Google buying Digg?

TechCrunch’s “inside sources” say Google and Digg have signed a letter of intent, which will lead to Google’s acquisition of Digg. The cost to Google is reported to be around $200 million. The two companies have been in on and off negotiations for some time now. The sale would end Digg’s three-year ad revenue contract with Microsoft.

This new development puts an interesting perspective on the Google testing of a Digg-like search feature.

(TechCrunch “Google In Final Negotiations To Acquire Digg For “Around $200 Million”)

Google’s tinyURL

I only recently discovered the benefits of TinyURL. Instead of posting “http://atlanta.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/2008/rainy-day_date_spot”, I can write “http://tinyurl.com/6×9kv8″ and direct you to the same page.

Apparently Google SMS sends shortened versions of links in response to mobile searches. They either A) are TinyURL to create this mini-URL or B) have created their own version and simply refer to it by the same name.

(Digital Inspiration “Google Using TinyURL Service for Shortening URLs in SMS Search?”)

Google: you Digg? (cont’d)

Yesterday, TechCrunch posted two more articles about the new search feature being bucket tested by Googe, which closely resembles social news site Digg. Google’s search test now includes comments as well.

For a video on the interface’s features: TechCrunch “Is This The Future Of Search?”

For more info: TechCrunch “Google Continues To Test A Search Interface That Looks More Like Digg Every Day”

Google: you Digg?

Image Courtesy TechCrunch

According to TechCrunch, Google is testing a Digg-style search feature. Users can vote on a search result by clicking on an “up arrow” or an “x” to change the ranking. Apparently they can then change their vote at a later date or even suggest other sites that may be better results. The interface is currently in the “bucket-test” stage, meaning a random group of users is chosen to try it out. If successful, all users will be able to add the feature from an experimental area.

industry critical of Google AdPlanner

Google’s new tool for media planners has met good and bad reviews. Some in the industry see AdPlanner as the next big rival for comScore (whose stock dropped 23% at the release of AdPlanner) and other such services. Others are concerned that Google share information supplied by planners with competitors.

(Source: MediaPost “The Plan Behind Ad Planner: Trusted Tool Or Trojan Horse?”)

Google to release new media planning tool

I think Google will be on every panel across many industries. Clearly they have moved into our traditional space. They are providing information with regards to trends in the marketplace.

(TNS CEO David Lowden at last year’s ARF event)

Today at 5 pm, at a meeting of the Advertising Review Foundation in NYC, Google will unveil its new “AdPlanner” media tool. Details of the service are unknown at this time, but it is expected to be similar to Quantcast’s new MediaPlanner (quantcast.com). Google has been working to make online and offline media planning easier for advertisers and planners.

(Source: MediaPost “Google To Unveil AdPlanner, Latest Push Into Media Planning, Research”)