Mobile search is the most compelling when it is centered on the tasks users cannot do at their PC – even if they wanted to. Against this backdrop, local mobile search – looking for what’s nearby on the fly -  is fast emerging as a kind of killer app. The model has even more teeth when combined with ad-supported schemes and click-to-call functionality. Little wonder that AOL, Google, InfoSpace and Yahoo have sharpened their focus on “mo-lo” – as some have dubbed this new vertical.

Not to be outdone Local.com has launched Local Mobile, a mobile service that lets users conduct local searches, access business profiles, and get maps and driving directions delivered to their mobile phones, according to an email release. The service - developed and deployed by Trilibis Mobile, a provider of mobile community applications and enabling technologies - is available on any mobile device with mobile Web browsing capabilities. Users can search by typing a keyword and location into their phones. Results are sorted by relevancy, distance and name – and users can save relevant searches. It’s not clear if the results are text-only or a more user-friendly mix of text and graphics. Likewise, the company fails to explain precisely where ad-funded comes in – but the release stresses that businesses can advertise on Local.com with subscription, pay-per-click, banner and pay-per-call ad products.