SearchEngineUpdate with Vanessa Zamora - 04-02-2008 Part I
Abstract: 1. Microsoft Announces New Features & Advancements For Mobile Devices, 2. Senior Executive Douglas Merrill Leaving Google For EMI Music
Vanessa Zamora
Video Content Producer, SearchEngineWorld
5:00 pm on April 2, 2008 (utc 0)
Transcript
Wednesday April 2, 2008
Microsoft Announces New Features & Advancements For Mobile Devices
Microsoft has announced new features for Windows mobile and Blackberry devices, including new mapping services for Windows Mobile phones and voice input functionality for RIM Blackberry devices utilizing Windows Live Search Mobile. Expected later this Spring, the mapping feature will include the ability to map a contact, download custom maps from Microsoft’s Virtual Earth onto a PC or any phone running Windows Mobile, and the ability to access integrated Web search information and local weather. The voice input functionality will allow Microsoft Live Search for Blackberry users to speak queries into the device, as an alternative to typing on the device’s tiny keys. In addition, Microsoft unveiled the newest version of its Internet Explorer Mobile browser, which adds the ability to view full screen Web pages and multimedia in a computer-like Web browsing experience. Microsoft also announced Windows Mobile 6.1, an update to its Windows Mobile software that includes new time-saving features, easier phone navigation and management, and increased security. The additions aim to position Microsoft to better compete with Apple, Research In Motion’s Blackberry, and Palm.
Senior Executive Douglas Merrill Leaving Google For EMI Music
Another Google Executive will depart from the Internet search company, following a string of other high profile engineers and senior managers, many of whom have left to join social networking Web site Facebook. This time the departure is Douglas Merrill, a vice president of engineering at Google who will reportedly leave to become a president of digital at EMI Music, a newly created role aimed at driving the companies digital distribution strategy. Merrill joined Google in 2003 as senior director of information systems. He was responsible for all internal Google engineering efforts and was involved with several other technology projects, including initiatives related to the company’s I.P.O. and the introduction of Checkout, Google’s online payment system.
5:00 pm on April 2, 2008 (utc 0)