Some German drivers can already send data straight from Google Maps to their BMW’s GPS unit, but it looks like certain Mercedes owners can now get in on the act as well, and be able to do the same with Yahoo Local Maps to boot. That oft-desired feature is the centerpiece of Mercedes-Benz’s new Search & Send service, which’ll work with ’07 S-Class, CL-Class, and ’08 C-Class vehicles equipped with the Multimedia Package and Navigation System. Apparently, you’ll also be able to give friends and family access to the system as well, which will let them send directions straight to you while you’re on the road. While the service itself is available at no added charge, you’ll first need a subscription to Mercedes’ Tele Aid System, a complimentary first year one of which is available to those opting for the Security and Care package with their vehicle.

[Via Navigadget]
more info
from engadget

Since Google went ahead and did the deed with Dell, Yahoo has struck a deal of its own by landing a “multi-year” agreement with Acer (the world’s third largest laptop supplier) to become the default search engine on all future notebooks. Yahoo already has ties with names like TiVo, Meedio, and DialPad, but hopes the “loading zone” — which appears when an Acer user launches their web browser — will connect another huge chunk of consumers to all facets of Yahoo content, including local weather, sports, and Yahoo Music; plans are already in place to ensure that Yahoo (not one of those other competitors) is the integrated search engine for the forthcoming Internet Explorer 7. While deals such as these certainly aren’t surprising, those interested in Acer’s hot new Ferraris might be a little alarmed when they arrive pre-modified, though returning them to stock shouldn’t require too much “shop time” at all.

More info
from engadget

The iPod had to move over (even if only a little today), and now it’s turn for iTunes to move as well. Zune’s software is, of course, called Zune, and it encompasses everything you’d expect from your standard single-shot media player, download, and management console. You’ve got the usual: genre exploration, top songs, albums, artists, new releases, featured stuff; they’re definitely on the indie bend with this one, no doubt about it. The media manager will also handle photos, though, which is certainly a nice addition (and one less iApp for Microsoft to compete with). Microsoft’s Zune Marketplace store will have a library of “millions of songs” in “many popular formats” (no word on what) will also, naturally, accept Microsoft Points so you can purchase without the use of a credit card. The Zune software will be able to import both iTunes and Windows Media Player files, but, of course, you won’t be able to play those files that you already plunked a few dollars for from the iTunes Store (at least not yet). The Zune player itself comes with songs pre-loaded from various labels including DTS, EMI Music’s Astralwerks Recordsl, Virgin Records and others, but once you’re bored of the standard stuff, you can wirelessly share songs, playlists or pictures between you and your friend’s Zune. Shared songs can be fully played up to three times over three days and then can be flagged for purchase direct from the online store, but we still don’t have prices yet. Microsoft is also bringing some all-you-can-eat love with a Zune Pass subscription, available a flat rate (again, we don’t know how much) — we’re hungry to take it for a spin.

Big version!
Fropm engadget

Paul Kedrosky submits:
Seth Godin has pointed to a great Web 2.0 traffic watch list that the folks at Alexaholic have put up for him.

This LEGO robot proves that AJAX can be used for more than just websites. Instructions here.

Although my little innocent Lego car is far off from coming close to being a serial killer, it will be fascinating to see how “killer apps” will be able to control and remote control through AJAX and web technologies in a couple of years

[via Make]
from techeblog

Google has released three new services in the past two days. Most notably they have added all of Europe streets to Google Maps. Beta versions of Google Maps for France, Germany, Italy, and Spain include interactive street maps, driving directions, and integrated local business search. Accompanying this release, they also improved high resolution imagery coverage for Europe in both Google Maps and Google Earth.

Google also recently bought ScetchUp, a online software for design professionals (architects, designers, builders, art directors and game developers). But now they have dropped the Pro and made it available for anyone. The new Google SketchUp is for the do-it-yourselfer, the hobbyist, really anyone who wants to build 3D models for use in Google Earth.

You can model that new kitchen, or deck, landscape your virtual garden, or impress your teacher with a roller coaster or medieval castle. When you’re finished, place your model in Google Earth. There! The beginning of a virtual world. Warning: don’t start messing with this stuff after dinner because your first experience could be an all-nighter… making an idea come to life in 3D can be very addicting.

Finally, after screenshots taken of various new Google offerings, they are dishing the dirt on some new search techniques. First is a way to refine searches, so you can select a city you are interested in. Next is the ‘diggly’ famous results sidebars. And lastly, is a “Remove Results” option that would omit particular results from future searches if you decide they’re not useful.

Read [Google Map Mania]
Read [Google Blog]

From Gadgetell

AOL purchased Weblogs Inc. a while back, and is expanding their blogs to include stock blogs that will be focused on eight of the top companies in the USA. The eight companies include Time Warner (AOL’s parent company), Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Apple, eBay, Wal-Mart and General Electric.

According to AOL’s press release on April 27, 2006:

Each featured company will have its own dedicated blog and a team of professional bloggers, including financial professionals, analysts, current and former journalists and dedicated investing enthusiasts. The bloggers will be monitoring company and industry news and sharing their views, insights and analysis. Each blog will also offer its readers an opportunity to provide their own reactions and viewpoints in an interactive community environment.

AOL’s current financial network has eleven million unique visitors per month. This will add even more traffic to AOL and Weblog, and expand their reach further.

Blogging Stocks
Read [News.com]

From Gadgetell