Search engine launches mobile app platform

China's top search engine Baidu has launched its own mobile application platform to bolster its presence in the competitive mobile web market. The platform, named Baidu Yi and modelled on Google's Android mobile operating system, will enable third-party application developers to create apps such as games, maps and other tools which they can distribute in a similar way to Apple's App Store, the Shanghai Daily reported. Baidu Yi will be rolled out to mobile devices in the future. The company also launched its new homepage, which will add four features, including social networking functions. However, Baidu Inc CEO Robin Li said the new homepage could have a negative impact on its revenue by requiring users to register a Baidu account, reducing traffic on the site.