Microsoft to Acquire Skype

Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: “MSFT”) and Skype Global S.à r.l today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire Skype, the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype.

Source: http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/may11/05-10CorpNewsPR.mspx

Google launches Aussie product search

Google has launched Google Shopping in Australia; a product search engine that assists people find out products online.

Now retailers from Australia can have their own product showcased at Google shopping by signing up at Google Merchant Center and upload data feed.

Canadian Phone Maker RIM selects Bing as its search engine

CANADIAN PHONE MAKER Research in Motion (RIM) will use Microsoft's Bing search engine as the default on its mobile devices.

The news was confirmed on a blog post by Bing director Matt Dahlin. "Central to this collaboration, Blackberry devices will use Bing as the preferred search provider in the browser, and Bing will be the default search and map application for new devices presented to mobile operators, both in the United States and internationally".

Read more: http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2047213/rim-selects-bing-search-engine#ixzz1LNU05Og6

Facebook Launches “Social Deals”

After several months of anticipation Facebook launches its second deals program: Social Deals. The new attempt is more closely resembles Groupon-style daily deals, with numerous twists. The original “Facebook Deals” is now being called “check-in deals” to differentiate it from the new program.

Gaps Reducing b/w Bing and Google

Google still clearly leads Bing more than 2 to 1. But when you consider that that ratio was 3 to 1 last fall, the gap appears to be closing. Bing is growing by five or six percent each month, whereas Google is losing two to three percent," said Mashable's Christina Warren.