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New Media News Every Morning

Google News: Original Is Better

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In an effort to remove the chorus of a thousand voices saying the same thing, the Google News team is now allowing users to view news services from the original source, a move that will probably appeal to many news organizations.

Enter “duplicate detection.” Duplicate detection means we’ll be able to display a better variety of sources with less duplication. Instead of 20 “different” articles (which actually used the exact same content), we’ll show the definitive original copy and give credit to the original journalist. (We launched a similar feature in Sort-by-Date and got great feedback about it.) Of course, if you want to see all the duplicates on other publisher websites with additional analysis and context, they’re only a click away.

By removing duplicate articles from our results, we’ll be able to surface even more stories and viewpoints from journalists and publishers from around the world. This change will provide more room on Google News for publishers’ most highly valued content: original content. (Google News Blog)

By highlighting original news sources, blogs and media outlets that break the news will be able to receive the lions share of internet traffic from Google News instead of rival (which could have a greater page rank).

Although this change will probably result in a greater de-emphasis of blogs being highlighted on Google News (to the joy of a few media outlets), it should help Google compete against larger rivals in the future (like Yahoo News).

Originally posted on August 30, 2010 @ 1:49 pm

Is Windows 7 Phone Headed For Disaster?

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Despite receiving rave reviews by numerous tech geeks, it looks like Windows 7 Phone will not shake the mobile-sphere this October (and unlike rivals it has nothing to do with their app store).

Rather it looks like Microsoft will be facing the same dilemma as the Blackberry Torch, whose sales were “okay,” albeit still underwhelming.

Verizon Wireless, the largest U.S. mobile-phone carrier, won’t sell handsets with Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Phone 7 operating system when it debuts this year, a blow to the software maker’s efforts to reach a broad market.

Verizon Wireless won’t offer a device at the planned fall introduction or at any point this year, Brenda Raney, a Verizon spokeswoman, said today in an interview. The carrier plans to support the new operating system and will probably release a phone in 2011, she said. (Businessweek)

Thus far it looks like AT&T will be the only carrier launching Windows 7 Phone, which means that Microsoft will be pitted against the mighty iPhone, dooming it from the start.

Although other carriers will probably pick up Windows 7 Phone later on in 2011, Microsoft’s attempts at gaining market share could be thwarted if Apple releases a Verizon iPhone this January (or even one across all carriers).

While Windows 7 Phone could be the greatest thing since sliced bread, unless they can find someway of increase the “cool factor,” they may have to settle for the bronze (behind Apple and Android, respectively).

Originally posted on September 17, 2010 @ 1:31 pm

Google Blesses Android With Priority Inbox (Gmail)

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It looks like Google is once again ignoring the iPhone by blessing its favorite Android child first.

After releasing priority inbox to the Gmail faithful, it looks like my Droid lovin’ friends will now receive this feature thanks in part to an official Gmail app.

As you scroll through a conversation, your most important message actions will now stick to the top of the screen, one click away, no matter how long the email is. […]

Finally, this updated version of the Gmail app has limited support for Priority Inbox. If you’ve enabled Priority Inbox via the desktop version of Gmail, you’ll see an “Important” label that shows all messages flagged as important. You can even add a shortcut to “Important” to your home screen. (Official Gmail Blog)

Even though iPhone lovers have a similar feature (if you consider the “Important” folder a feature), truth be told Google will undoubtedly improve upon their Gmail app, unlike Apple (who will only update it app when it deems necessary).

Thus far the Gmail app is only available to Android phones boasting Froyo (aka Android 2.2) and is being sold by Google at the affordable price of free.

Originally posted on September 21, 2010 @ 4:15 pm

Skype Laughs At Google Voice With Videolicious Beta

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On the heels of Google unleashing Google Voice to the Gmail masses, it looks like Skype is ready to up the ante by announcing that it will be experimenting with a new video chat feature that will please Skypepoholics everywhere.

Today we’ve released an update to Skype for Windows. The second beta of Skype 5.0 brings a number of changes both outside and in – most importantly, you can now make group video calls with up to 10 people. It also welcomes in a fresh new look, as well as increased stability and better quality when making group video calls. (Skype Business Blog)

Note: Emphasis mine.

Although one can make a video call via Google Chat (which will probably be incorporated within Google Voice in the future), you can currently only chat with one person at a time.

While Skype’s group video chat feature isn’t free (there is a trial period before you have to pay), this feature will probably appeal to businesses and families who have employees or relatives spread all over the globe, respectively.

While group video chats will not appeal to everyone, it should help the nimble company maintain its lead against the Google Goliath (the latter who seems intent on declaring war against everyone).

Originally posted on September 2, 2010 @ 4:05 pm

Yahoo! Welcomes Its Bing! Overlords (Search)

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After previously announcing plans to assimilate Google’s former rival, Bing! has confirmed that they are now powering Yahoo! search, ushering a new age of search duopoly for all.

Today I am happy to share that Bing is powering Yahoo!’s search results in the US and Canada (English only for now, the other languages will come in the weeks and months ahead).

So what’s next?  We continue to work hard on the migration to adCenter, and are optimistic about completing this phase later this fall.  As we have said all along, our primary goal is to provide advertisers with a quality transition experience in 2010, while being mindful of the holiday season. (Bing Community Blog)

While taking over Yahoo! will help benefit Bing! (who is trailing Google badly, especially in the mobile search department), users will now be forced to choose between two search engines backed by two powerful companies.

Although Bing! is overjoyed about its new conquest, Yahoo! seems to be ashamed at forfeiting its number 2 position as evidenced by the “powered by Bing” text at the bottom of the screen.

With Yahoo! losing its search soul in the US and Japan, it looks as if one of the mightiest tech companies known to the geek-kind is slowly fading away into irrelevancy (despite the companies awesome portfolio).

Originally posted on August 24, 2010 @ 3:52 pm