Times Internet to launch local search mobile application

The Internet company has inked a deal with Canada based local search service provider, Poynt Corporation, to launch Poynt, a local search mobile application, in India.

Times Internet Limited (TIL) has tied up with Canada based local search service provider Poynt Corporation to launch Poynt, a local search mobile application, in India.

The application will be called TimesPoynt in India. It will allow smartphone users to search for local content related to movies (timings and theatre details), restaurants (addresses and reviews), nightlife, events, weather updates and maps. Later, the company may add more content categories.

The content will be interactive in nature and will offer facilities such as click-to-call to enable users to contact the listed or searched entity (such as restaurant) directly.

Times Internet will create or source the content, while the technology part will be handled by Poynt Corporation. In an official communiqué, the company mentions, "TIL will provide local content that is available through its subsidiary company portals and distribution channels. TIL will also identify and establish relationships for third party content and services to provide a complete and comprehensive directory of local information for TimesPoynt users in India."

It indicates that TIL is contemplating adding more content categories to the application in future.

TimesPoynt will run on smartphones - BlackBerry, Nokia smartphones, Apple iPhone and Android-enabled handsets - and will be available as a downloadable application across all major application markets run by mobile operators such as Airtel and Aircel and mobile handset manufacturers such as Nokia and BlackBerry.

The application can be downloaded free of cost; however, the user will have to pay the Internet data charges for the usage of the TimesPoynt application. The company plans to earn revenue through the integration of sponsorship and location based deals or offers inside the application. Display advertising will not be used to monetise the local content search application.

The Times of India group plans to use its traditional and online media properties extensively to create awareness and push the adoption of the application.

In an official communiqué, Rishi Khiani, chief executive officer, Times Internet Limited, says, "The Poynt application is an excellent opportunity for both the companies to collaborate to provide mobile local search services to the Indian market. The ability of its technology to provide such rich content to basic handsets, the expanding geographic footprint and support for multiple device platforms is an excellent fit to expand our own product portfolio. We are looking forward to a long and profitable relationship with Poynt."