So continues Google and Microsoft’s competition of chronically releasing identical applications. The latest are voice activated information services to replace directory assistance. Last month I told you about Microsoft’s purchase of TellMe, for $800 million, and now Google has released its own, called Google Voice Local Search. Simply call 1-800-GOOG-411, say the name of the business and you’ll be connected free of charge. Or have the number sent via SMS by saying “text message.”
Yesterday, SanDisk and Yahoo! released a new Wi-Fi-enabled MP3 player that can download tunes from Yahoo! Music. Microsoft’s Zune, also Wi-Fi enabled, can only connect with other Zunes. The 4 GB device is upgradable via SD card and is listed at $250.
SanDisk has high hopes for this player. They’re hoping to gain about a 1/3rd share of the MP3 player market, which is about quadruple their current share. Not going to be easy since Apple has about 3/4 share with their line of iPods. And to make matters worse, most people that own an iPod don’t need to upgrade.
