Update: Ask.com to Offer Location-based Services

Update: 5/15/07: Yep, it was announced on Monday:Ask Mobile GPS. I’m not sure the “GPS” part of the name is needed, though I suppose it forces the “location” idea vs. just a regular search. There’s a two week trial, then you are:

offered the opportunity to upgrade to the complete version for $9.99 per month, billed through your mobile carrier. If you don’t want to buy it, that’s fine. No hard feelings, nothing to return. A $2.99 per month version with GPS (but without Navigation) may be available for certain phones.

Huh? A $2.99 version “with GPS?” What’s that about? See, I told you putting GPS in the name was going to confuse people!

—-original post 5/14/07

Reuters provides a heads up on “Ask Mobile GPS,” a service to be announced this week from InterActiveCorp, parent of Ask.com. The service be available on Sprint Nextel through a deal between the carrier and WaveMarket. Apps include directions, find friends, local search, etc using data from IAC sites like Ask and CitySearch.

The Wall Street Journal says the service will run about $9/month.