It is the CES PR offensive, and Yahoo is hoping to make another go (pun intended) of something that it announced at last CES with a big hoopla, and failed rather miserably after that: the mobile suite of Yahoo services called Yahoo Go. It is launching a new version of the software, with more directed results to help make search easier for users. Also, on promotion side, it will use online ads and links to aggressively encourage users to download its software for phones themselves, breaking from a past strategy of mainly relying on carriers and handset makers.
The company has also done deal with Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Research In Motion, who will include its new software on some of their devices. “This is going to be an epic fight,” says Marco Boerries, a Yahoo SVP spearheading the effort (through its “Connected Life” division). He aims eventually to have one billion mobile Yahoo users, though the company doesn’t disclose existing user figures.
On advertising front on Yahoo Go, it will share any mobile advertising revenue with the operators in return for cooperation. It will also announced names of mobile carriers outside the U.S. will work with Yahoo to distribute the new software to their customers.
Related: @ CES 2006: Interview: Marco Boerries, SVP-Connected Life, Yahoo