Sprint and app search engine Quixey have partnered to bring new app discovery technology to customers of the US number-three operator.

Quixey’s app search technology will be integrated into several Android-powered smartphones which support the Sprint Zone content portal as well as the Sprint Digital Lounge on the operator’s website.

“First with Sprint Zone, and now by incorporating the Quixey search engine within Sprint Zone, we are simplifying the app discovery process and making it easier for our customers to get the most out of their wireless device,” said Sprint VP of product platform and services, Kevin McGinnis.

Quixey’s search engine allows users to search for apps in terms of what they want to do, rather than by using keywards. It uses data collected from online resources such as blogs, articles and tweets to work out the capabilities of individual apps.

“Working with Sprint means that we get to bring these search capabilities directly to Sprint customers, simplifying their app-finding experience and connecting them to the apps that they want to use,” said Tomer Kagan, Quixey founder and CEO.

Quixey’s technology was recently incorporated into the Ask.com online search engine to provide users with suggestions in response to app-related queries.