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

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.

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

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

From Gadgetell

Clinical Cases suggested that doctors make use of this function. Doctors can make their calendars public (just the appointment times not any personal information) so you can see the availability and compare it to yours when scheduling an appointment.

Lifehacker suggested that the color coded feature can allow people with medical issues to track their well being over time. This can also be expanded to tracking your diet. (You can also do this in Outlook and others, but it is nice if you want to share it with a trainer or doctor).

Finally for you techies out there, TruePath Technologies really displays the possibilities when using the sharing function paired with categories and chat to plan outages and service on network servers.

We would love to hear what other ways do you plan to share your time with people?

Read [Clinical Cases]
Read [TruePath Technologies]
Read [Lifehacker]

From Gadgetell

Goowy is a new Web 2.0 solution that creates a personal webtop. What does that mean? Well, a webtop is like your desktop on your computer except is exists on the web. Essentially, you can have lots of different things on your screen that you would expect to find on your desktop but all accessible via the web.

Goowy allows you to access:

• IMs via AOL, MSN, Yahoo, and ICQ
• Upload, manage and share your files online with 1 GB storage
• Manage email, contacts and calendar
• Manage tasks and notes
• Organize your web data with a personalized start page
• Play games

They have a pretty cool demo that allows you to see what it is like or you can go ahead and sign up for a free account. Accessing your information from wherever you are is the hottest trend right now and Goowy provides a top of the line option.

Goowy

From Gadgetell