Here are the recent highlights in the world of technology: Top 10 tech news of the week.
Contents
As nearly 271 million Facebook shares owned by early investors and employees became eligible to be sold, the stock tumbled to new lows and closed at $19.87. After the company’s much speculated $100 billion IPO, the share price has nearly halved. With the expiration of the lockup period, markets are speculating again if early investors will cash out and sell their shares.
Google announces ‘verified accounts’ for Google+
Google began the week by announcing that it will soon allow users to have a custom URL on Google+. "At first, we’re introducing custom URLs to a limited number of verified profiles and pages.. But over time we plan to offer custom URLs to many more brands and individuals" said Saurabh Sharma, Product Manager, Google in a blog post.
Commentators believe that this is similar to how Facebook and Twitter have ‘verified accounts’ for celebrities, brands and other high-profile personalities. The service is not open to everyone yet, however the company plans to make it available in due course.
NRI association to invest Rs. 2,000 crore in Kerala for IT business parks
A Dubai based association of NRIs is in the final stages of investing Rs. 2,000 crore to set up IT business parks in Kochi, Kerala. Sebastian Joseph, Chairman of the Consortium, confirmed that a majority of the investments would be through FDI and they are waiting for clearances from various authorities. The business parks will be set up on 100 acres of land in Kochi and will be entirely self sufficient.
Nimbuzz partners with Nokia to provide instant messaging service on Asha 311 smartphones
In our last week’s edition of Top Tech News, we had mentioned the launch of new models in Nokia’s Asha series. Earlier this week, Nimbuzz announced its partnership with the Finnish mobile manufacturer to provide an instant messaging service for Nokia Asha 311 smartphones.
Users will have access to the service via preinstalled software powered by Nimbuzz.
Pinterest goes mobile: Launches apps for android and iPad/iPhone
Pinterest has gone mobile and announced the launch of its app for android and iPad on its official blog. The company said that it is responding to demands from owners of android based devices.
iPad and iPhone users will also have a Pinterest app with a neat 2 column layout. After being launched in 2010, Pinterest has emerged as one of the fastest growing social networks in the world and until last week, membership was through invitation only.
Micromax launches FunBook Pro
Indian mobile manufacturer Micromax launched FunBook Pro, a sub Rs. 10,000, 10.1 inch tablet. Powered by a 1.2 GHz processor, the FunBook Pro has 1 GB RAM, 8 GB internal memory, 10.1 inch screen, 0.3 MP front camera and runs on Android 4.0. Deepak Mehrotra, CEO, Micromax said "We launched our 7-inch device in April and sold 1.4 lakh devices in just 100 days. We are confident that the new 10.1-inch tab will also do well".
Google announces and hosts g|india for the first time
For the first time ever, Google India is hosting events called g|events in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. g|events is an initiative by Google to engage with the IT community in India including developers, professionals, businesses and entrepreneurs.
The first day of the events will focus on business while the second day will be about technology. g|events will be 2 day affairs and will be hosted through July to September, with confirmed dates listed on g|india’s website.
PayPal testing mobile payments with McDonald’s
E-commerce giant PayPal and McDonald’s are testing a new mobile payment system at 30 outlets in France.
If successfully implemented, the payment system will revolutionize the concept of ‘mobile payments’ on the go. A spokesperson for McDonald’s confirmed that the two companies were indeed testing the new mobile payment services and hinted that the technology could go live in the next 24 months.
HCL Infosystems launches its 3G tablet HCL ME Y2
Earlier this week, HCL Infosystems launched HCL ME Y2, its latest 3G tablet priced at Rs. 14,999. The tablet is powered by 1 GHz processor and has 1 GB RAM.
Other features include 8 GB internal memory, 2 MP rear camera, 0.3 MP front camera, mini USB, mini HDMI and a microSD card slot. HCL ME Y2 also comes preloaded with the Hungama app bundled with a free three month subscription, Bigflix’s unlimited movie streaming for Re. 1 and ThinkFree Office Mobile for MS Office documents.
Twitter co-founders launch online publishing platform Medium.com
Twitter co-founders Evan Williams and Biz Stone have launched Medium.com, an online publishing platform which allows users to publish content with photos. Other users on the platform will be able to rate the published content and the popular posts will be pushed up the feed.
nice