This new Search Service is similar to Google News and Digg, but with a few differentiating factors.  There is something called a "Big Factor" that takes into account four variables in determining the score of each story.

These are: Breaking, Impact, Media and Discussion.  Each variable takes different aspects relating to the story to determine how it "ranks" on the scale.

This is a good move on the Search Engine Ask's part, only 9% of the online community uses Google News with the majority choosing either Yahoo or MSN.

There is also section that incorporates Digg for the user-they are able to review any fresh submitted content from the Big News Site.

I would encourage everyone to have a look and see whether there are applications that would be beneficial to their company's Integrated Marketing Campaign.  Who knows, you may find that is it just interesting from a user or consumer point of view.

Here is a link to get you started: http://news.ask.com/news