The Big Three making it happen.
'Google Pack' Bundle to Include Firefox, Other Goodies:
In yet another shot across Microsoft's bow, Google is expected to announce today the release of Google Pack, a software bundle that includes not only Google goodies but also the Firefox browser, open-source instant message product Trillian, Norton AntiVirus, and RealPlayer, writes MediaPost. Also included in the bundle are Google Desktop Search, Google Earth, Picasa, Google Talk, and the Google Toolbar.
Greater distribution for Firefox, which includes a Google search bar, would directly benefit Google and counter Microsoft's expected incorporation of its own search toolbar in the next version of Internet Explorer.
Google Pack might also signify Google's intentions to move into content delivery and management.
'Mean while as the competition looks in one direction and Bill Gates is always 10 to 12 months ahead:'
Verizon Wireless, the second-largest cell phone carrier, has partnered with the largest software company, Microsoft, to turn the cell phone into a music player and challenge rival music services from Apple and Sprint, reports Red Herring. Verizon's service, V Cast Music, announced on Thursday, enables users to play, buy, download music via a mobile phone or PC. Microsoft's Windows Media technology is used to play songs on the PC and transfer songs between PC and phone.
Verizon and Microsoft believe the cell phone will become users' portable music player of choice. To get past the current storage space limitations - with room only four or five songs - Verizon is selling 1 GB, 2 GB (and soon 4 GB) memory cards that can plug into the phone.
The Verizon service launches Monday and will cost $0.99 for a single download from an internet-connected PC, and $1.99 to download over a cell phone. Sprint charges $2.50 for a download over a cell phone. Other PC-based music services, such as iTunes, charge $0.99.
Bill Gates recently compared the Google competition to the same as the threat of Netscape some five or six years ago. You remember Netscape don’t you?
'Last but not least is the better of the best at helping small and medium sized businesses, Yahoo!'
YellowPages.com advertisers' listings will appear on Yahoo Local and Yellow Pages, and will be identified as sponsored listings, the companies are expected to announce today, writes ClickZ. The financial terms of the distribution deal were not announced. "Yahoo's large and loyal user base, as well as a strong brand as a leading internet company, brings significant value and benefit to YellowPages.com advertisers," said Charles Stubbs, president and CEO of YellowPages.com, in a statement.
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