When you're searching on a cellphone, even if it is via the mighty Mobile Safari browser on the iPhone, you want decent results fast; users might be willing to scan through a couple of pages of Google's findings on their PC, but that's less appealing when you're peering at far smaller screen.  Wayfinder believes it has the answer; its Power Search web app simultaneously queries multiple databases with a single search term, presenting localised results (e.g. of nearby dry cleaners) on a Tele Atlas map.

The company is also looking at the iPhone SDK with the eventual intention of developing a native Power Search app for the handset (and its iPod Touch cousin).  According to Wayfinder, much of the information it queries is based in premium databases which users may not normally have access to; for a limited time, this includes Wcities travel content.

Press Release:

Wayfinder Announces Power Search Web Application For iPhone and iPod touch

Wayfinder today announced the launch of a web application that makes its award winning Power Search technology available to iPhone and iPod touch users. The technology is accessed via the Safari browser and allows the searching of a multitude of databases, through one unified search field, that cover up to 100 million local search records around the world. 

A user can enter a phone number, a persons name or a company name and the Wayfinder Power Search web application will return relevant search results. Through agreements with several database providers around the world the user receives relevant answers for the specific country where the search is being made. The search engine is based on Tele Atlas digital map data, to which information from a number of other premium databases is added. For a limited time premium travel content from Wcities will be searchable as well.

“We are pleased to have developed a powerful web application for iPhone and iPod touch," said Magnus Nilsson, CEO of Wayfinder.  "We're also excited for the opportunity to use the iPhone OS SDK to develop compelling location and search native applications for these revolutionary devices that we expect to deliver going forward."  

“Accurate digital maps and related content are the foundation of powerful location-based services and applications. With our data and Wayfinder’s Power Search application, the vibrant community of iPhone and iPod touch users can get an even more personalized experience from their devices”, says Jack Reinelt, COO EMEA, Tele Atlas.

About Wayfinder
Wayfinder is the leading supplier of innovative location and navigation services for mobile phones. User-friendliness, the core attribute of all Wayfinder's applications and services, makes it easy for consumers to take advantage of innovations for both business and leisure use. Our clients include major global mobile handset manufacturers and operators. Wayfinder’s base of unique users is growing steadily, and now exceeds 1,5 million users, from India to North America. Wayfinder has offices in Sweden, Finland, Romania and France. Wayfinder Systems AB is listed on the NGM Equity Stock Exchange in Sweden. For more information please visit www.wayfinder.com.