Microsoft Inks Major Search Deals

By Geoff Duncan Published January 8, 2009

Google might be the 800-pound gorilla of the Internet search market—with Yahoo a distant runner-up—but Microsoft seems to be willing to reach into its deep pockets in order to give both companies a little competition. Today, the Redmond software giant announced to new search deals that may help its competitive profile against both Google and Yahoo: Microsoft’s Live Search will be the default search provider for Verizone Wireless, and Dell will be pre-loading Windows Live Essentials—including Live Search—on the majority of its business and consumer PCs.

Microsoft’s deal with Verizon Wireless will go into effect in the first half of 2009, and make Windows Live Search the default search provider on Verizon Wireless devices for the next five years. The deal encompasses both Internet and local search, as well as mobile advertising. The deal gives Microsoft prominent placement on the home screens of Verizon Wireless devices; depending on the device, users may be able to search using voice commands, get maps and traffic information, details on local businesses and show times, and even ephemeral information like local gas prices and weather. The agreement also means Microsoft will be managing search and display advertising on Verizon’s mobile services, bolstering the Redmond company’s digital advertising business. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but industry watchers generally believe Microsoft is potentially taking a hit on the deal, relying on its cash reserves to give it a significant foothold in the mobile advertising world, and hoping revenue sharing agreements pay off in the long run.

Recommended Videos

Separately, Microsoft has announced a deal with computer maker Dell to bundle its newly released Windows Live Essentials on the majority of its its new consumer and business-oriented PCs around the world. Windows Live Essentials is a free suite of applications and tools focused on everyday online sharing and communications tasks, including email, photo sharing, online storage, and instant messaging. The deal also includes Windows Live Search, which Dell will also be bundling with its new PCs, giving Microsoft’s search services a footprint on most computers shipped from the world’s (currently) number-two computer maker. Again, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Smart Home

Best Ninja Foodi deals: Pressure cookers, grills, and air fryers

Unloading food from the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL.

The Ninja Foodi lineup offers a range of small kitchen appliances such as air fryers and pressure cookers, and it’s even known to make some impressive indoor grills. All of these appliances are in play for some savings right now, as there are some great Ninja Foodi deals to shop. They even include some of the best air fryer deals we’ve come across of late. Below you’ll find what we feel are today’s best Ninja Foodi deals. You’ll also find some information on why each device might be the right choice for your kitchen. As well, you can further your kitchen savings by having a look at today’s oven deals, refrigerator deals, and coffee maker deals.
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro 8.5-quart multicooker — $137 $150 9% off

The Ninja Foodie PossibleCooker Pro is capable of saving you a lot of counter space, as it can replace 14 different cooking tools and appliances. It can slow cook, steam, warm, sauté, steam, and roast, and it can do the work of appliances such as cast iron skillets, saucepans, stock pots, and Dutch ovens. It’s perfect for entertaining, as it has an 8.5-quart capacity that allows you to make foods like chili for up to 20 people. The Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro cooks up to 30% faster than conventional ovens, and offers easy cleanup with a nonstick pot.

Smart Home

Best Nespresso deals: cheap espresso machines starting at $119

Breville-Nespresso USA Nespresso Creatista Plus Coffee Espresso Machine

Keurig and Nespresso tend to stand out among coffee machines, with each brand generally offering some impressive savings on their coffee makers. There are several Keurig deals out there to shop, but here we’re taking a look at what the best Nespresso deals have to offer. Generally speaking you’ll find Nespresso among the best espresso machine deals and best coffee maker deals, and right now you’ll find Nespresso machines starting at just $137. We’ve got this Nespresso deal and several others listed below, so read onward for the details on how to save. And if you’d like to add some other appliances to your kitchen at a discount don’t miss out on everything that’s going on among the best air fryer deals, best Instant Pot deals, and best Ninja Foodi deals.
Nespresso Vertuo Next — $122 $179 32% off

Available with an aerator (sold separately) this model is the machine only, and it's ready to prepare single-serve espressos or coffees. It has a fast heat-up time, taking just 25 seconds. It's versatile too, with three brew sizes, including five and eight-ounce increments. It's an excellent way to brew gourmet-quality coffees at home, without the expensive price tags you'd pay at your average coffee shops. Give it a try if you haven't! You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Smart Home

Best espresso machine deals: Nespresso, De’Longhi, Breville

The Sboly coffee maker and espresso machine on a kitchen counter.

Every coffee lover should be checking out the current coffee maker deals, as there are a lot of different kinds of coffee makers currently seeing a discount. You’ll find Keurig deals and Nespresso deals out there, as well as some other espresso machine deals, which is what we’re focusing on here. Many of the best espresso machine deals are scattered across brands and retailers, so we’ve done all of the heavy lifting and pieced them all together for your shopping convenience below. So read onward for all of the details on how to save big on a new espresso machine, and if you’re looking for some additional savings for the kitchen check out the current air fryer deals, Instant Pot deals, oven deals, and refrigerator deals.
Sboly coffee maker and espresso machine — $49 $100 51% off

The Sboly coffee maker and espresso machine offers ultimate affordability when it comes to a quality morning beverage. It is a 3.5-Bar machine that can rapidly and professionally extract four shots of hot espresso in just two minutes. It’s compact and designed for any kitchen, and also goes well in the office, RV, and other smaller spaces. The Sboly coffee maker and espresso machine comes with a carafe and a scale for customizing between one and four cups of coffee.