Byte size news: Comet makes most of online opportunity

At a loss for words when it comes to starting online chats? Well, fumble no more, for now at least, with a new programme called Comet SEO.
The application delivers an introduction across a wide range of social media sites then, if there are any online bites, the user is notified and can continue the online discussion.
Not just for the tongue-tied, the program was designed by Genesis Interactive with an eye to maximise online opportunities and snare more customers.
"Comet SEO was built to simplify search engine optimisation, to enable website owners and online marketers to understand how to maximise online opportunities," Genesis Interactive chief executive Manas Kumar says. "The ability to engage potential customers through social media is increasingly a critical part of building an online business."
The social media automation tool allows the user to create 20, 30 or 40 conversation starters about a business, a day, week or months in advance - and then automatically posts them to sites like Facebook, Twitter and Google Buzz two or three times a day.
"With Comet SEO we've simplified search engine optimisation to the point where any website owner, regardless of their technical knowledge and understanding of how search engines work, can implement simple things to get the best out of their search engine rankings," Manas says.
Rumours over iPad 2
What's better than the iPad? How about the iPad 2?
The biggest tablet computer in the world is set for a new version, rumoured to be available early next year.
Details are sketchy, with opinions and gossip running rampant on the internet, ranging from being more powerful to having smaller front-facing cameras.
Whatever the new whistles and bells, if its appearance is met with the same enthusiasm as the original, it could easily become the must-have gadget goody for next year.
Cool wheel-spinner
If you like your concept cars cool and environmentally friendly, this should spin your wheels.
GM's Electric Networked Vehicle (EN-V) concept will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. These electric rides are one-third the size of an average car, have a 40km range and follow the principles of the Segways self-balancing system.
But it is more than a Segway on steroids - it packs GPS, distance sensing and vehicle-to-vehicle communication to allow the vehicle to be steered either manually or autonomously.
Theoretically, the automated drive will help ease traffic congestion. However, being able to check out your Facebook in peak traffic would be a pretty awesome bonus.
If you have news, gadgets or queries contact lindsay.harvey@apn.co.nz