Apple Inc (AAPL)

[Tex]

On YHOO/MSFT

Bearish on the prospects of MicroHoo!, the article hasn't got financial analysis, but a touchy-feely examination that syggests MSFT has the touch that turns gold into lead, or something, in terms of user experience. The funniest quote:
Ask yourself this question: When you first heard that Ford (F) was using Microsoft's Sync for their car audio/navigation/communication, what was your reaction? Gotta get me a Mustang! or Man, are they toast. Which was it?
http://seekingalpha.com/article/62857-micro-hoo-desktop-vs-internet?source=yahoo

Here's a page with some recent data on the share in free webmail, web search, maps, dating sites, and so on:
http://seekingalpha.com/article/62766-microsoft-yahoo-data-on-properties-vs-search-traffic
My question is how much revenue each of these properties generates. I'm sure they're positive, but in some categories I wonder if network effects haven't put them in a bad position for the future.

I was interested to note Google with over 50% of the maps share. I'm not sure how much revenue there is in this, but (a) they started with zero share when they went into this space the first time not too long ago and (b) I just noticed a feature one could use to have a look at the physical property one found on a map, and then turn one's view, and virtually walk down the street. This was on an address in Tarrant County (I need to do some work in the courthouse there soon), but my guess is that Google is quietly upgrading this service to cover more street addresses and will eventually be pretty complete for most of the search target areas (say, major metropolitan areas) in the not-too-distant future.

Anyone know how one makes money on maps, unless folks are looking for a hotel or restaurant near a destination? Even then, the map vendor needs some kind of relationship to bill for the referrals. I don't really understand free online maps as a revenue generator. I do definitely understand them as a brand-builder: Google's maps have improved tons in the last few years internationally, and it's now my go-to site for maps.

Is there really money in free webmail? I noticed Google's maps and mail and so on in the iPhone don't have ad links. Does Apple pay Google for this stuff?

Take care,
--Tex.