Yandex, Russia’s largest and most popular internet search engine, announced its acquisition of SPB Software, a leading brand in mobile software responsible for making applications for mobile phones, which enable subscribers to do more with their handsets and their network connections.

This acquisition will allow Yandex to move into the growing mobile community as they begin to offer a mobile user interface configured to their key services.  This also boosts their opportunities in partnering with major players in the mobile ecosystem.

“Mobile is a vital part of our growth strategy. The acquisition of SPB Software creates new market potential for us and a plethora of possibilities for innovative solutions for our partners,” said Yandex’s CEO Arkady Volozh. “SPB Shell 3D is an ideal foundation on which to build up our mobile opportunity.”

Yandex announced last week that it is now the default search engine on Windows Phone in Russia.  The company partnered with Nokia, Samsung, HTC and Microsoft to provide its search services on the latest Windows Phone smartphone models offered in their country.  In October 2011, Yandex became the main search engine for Bada-powered smartphones in Russia and CIS.  Additionally, they have Yandex apps, based on their popular services, available for consumers.

“Windows Phone is a new operating system with great potential. It is bound to catch attention in Russia. It’s good to know that the Windows Phone users in this country will have familiar Yandex search on their new devices,” says Tigran Khudaverdyan, Head of Web Portal and Mobile Services at Yandex. “The range of apps we have already developed for this platform includes Yandex.Maps and Yandex.Market and we will continue our effort to expand this range.”

SPB Software developed the SPB Shell 3D, which offers the next generation user interface for Android smartphones.  It’ll be enhanced to integrate Yandex’s cloud services and technologies. Users will have easy access to the company’s services, including its search capabilities, featured on a wide variety of mobile devices especially with the featured intuitive 3D model of the homescreen.

“SPB Software is excited to join Yandex,” said Sebastian-Justus Schmidt, CEO of SPB Software. “This allows us to unite efforts in developing and marketing new cutting-edge mobile solutions. SPB Software will continue its mission to produce innovative mobile products of the highest quality.”

The SPB Shell 3D features a 3D home that allows for Activation of any panel in a single gesture, enhanced program list, easy app uninstall, easy management of your panels (Market link here).  There’s intuitive folders that allow users to manage programs easily while enjoying a 3D animation in carousel, cool 3D widgets and fun animations to keep your screen interesting.