Browsing the world

Posted By Kyle Spector Tuesday, August 8, 2006 - 6:05 PM Share

google sign As the shape of the Internet continues to evolve, the key players on the Web seem to change with each passing quarter. Just a few years ago, MySpace.com was the realm of recluse teenagers posting their personal information in hopes of garnering some new online "friends." Now, it is the recipient of a $900 million deal with Google.

Word is that Google beat out Microsoft to get this deal - surely causing a massive deja vu effect for Microsoft execs. Last December, Google stole a $1 billion contract with AOL away from Gates & Co.

baidu But as Google continues to go global, it may become too universal to serve the needs of international users. Internet usage around the world is not uniform. Russians, Chinese, Indians, and Arabs all surf in different ways; more and more, savvy internet companies are recognizing this. In this week's List, FP takes a look at homegrown search engines designed to counter Google's dominance overseas.

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Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.