It would perhaps be a bit cynical to suggest that SmartAds, launched Monday by Yahoo, are the search company's belated response to Google's mega-successful AdSense.



While Yahoo makes a point to never actually mention Google's service by name, it's very clear who the company is going after. Using hybrid cars as the search scenario (the environment is all you ever talk about, anymore, Yahoo What happened to us?), the company offers the following example, "Yahoo's SmartAds platform can assemble and deliver a display ad in real time that showcases a hybrid vehicle from a major auto brand, as well as local dealer information and current lease rates. This provides a relevant experience to the user and allows the marketer to reach a user who is likely to become a customer."

Read the rest of this Gearlog story: "Yahoo Launches 'SmartAds'"