Microsoft and Yahoo in merger talks?
The blogosphere is awash with rumours of merger talks between Microsoft and Yahoo! as the two companies seek to challenge the mighty Google.
The source of the speculation is an article in the New York Post, which claims that Microsoft is the driving force behind the possible deal and that Yahoo!'s price could be around $50bn (£25bn).
Bloggers have 'crossed the line' - DRM group
Bloggers that published a key for the encryption on some High Definition DVDs are in big trouble, according to a copyright protection group.
The issue exploded on Digg this week, when users began posting the code on the site. Digg initially responded to a cease and desist notice from the AACS by removing the posts and blocking some accounts, but then backed down in the face of user protests.
Digg users revolt
Users of news aggregator Digg have been flooding the site with articles about a single issue - an encryption key that can be used to get around the DRM on High Definition DVDs.
After users began posting the code on the site, Digg received a cease and desist notice and blocked the stories, but that only prompted the site's users to start flooding it with articles about the code.
Channel 4 'to launch mobile ad network'
Channel 4 could be picked to sell ads on mobile phone networks, according to reports.
The broadcaster is "in advanced talks" with T-Mobile and O2 to extend to mobile the online ad network it launched in February, NMA reports.
Airline launches women-only site
In a move designed to woo more female flyers, American Airlines has launched a new website section for women only.
Women Travelers Connected offers tips on safety, information from fellow travellers and advice on saving travel time.
Sexy Amsterdam sells for $50k on eBay
The virtual Amsterdam, that is. An adult entertainment company has just off-loaded a Second Life recreation of the Dutch city.Complete with tram-lined waterways and public squares, the Amsterdam sim is actually a dedicated sex haven occupied by lady avatars of the night and stores selling sexual merchandise.
Ask.com admits to secret anti-Google campaign
Ask.com has launched a guerrilla-style marketing campaign designed to encourage British internet users to broaden their choice of search engine.
In the last couple of weeks, posters featuring a megaphone, a link to information-revolution.org and the slogan "stop the information monopoly" began appearing on tube trains, lamp posts and elsewhere. They warn libertarians about Google's 75% UK market share, although the name of the organisation behind the campaign was not disclosed.
Oldest UK ISP Pipex on the block
British ISP veteran Pipex looks set to be snapped by any of an array of larger broadband sharks set to circle the company.
Pipex, which emerged in 1991 as the UK's first commercial internet service provider, has appointed an investment bank to consider options that could include a sale.
SMS reminds immigrants to go home
The UK government could turn to mobile marketing technologies in an effort to get on top of immigration control.
Among measures proposed by the Home Office, visitors to the country would receive a text message reminding them when their visa is due to expire.
Microsoft attacks Google's 'cavalier' ad billions
Microsoft is expected to publicly criticise rival Google's "cavalier" approach to copyright in a speech to the publishing industry today.According to an advance copy of an address due to be delivered by associate general counsel Thomas Rubin to the American Association of Publishers, and obtained by the Financial Times, Rubin will say: "Companies that create no content of their own, and make money solely on the backs of other people's content, are raking in billions through advertising revenue and IPOs.
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Graham Charlton
Strategy & Planning
