AfterTek

Google is going to be getting some serious competition from people they used to employ. Former workers of Google have left the company to launch their own search engine – which they believe will become more popular and useful then Google’s search site.

The new search engine is called Cuil – which is Gaelic for hazel and knowledge. The creators state that it has a more comprehensive list of information. The technology it uses to index the web can understand the context surrounding each page and the concepts driving search requests, say the founders. Yet, many analysts are not convinced that it will overtake one of the biggest sear engines on the web.

This week Microsoft revealed their plans to work Live Search into Face book – one of the top social networking sites. They have hopes that this new venture will help to open more doors for the two companies who have been working together for two years.

The agreement will launch in the fall and will enable users to perform web searches while in Facebook. It will also include Microsoft’s paid search advertising. Steve Ballmer – Microsoft CEO stated, “We will be providing an API to Facebook where they will create a rich search experience, including a Web search for the Facebook users,” Ballmer told analysts. “So we’re excited about even using that as an opportunity to further extend the Live Search reach.”

EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner is getting on to hundreds of websites who have been keeping pertinent information from their customers. Meglena Kuneva stated that they have kept the true cost of the download hidden and will not tell their customers that they are signing up for subscriptions.

They will be tracking down online consumers who have bought ring tones for their cellphones and will turn their focus on 80% of 558 EU-wide websites that are being investigated for employing unusual and suspicious business activities. “Far too many people are falling victim to costly surprises from mysterious charges, fees and ring-tone subscriptions that they learn about for the first time when they see their mobile phone bill,” she said.