RIP Netscape
AOL announced it will no longer develop Netscape. *sniff* (But I read that news using Netscape’s open-source step-child Firefox -- Netscape forever!)
Semantics
IBM is now offering a free application that searches your e-mail semantically. Ah, hellz yeah, homes!
http://www.cio-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=11100DEWJREC&nl=5
Wikia Search
Wikipedia has begun the Wikia Search project, devoted toward building a transparent search engine that brings more relevant and accurate search results based on the input of users.
http://search.wikia.com/wiki/Search_Wikia
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/01/01/wikiinspired-transpa.html
Ad Engagement
According to a study, viewers of TV programs watching online are more engaged with advertising than viewers watching on traditional T>http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.san&s=73268&Nid=37715&p=910435
iPhone = Barista
Apple filed for several patents over the holidays, one for a wireless technology that would allow users of mobile devices to order food and drink from their device and bypass the line.
http://www.forbes.com/technology/2007/12/26/apple-patents-iphone-tech-wire-bc_1227appatent.html
Bunchball
There’s a new Facebook and Bebo app that allows users of both social networks to play casual games with each other at the same time.
http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/27/bunchball-cross-platform-real-time-games-a-sign-of-social-networkings-future/
Mobile Coupons
An Oregon ski resort is texting visitors the snow conditions and a barcode coupon that needs no printing -- their pre-existing barcode scanners can scan it right off of your phone.
http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.san&s=73560&Nid=37846&p=910435