What's Hot? Google to track top search trends

The art of trend-spotting is set to take a more scientific turn as Google unveils a new service to track the fastest-rising search queries. Google Hot Trends combines elements of Zeitgeist and Trends - two existing Google products that give a glimpse into web search habits. Hot Trends, a list of the current top-100 fastest-rising search trends, will be refreshed several times daily, using data from millions of Google web searches conducted up to an hour before each update. ...more

Parallels updates its virtual PC system

Parallels has updated its virtual PC system, Workstation 2.0. It enables users to run networked, independent virtual machines on a single physical system. ...more

Macromedia announces Flash contest

Macromedia has announced the Design a Site competition for Flash developers as part of its ongoing campaign to improve Flash-powered Web site accessibility. The competition involves designing a Web site for Snug Wear, a fictitious clothing company, that conforms with Macromedia's usability tips, like keeping user goals in mind and avoiding unnecessary intros. The site should be "attractive, creative and fun, showing Snug Wear's clothing to be cool and stylish", and should show how Flash can be used to improve the "user experience". ...more

Apple tweaks iTunes 6

Apple has released a minor, maintenance update for iTunes 6. The update provide 'several stability improvements' and is available via Software Update (Mac only) or from www.apple. ...more

BBC Trust gives go-ahead to on-demand TV

The BBC Trust has given the go-ahead for the broadcaster to launch a range of Web-based on-demand TV and audio services. The Trust, which oversees the corporation, said that it had approved the service after examining the public demand and any impact it would have on commercial rivals. Broadcaster Channel 4 said on Monday that its on-demand service had been used by 'well over' one million people watching a total of 20 million programmes since it was launched six months ago, far exceeding expectations. ...more