Today's technology round-up 

Google Gmail tweak challenges Facebook, Twitter Skip related content

Google Inc is tapping its huge network of Gmail users and Web surfers to create a Buzz that it hopes will help it catch up with online social networking leaders Facebook and Twitter. The world's No. 1 search engine on Tuesday launched Google Buzz, which allows users to quickly share messages, Web links and photos with friends and colleagues directly within Gmail, the company's popular email product.

Norway's Opera to introduce browser for iPhone

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Browser firm Opera Software will introduce next week a version of its Mini browser for Apple's iPhone, the Norwegian firm said on Wednesday. Opera said it would show the browser -- which promises up to six times faster download speeds than Apple's own browser, and up to 10 times smaller data traffic -- next week at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona. "We have not submitted it yet to the Apple App Store. However, we hope that Apple will not deny their users a choice in Web browsing experience," said Jon von Tetzchner, co-founder of Opera.

Internet drive helps F1 fans get closer to the action

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A social networking campaign by Formula One fans has swayed Singapore Grand Prix organisers into creating a new Premier Walkabout ticket, allowing greater access to this year's event for roving spectators on a budget. Instead of paying $767 (488.94 pounds) for a grandstand seat, the $245 three-day ticket will offer fans various viewing points around the circuit, including designated areas right at the heart of the street circuit around the pit lane and entertainment area.

Google warns Chinese knock-off to stop using logo

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Google Inc has sent a cease and desist letter to the operators of a Chinese search website whose logo bears a close resemblance to its own. Goojje's home page is adorned with a Google-styled logo and the familiar paw print logo of China's top home-grown search engine, Baidu Inc.

Looking for lasting love? It's not all looks and laughs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Singles looking for love put too much emphasis on looks and passion in trying to find their perfect match, according to research released ahead of Valentine's Day. An analysis by online dating website eHarmony shows what people find attractive in a possible partner may not be the same qualities that will make the relationship successful, which is a lesson learned by those who have been married.

Internet prompts the publishing itch in over-60s

LONDON (Reuters) - The Internet is helping older readers rekindle a love of books and writing, and an overwhelming majority of senior citizens see the medium as a positive development, according to a survey. Some 31 percent of people over 60 are keen to go online to publish short stories and join book clubs, the survey by charity Booktrust found.

Iran's resistance keeps up cat-and-mouse web game

TEHRAN (Reuters) - With their paths through the Internet increasingly blocked by government filters, Nooshin and her fellow Iranian opposition-supporters say their information on planned protests now comes in emails. They say they don't know who sends them.

Online retailer Yoox '09 sales rose 50 percent

MILAN (Reuters) - Online fashion retailer Yoox reported on Monday a 50 percent rise in 2009 sales, as consumers grew more comfortable and confident in using the Internet to shop. Milan-listed Yoox said in a statement net revenue rose to 152.2 million euros (133 million pounds), driven by a strong performance in all its markets, which include Europe, North America and Japan.

Vodafone Enterprise signs 4-year Oracle deal

LONDON (Reuters) - Vodafone Group Plc, the world's largest mobile phone operator by revenue, has secured a four-year deal to provide Oracle Corp with voice, data and management services to employees in the EMEA region. Vodafone said its Global Enterprise unit would supply services to over 16,000 Oracle employees in the European, Middle East and Africa region on a fixed-fee, per-user basis.

NetEase suspends new user registration for hit game

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China's third-largest online game operator NetEase.com said it has suspended new user registration for World of Warcraft (WoW) in China and will reapply for a licence to operate the expansion pack of Activision Blizzard's hit game. New user registrations would be halted for a week from Monday in the run-up to the Lunar New Year holiday, the company said in a statement posted on its WoW China website, http://www.warcraftchina.com on Sunday.