Medio launches on-device portal for content

By Giselle Abramovich

February 11, 2008

Consumers can search for real-time information on-the-go

Medio Systems has created a search and discover feature that can be embedded in handsets, giving users one-click access to content such as real-time news, sport scores, weather, flight status and local directory information.

The Medio On-Device Portal has an open platform architecture and enables operators to customize their portals with content and services sought by subscribers.

“The mobile phone is transforming into a personal access [point for] entertainment information, but it’s much more targeted and personal,” said Rob Lilleness, chief operating officer of Medio, Seattle. “We have built a platform to let carriers plug and play what information and services they would like you to see.”

The Medio portal is available on T-Mobile USA’s t-zones and is pre-loaded on the Nokia 6263 and Motorola Razr II phones, with additional devices expected to follow this quarter.

Medio’s portal lets consumers search and browse for information on-the-go and to customize their mobile devices. It has a graphical user interface and a single, universal search box at the top. It lets mobile users find, preview and buy downloadable content such as wallpapers and ringtones.

Consumers can also search for real-time information, including weather, news, sports scores and local directory listings.

“Carriers can now rapidly get the experience to consumers,” Mr. Lilliness said. “In past it’s taken months to get services deployed onto a carrier deck. With the ODP, it’s much faster.”

A feature Medio added to the search box suggests search terms as the user types, based on 3,000 of the most popular searches by other users.

The Medio portal is operating-system-independent and requires little memory capacity. It can be pre-loaded on almost any data-capable phone.

“The ODP is basically the back-end platform that makes a rich front-end experience,” Mr. Lilliness said. “It’s almost like a universal search embedded right onto your phone.