Yahoo Updates its Android Aviate Launcher with New Search Box Feature

With the aim of increasing its advertising and search revenues, Yahoo has been making improvements to its business strategy in recent years. In 2013, the company acquired popular blogging site Tumblr, followed by the acquisition of Flurry, BrightRoll, and Zofari in 2014. Yahoo also partnered with Firefox late in 2014, and became the browser’s new default search engine.

Yahoo Introduces Search on Aviate

On December 22, 2014, Yahoo announced an improvement to its mobile app, Yahoo Aviate Launcher, adding a search feature similar to that of Google’s. The company introduced Search on Aviate, which included a new search box found on the home screen.

“By design, Aviate shows you apps and information the moment it’s useful. But what happens when you need to find something a bit more specific? Today, we’re excited to begin rolling out Search on Aviate,” stated the announcement.

Figure 1 (Source: Yahoo Aviate Blog)

Figure 1 above shows the added search box on the Aviate Launcher. According to Yahoo, it serves as the users’ “gateway to apps, contacts and the Web.” Search results are directly presented to users in their home screen to avoid opening separate windows or a browser when making a search. Furthermore, web results are powered by Yahoo. [See Figure 2]

Figure 2 (Source: Yahoo Aviate Blog)

To experience Search on Aviate, Android users can download the newest version from Google Play, or update the currently installed iteration. Shortly after the download or update, a transparent search widget will appear on the home screen, and users may conduct searches right away.

The update to Aviate was released in the United States on December 22, 2014, to all English-speaking users. While Apple device users will have to wait a little longer (as there still is no official word if it will be released on iOS), the company did say they were “look[ing] forward to bringing Search to more Aviators soon.” The same can certainly be said for the rest of the world.

Will Search on Aviate bring Yahoo more search revenues? Cite your opinion in the Comments section below.

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