Google goes into print with 2m books

After five years of scanning books electronically, Google is finally entering the print publishing business for the first time. Through an arrangement with a printing company unveiled on Thursday, Google will offer 2m out-of-copyright books that can be picked up or shipped from libraries, universities and other spots around the world. It has struck the deal with On Demand Books, makers of the Espresso Book Machine that can print a 300-page book in less than five minutes, complete with a cover and a bound edge. The editions are likely to cost about $8, with Google keeping a dollar, On Demand Books keeping a dollar and the retailer keeping $3. The remaining $3 should cover the cost of materials and labour.

Source: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6cad4992-a3b3-11de-9fed-00144feabdc0.html

Microsoft Bing adds visual search

Software giant Microsoft has introduced "visual search" to its Bing search engine to try to further set itself apart from market leader Google. The new feature will allow users to browse results using pictures instead of text. Visual search will initially concentrate on four main areas: travel, health, leisure and shopping. "The whole concept is that the world of search is going to change," said Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi. "There will be a more graphic way people will search, and it will pivot how people search," said Mr Mehdi, the firm's senior vice-president of online service. Microsoft unveiled the beta, or test version of the feature, at TechCrunch 50, a conference being held in San Francisco for start-ups to pitch their ideas to investors.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8256046.stm