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2005

2005
Microsoft to Start Testing New Messenger
December 17, 2005 at 5:00 pm 0

Microsoft has started limited testing of Windows Live Messenger, an update that expands the consumer instant messaging software into areas such as Internet phone calling.

Various enthusiast sites, including Mess.be and BetaNews, reported that a private beta of Live Messenger is imminent, while another fan site, Messenger Blog, offered purported screenshots of the new software. Microsoft initially declined to comment, but the company had promised a beta version would come shortly.

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2005
Yahoo! Launches Widget Engine 3.0
December 16, 2005 at 5:00 pm 0

Yahoo! Inc. a leading global Internet company announced that the company has launched a new version of the leading cross-platform engine for mini desktop applications, Yahoo! Widget Engine 3.0.

Widgets are small, fast-loading applications that live directly on a users' desktop and perform a wide variety of tasks, such as checking for wi-fi presence or strength, finding contacts in an address book, updating a user's calendar, or checking their latest e-mail. These light weight applications are always available, and make it easier for users to directly access the content they care about without launching specific, single-purpose applications or a web browser.

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2005
Microsoft May Share Search Revenue
December 16, 2005 at 5:00 pm 0

Search engine users could get a cut of the online action, Gates suggests.
In an effort to draw business away from Google, Microsoft announced plans to share some of its online advertising revenue with consumers who use its Internet search engine.

Gates said that search engines like Google get their revenues from advertising because people use these search engines.

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2005
Yahoo Acquires Shared Bookmark Site Del.icio.us
December 15, 2005 at 5:00 pm 0

In its latest acquisition of a social networking service, Internet powerhouse Yahoo Inc devoured del.icio.us Inc., a startup that enables people to more easily compile and share their favorite content on the Web.

Joshua Schachter, the founder of Del.icio.us, confirmed a posting on the New York-based start-up's site that the company had been acquired by Yahoo. A Yahoo representative confirmed that the agreement to buy Del.icio.us had been closed.

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2005
Microsoft, MCI Plan PC-To-Phone Service
December 15, 2005 at 5:00 pm 0

Microsoft Corp.'s MSN and MCI Inc. said they are teaming up to extend the reach of MSN's instant-messaging service into the crowded global computer-to-phone call market.

The companies are the latest to enter the market for calling using personal computers. Those in the market include Skype, recently purchased by eBay, along with Google and Yahoo.

But the service will permit only outbound calls at first, even as rivals Yahoo Inc. and America Online Inc. allow instant messaging users to receive calls from conventional phones as well as to call out.

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2005
Google Gets on Board with Transit Trip Planner
December 14, 2005 at 5:00 pm 0

Don't miss the bus!!! -- Google Transit Trip Planner targets consumers who take the bus.
In another sign of Google's interest in diversifying its offerings, internet search giant Google Inc. has launched a beta of a new transit service that helps users plan a trip using public transport, according to a posting on the company's internal blog.

Analysts said the new service could pay advertising dividends for the search giant. Some see it as yet another clue of Google's intent to take on online travel giants like Mapquest.com Inc. or Expedia Inc.

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2005
Google to Expand European Base in Ireland
December 14, 2005 at 5:00 pm 0

Google to Expand Workforce at European Headquarters by 75 percent over next few years

In a major overseas expansion, Google is adding up to 700 jobs in Ireland, more than doubling employment at a Dublin office serving Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Dublin center, Google's biggest non-U.S. office, includes customer service, advertising sales, finance and other operations.

Google announced the office last year, noting at the time that workers there came from 35 nations and spoke 17 languages -- "imperative for doing business across Europe." Google credited the high caliber of European university graduates available and Ireland's unusually low corporate tax rate with influencing its decision.

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2005
Skype Partners Thomson Directories for Local Search
December 14, 2005 at 5:00 pm 0

Skype have announced a partnership with Thomson Directories to boost its toolbar with new local search features. Skype’s web toolbar will now let users search for any business using the optimized Thomson Local search engine.

Thomson Directories are widely acknowledged as the market leader in local search, so it made perfect sense for Skype to work with them, said Skype’s VP of Business Development, James Bilefield.

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2005
Microsoft Gives Local Search a New View
December 13, 2005 at 5:00 pm 0

Microsoft has added an enhanced satellite view along with other new user features to its local search product, which was re-branded from Virtual Earth to Windows Live Local.

Microsoft of late has unveiled a beta version of Windows Live Local, which is based on its Virtual Earth aerial image application and integrates local search, mapping, driving directions and yellow pages with a bird's-eye view of major U.S. cities.

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2005
Yahoo Seeks Growth by Uniting Ad Strategies
December 12, 2005 at 5:00 pm 0

Yahoo looks to raise effectiveness of advertisements by tracking searches and clicks of user.

Yahoo Inc., the world's biggest online advertising supplier, is aiming to fend off challenges from Google Inc. and Microsoft Corp. by helping corporate marketers use both keyword and brand-based ads, its advertising sales chief said in a statement.

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