Weekly high-tech hot topics in the blogs: new design for Twitter, YouTube live streaming, IE9

Hot topics in the tech blogs for the week ending September 17 include Twitter's new user interface, YouTube tests live streaming, Microsoft makes IE9 beta available for download, Apple announces it's bringing wireless printing to i-devices in November and Windows Phone 7 devices to be GSM-only in 2010.

Twitter's website gets a new design and user interface
The biggest, and perhaps most unexpected news to hit the blogs this week was the announcement of Twitter's newly redesigned website and web-based user interface. Bloggers explained that while it might just look like a small aesthetic makeover on the surface, Twitter's changes will increase the amount of time social networkers spend on the website and encourage people who don't want to tweet to stay and consume multimedia content posted there.

YouTube tests live streaming
Video-sharing website YouTube started testing its long-rumored live streaming platform, shining the light on a future of direct-to-you live event broadcasts and a plethora of live streaming TV channels. Bloggers were excited by the potential of the service and asked, "Is Google About To Kill Another Industry?"

Internet Explorer 9 beta available for download
The blogs filled with headlines when Microsoft announced the beta version of its newest internet browser, Internet Explorer 9 (IE9), has been made available for download. Bloggers called it a "huge step forward" and the "most ambitious browser release Microsoft has ever undertaken."

Apple announces AirPrint for iPod touch, iPad and iPhone
Apple revealed that the next version of its iOS operating system, iOS 4.2, will support wireless printing from iPad, iPod touch and iPhone devices. The feature, called AirPrint, enables iOS devices to automatically connect with compatible printers via a local WiFi network. Once connected, users can print directly from their device without needing to download and install software.

Windows Phone 7 phones GSM only in 2010
An article on Windows Phone 7 (WP7) devices written by Bloomberg's Dina Bass and Amy Thomson got US-based blogger's knickers in a knot. According to the article, Verizon Wireless has said it will not sell any WP7 devices in 2010. Further inquiries by bloggers found that Microsoft will only release GSM versions of WP7 handsets in 2010.