It may be the dog days of August, but we're still cranking away here at AOL Search. Today we're unveiling the new beta version of AOL Mobile Search. Now when you're away from your computer, the power of AOL Search can go with you.

You can access AOL Mobile Search on your mobile phone by going to wap.aol.com then select "1" for Search.

Customized Views
To start with, we've created two versions of the AOL Mobile Search service. The "basic" version works on almost all cell phones that come with an Internet browser. For Windows Mobile users, we've created a special "Enhanced" version.

There are two main differences between the versions. First, Windows Mobile powered cell phones typically have larger screens, so for each search we're able to display more items on each screen. The second main feature difference is that the enhanced version for Windows Mobile takes advantage of Pocket IE and displays relevant content under tabs. This tabbed format organizes content more efficiently and makes search easier to navigate.

Searching on a mobile device means searching when you're on-the-go, which means you're probably not interested in browsing or exploring you're looking for answers -- and you want the right ones.

Just like our desktop version, you can now enter your searches in one box, but you get back much more than a list of website links.

In future posts, I'll go into more detail about getting the best results out of each search, but for now, let's go over some main features of the new search experience.

Local Listings
In the new AOL Mobile Search, you can search for local listings. Each result deep links into a page created by AOL CityGuide which contains information about the venue like a picture or a description of the establishment. Maps and directions of how to get there are also available from MapQuest. Be sure to set your location in search so you can get the best results and accurate directions.

Weather
The weather information is easy to find in the new AOL Moble Search. Just type "weather" if you've already set a location or "weather, city, state."

Movies
Looking for a flick to see with your chick? You can get movies in your area easily too. A search brings results directly from AOL Moviefone.

Stock Quotes
These days you can't check the financial markets often enough. Most days stocks are down :-( Prices, Charts, and the news for each company are at your finger tips.

Images
He's got the home run record, but Barry Bonds doesn't stop making news. With AOL Mobile Search you can get pics of the world's home run king.

We've packed a lot into the beta release of AOL Mobile Search, I hope you'll take the time try it out on wap.aol.com, then select "1" for Search.

We're especially interested in your comments and questions, so don't hold back.

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Posted by our guest blogger, Farhan Memon, Sr. Product Manager for AOL Mobile Search. Meet Farhan at the AOL Search Lunch at SES San Jose on Tuesday, August 21, where he'll talk more about AOL Mobile Search.

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