Mobile searchers are interested in making a decision, not doing research. They are ready to buy, call or visit.

Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon appear well positioned to take the lead in the mobile payments landscape except for the fact that these companies do not garner the same level of trust as others in the payments space, according to a new report from Javelin Strategy & Research.

Google is building up its Google Offers database via a new mobile advertising initiative within Pandora’s iPhone application, pointing to the company’s growing commitment to take a spot at the top of the mobile deals space.

Apple recently threatened to ban apps from the App Store that use “black hat” techniques for improving visibility. There is a better way to help consumers find and download your apps.

Dot-com companies including Google and Amazon are reportedly trying out physical retail stores as a way to attract new consumers. Could the shift to bricks-and-mortar stores be a sign of the times to come for online retail?

The mobile industry let out a big “oops” this week when flaws were exposed in mobile applications from Google and Citi that put consumers at risk, suggesting that the rush to be first in mobile payments and mobile banking may come with a price.

Two Google employees closely associated with its Google Wallet initiative have recently either left the company or moved on to other projects in a possible reflection of the challenges that Google is facing in the mobile payments space.

With consumers increasingly using mobile for price comparison, finding retail locations and shopping, retailers need to develop and think strategically about ways to integrate mobile into their overall marketing channels with smartphone and tablet uses.

A Google panelist speaking on a Mobile Commerce Daily webinar yesterday said that eBay and Sephora come to mind as retailers that took full advantage of mobile commerce during the 2011 holiday season.

The 2011 holidays marked a turning point in the history of mobile commerce with more shopping activities done on mobile this year than ever before. This free, hour-long webinar with Google, RSR Research, Carat and Kony Solutions tracks mobile commerce’s progress over the holidays.