windows Live Search For Mobile Beta
Microsoft has released a beta version of its Windows Live Search For Mobile.
The Java application is available for download directly to your device from http://wls.live.com/
It should be noted that the Nokia E61 is not listed as one of the supported devices. However, the application will run but that’s about it. It feels sluggish, rough and unfinished. I wouldn’t even recommend installing the application unless you are really curious to try it out. Having said that - it is a beta and as I mentioned, the Nokia E61 is not listed as a supported device.
The application provides the basic set of features you would expect from a mobile search client.
The application has an integrated mapping feature so that you can get driving directions to and from search objects.
This functionality feels and looks as a lesser version of Google Maps. I think my main objective is just that - the application feels like second class. It’s another “Me Too” application. I hope it greatly improves before it goes live. For now I’m sticking with Nokia Mobile Search and Google Gmaps.
Thanks Viocc
December 3rd, 2006 at 11:39 am
Is anyone else having problems installing this app? When I click on the link in my E61 browser (or Opera for that matter), it asks me if I want to install, makes me verify the certificate, etc. Then it says “Connecting”…followed closely by “Disconnected”. So I can’t install it? I have tried the install over my carrier’s internet service (ATT Internet) and over wireless LAN. Any suggestions??
December 3rd, 2006 at 12:42 pm
Hi Justin,
I had no problems installing the application on the Nokia E61 and the E62 on Cingular’s network. I used the regular browser. I know it’s cold comfort but you’re not missing out on much here.
December 3rd, 2006 at 1:04 pm
Justin: i had this problem when downloading it with Opera Mobile. I then tried to download it with Web (or Services maybe i forgot) and installation worked fine. Not really worth the effort though. Nokia Mobile Search does the same thing and works a lot better.
December 3rd, 2006 at 5:34 pm
No problems here with default browser, download ok, and instalattion ok.
Working fine, have more details in my country (argentina) than google maps, nad also than map24.
December 3rd, 2006 at 7:05 pm
I installed it on the N80ie but I don’t think it was meant for devices with small screens. The fonts seem too big.
December 4th, 2006 at 1:57 am
Hey all…sorry to hear about the issues! We’re working feverishly to increase our device support, so we’ll get a new release out as quickly as we can (weeks and months, not days…sorry!) to improve our device support.
Thanks for giving it a try, and if you’re willing to, we’d love to have you give it another try when we get your devices “officially” supported. If you have any questions, feel free to email me directly at sgarrity at microsoft dot com.
December 4th, 2006 at 5:17 am
The problem might be that the full URL to the JAR isn’t in the JAD file. This sometimes causes problems during download.
MIDlet-Jar-URL: WindowsLiveSearch.jar
December 4th, 2006 at 6:32 am
people still use msn and other windows products on their mobiles? lol
google is the only way to go..
December 4th, 2006 at 1:54 pm
Sam -
lol - google sucks just as much as ms sucks.
Nona
December 4th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
sorry but i beg to differ..msn is so 1999 .. but maybe im missing something?
December 4th, 2006 at 6:57 pm
Beg all you want. They still suck.
December 8th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
Well thanks for the suggestions, I will try it in the Services browser. And if that doesn’t work maybe I can hand-edit the JAD file…
And thanks to Steve for stopping by, it’s nice to see product reps monitoring the forums.