A new mobile-phone service claims to be the first to offer location-aware search for products, not just for stores. The service, called Slifter, uses GPS-enabled cell phones; alternatively, a user can enter his or her zip code. The phone then displays lists of products that can be sorted by proximity or price.

During a recent test of the service, a search for a Nikon D40 accurately showed many nearby stores selling the camera. The Slifter search noted how far each store was from the phone and showed that all stores were selling the Nikon D40 for $599.