Google Tops The Wired 40

Wired Magazine has released its annual Wired 40 list that identifies the 40 companies that, as masters of innovation, technology and strategic vision, are driving the global economy. Once again, Apple. This appearance marks Apple's debut on the top 40 list, having "created the kind of platform-and-content synergy that gadget makers dream of." Helping Apple's ranking is the fact that the company has sold 5 million iPods. These numbers mean that Apple owns 55 percent of the music-player market. Another first timer, Ebay finishes off the top 5, being called an "economy unto itself" by Wired's editors. These editors cite the fact that eBay will pass $30 billion worth of goods through its servers, making the auctioneer the 81st largest economy in the world, just ahead of Kuwait and El Salvador, has reason for the auction house's ranking. Rounding out the top 10 are: 6. Yahoo! (3 last year) 8. Pixar (new) 10.