According to WPSauce, Microsoft has revealed some interesting facts about Tango during the developers’ camp in India. The next version will up the language support from 35 to 120, which shows that Microsoft wants to expand its markets to emerging and developing nations as well. Also, the next version will come with native support for C++, thereby making it easy for developers to code or port apps over to the mobile platform.

However, it has still not been confirmed, whether the ‘next release’ would be the immediate Tango or the upcoming Apollo. Meanwhile, PocketPC have managed to get a screen grab of a Tango running WP7 phone, which shows Skype as well as Google+ integration into the messenger hub. Now that Microsoft owns Skype, it was only a mater of time till this feature was integrated, but we are pleasantly surprised to see it done so quickly. The folks who took the screenshot claimed that chatting over both these services work well, but Skype’s voice calling were a bit buggy. Video calling will also be available, but it may not come out in time for Tango. We don’t know for certain if the screen grab is real or not, so let’s take this with a pinch of salt, until we get some concrete proof straight from the horse’s mouth.

The company’s «Make the Web Faster» team is making several recommendations to improve TCP speed, including increasing the TCP initial congestion window. In a blog post on Monday, team member Yuchung Cheng called TCP «the workhorse of the Internet,” designed to deliver Web content and operate over a range of network types. Web browsers, he said, typically open up parallel TCP connections ahead of making actual requests.» This strategy overcomes inherent TCP limitations but results in high latency in many situations and is not scalable,” he said. «Our research shows that the key to reducing latency is saving round trips. We’re experimenting with several improvements to TCP.”

[ Previously, Google has advocated a cooperative effort to make the Web faster. | Subscribe to InfoWorld’s Technology: Networking newsletter for more insights and news on networking. ]

Recommendations include increasing the TCP initial congestion window. «The amount of data sent at the beginning of a TCP connection is currently three packets, implying three round trips to deliver a tiny, 15K-sized content. Our experiments indicate that IW10 [initial congestion window of 10 packets] reduces the network latency of Web transfers by over 10 percent,” Cheng said. Google also wants the initial timeout reduced from three seconds to one second. «An RTT [round-trip time] of three seconds was appropriate a couple of decades ago, but today’s Internet requires a much smaller timeout.”

Google Looks to Speed Up the InternetGoogle’s suggestions, said IDC analyst Al Hilwa, «appear to be well-researched recommendations and if implemented broadly will yield significant improvements in practically everyone’s network performance and latency. The issue is that the capability has to be broadly implemented to achieve the desired performance gains. Of course new TCP/IP stacks would work with the old ones as they would now, but when two sides of a connection have the improvements, the benefits should surface.”

Google also is encouraging use of the Google-developed TCP Fast Open protocol, which reduces application network latency, and proportional rate reduction (PRR) for TCP. «Packet losses indicate the network is in disorder or is congested. PRR, a new loss recovery algorithm, retransmits smoothly to recover losses during network congestion. The algorithm is faster than the current mechanism by adjusting the transmission rate according to the degree of losses. PRR is now part of the Linux kernel and is in the process of becoming part of the TCP standard,” Cheng said.

Also, Google is developing algorithms to recover faster on «noisy» mobile networks, said Cheng.

Google’s TCP work is open source and disseminated through the Linux kernel, IETF standards proposals, and research publications to encourage industry involvement, Cheng noted.

This article, «Google looks to speed up the Internet,” was originally published at InfoWorld.com. Follow the latest developments in business technology news and get a digest of the key stories each day in the InfoWorld Daily newsletter. For the latest developments in business technology news, follow InfoWorld.com on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Yahoo, which has struggled with corporate and financial problems, was the third-most-visited website, trailing behind second-place Facebook.

The Nielsen study showed that Google was the most-visited website in 2011, with an average of more than 153 million unique visitors per month. Facebook was second with more than 137 million, and Yahoo was third with 130 million.

Microsoft sites, including MSN, Windows Live and Bing, came in fourth with nearly 116 million unique monthly visits. Google-owned YouTube rounded out the top five with more than 106 million visits.

«I’m surprised at how close the top four are,” said Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research. «I think it reflects the fact that many people visit several [sites], or all of them.» The list also shows how valuable Yahoo still is despite the corporate problems the company experienced in 2011.

Yahoo, which has fallen from its once lofty position as an Internet pioneer, has been in a state of flux. This past September, with revenues falling and some top talent leaving, Yahoo’s board of directors fired then-CEO Carol Bartz.

Once Bartz was out, speculation bloomed that Microsoft, which made a failed bid for Yahoo back in 2008, is once again looking to scoop up Yahoo. And then talk began that Google, possibly just to keep Yahoo out of Microsoft’s clutches, was also interested in buying Yahoo.

Gottheil noted that even though Yahoo is in a state of flux, it’s still drawing in a large number of users. «Most people don’t stop using something that works for them,” he added. «They might add another service, but that doesn’t mean they eliminate an old one.”

For social networks, Facebook was the top dog in 2011 with more than 137 million unique visitors per month, according to Nielsen. Blogger.com came in a distant second with nearly 46 million, and Twitter was in third place with more than 23 million. WordPress, with more than 20 million, and MySpace, with nearly 18 million, rounded out the top five.

Google’s new social network, Google+, was in the eighth spot, even though it didn’t launch until late June.

While some may have expected Google+ to grab a higher spot on the social networking list, Gottheil said the new network could just be slowly ramping up.

«Google+, for a lot of people, just has not been sticky enough,” he added. «That doesn’t mean it won’t eventually develop a larger loyal following, but one of the consequences of Google’s big intro was that many of its original users were just window-shopping. Facebook, for all its recent rapid growth, built up gradually … It’s the network effect. Each additional user increases the value of the service to every other user.»

RBC Capital Markets said the deal value of $12,5 billion equates to 0,7 times trailing twelve months (TTM) of equity value-to-sales. In RBC Capital’s view, rising intellectual property (IP) threats to Android (and its original equipment manufacturers) from Microsoft Corp. and Apple Inc. were the major driver of the acquisition.

«Google gets Motorola Mobility’s portfolio (17,000 patents), and while this deal may not necessarily mitigate some of the intellectual property (IP) wars under way (e.g. Apple and Motorola already suing each other), it may position Google to defend itself against more fundamental IP attacks, and increase counter-threat and leverage in global patent negotiations and litigation,” said Mike Abramsky, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets.

Implications for Apple

Apple’s smartphone patents relate to multi-touch, object-oriented operating systems, and user interface — so this may not necessarily mitigate some of the IP Wars currently underway (Apple was suing Motorola Mobility for patent infringement — and vice-versa — already so this unlikely to change).

However, Google’s acquisition of more fundamental wireless patents may avoid deeper threats from Apple, Microsoft and also offer Google/Motorola Mobility leverage in cross-patent licensing negotiations, Abramsky said.

Abramsky said Google may in time need to assert some fundamental patent and/or trade lawsuits against Apple and Microsoft using the Motorola Mobility portfolio in order to rectify the balance.

In the longer term, this combination could offer more competition to Apple in Smartphones, depending if Google can leverage Motorola Mobility and the control over hardware/software together to further new innovations, Abramsky said.

Abramsky said Google/Motorola Mobility may reduce Android fragmentation and improve software/hardware integration, so Google/Motorola Mobility may become a better competitor to Apple at the high end of the market.

However product, market and organizational integration between Google/Motorola Mobility may be disruptive in the near term, and may offer Apple some interim competitive advantages, especially with iPhone 5 and iOS 6 due out in the Fall.

From a developer perspective, this may throw some Android developers a curve ball as they try to figure out how this all sorts out for them (regarding original equipment manufacturers versus Android/Motorola Mobility, platform roadmap, etc) and they may even focus efforts around iOS in the meantime.

Apple may de-emphasize some Google services on iPhone given Google is now a direct hardware competitor. The proposed acquisition may give a boost to Google TV, as Motorola also makes set top boxes, and Google TV could become integrated into those devices.

Implications for RIM

Abramsky said the proposed acquisition at 0,7 times TTM of equity value-to-sales equates to $14,4 billion equity value for Research In Motion (RIM) or $33 per share or 34 percent premium.

From an industry consolidation perspective this may make RIM more interesting, but from Google’s perspective, Motorola Mobility using Android made it a better fit (they may have already talked to the BlackBerry maker) plus of course Google wanted the Motorola Mobility patent portfolio.

Abramsky said RIM’s focus on its own OS, its proprietary message-centric hardware, enterprise focus, its mobile data sync-oriented patent portfolio, and its recent struggles may have made it a less favorable takeout versus Motorola Mobility.

However, for some possible acquirers including HP, IBM and Android original equipment manufacturers (OEM) like Samsung, RIM could be viewed more attractive in light of pending industry consolidation.

Abramsky said the deal highlights and perhaps elevates the value of RIM’s patent portfolio. In a takeout, it suggests RIM’s patents could be worth 2—3 times his prior estimated value ($2-$3 billion), perhaps $4-$6 billion.

However, Google would be paying top dollar for Motorola Mobility’s patents, and its unclear if other buyers would be equally motivated.

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, RIM has just over 2,300 U.S. patents (excluding international), smaller than Motorola Mobility, but more important for Smartphones (covers mobile data sync — email and other data).

Also, RIM is not being sued by Apple, who may see RIM’s patents as valuable, and some of Motorola Mobility’s portfolio may already be widely licensed on FRAND, i.e. licensed to the industry on a fair and reasonable basis as required by standard-setting organizations.

In addition, RIM and Motorola settled all patent lawsuits in 2010 and agreed on cross-licensing agreements (2G, 3G, 4G, 802,11 and wireless email).

Mixed implications under competitive landscape — positively, this deal highlights the value of an integrated software/hardware platform (like RIM has) for competitive advantage, Abramsky said.

However, this may put additional pressure on the success of RIM’s pending QNX Super phones strategy, if Google/Motorola Mobility is able to leverage tight hardware/software integration to increase innovation.

If Microsoft were to formally acquire Nokia Corporation in response, the resulting consolidation would further limit the future candidates for 3rd platform (after Apple and Android), Abramsky said.

However, the Google/Motorola Mobility takeover may give RIM an advantage (if QNX is successful) over Android OEMs (Samsung, HTC) who may be left to seek their own software solution.

Implications for Microsoft

Abramsky said the proposed deal shows that Microsoft and Apple have to-date had some success pressing their IP attacks on Android.

While Google/Motorola Mobility deal was appropriately positioned by Google as strengthening and protecting their mobile strategy, in Abramsky’s perspective Apple/Microsoft also forced Google to disrupt its OEM model for Android, creating potential channel conflict with its OEMs, and become directly involved in the hardware business.

While the proposed deal may not be positive for Microsoft, IP strategy (licensing Andriod OEMs and developing a revenue stream), it may force OEMs to adopt Microsoft WP7 (Windows Phone 7, Microsoft’s Mobile OS) alongside or even as an Android alternative.

Abramsky said the proposed deal may raise the possibility of Nokia being bought by Microsoft — however Microsoft now de facto oversees Nokia’s software and internally Microsoft typically shuns acquisitions (Skype the exception) if it can achieve its goals via partnership, also Microsoft likely wouldn’t want to disrupt the current OEM relationships it has, like Google has done.

Abramsky said possible Google/Motorola Mobility integration challenges (similar to what Nokia/Microsoft went through) could offer some competitive distraction, helping Microsoft in the near-term.

Abramsky said Microsoft would now be the only leading non-Android OEM software vendor (versus Apple, RIM, Google) that does not own hardware, which — if this becomes the standard for user experience — could present a challenge (he doesn’t consider MeeGo, backed by Intel, or WebOS/HP as yet mainstream, although they too could get an OEM boost from this deal).

As well, Google is likely to press its ad-supported-business model into Smartphones further, which may be disruptive to Microsoft.

Google said passengers who fly Virgin America in at least four areas may avail of free use of a Chromebook and free Wi-Fi at the terminal and on the flight.

«When you fly Virgin America from San Francisco, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth or Boston, look for the Chrome Zone near your departure gate. Check out a Chromebook for free and browse away with complimentary Wi-Fi in the terminal and on your flight,” product marketing manager Heaven Kim said in a blog post.

«Chromebooks arrive this Friday, July 1st at Virgin America and Ace Hotel New York, and are available for the rest of the summer,” Kim added.

Kim said that the recently-launched Chromebook makes a great travel companion due to its eight-hour battery life, light weight, built-in Wi-Fi and optional 3G connection.

Google also teamed up with Ace Hotel in New York, where guests can find a Chromebook waiting in the room.

«Use it anywhere, in or out of the hotel, with free Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity,” Kim said.

Google also developed two new Web apps to promote the hotel — with an Ace New York Field Guide giving tips on the hottest spots in town — and the Chromebook itself with a «Beat the Boot» game.

The «Beat the Boot» game challenges a player to get the highest score possible in eight seconds — the time it takes to boot a Chromebook. — TJD, GMA News

But why would Google have interest in Hulu? Google has owned YouTube since 2006, but the L.A. Times alleges that the company is making a «major push to add professionally produced content to its mix of user-created videos on YouTube.”

Yahoo and Microsoft have also been mentioned as potential suitors. Rumor has it that Yahoo approached Hulu with an unsolicited offer, the L.A. Times said last week. Yahoo and Microsoft are also reportedly interested in Hulu because of its original content.

That content is key to Hulu’s value as well as a successful sale. Hulu is jointly owned by Comcast, Disney, and News Corp, companies with which it allegedly just renewed streaming agreements, which could indicate that the sale rumors have some truth. News Corp. owns Fox, which broadcasts shows like Glee and Family Guy on Hulu; Disney owns ABC, which provides shows like «Modern Family» and Grey’s Anatomy to the site; and Comcast owns NBC Universal which is behind popular Hulu shows like Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock. Comcast, however, gave up its management role in Hulu when it acquired NBC Universal, which means it wouldn’t get a say in any sale-related decisions.

The rumored refreshed streaming deals would remain intact if Hulu were sold, AllThingsD reported earlier this week. However, these agreements change the nature of what Hulu offers, increasing the amount of time between when a show airs on TV and when it is added to Hulu from 24 hours to eight days, unless a user is able to prove that he or she is a cable subscriber.

Hulu has yet to confirm the rumors, but its owners are rumored to have tapped Morgan Stanley and Guggenheim Partners to handle offers from interested parties. Reps from Yahoo, Google, and Microsoft declined to comment.

«No offense to the geniuses at Google, but we weren’t able to get their action running on our computers,” postdoctoral researcher Evan Suma says at the opening of ICT MxRLab’s video demonstration. «So we came up with our own middleware solution.» (Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

In a blog post, the company’s Matt Cutts stated that the company would seek to drive down the amount of spam presented in results of user queries, with sites that have low levels of original content among those to be filtered out.

He explained that the implementation of the changes to the system had been carefully targeted and only around two per cent of results would see changes, with less than half a per cent being adjusted to the extent that people would notice.

«The net effect is that searchers are more likely to see the sites that wrote the original content rather than a site that scraped or copied the original site’s content.”

The move is part of a drive the company has initiated for this year in order to improve the quality of the results it delivers, due to what Mr Cutts described to CNET as «a slight uptick of spam in recent months».

Looking to demonstrate to its enterprise customers that Google Apps is suited for business use that demands uptime reliability, the search engine giant said it has eliminated scheduled maintenance from the SLA.

The news is noteworthy because while SLA agreements guarantee a certain percentage of uptime (usually more than 99 percent), the contracts typically don’t include scheduled maintenance. Customers get a credit for any other downtime that fails to meet the SLA.

«Were removing the SLA clause that allows for scheduled downtime. Going forward, all downtime will be counted and applied towards the customer’s SLA,” Matthew Glotzbach, Google’s enterprise product management director, said in a blog post. «We are the first major cloud provider to eliminate maintenance windows from their service level agreement.»

Google isn’t going to share its data with just any company-not anymore, at least. The search giant, known for promoting the open web, is getting stern with its data, especially where it relates to Facebook, reports Reuters. Google is blocking data access to its Gmail and Android contacts lists to any company that refuses to give open access back to Google. In essence, the search company is no longer giving away its data like a charitable person; it expects a gift in return.

The move is a direct attack on Facebook, but there are no stats on how many other companies this block will affect. Until now, someone signing up for Facebook could instantly add Gmail contacts who happened to have a Facebook account to their friend list. This feature will be deactivated by Google.

«We have decided to change our approach slightly to reflect the fact that users often aren’t aware that once they have imported their contacts into sites like Facebook, they are effectively trapped,” Google said in a statement. «We will no longer allow websites to automate the import of users’ Google Contacts (via our API) unless they allow similar export to other sites.”
A bitter rivalry

Google has accused the social network of trapping user data, like contacts and posts. Though Google has given Facebook free access to its information, Zuckerberg and company have not reciprocated, instead opting to sign a huge search deal with Bing and limit Google’s search access to Facebook information.

«Google is trying to use the leverage that it has to get as much access to the Facebook social graph (network of friends and interests) that it can, so it can provide the best search function that it can. The more data Google has access to the better its search results are going to be,” said Wedbush Securities analyst Lou Kerner.

The battle between Facebook and Google is only getting worse. Facebook continues to launch services like Places that compete with Google products. Google, for its part, is not innocent either. The company is in the advanced stages of creating its own social network that competes with Facebook.