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. […]

Google Inc. has made it easier for developers to build applications that can be embedded in the personal homepage that the search engine offers subscribers. The Google Homepage API Application Programming Interface page has information and software that developers can use to create modules, or "widgets," that people can then use to spice up their […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]