While Google may own the web search market, Microsoft's announced deal with Verizon could put them at the top of the mobile search space. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced the partnership at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas yesterday.
With the purchase of Alltell expected to be completed soon, Verizon would have the largest market share of the mobile space in the United States.
"Under a five-year agreement, Microsoft Live Search will become the default search service on cellphones and smartphones running on the Verizon Wireless network. Verizon's customers will still be able to access other search services through their mobile Web browsers," the New York Times reported.
Though they can access other engines, just like the browser installed on a computer, most would likely use the default. Given the growing use of mobile devices in place of computer use this could be a major play by Microsoft in what could become the future of search.
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