Blinkx Unveils Mac Desktop Search

San Francisco-based Blinkx is set to unveil a version of its desktop search software for Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL - news) Macintosh (news - web sites) computers next week.


The move is expected to give Apple some competition as the company works to boost search features in its own products.


Blinkx introduced its Windows-based technology last year. The new Apple version of its search product will give Mac users a way to examine the content of folders, documents, files and Web pages that are stored on the computer.


Getting Smart


With the Apple version from Blinkx, it is probable that many different types of items can be searched, such as e-mail messages, images and video clips.


Blinkx technology also allows for the creation of smart folders, which continuously locate relevant information based on keywords supplied by the user.


The company likely will offer the search capability as a free download from the Blinkx site, according to news reports. It will issue an official announcement on Monday that gives more detail about capability and system requirements.


Search Light


Desktop search capability has become a hot area for many technology companies, sparking recent announcements from heavyweights like Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - news) and Google.


However, those companies create search technology for Windows-based machines, leaving many Mac users hungering for similar capability.


In response, Apple has already created tools for finding files on the desktop, and noted that it plans improved search features for the upcoming release of its next OS, nicknamed Tiger.


Many analysts expect further disclosure of Apple's plans during its annual conference, set to begin next week.


Share the Wealth


Although Blinkx will have to compete with Apple in providing desktop search for Mac users, IDC analyst Roger Kay told NewsFactor that there is plenty of room for both companies.


"Apple is doing what it can to enhance its product, but it's hard to create everything for your own platform," he said.


Kay pointed out that the Windows ecosystem is comprised of products from many companies and individual developers. Apple, with its tight rein on development, may find it faces more competition in the future from companies like Blinkx.


"It's hard to do the majority of product development for a platform in just one company," said Kay. "You can't have expertise in everything."

Author:  

Email:    

Topic:    

Content: