Microsoft introduced Windows 7, officially ending the poor Vista years. The seventh incarnation of Windows is expected to be a slimmer, more responsive operating system. The folks at Redmond have not announced when Windows 7 will hit the market.
CW and CBS Paramount Network TV may revive Melrose Place. A revival of the famed Aaron Spelling drama from the 1990's, which enjoyed success alongside 90210, is currently in the early stages of development. Studio execs are hoping that an updated Melrose Place will score big opening numbers, much like the revived 90210 did in September.
Google reached an agreement with publishers and authors which will allow it to move forward with its book-scanning effort. Google will pay $125 million to settle two copyright lawsuits and will now be able to make money off of making out-of-print books available online. Google will share a portion of ad rev, book sales and other fees with authors and publishers.
WideOrbit, the leader in revenue management systems for the global media industry received $10 million in growth financing. The series was led by Mayfield Fund, and also included Khosla Ventures, Greycroft Partners and the Hearst Corporation. WideOrbit will use the funds to further develop its core business of providing sales, traffic and billing software solutions that empower media companies around the world.
LinkedIn will go live with third party apps today. The LinkedIn Intelligent Applications platform (InApps) was designed to let companies develop professional applications for LinkedIn's over 30 million members. Apps from Amazon, box.net, Google, Huddle, Six Apart and WordPress will be among the first to roll out on the new platform.
Plus, today's consulting question, "What's Up With All the Ad Networks?" Shelly has the answer on today's MediaBytes.
Shelly Palmer is a consultant and the host of MediaBytes a daily show featuring news you can use about technology, media & entertainment. He is Managing Director of Advanced Media Ventures Group LLC and the author of Television Disrupted: The Transition from Network to Networked TV (2008, York House Press). Shelly is also President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, NY (the organization that bestows the coveted Emmy® Awards). You can join the MediaBytes mailing list here. Shelly can be reached at shelly@palmer.net