Ask.com is joining the mobile fray, launching a Web search service designed specifically for cell phones and handheld devices on Thursday.

Ask Mobile Search features navigation shortcuts to minimize keystrokes and provides direct access to key search categories on the home page, like directions, image search, business listings, maps and weather, according to the company, a subsidiary of InterActiveCorp.

The service uses technology called Skweezer that squeezes Web pages so they appear in a format that is easier to view on small displays and increases 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.

The service will be ad-free.