The new service would allow a user to search for specific content, receive a list of providers and links to purchase the material. Google would make money selling "sponsored links" similar to what you see on Google.com. Once launched, this new service will be seen as a direct competitor to major cellular service providers like Verizon and AT &T, especially if Google uses their own payment system.

This service is nothing new, however with their power and name behind it, Google will a make huge splash that will draw even more attention to a rapidly growing marketplace. Global sales of mobile content last year toped $27 billion and is expected to grow to $59 billion by 2011.

Some interesting facts within the comScore report:

• MySpace gained two billion page views from May to June.
• Total time spent on MySpace by users is three times its closest competitor.
• Myspace continues to lead in average minutes spent per person per month with more than 200 minutes on average

Also, according BrandAsset Valuator,  teen internet users rank MySpace as the brand with the highest overall Differentiation and Brand Stature. “This is just the beginning of MySpace’s evolution and we’re excited to see the continued growth and engagement among our users,” said Chris DeWolfe, CEO and co-founder of MySpace.“Whether uploading a video, registering to vote, or catching up with friends, MySpace continues to be a central part of people’s lives.”  “MySpace is clearly leading the social networking category with the largest, most engaged audience as compared to all other social networks,” said Jack Flanagan, executive vice president of comScore Media Metrix. “Our data also shows that MySpace continues to grow at a strong pace.”

 
So why did MySpace need to push out this PR? It is obviously to remind people that even though Facebook is getting all the press, MySpace is the king and it will take a lot to knock them down. Let’s Get it on!

This is a move that should have been made last year, better later then never I guess? Not exactly, Zillow was forced to play catch-up with competitor Trulia so instead of being a leader they became a follower. Now it is time for Zillow to concentrate on it’s strength – 60 million home valuations and continue down the road of Social Networking.

"We are the first website to fully embrace an online approach to physical fitness," says founder and president Zach Silverzweig. "Some sites are just trying to link social networking and exercise. FitResolution is different. We put the power to get healthy in the hands of our users who create and share workout plans. They track progress over time and can compare and compete with teammates and other site members. Exercise and progress pictures are submitted by members. Nearly all of our content relies on the community. And the use of our website is completely free."

There are plenty of websites out their dedicated to helping people start and keep a healthy lifestyle, FitResolution.com is the first I have seen that incorporates relevant user generated content with Web 2.0 features. The thing I like is that they do not just incorporate the features so they ca use the "Web 2.0" buzz word – it plays a true purpose in the sharing and learning process. Health and Fitness is a huge category, if this site catches on we will be hearing a lot more from them.

Ning became a player in the ever growing Social Networking space by promoting themselves as a platform to build, not jsut join, Social Networks. So far they have passed the 70,000 different network mark and are growing fast. You can check out the quick and dirty Webtribution Ning Network we set up to get an idea of what they offer.

"The experience of using the TUN3R Dial plays tribute to the time honoured AM/FM dial; providing a familiar touchstone bridging the past, present, and future of radio," said Neil Hepburn, general manager of marketing for TUN3R. "The Dial provides a kind of virtual tasting menu of Internet radio stations, allowing users to nibble and snack on an extraordinary smorgasbord of online radio options."

The site offers a great deal of features for serious music fans, including a fairly wide selection of music. What interests me the most about TUN3R.com is the "dial" interface, it has a cool factor to it but at the end of the day I do not see it being very functional. So is this an old dog with a new trick or something innovative?  I am going to keep an eye on their site for a few months and see if they keep it. The site has a great deal of potential, but we all know that there is a big difference between potential and reality.