Getting a Piece of the Podcast Pie

Getting a Piece of the Podcast Pie: " Podcasting and blogging have proven to be explosive phenomena. Last year 'podcast' was declared word of the year by the New Oxford American Dictionary -- having only been coined in 2004. Consumer interest is huge; comedian Ricky Gervais recently beat his own record for the most downloaded podcast, with an average 261,670 downloads per episode. With Microsoft confirming that it intends to roll out an MP3 device to rival Apple's iPod under the brand name 'Zune,' the market is undoubtedly set to grow.

Microsoft to Distribute IE7 as Automatic Update

Microsoft to Distribute IE7 as Automatic Update: " Microsoft on Wednesday announced its intent to distribute Internet Explorer 7 as a 'high-priority' update through Automatic Updates for Windows XP. The software giant's goal is to help its customers browse the Web in more secure environments. 'To ensure users are prepared to upgrade, AU will notify users when IE7 is ready to install and show a welcome screen that presents key features and choices to 'Install,' 'Don't Install,' or 'Ask Me Later,'' Microsoft Group Program Manager Tony Chor wrote in Microsoft's IEBlog."

Microsoft adCenter First Impressions

Here's a generally positive post reporting on Microsofts new pay-per-click service. Microsoft adCenter is not available in the UK until sometime in August 2006. Also note that the anticipated launch of Yahoos updated service has been delayed until the beginning of 2007. Microsoft adCenter First Impressions: "A few short months ago Microsoft quietly introduced adCenter, their Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising platform. My first impressions of adCenter are relatively positive. Based mostly on the setup process here are my thoughts on the newest player in the PPC industry.

Click Fraud Settlement Approved

Click Fraud Settlement Approved: An Arkansas state judge on Wednesday granted final approval to a class-action settlement between Google and advertisers who alleged Google allowed third parties to drive up fees by fraudulent use of its Web search advertising system. Google will have to pay up to $90 million in online credits to customers and legal fees, according to court documents. The Google settlement hearing is part of a broader legal action by plaintiff Lane's Gifts and Collectibles originally filed in February 2005 against Internet advertising industry players over the issue of so-called "click fraud". However, in March, Google broke ranks with its pay=per-click competitors electing to pay up to $90 million in a settlement. In June Yahoo reached a preliminary settlement in a separate "click fraud" lawsuit filed in California.