Yahoo took the wraps off its new search product that answers users' questions as soon as they type their query into the search box. Search Direct launched in beta in the US, and Yahoo said it will roll out the product to other Yahoo properties and markets before the end of the year.
WPP acquired full service digital agency Who Digital in Vietnam, pairing it into a join venture with the Vietnam office of its OgilvyOne network. The agency, based in Ho Chi Minh City, currently works for clients including Unilever, Megastar, HSBC, Baoviet and Sony Ericsson.
Admonsters, a global community of advertising operations and technology leaders, will host its first forum in Asia-Pacific in Singapore. This is in partnership with Web Wednesday, a real-world social networking event for the digital industry.
LinkedIn appointed Clive Punter as global MD for marketing solutions.He previously headed the division in Europe and will report to Mike Gamson, senior vice-president of global sales.
Leo Burnett and Arc Worldwide Manila appointed Paul John Peña as chief digital officer. He moves to the agency after a stint at Globe Telecom's consumer marketing group where he was head of digital marketing.
PPLive, a leading China online video interactive entertainment firm, called a media agency pitch. Carat, ZenithOptimedia and GroupM agency are reported to have been invited.
App-developer The Mobile Life has opened an office in Singapore to meet the region's increasing demand for mobile apps. The international mobile design and app development firm already has offices in Stockholm and Milan.
Ikea Hong Kong launched a 'bedroom makeover' contest on its Facebook page which was an extension of its 'Happy inside' campaign that highlights the benefits of organised living. The contest involves Ikea fans uploading photos of their cluttered bedroom on the site with a narration on how Ikea can help them overcome their worst bedroom nightmare.
Microsoft awarded the lion's share of its estimated US$1 billion global media planning and strategy business to Publicis Groupe's Starcom Mediavest. Incumbent Universal McCann remains responsible for Microsoft's media planning and buying outside of North America.
