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Google and Mozilla remain friends - and competitors

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Recent research said Firefox users have higher IQs, so it appears that Google has made a smart decision to renew its search engine deal with Mozilla.

The Mozilla Corporation recently announced it "negotiated a significant and mutually beneficial revenue agreement" with Google for the next three years.

As a non-profit foundation, Mozilla relies heavily on the income generated by search partnerships.

"Under this multi-year agreement, Google Search will continue to be the default search provider for hundreds of millions of Firefox users around the world," said Gary Kovacs, Mozilla's chief executive.

Alan Eustace, Google's senior vice president of search, commented: "Mozilla has been a valuable partner to Google over the years and we look forward to continuing this great partnership in the years to come."

The previous deal between Google and Mozilla, which was set to expire in November, had been signed before Google's Chrome browser gained a presence in the so-called 'browser war.'

Analysts heavily speculated Google would back out of the deal, as Chrome's launch and subsequent growth put it in direct competition with Firefox, all while Google remained financially responsible for Mozilla's survival.

However, Whit Andrews, an analyst for Gartner, said Google's decisions shouldn't be all that surprising.

"What Google really wants is more advertising on the internet. It's very simple. If it drives more ads on the internet, they're into it," he said.

"Google want[s] the shelf space. There's a shelf sitting there and they've got a product. The fact that the shelf is with a competitor, they don't really care. The alternative is that another competitor gets the shelf."

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Microsoft gets in on the app action

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:36:00 GMT

Microsoft is looking to get in on the app action, taking on Apple and Google with the launch of their own "app store."

The Windows Store is slated for a late February opening along with the release of a test version of Microsoft's next generation Windows 8 operating system.

"I think we are going to do great," Windows Web Services vice president Antoine Leblond said. "The reach of Windows is absolutely huge and can't be matched."

To date, Windows has only had a small presence on smartphones and tablets, where the majority of third-party applications are bought. As a result, applications written for the Windows Store will work on any devices powered by the Microsoft Software - allowing them to be downloaded to smartphones and tablet devices as soon as they become available on the market.

Additionally, the Windows Store is being pitched as a welcomed alternative to the Apple App Store - which notoriously puts applications through a strict vetting process before approving them to be sold online and requiring financial transactions to be done in-house.

"Today, one of the most frustrating things for building apps are the constraints on what you can do and what you can sell," said Leblond.

"Developers create apps to put in Apple's App Store only to have Apple stand between them and the customer while taking 30 per cent. We won't get in the way of your app and your business model."

The Windows Store will let developers set their own prices for applications in a range from $1.49 to $999.99, and will also support free applications that make their money through advertising.

Microsoft will take 30 per cent of the revenue from application sales, but after selling $25,000 worth of applications, the developer's share will increase to 80 per cent. Developers will also be allowed to keep all revenue made from in-application transactions.

The Windows Store will feature only free applications when it opens in February.

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Facebook acquires Gowalla

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:49:00 GMT

Facebook has reportedly acquired location sharing service Gowalla for an undisclosed sum.

Neither Facebook nor Gowalla have formally commented on the deal, and details of the potential acquisition remain unconfirmed.

According to CNN, the Gowalla team will relocate to Palo Alto and work on the social network's new Timeline - a feature that's set to roll out to Facebook's 800 million members in the coming months.

An unnamed source close to the deal told CNN: "It's a perfect match. As far as the big picture, Gowalla's vision is about people telling stories, and Facebook's vision for timeline is about stories and important moments in life."

The Austin-based location sharing service launched in 2009 - but struggled to compete with the likes of rivals like Foursquare until it eventually rebranded as a social travel guide.

While Facebook and Gowalla continue to dodge requests for comment, AllThingsD has posted a cryptic email reportedly from Gowalla CEO Josh Williams to investors saying:

"CNN just broke the news that Gowalla has been acquired by Facebook. This story leaked from an unknown source.

"The ink on the deal is not dry, so our holding pattern is that we do not comment on rumours and speculation. I have another email penned that was ready to send you today, assuming you would get this news before the story was officially released.

"But now it is all over Twitter, so you have likely heard. A longer email will be sent soon. Until then, I am so very grateful for what you have done to make Gowalla a success."

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Google to make text jump off the page

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:49:00 GMT

Google has acquired multimedia company Apture to bring users beyond the realm of 2D in Chrome.

Founded in 2007, Apture's technology is designed to help users make 'contextual searches', where relevant information and text 'jumps off the page.'

"We've always believed that by transforming flat web pages into interactive multimedia experiences, we could enable readers to see, hear and truly experience the ideas on the page," Apture said.

Apture's in-page search technology gives users instant access to additional information including text, images and video from sources across the web without leaving the page - a feature that, when powered by Google, could prove an incredibly useful resource for Chrome users.

The feature also gives publishers an added opportunity for revenue - for example, a mention of a local sports team on a webpage could prompt an Apture search of that team and return results for videos, images, and ticket sales.

Apture's past customers have included the New York Times, Financial Times and Reader's Digest.
Google has yet to disclose financial details of the merger or whether Apture will move from its headquarters in San Francisco to Mountain View.

Apture did however post a statement on their homepage to announce the merger:

"After enhancing more than a billion pages with our products, we think now is the best time to expand our efforts with another team just down the road that shares our vision of making the web better.

"We've been acquired by Google and will be joining the Chrome team to continue driving innovation and creating a better user experience on the web. The modern web is an amazing platform, so stay tuned for even more enhancements to your Chrome using experience."

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Adobe throws Flash overboard

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:49:00 GMT

Adobe is set to abandon efforts to bring Flash to mobile devices, instead refocusing its attentions on HTML5.

The news comes just as the software firm announced it would axe 750 jobs as part of a restructuring process to place more emphasis on digital media and marketing efforts.

According to ZDNet, a source close to Adobe delivered the following announcement to business partners:

"Our future work with Flash on mobile devices will be focused on enabling Flash developers to package native apps with Adobe AIR for all the major app stores.

"We will no longer adapt Flash Player for mobile devices to new browser, OS version or device configurations."

If confirmed, the announcement would represent an about-face on the company's efforts to promote Flash player in mobile devices. Though widely used on personal computers, despite the company's best efforts Flash failed to see the light of day on many mobile devices.

Apple famously refused to support Flash in its mobile devices - pushing instead for HTML5. In particular, Steve Jobs was one of its most vocal dissenters, arguing Flash caused problems on mobile devices, drained battery life, and wasn't compatible with touch screen. In contrast, HTML5 works across all mobile platforms, and is open standard.

The ability to support Flash was a selling point for Android devices, a distinguishing feature that helped the operating system stand out from its sleek competitor, the iPhone.

Adobe will continue to provide support for Flash on desktop computers, but will only offer bug fixes for its mobile format.

The announcement said: "We will continue to support the current Android and PlayBook configurations with critical bug fixes and security updates."

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Yahoo snaps up interclick

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:12:00 GMT

The search industry's perennial underdog, Yahoo, has acquired advertising and tech software company interclick for $270 million (£168 million).

interclick's flagship tools - Open Segment Manager and Genome Platform - are designed to help users integrate ad campaigns and use behavioural targeting - software that will enable Yahoo! to "dramatically improve data targeted solutions and optimised returns for advertisers ".

EVP Ross Levinsohn said: "The investment underscores our focus on enhancing the performance of both our guaranteed and non-guaranteed display business across Yahoo and our partner sites and, combined with Yahoo!'s reach and advertising leadership, will deliver a powerful solution for marketers.

"Interclick's innovative platform will allow Yahoo! to expand its targeting and data capabilities to deliver campaigns with stronger performance metrics."

The acquisition comes at an interesting time for the company, as Yahoo continues to search for a replacement for fallen CEO Carol Bartz, and the company has been the subject of a number of rumours surrounding its own possible sale.

Still, integrating interclick's software into the Yahoo platform may help it gain an edge on competitors like Google.

Founder and CEO of interclick Michael Katz said: "Having worked closely with Yahoo for the past few years, we have a deep appreciation of the quality of the inventory that Yahoo brings to market.

"The combination of Yahoo's premium data and inventory with our platforms will create tremendous value clients. I would personally like to thank our team, our clients and our board, who helped to make interclick the success it has become."

Co-chairman Michael Brauser echoed Katz, saying: "We believe that this is a great outcome for our shareholders, Michael Katz and his team have done a tremendous job over the past few years and I'm proud to have helped make this outcome a reality."

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HTC acquires child-friendly browser Zoodles

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:49:00 GMT

HTC have announced the acquisition of Inquisitive Minds - the US company behind child-friendly browser, Zoodles.

Acquired for a reported $13 million (£8.3 million), Inquisitive Minds was founded by Rich Humphrey and Mark Williamson in 2008. Williamson also created Shelfari - a social networking venture targeted at booklovers, eventually acquired by Amazon.

Zoodles is browser designed specifically for kids to ensure their online environment is kept safe and secure.

Speaking about the latest addition to HTC, chief executive Peter Chou told the Financial Times: "Children interact with technology in a wonderfully natural way. It's important that they are protected while exploring and learning. We want to create a wholesome, family-oriented environment for our HTC devices, which makes Zoodles a perfect fit."

Williamson and Humphrey voiced their excitement at the new partnership via the Zoodles blog.

"We are excited to announce that we will be joining HTC with the goal of bringing Zoodles to the billion-plus children in the world who haven't yet played and learned with our product. Like Zoodles, HTC puts users at the center of everything they do, and we have a shared passion for creating a safe and educational environment for children across their products."

Although Zoodles will still be available on a range of different devices and platforms, both companies now plan to work together to create a "deeply integrated experience" for HTC handset users.

Chou announced earlier this month that the Taiwanese smartphone company has been on the lookout for further acquisitions to complement existing online and software features, and tackle competitors on the Android market.

Previous acquisitions include a 51 per cent stake in Beats, who they will now collaborate on a smartphone with, and a stake in online gaming company Onlive for $40 million (£25 million).

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Facebook launches iPad app

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:36:00 GMT

Finally, social networkers have a better way to connect with friends on their tablet computers.

Users can now take to their touchpads with the hotly anticipated addition to Facebook's mobile services- the Facebook iPad app - yet another way to spend time stalking/looking through photos of friends.

The app has been a long time coming for iPad users, with much speculation that the new app would launch at the F8 Conference in September.

Software Engineer Leon Dubinsky took to the Facebook blog to highlight some of the app's new features. He wrote: "With the iPad app, you get the full Facebook experience right at your fingertips. It's a fun way to keep up with friends, share photos, chat and more.

"Photos really shine on the iPad. They're bigger and easier to flip through, like a real photo album. It's like having a slideshow with all your friends and memories wherever you go."

Mobile is increasingly playing a lead role in Facebook's services and, according to CNET, 350 million out of Facebook's 800 million users already log into the social networking site using mobile devices.

The new app lets users interact with Facebook on the iPad, and with the stroke of a finger can scroll through photo albums or browse their news feed.

The app also integrates a new left-hand menu where users can find all the features on their Facebook account - from events and messages to games and notes.

Dubinsky wrote: "Your messages and notifications are at the top of every screen, so you can respond to friends and keep up with important updates - without losing your place."

Other new features include a chat function, and a full-screen mode for games and apps. Users can also take advantage of high-resolution inline videos, as well as record their own HD videos and stream using Airplay devices.

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Yahoo for sale ... to Yahoo?

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:49:00 GMT

Former Yahoo CEO and co-founder Jerry Yang is eyeing a private buyout of the internet giant, according to Reuters.

The news source reported that Yang is allegedly interested in a deal that would take the company off public markets with the help of private equity firms and Yang's own 3.36 per cent stake in the company.

To complete the privatisation of the company, Yahoo's other co-founder David Filo - who currently holds a 5.9 per cent stake - would likely follow suit.

Yahoo declined to comment on new speculation to Reuters, other than saying: "The entire board, including Jerry, is fully aligned and unanimous in support of the comprehensive scope of the on-going strategic review. As always, Jerry's singular focus remains to serve the best interests of Yahoo - its shareholders, employees, users and advertisers."

In recent years, Yahoo struggled to regain lost ground against search titan Google - in August Yahoo's market share clocked in at 16 per cent compared to market leader Google's sizable 65 per cent - and continuous management shakeups likely do little to ease the web portal's woes.

Rumours about the company's future began circulating in September following the departure of CEO Carol Bartz, who held the position less than two years.

Following the appointment of Tim Morse as interim CEO, Yahoo began a strategic review and the sale of the company became a distinct possibility.

Since then, there has been little more than hearsay and speculation; however, Reuters reported that Microsoft and Alibaba may both be considering making an offer for the struggling search engine.

Yahoo is expected to send information about the company's finances to interested parties this week.

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YouTube brings streaming film selection to Britain

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:13:00 GMT

Following a debut of streaming films for rent in the US market in May, YouTube - the online video hosting haven propped up by Google - has brought the feature to British shores.

The portal will begin renting films with an initial smattering of classics and blockbusters, such as Reservoir Dogs, The Meaning of Life, The Dark Knight and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The YouTube blog post about the release also contends that each film will be delivered in high-quality video.

In addition, YouTube hopes to offer users an experience beyond the surface of just idly watching the original films.

"There's always more to explore on YouTube," business product manager Matteo Vallone said. "Many movie pages also feature YouTube Movie Extras with free behind-the-scenes videos, cast interviews, parodies, clips and remixes from YouTube's unique community of content creators.

"Over time, we'll also be adding additional videos and features to YouTube Movie Extras so that you can get even more into movies on YouTube."

A visit to the website's dedicated film rental site reveals it will stream many films free of charge. Other films have been set with a two-tiered pricing system at £2.49 and £3.49. Most new releases to the service register at the higher price.

The revelation by Google-owned YouTube comes shortly after rival Facebook's similar expansion into the streaming sphere, though Palo Alto's route has been decidedly more geared toward music lovers. However, back in August, Facebook announced it would facilitate film rental as well.

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