That spring is an invigorating time is reflected no more clearly than in the world of search , so sit back and let us guide you through another week of growth and change.
Speculation surrounding Yahoo!'s future has remained a prominent feature of the last seven days. Insiders told The Wall Street Journal that a deal with Google is getting closer - a move many see as part of Yahoo!'s larger plan to escape Microsoft's takeover bid - but confirmation is yet to come from any of the parties involved..
However, despite refusing to reveal specifics, Google exec Eric Schmidt did say it is nice to work with Yahoo!. Meanwhile, rumours abound that Rupert Murdoch may pursue a bid with Microsoft for Yahoo!. With so much attention focused on the company, you can be sure that Yahoo! will face intense scrutiny when it announces its first-quarter earnings today.
All in all it's been another week of good news for Google, with reports that not only have Google's revenues exceeded investor's expectations, but the search engine giants were ranked top in the world's most powerful brands earlier this week.
To achieve this kind of recognition you have to be consistently innovative; it's unsurprising then that this week saw involvement in new online services from the search colossus. YouTube videos were launched on Google Maps, iGoogle developments are announced and Google's plans to be involved in indexing people's DNA are reportedly moving forward.
In other news, it's been a busy week for web services firm AOL, as they acquired contextual search tool provider Sphere Source and opened a dedicated Tainwanese Portal - featuring web and image searches provided by Google and modified for the Taiwanese consumer by AOL.
Furthermore, the search world moves ever closer to a greener lifestyle this spring, with Google's investment in start up eSolar and its revamp of Google Earth for Earth Day.
What's more, the bigmouthmedia team also has a spring in its step- several members of our team are preparing themselves to take part in a 73 mile bike and hike in aid of Maggie's Cancer Care Centres early next month - sponsors are welcome!
As always, the bigmouthmedia reporters have had their ears pressed firmly to the ground, or their eyes glued to the screen as the case may be. And if you can't wait until next week for more bigmouthy news, check out bigmouthmedia on FriendFeed for daily news updates - bringing you tidings from the fast moving world of search.
Google invests in renewable energy start-up eSolar
Google is to provide a boost to renewable energy start-up eSolar, it has been revealed.
Murdoch refuses to rule out deal over Yahoo!
Australian business mogul Rupert Murdoch has refused to rule out a possible deal with Microsoft over search engine provider Yahoo!.
Google launches developer sandbox
Internet giant Google has announced the launch of a new sandbox which developers will be able to use in order to start making social networking gadgets.
Yahoo!'s earnings 'to face scrutiny'
Search engine provider Yahoo! is expected to come under intense scrutiny when it announces its first-quarter earnings, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Google 'intent on indexing DNA'
Google is making further moves towards indexing people's DNA, it has been revealed.
Google ranked top in world's most powerful brands
Internet giant Google has topped a poll of the world's most powerful brands.
Nice to work with Yahoo!, Google exec says
Google chief executive Eric Schmidt has spoken positively about the search engine's collaboration with rival firm Yahoo!.
Google revenue exceeds investors' expectations
Internet giant Google has exceeded the expectations of investors, reporting revenue of $5.19 billion for the first three months of 2008.
AOL opens Taiwanese portal
Internet services company AOL has announced the launch of a dedicated web portal serving Taiwan.
Google Earth undergoes revamp
In anticipation of Earth Day, which is set to take place next week, Google has revamped its Earth application to include new features, it has been revealed.
Yahoo!-Google deal 'gets closer'
A possible deal between search engine providers Yahoo! and Google is drawing closer, according to sources close to the matter.
AOL acquires contextual search tool provider Sphere Source
Web services firm AOL has announced it has acquired Sphere Source, a provider of contextual tools that offer publishers content related to their news.
Google Maps launches embedded YouTube feature
Google Maps has announced the launch of a new feature which showcases embedded YouTube videos within the application.
Bigmouthmedia boots are made for walking....and cycling
A 73 mile Monster Bike and Hike. 30 miles of cycling, then a 43 mile hike - all in 24 hours. It can only mean one thing - its spring, there's a whiff of competition in the air and the bigmouths are going for it!
