Evolving

1. Flock

Social web browser Flock is used by a number of the Evolving team. The free software pulls information from major social networking sites, including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Flickr, providing real-time updates direct to your web browser. However, the benefit of flock does not rest with its pulling power... it can also push content to the web, allowing users to add photos, videos and content to the major network sites. For the social network lovers out there, Flock is a must-have.

2. Search in Search

Google launched 'search in search' last month, adding a secondary search box to results listings. Applying only to some major sites, the new facility allows visitors to search within a site, directly from the SERP (search engine results page). Although there is some scepticism about the benefits of the site, we feel that allowing consumers unfiltered access to a site is a positive step. Search in Search eliminates site-restricted filters, stripping out promotions, 'featured' items and other sales communications, drilling directly into relevant content. Conversely, filtering by price or brand cannot be achieved, and promotional offers are not communicated as efficiently. We will be monitoring this feature in the coming months to assess its impact on the industry. Run a search for Microsoft to see this new feature in action.

3. GTA IV & Coke

Set to release on the 29th April 2008 is the much anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV from Rockstar Games. We look forward to the improved graphics and gameplay, not to mention our delight when we discovered that character 'Manny Escuela' (picture above) has a striking resemblance to Evolving's Creative Director! Superbrand Coke has already latched onto the success of the GTA phenomenon, launching its new TV ad campaign in the run up to the game's release. Click here to view the ad on YouTube. Brilliant.

4. Mydeco

This powerful online facility allows you to easily model a room, and render it to 3D. Mydeco links directly to major furniture retailers such as John Lewis and The Conran Shop, allowing you to load furniture into your scale model to see how it fits into your room. You can then buy each item through the site. Additional functionality allows users to decorate or place furniture into a photo as well.

5. BBC's New Site

BBC's news site has now been updated to their latest design, using white space and basic gradient graphics to lighten the feel. Also of note, the new design is based on 1024 resolution (rather than the 800 pixel width of the old site). In line with several other major sites, the search box is now centred in the header, rather than the traditional top-right location. This structure has been proven by online researchers to boost the number of visitors using the site-search. All in all, the new design is a refreshing lift to what was already a superb layout, and it complements the BBC's recently launched customisable homepage.