The California-based computer maker, Apple Computers, just revealed that the 10-billionth song from its popular music download service, iTunes, has been reached.

Apple, the maker of the iPhone and iPod, firstly launched iTunes seven years ago back in 2003. Today, iTunes has grown to become the world’s largest online media store, allowing consumers to purchase TV program episodes, podcasts, movies, and of course, music.

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According to beta users testing the new QuickTime version, users will be able to easily convert and share videos on social sharing sites, including YouTube and the Apple MobileMe gallery. Users will be able to effortlessly automatically convert and upload videos directly to YouTube with their YouTube account. With the new updates, you will also be able to convert and export videos to work on other Apple products such as the iPhone, iPod and Apple TV.

The Cupertino-based Apple has just released an update to its iPod Shuffle (48.2mm x 17.5mm x 7.8mm). It now comes with 4GB of memory, but remains without any display. However, it has been fitted with a new “VoiceOver” feature that says aloud the name of the current artist. The iPod Shuffle is priced at $79.99. The last update to the iPod Shuffle was in September 2007 when the company released the 2GB version with new colors. Via

In related news, Apple has just come in first in the Forbes World’s Most Admired Companies list.

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Microsoft has just announced today the company will merge its Office Live and Windows Live products under one brand and product. Essentially, Office Live products are productivity extensions that include programs such as Office Live Workspace, Office Live Groove, and Office Live Small Business. Windows Live products are more geared towards consumers and include services such as Windows Live Messenger. The merged software packages will be available by the end of the year and should coincide with the release of Windows 7. Microsoft says the move comes to simplify the user experience.

In other news, Microsoft has just announced the closure of its ACES Studios division, which is the same team that develops one of Microsoft’s oldest offerings, Microsoft Flight Simulator X, which firstly debuted in 1982. Microsoft declined to provide details regarding the future of the product, but affirmed Microsoft is committed to the Flight Simulator franchise despite the closing of ACES Studios. The closure comes as a broader plan by Microsoft to cut costs, including the announced layoffs of up to 5,000 Microsoft employees.

In other news, Microsoft also reported revenue for its Zune portable media player is significantly down. Microsoft said Zune revenue was down $100 million (54% down) from Read the full story