Baidu to launch mobile search app

BAIDU, the Chinese search engine has launched a mobile application in response to the rapid growth of the Chinese mobile search market.

The business continues to compete with Google and the app, called the Baidu Palm, will enable them to take the fight into the mobile sphere, as it comes pre-installed on handsets through deals with manufacturers.

It will allow users to access Baidu's message board and online question and answer facilities, as well as letting users upload pictures quickly.Baidu's service already comes pre-loaded on 3G handsets via mobile operator China Unicom. China Telecom also offers Baidu's search engine services.

Google is already available in China via China Mobile, which has the world's largest number of subscribers, whilst Baidu has nearly 70 per cent of the Chinese search market, whilst Google has 20 per cent.

Last month, Baidu rolled out iTieba, an addition to its Tieba topic forums. The service, like Google Groups, but much more popula, a personal status page for Tieba users that is similar to Twitter - Tieba literally means “post bar”.

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