MySpace issues hurricane alerts

MySpace has teamed with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to spread news on hurricanes through users of the online social network, says AFP.

As Hurricane Gustav blasted the US Gulf Coast, DHS officials telephoned MySpace executives to "fast-track" a project to build a disaster alert system that capitalises on the Internet social networking trend.

MySpace users can download an application that links profile pages to federal information, including finding dislocated Gustav victims, help in storm-slammed areas, and online tracking of coming storms.

Ustream is enabling its community to view the Republican National Convention (RNC) through Google News in its Election News section, reports Market Watch.

The RNC coverage via Ustream represents the first time Google will be providing live streaming content on its site.

Viewers are participating in another political milestone - giving people the power to watch and interact with a major political convention on the Web, as the RNC is using the Internet to directly broadcast messages to voters.

Microsoft and Itochu Corporation are among 13 companies buying shares in Japan's first 24-hour English-language broadcast service, reports Bloomberg.

The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) has capitalised at 200 million Yen and plans to increase its capital by 190 million Yen ($1.75 million) in October by issuing new shares to the companies.

The broadcast service is scheduled to begin operations in February next year.