Google is making its "Search Options" tools available on Android, iPhone, and Palm WebOS devices so users can refine their search results on the go. For example, a consumer shopping at a store for a camera who'd like to see what users have been saying about a specific model can search for the name of the product and then, on the search results page, use "Options" to filter by "Forums." Earlier in the year, Google launched the Search Options collection of tools to help users more easily and quickly do this from their home and office computers. At …

Playing one giant against the other, it looks like Twitter's in "advanced" talks with both Microsoft and Google to license its full feed, which could then be integrated into either companies' own search results. Anyone who's grasped the power of real-time search and content-sharing should appreciate the magnitude of these "nonexclusive" talks. The real questions are whether Twitter would be wise to give up its own search ambitions, and if its potential partners should develop their own micro-blogging platforms rather than help Twitter further secure its leadership position. Yes and no, says BoomTown's Kara Swisher (who …

Foreseeing a coming crisis in the availability of airwaves needed for mobile Internet use, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski on Wednesday laid out objectives to prevent such an occurrence. For starters, he suggests freeing up more "spectrum" for advanced mobile broadband; clearing obstacles to installing those networks, including a "shot clock" proposal to speed up the unpopular practice siting of cellphone towers; and ensuring that the Internet remains an open technology. Previously, the FCC proposed that any Internet provider -- wireless, cable or DSL -- be barred from blocking or slowing access to video or phone services.

Call it Yankee naiveté, but we always thought the BBC equaled free programming. After what it's describing as a "nightmare" year, BBC Worldwide -- the corporation's commercial wing -- plans to launch a pay-for video-on-demand portal, along with a slew of new paid mobile apps, and ecommerce partnerships overseas. The new VOD platform is expected to offer: "catchup" for the BBC's international channels like BBC America; "premium catalogue material" like Doctor Who and Top Gear; and material from the BBC's deep archives. The focus of the premium efforts? Us, i.e., the U.S., which makes up 20 million of …

Likely due to growing competition, Amazon has gone and cut the price of its Kindle e-reader for the second time this year. The $40 price cut means you can now own your own Kindle for a mere $259. Three months ago, Amazon implemented a $60 price cut. All told, that amounts to a total price reduction of 28% during the period. The company also announced plans to sell an international version of the device -- one that can purchase and download books in more than 100 countries. Previous versions of the Kindle could only be bought and used …

If ever so slightly, Facebook's news feed service will soon get a new look and feel. Most notably, it will lack Facebook's signature "Publisher" box by default and instead simply feature an alternating title and a button -- positioned to the top right of the news feed -- with the text "Update Status," which, when clicked, displays the publisher box. The design will also feature a new "Top News" link -- The link then switches to "Recent Stories" once you have clicked the "Top News" link -- which shows an overview of the top news on your news feed. Who …

Really trying to differentiate itself from more Google, Microsoft's Bing has debuted a mobile voice search capability, which allows users to: search the engine by voicing a query; dial a contact's phone by speaking the number; and even compose a text message by verbalizing it. Apparently, the last feature isn't offered natively on all devices, but there are some Android apps that make it possible. These three features were all announced earlier this year. At the moment, they are only available on the new Samsung Intrepid phone from Sprint Wireless.

On the heels of Google's far-reaching partnership with Verizon Wireless -- which has been lauded by the FCC Chair -- Gartner now predicts that the search giant's Android mobile operating system is poised to dominate the global smartphone market in just two years. That's right, by 2012, the research firm expects Android adoption to rocket from a 2% to 14% market share -- positioning it ahead of the iPhone, as well as Windows Mobile and BlackBerry smartphones. Why the huge Android surge? Simply by virtue of the fact that Google is backing the effort, which …

It's always exciting to see marketers push the boundaries of consumer engagement, but this is a little creepy. In an effort that's sure to roil George Orwell's ghost, Coke is developing a program that searches the Web for consumers' long lost twins. Using Facebook Connect, a new Coke Facial Profiler site is building a repository of social images that will eventually serve as some sort of a branded doppelganger finder. What's next? The Dunkin' Donuts DNA Profiler? Hanes' Male Fertility Facebook App?

According to many an industry tastemaker, Microsoft's mobile rivals have nothing to fear from the software giant. Indeed, the Redmond, Washington company debuted its new mobile operating system on Tuesday to some scathing reviews. Regarding Windows Mobile 6.5, Gizmodo said: "It's nowhere near the upgrade that Windows Mobile needs to be even remotely interesting ... It's a superficial update, and not a very thorough one." Good or bad, the new OS offers photo sharing features across social networking sites; new email features, including the ability to manage multiple accounts; access to PowerPoint, Word and Excel, and basic file-syncing.