WebProNews

Users of the Opera Mini or Opera Mobile web browsers will see Google take Yahoo's place as the default search on March 1st.

People devoted to Yahoo's oneSearch will need to go an extra step to reach it from their handsets after Saturday. Opera announced a change to their browsers' default search, making Google the built-in choice.

"Google and Opera have established a valuable relationship over the years and we look forward to continued collaboration on mobile products," Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner said in a statement. Opera began using Google as its default search engine in desktop-based browsers in 2001.

It was not long ago that Opera touted Yahoo as its mobile search partner. In January 2007, Opera swapped Yahoo for Google in a move both Yahoo and Opera noted as one to bring mobile advertising into Opera's browsers.

When we asked Opera in January 2007 why they opted to move away from Google, a spokesperson said Yahoo offered the best proposal on a commercial and strategic level.

Some users of Opera's mobile browser complained about the switch from Google to Yahoo after last year's change. Given the length of time Opera and Google have worked together, it was surprising Yahoo ever entered the equation.

Maybe it's time to spark up new whispers of Google acquiring Opera, as has been rumored a few times over the past couple of years. That event certainly won't surprise industry observers if it comes to pass, but YouTube notwithstanding, Google tends to favor smaller acquisitions.

Update: Yahoo responded with this note about the situation:
"Yahoo! has elected not to continue its mobile search partnership with Opera at this time. Yahoo! oneSearch is an industry leading mobile search service and offers an innovative and compelling search experience for mobile consumers around the globe.

With more than 29 carrier partnerships covering over 600 million consumers, we’ve experienced tremendous success and received incredible consumer response from oneSearch users.

Our ability to partner with leading mobile operators and handset manufacturers enables us to lead and further the global mobile ecosystem. Consumers with Opera browsers will continue to have access to Yahoo! oneSearch, and as long-standing partners, Opera and Yahoo! will continue to work together."