Mobile cloud for collaborative search

Abstract

Most mobile search tools are designed for individuals, many mobile searches involve people searching with others. Recent research suggests that collaborative search is particularly common on mobile devices - for example, friends headed out to eat might work together on their smart phones to find a good restaurant. One study found that 93 percent of smart phones users have engaged in co-located collaborative search with multiple phones at some point, and another study found that 65 percent of all mobile searches take place with others. Mobile search collaborators are usually co-located and searching for the same thing at the same time, but can feel distant nonetheless. One reason for this is that mobile device use can stifle direct verbal communication. Additionally, sharing mobile device screens can be awkward, particularly for certain group sizes, demographics, and relationships between collaborators. CozeApp addresses these issues by taking advantage of user proximity to augment the collaborative search experience. People performing collaborative mobile search use body language to signal their willingness to share, usually by moving closer to each other and sharing their screens when they want to discuss results. The CozeAppapplication builds on this interaction by letting users physically signal collaboration intent to the device and those around them by using their phone orientation. CozeAppmitigates mobile-related antisocial behavior through features that facilitate and reduce unnecessary or uncomfortable coordination.