Sprint teams up with GPShopper, adds Slifter

The number of consumers researching products on their cell phones is still small compared to the number who use home computers, but that could soon change as a result of a deal announced today by cell phone provider Sprint.

Sprint has launched Slifter, a local product search application from GPShopper, on its network that enables customers using select Sprint phones to find products at local retailers.

By entering a keyword, product name, model number or UPC code, customers can check on the price of an item, see whether it's available and get directions to the store. Shoppers can also save items to a shopping list and share their findings by sending product information to their friends' and families' mobile shopping lists.

Sprint, which will capitalize on its GPS capabilities to ensure the closest possible retailers are identified, will charge $1.99 a month for the service from GPShopper, New York.