May approaches with a mixture of sunshine and showers here in Edinburgh and the news from the search sphere has been equality unpredictable - but don't forget dear readers that it's just this kind of mixed weather that sometimes produces a rainbow. Scroll down and discover the rays of hope and unexpected stories that have caught our eye over the last seven days
The sun certainly shone down on one of our favourite search engine providers this week - Yahoo!'s earnings beat expectations. As reported by the news hounds at bigmouthmedia, their favourable earnings report could prolong the Microsoft takeover battle - something which appears to be a distinct possibility seeing as the Yahoo!-Microsoft deal deadline passed on Saturday without a peep from Yahoo!.
But Microsoft haven't been resting on their laurels as they wait for an answer - it seems the internet giant will pursue the online ad market with or without Yahoo!. Additionally, we're now hearing speculation that Microsoft is planning to unseat the Yahoo! board of directors.
In other news, Yahoo! rolled out a SearchMonkey preview - a platform intended to allow third-parties to improve the functionality of Yahoo! search results - and Google introduced a mobile banner ads service. Google also revealed details of VisualRank - new image recognition software that has the potential to have a huge impact on image searching.
As one new partnership ends in the fast moving world of search, so another is announced: Google pulled out of their search agreement with Ecocho earlier this week and today we hear that Cox Enterprises has bought ad platform Adify.
This week also brings evidence that Ask's attempts to woo the ladies could be falling on deaf ears - an intrepid bigmouth examines where searchers go after leaving Ask UK and finds that Ask's strategy may not be working as well as it hopes. However, recent studies indicate that ladies love Yahoo! buzz.
Spirits are high amongst the bigmouth team following news that travolution has honoured bigmouthmedia with a top search travel award; but spirits are always high at the bigmouthmedia offices. Join us in looking forward to the newest developments in the search world and devour the latest industry news in one exciting package.
Microsoft 'to unseat current Yahoo! board'
With the deadline for Yahoo! to accept Microsoft's takeover proposal now past, Microsoft may be set to unseat the search engine provider's board, it has been suggested.
Cox Enterprises buys online ad network Adify
Media company Cox Enterprises has purchased online ad start-up Adify, it has been revealed.
Yahoo!-Microsoft deal deadline passes
The deadline of April 26th set by Microsoft for Yahoo! to come to an agreement over a possible takeover has passed.
Where do searchers go after leaving Ask UK?
Google receives more traffic from users leaving Ask UK than eBay and Microsoft sites, its two closest rivals, combined.
Google discusses image search engine VisualRank
Google has revealed details of new image recognition software methods which will be used to facilitate online image searching.
Microsoft 'to pursue online ad market with or without Yahoo!'
Internet and software giant Microsoft has revealed that it intends to focus on the online advertising market whether it acquires Yahoo! or not.
Yahoo! rolls out SearchMonkey
Yahoo! has rolled out a limited preview of its SearchMonkey platform.
Bigmouthmedia Wins Top Travel Search Award
Bigmouthmedia walked away with the coveted "Best Agency for Search Engine Optimisation" award at the Travolution Awards, regarded as rewarding the best in online travel.
Ladies love Yahoo's Buzz more
comScore's Media Metrix figures for March show that Yahoo's newly launched Buzz site is doing particularly well with woman.
Yahoo!'s earnings report 'will result in prolonged Microsoft takeover battle'
The positive earnings results posted earlier this week by Yahoo! will not help it fight off Microsoft's takeover bid, but rather will result in a drawn out struggle, it has been suggested.
Google introduces mobile banner ads service
Internet giant Google has announced that it is now delivering banner ads on mobile phones.
Google pulls out of search agreement with Ecocho
Google has pulled out of its search agreement with Australian start-up Ecocho, it has been revealed.
Yahoo! earnings beat expectations
As predicted by several search industry analysts, Yahoo! has revealed that its earnings for the first quarter of this year beat expectations.
