Let’s look at the top 10 news, launches and developments in the IT industry during this week.
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HCL Infosystems gets Rs. 2,200 crore contract for Unique ID
The Unique ID Authority of India finally gave the nod to approve a contract worth Rs. 2,300 crore to IT service provider HCL Infosystems. The Noida based company will maintain the end-to-end infrastructure to manage UID data for the billion plus population of India. ‘It will be the largest project of its kind in the world’ reported TOI.
Infosys loses 2nd place to Cognizant
For the first time, Cognizant toppled Infosys to become India’s 2nd largest IT services provider. Taking advantage of their solid presence in throughout major business verticals globally, Cognizant posted $1.795 billion in revenues for Q1 FY13, edging out Infosys which had $1.752 billion in revenue for the same period. On a trailing 12 months basis, Infosys still maintains 2nd place after TCS.
Google will pay a fine of $22.5 million on privacy breach
US Regulators charged the online search giant of overlooking privacy settings of customers using Apple’s Safari browser. Although denying that it was deliberate, Google agreed to pay the biggest fine charged by the United States Trade Commission on a single company. The loophole was revealed by a Stanford University researcher.
Apple discontinues YouTube app in newer versions of iPad and iPhone
Signaling rivalry between Apple and Google, the former will discontinue including the YouTube app in its newer versions of iPad and iPhone. While users will still be able to access Google’s YouTube in the Safari browser, the app itself will be unavailable until Google develops a new one. The YouTube app is one of the few apps which was preloaded in iconic iPhone screens since more than 4 years.
Facebook in the news: 3 senior staff quit, new email ID for phishing complaints, real money gambling in Britain
Facebook’s Director of Platform Marketing, Mobile Platform Marketing Manager and Director of Platform Partnerships quit this week. The resignations came as a few senior executives quit after the social network’s billion dollar IPO went live. Facebook also created phish@fb.com, an email address aimed to address phishing complaints. FB users and non-users can now report malicious and phishing emails that appear to be coming from a user on the social network. Facebook also saw the launch of online app Bingo which will allow FB users in Britain to gamble with real money.
Karnataka government launching D-RAX
Sourced via PTI, ET reported that Karnataka government is all set to launch Data Rural Application Exchange (D-RAX) system which will allow simplified internet access to the rural masses. It is believed that the system will be simple enough to be used by illiterate folk to get internet access with the touch of a button. Users will be able to access vital information including market prices, tips on healthy living, weather, etc.
EBay launches mobile app eBay Now and tests a revolutionary same day delivery model in US
Earlier during the week, eBay tested a same day delivery system in San Francisco. Ebay, one of the largest online shopping portals in the world, launched a mobile app called eBay Now which is currently being tested with some members to offer delivery in a matter of hours. It is believed that the e-tailer is working with some of the big brands in US including Target and Toys "R" Us in a bid to revolutionize logistics and delivery systems for online shopping.
Lenovo launches new generation ThinkPads at MoMA
Late this week, Lenovo launched ThinkPad X1 Carbon, its new generation laptop at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. ThinkPad X1 Carbon weighs just about 1.3 kg and has a sleek design, with similar dimensions to that of Apple’s MacBook Air. The laptop features a 14 inch screen, carbon fibre case, solid state drive, long battery life, 3G and Intel Core I5 processor.
Nokia launches Asha 305 and 311
Nokia launched Asha 305 and Asha 311 to add to its kitty of Asha series mobile phones in India. Asha 305 has dual sim, 3 inch resistive touchscreen, 10 MB internal memory expandable to 32 GB, 2MP camera and will retail for a price of Rs. 5,029. Asha 311 is a tad costlier at Rs. 7,139 and features a 1GHz processor, 3 inch capacitive touchscreen, 3.2 MP camera and 256 MG internal memory expandable to 32 GB with micro SD memory cards.
India’s Department of Posts awards Rs. 700 crore contract to Infosys
Despite facing the flak of poor quarterly results, Infosys finished the week with positive news as India Post awarded a contract estimated at Rs. 700 crore. The project will require Infosys to implement core banking and insurance solutions that will tech-enable India Post’s financial operations. The project will include installing 1,000 ATMs, setting up a comprehensive CMS and train more than 25,000 India Post employees in the country.