Google Shutting Down Google Video

Google is shutting down its premium video service, leaving users who purchased or rented content unable to access their videos in the future. They won't receive refunds but are offered a $5 credit on Google Checkout, expiring in 60 days. The move comes after Google's acquisition of YouTube on October 9, 2006, making Google Video less relevant. Analysts criticize the decision, as users lose access to content they bought despite functioning players. Google originally launched this video hosting service on January 25, 2005. The BBC reports it here.

Yahoo.com is Asia's Most Popular Website

Yahoo.com is not only the most popular web site in the US but also the top choice in Asia, leading in markets like Japan, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. Microsoft and Google follow as the second and third most popular sites in the region, respectively. US web companies are investing more in Asia to tap into the region's rapidly growing economies like China and India. However, internet usage in Asia lags behind the global average, with South Korea having the highest rate at 65% and India and China at the bottom with 3% and 9%, respectively. Yahoo operates in China and Japan through partnerships with local companies. The Financial Express writes Yahoo.com is Asia’s favorite website here.

Google buying FeedBurner for $100 million

In this context, it is essential to recognize that the aggregation of personal preferences and browsing history of ordinary users is consolidating within the databases of a single company. This aggregation enables the correlation and analysis of vast amounts of private information. While this information is already scattered across the internet, the concern arises from its gradual centralization under the control of a single private entity. The potential consequences for our personal and private data in relation to our browsing experiences are a matter of concern.

One notable outcome of this centralization is the potential for the company to offer more integrated, personalized, and localized services to its users. This aspect is particularly intriguing in the current landscape of internet search dominated by companies like Google.

Wired writes Google To Drop $100 Million On Feedburner here. BetaNews reports Google to Acquire Feedburner for $100 Million here.

Can Google and Linux Topple Microsoft?

The Federal Aviation Administration's CIO, David Bowen, is considering replacing Microsoft Windows and Office with Linux and Google Apps Premium for cost and compatibility reasons. Google Apps offers collaborative tools, but not all functionalities of Microsoft Office. Concerns exist over data security with third-party servers. Microsoft argues that costs are not solely dependent on software and addresses compatibility issues. The FAA has not made a final decision yet. Here is an article from Route-Fifty.

Amazon to offer DRM-free music downloads

Great news awaits music enthusiasts worldwide, and it is expected to be warmly embraced. The current Digital Rights Management (DRM) policies governing the usage and distribution of music files are characterized by unjust and unfriendly restrictions that neglect the rights of purchasers or consumers. It is evident that such DRM policies were inherently doomed to fail indefinitely. When a customer acquires a piece of music in digital format, it is illogical to impose restrictions on the number of digital devices on which it can be transferred. The recent shift away from these restrictive policies is a positive development. It is hoped that the legal music industry will witness a substantial increase in sales as a result, minimizing losses to pirated content providers. Here is a ZDnet article.

Yahoo! Messenger is now available inside Web Browsers

This development brings positive implications for Yahoo Messenger users as it eliminates the need to install an additional application on their local machines. This enhancement greatly enhances convenience, especially for individuals who frequently utilize the application from cyber cafes, a common practice in India where a significant proportion of internet users access the web from such establishments. Notably, Yahoo holds the second position globally in the Instant Messaging (IM) space, boasting 88.5 million users according to audience measurement firm comScore Inc. However, it is worth mentioning that AOL's AIM holds the top spot in the United States, while Microsoft's MSN/Windows Live Messenger remains the most popular globally. Here is an article on Reuters.

Google Surpasses Microsoft as the World's Most Valuable Brands

Google has surpassed Microsoft as the world's top-ranked brand, with General Electric, Coca-Cola, and others following. Factors like corporate responsibility and expansion into emerging markets contributed to brand recognition. China Mobile topped the list for non-U.S. brands. The rankings were based on financial data and interviews with a million consumers. Google's rise highlights its word-of-mouth promotion approach, while Microsoft slid despite a massive marketing campaign for Windows Vista. Apple and Starbucks saw significant improvements, while Intel, Home Depot, and Dell declined in the brand rankings. A Reuters article is available here.