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Yahoo begins testing search partnership with Google
Now that Yahoo and Microsoft are not exclusive anymore -- when it comes to search, that is -- they can both work with other companies. In fact, according to The New York Times, Mayer and her team have already started testing Google search ads in a small number of desktop and mobile queries. It was first discovered by SEOBook's Aaron Wall, who alternately saw Yahoo results with Bing ads and ones with Google ads when he used different browsers. Both of them have confirmed the arrangement to NYT but wouldn't discuss the partnership in detail. "As we work to create the absolute best experiences for Yahoo users, from time to time, we run small tests with a variety of partners including search providers," was all the company said.
Aviate's 'Smart Stream' is Yahoo's version of Google Now
Yahoo has given Aviate its first major makeover since acquiring it in 2014, completely replacing its contextual panel called "Spaces" with a new feature called "Smart Stream." This "stream" surfaces different cards throughout the day, depending on your location and activity. Sound familiar? Yep, the company might not admit it, but it's obviously Mayer and team's answer to Google Now. According to its official announcement, a card can pop up with nearby restos once you walk into a different city or town. It can also show live scores of games you've been waiting for and can put music apps to the top of the app list when you plug in a pair of headphones. Unfortunately, a quick peek at the reviews on Google Play shows that a lot of users aren't happy with the drastic change -- one reviewer even exclaimed "We don't need another Google Now!" After all, people who do like Google Now will use it instead of something that looks like it.
Yahoo's redesigned mobile search looks a lot like Google's
Yahoo has been pushing hard to be people's default search engine on every device. Before it can make that happen, though, the company knows its product must be improved drastically. As part of these efforts, Yahoo Search is getting an overhaul on mobile, designed to put relevant results information front and center. For example, if you're looking for sushi in Seattle, you now have the option to get directions to any restaurant, as well as read reviews and make reservations -- so long as you're in the US. It's obvious that Yahoo took a cue from Google with these features, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?
Yahoo's trying to trick you into switching search engines
Thinking about how much you'd like to try Yahoo's search engine instead of Google or even Bing? Us neither, but you may end up with it anyway if you're not careful during your next Java update. CEO Marissa Meyer told shareholders yesterday that Yahoo has teamed with Oracle on a new partnership aimed at getting users to take its search for a spin. If you're guessing that means it's "tricking careless users into changing default search engines via a pre-ticked installation box," then ding! That's Oracle's go-to method for installing notorious crapware like the Ask.com toolbar in exchange for, we imagine, considerable sums of money.
Yahoo takes the ax to Maps, Pipes and a few Mail features
Yahoo has published its second quarter progress report for 2015, and its theme's pretty clear: killing features and antiquated products. Starting on June 15th, Yahoo Mail will no longer be able to sync with Apple's stock Mail app on iOS 4 and older, so you'll have to find alternatives if you're still clinging to ancient iPhones and iPod Touch players. At the same time, Macs running OS X 10.7 Lion and earlier won't be able to sync with Yahoo Contacts anymore. Yahoo is also sunsetting the maps.yahoo.com website, though it won't completely kill its maps product, since Flickr, Search and its other properties still need it.
Your photos are more popular when you use filters, according to Yahoo
Whether or not you think photo filters represent creative assets or the death of photography as we know it, one thing's becoming increasingly clear: they're your ticket to popularity. Yahoo and Georgia Tech researchers have learned that filtered photos (at least, on Flickr) are 21 percent more likely to get views, and 45 percent more likely to receive comments. This doesn't mean that you can throw on any effect you like, mind you. Warmer-looking filters usually get the best results, while colder examples have less of an impact. In short, feel free to tweak your Instagram shots if you feel they lack a certain oomph that will draw in the crowds -- just don't try to be overly dark and edgy.
Tumblr encourages users to speak up about mental health issues
A lot of people turn to social media to vent and say how they really feel when they can't do so in real life. That's the reason Facebook has suicide prevention tools and why Tumblr has launched a new initiative called "Post It Forward." The project encourages users to share their personal stories on bullying, self-harm, depression and other similar issues, as well as to post messages of kindness and encouragement in video, written text or even GIF formats. According to the Tumblr Communications Manager Leah Linder, the initiative aims to "remove the stigma around mental and emotional health" and to raise awareness of organizations that help people overcome their problems. Anyone can participate by tagging their entries #PostItForward, and those who need to connect with others going through the same thing can browse all entries on the project's official account.
Technology turns touchscreen displays into biometric scanners
A team of researchers from Yahoo Labs has developed a much affordable alternative to fingerprint sensors for phones. It's a biometric system called "Bodyprint," and it only needs devices' capacitive touchscreen displays to authenticate body parts. Since displays have lower input resolution compared to specialized sensors, the system requires you to use larger parts of your body. It can recognize your ear, fist, phalanges, set of five fingers and your palm -- simply press any of them on the screen for access. In addition to serving as your phone's gatekeeper, it has a number of other potential applications, as well.
Microsoft and Yahoo can end their search deal after October 1st
Yahoo's renewed search deal with Microsoft is even more laissez-faire than it looks at first glance. A filing from the internet pioneer reveals that either company can call it quits from October 1st onward -- all they have to do is send a breakup letter and sit tight for four months. There's no sign that the companies are eager to end their pact, but the clause shows that the two tech firms aren't as dependent on each other as they were back when they forged the original deal in 2009. Microsoft has forged a number of other deals to use Bing (such as in Apple's Siri and Spotlight), while Yahoo is confident that it can build up its own ad platform -- and maybe, just maybe, revitalize its own search tech. [Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]
Recommended Reading: The problem with Record Store Day
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. Record Store Day and the Ambivalent Branding of Independence by Eric Harvey Pitchfork Record Store Day celebrates the culture of independent record shops each spring. Today marks the eighth annual holiday for vinyl collectors and music lovers, but the event is becoming packed with more big names each year. Whether it's Jack White's world record or releases from Metallica or Foo Fighters, celebrities are now just as much a part of the festivities, and distributors seem to be favoring bigger shops over smaller, local spots.
Yahoo is still relying on Microsoft's Bing, but now has more flexibility
Yahoo isn't dumping Microsoft's Bing just yet. The two companies formed a search partnership back in 2009 that made Microsoft's search engine and ad platform an integral part of Yahoo's search, and today they announced the renewal of that partnership. But there are also a few new tweaks that makes the deal even better for Yahoo: It can now "enhance" its search experience on desktop and mobile, as the Bing partnership is now non-exclusive. So don't be surprised if Yahoo ends up taking its search interface in entirely new directions, or if Bing starts powering search on other big sites. Also, the two companies will take full control of their own ad platforms when it comes to search. That gives Yahoo the power to build up its own ad arm, while still getting some revenue from Bing ads that show up on its results. [Photo credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]
Yahoo wants to take on Meerkat, Skype and Snapchat all at once
Yahoo may have a way to restore some of its former glory in the messaging world. Tipsters for The Information claim that the company is building a mobile app that includes text messaging, Snapchat-style recorded video and elements of live video apps like Meerkat and Skype -- think of it as a hedge that covers all the hot trends at the same time. While you would only broadcast streams to your contacts at first, live streaming would eventually extend to communities like your fantasy sports league.
Yahoo Screen supports Chromecast, but only for 'Community'
If you needed one more way to watch Community now that it's on Yahoo instead of NBC, the Yahoo Screen app on Android (but not iOS) has "basic Chromecast support." You could get the show (already on its fourth streaming episode) to connect with Google's dongle by mirroring it from a laptop or mobile device before, but with a direct connection it should be easier to use and have better quality. Should is the key word -- as some reviews in Google Play noted and we experienced ourselves, there are some bugs present. Update (4/3): Yahoo has pushed an update to the app to fix the restart issue, grab the new version here.
Flickr gives you the choice to put photos in the public domain
Flickr has long had ways to let others use and tweak your photos, but if you want to give up your copyright altogether? You can now do just that. In the wake of Elon Musk releasing SpaceX's photos to public domain, Flickr has added options for public domain and Creative Commons 0 ("no rights reserved") licenses. Choose them and others can do whatever they want with your images, free of charge or even credit. If you see your photography as more of a service for the greater good than a closely guarded treasure, you can loosen the restrictions today. [Image credit: SpaceX, Flickr]
Gmail for Android puts all your accounts in a single inbox
Flipping between your multiple email accounts in Gmail has always been a bit of a pain, especially on mobile devices but that changes today with the release of Google's new "All Inboxes" option for Gmail's Android app. It does exactly what it sounds like: display every one of your inboxes (even accounts from Outlook and Yahoo) in a single, unified list. You'll be able to read and reply to each email, regardless of provider, without swapping tabs or logging out.
Microsoft's Yahoo Answers rival quietly opens for testing
We've all stared, wide-eyed, at the people on Yahoo Answers who want to know how to become a real mermaid or why their cat vibrates. It appears that Microsoft has too, but it's philosophy is not to join its one-time friend, but to beat it with a homegrown rival. Bing Distill is a question and answer website where "millions ask" and, perhaps unsurprisingly, "you answer."
Yahoo hopes that you'll forget your password
Twitter isn't the only internet giant that wants to spare you from remembering passwords. Yahoo has just trotted out an optional login process that sends passwords on demand. Sign up and Yahoo will deliver a single-use password to your phone whenever you need to log in -- you can prevent someone from easily hijacking your account no matter what device you're on as long as your handset is nearby. This extra-secure option is only available in the US right now, but there's a good possibility that you'll see it in other countries before long.
Yahoo explains how you'll watch 'Community' season six
We're just days away from the debut of the new season of Community, but the move from NBC to Yahoo changes some things. In the US, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia you'll be able to watch on Yahoo Screen via PC, or apps (US only) on Apple TV, Roku and Xbox 360. So far broadcasters have also been announced for the UK (SET) and Australia (Stan), but there's no word on other countries. Of course, if you're at SXSW, Yahoo will be premiering the first episode a couple of days early on Saturday night. If there's still any confusion -- or if you're just getting ready for Seinfeld -- check after the break for the Community trailer, and a quick how-to from Gillian Jacobs (trust us, she doesn't Britta it) ahead of the premiere March 17th.
'Seinfeld' will start streaming soon, but probably not on Netflix
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Sony Pictures has opened the bidding for streaming rights to Seinfeld. One party apparently not taking part is Netflix, leaving the show about nothing to Amazon, Hulu or Yahoo. While Netflix paid a reported $500k+ per episode for four years of Friends, the length of the agreement for Seinfeld is still in question. The streaming competition has heated up considerably over the last year or so, and if the usual people in a position to know are right, we'll find out who's willing to step up to the table on this one in the next few weeks.
Here's the trailer for season six of 'Community' on Yahoo Screen
Community will get its 13-episode sixth season (and eventually, maybe a movie?) on Yahoo Screen October 19th March 17th, and now we have the first trailer. It looks like the gang are up to their usual Dan Harmon-written schemes, but it's still missing something without Troy, Shirley and Pierce. Fortunately the rest of the cast is in their usual places, and the trailer even makes light of some of the missing members. Overall, Greendale doesn't seem any worse for wear after jumping to the internet, er, Age of Yahoo, so we guess that $2 million per episode budget is holding up. Our only question now: will we see Yahoo Screen apps for a few more connected TV devices by the time the show debuts?
