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Rabid video gamers got some help keeping in touch with the outside world this weekend as Nintendo Co. launched an online news service through its popular Wii console.

The Wii News Channel, scheduled to debut Saturday, will primarily feature top news stories and photographs from the Associated Press.

Consoles with a broadband Internet connection and the Opera Web browser will be able to access the free news channel, which will offer AP news in multiple languages.

There were no immediate plans to sell advertising space, said Perrin Kaplan, vice president for marketing at Nintendo's U.S. headquarters in Redmond, Wash.

News will be displayed through an interactive map, which users can navigate with the Wii's wireless controller, Kaplan said. [24x7]

Microsoft Live Search Ties To Seattle Charity
Microsoft’s newly rebranded Live Search engine has made this offer -- Use Live Search and We’ll Donate to Team Seattle and Ninemillion.org.

If you search at http://teamseattle.live.com/, Microsoft will donate $1 to Team Seattle’s Seattle’s Children’s Hospital fund. Each time you search at http://teamseattle.live.com/, Microsoft will donate $1, but it has to be at teamseattle.live.com.

In addition, if you search at http://click4thecause.live.com/, Microsoft will “contribute to ninemillion.org, a UN agency-led campaign providing education and sports programs for the nine million refugee youth around the world.” The specific amount of that contribution was not disclosed or immediately found. [24x7]

CarDomain Network Names New CEO
CarDomain Network has announced that Rajan Krishnamurty has been named President and Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Krishnamurty will be responsible for the company’s business performance, strategy and planning. He will oversee all the business units and operational functions including Community, Retail, Ad Sales, Business Development, Marketing, Engineering, Finance & Administration and HR. Prior to his appointment to this new role, Krishnamurty was CarDomain’s CTO and Vice President of Engineering.

“Rajan has made a significant impact since he joined CarDomain and his appointment to President and COO will strengthen CarDomain’s strategic direction and operational execution. His expertise will be crucial in preparing and executing our growth plans as we continue to reinforce our position as the Internet’s leading automotive enthusiast community,” said CarDomain Founder, Chairman and Chief Car Enthusiast, Alex Algard. “In my new role at CarDomain I especially look forward to strengthening our relationship with our users and working with Rajan to drive our strategic vision.” [24x7]