thinks

The new search engine, named after an Irish word for knowledge, claims a bigger index and better relevance than competitors makes it a better search solution.

I didn't notice when I stopped receiving my Google Alerts. It's one of those things you pass over until one day you're all "why didn't I get something on this?" I assumed my subscription had run out and I'd have to set them up again – which I found to be very annoying.

There’s a lot of buzzing in the blogosphere right now (you can read Jordan’s coverage here), as it appears Google is under fire again for its privacy policies. AP reports that London-based Privacy International has issued a study of 23 internet companies, with Google coming out dead-last. In fact no other company studied, received the same low rating.

If you're thinking of setting up a new business with any combination of the words "my" "place" or "space" in the name of it, be aware that MySpace will most likely file against you at the US Patent and Trademark Office.

PublicRoutes.com, a search engine for public transportation directions has expanded its service to include London. The London launch marks the first time a company has offered directions for public transportation in more than one country. The site offers users point-to-point directions and covers all forms of transportation. It also offers directions to a city's main attractions such as restaurants, sporting venues and nightlife spots along with the option to book hotels and flight reservations.

That Microsoft is thinking of acquiring online advertising company DoubleClick has been the gently vibrating buzz all week. A Microsoft executive, though, says a deal is unlikely. The buzz seems likely generated by the PR machine, for as soon as I heard about it from a surprising tipster, everybody else seemed to have heard about it as well, bloggers and reporters alike. Let the speculation begin: nothing like a little buzz to justify a $2 billion asking price.

EBay's Skype may be taking a page out of Microsoft's playbook. The VoIP company released a new product yesterday that seems awfully familiar, at twice the price. The beta version of Skype Prime, part of Skype 3.1 for Windows, a widget that allows Skype users to become online, on-call experts. For example, if you're a business consultant of some kind, you can set up a hotline for people to call you for advice and guidance in your area of expertise. Experts can charge per minute or per call.

The International Olympic Committee said athletes competing at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing could possibly be allowed to blog about it – maybe – if they have to – but they're still not really sure if it's a good idea.