Phlo is a powerful internet search tool for iOS

Earlier this year, I took a look at Phlo for Mac and liked it. Phlo lets you conduct one search using multiple search engines. You could, for example, use Google, Bing, Amazon and Wikipedia with a click to change search engines. No retyping of search terms. No hassles.

Now that search power has come to iOS, with a universal Phlo app (US$2.99) that lets you search 30 search engines, such as Twitter, eBay, Facebook, Flickr, Wolfram Alpha and more.

I used a variety of search techniques, and the app worked flawlessly and quickly. Then I tried some specialized movie searches using IMDb, Vimeo, YouTube and Google. If the pre-set searches aren't enough, you can create your own.

Phlo for Mac ($3.99) has also been updated, and users can sync their search histories between Macs and iOS. It requires setting up a free account and signing into each device. On the Mac, Phlo can be launched with a keyboard shortcut.

I spend a lot of time searching on my phone, iPad and computer. Phlo speeds up the process, giving me usable results quickly. One thing that is missing is the ability to save a set of search engines and use those for specific searches. That would enable one-click searches. The developer says it's being worked on, and it can't come too soon for me.

Phlo for iOS requires iOS 6 and is optimized for the iPhone 5. It's worth a look if you're a constant "searcher."