Interactive Corp.'s Ask.com is launching a mobile search services for cell phones and other handhelds.

As its more successful search rivals have recently done, Ask.com has thrown its hat in the mobile rink, writes CNET. Ask Mobile Search offers navigation shortcuts to reduce keystrokes and direct access to search categories, including directions, image search, business listings, maps and weather. The service will be ad-free (at least for now).

Ask is using Skweezer's technology, which "squeezes" pages to fit on small displays and increase download speed. Ask Mobile Search also lets people automatically dial numbers from listings, select driving or walking directions, and send maps and directions to mobile phones.