Scientists have engineered a “biohybrid robot” that mimics the movements of a jellyfish, in the hopes of building an artificial heart.
Department of Justice calls Apple e-book settlement criticism ‘self serving’
The Department of Justice is insistent that its e-book settlement with three major publishers is the right thing to do, despite outspoken criticism from a senator and others.
Android game developer makes title free because of piracy
Madfinger Games has given up trying to make money with their 99 cent zombie shooter Dead Trigger, at least on Android – because of piracy.
On Sparrow’s Google acquisition
Google’s acquisition of Sparrow has engendered a lot of discussion, but Marco Tabini really nails it with his analysis.
Microsoft reports first quarterly loss
Microsoft has reported its first quarterly loss.
Appeals court says Samsung Galaxy Tab stays banned
A U.S. federal appeals court upheld a judge’s ban preventing Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet from going on sale after an injunction over iPad patent infringement.
Lenovo CEO gives $3 million bonus to employees
The CEO of laptop maker Lenovo gave away part of his annual bonus – $3 million – to his employees.
Google acquires Sparrow e-mail app for Mac, iPhone
Sparrow, which develops an eponymous e-mail client app for OS X and iOS, announced on their Web site Friday that they’ve been acquired by Google and are becoming part of the Gmail team.
The statement from Sparrow CEO Dom Leca said, “Now we’re joining the Gmail team to accomplish a bigger vision — one that we think we can better achieve with Google.”
He said that the Sparrow development team will be “working on new things at Google,” but Sparrow will remain available and the team will continue to provide support for users.
Terms of the acquisition were not revealed.
Qantas to offer iPads for in-flight entertainment
Australian airline Qantas is going to offer iPads for in-flight entertainment onboard planes flying east coast routes later this year.
US senator tells DOJ to drop e-books suit
The Department of Justice should drop its e-books lawsuit against Apple, says the senior senator from New York.
Blizzard CEO acknowledge flaws in Diablo III
Blizzard’s CEO has acknowledged problems in Diablo III, and says that committed to “making it a better experience” with the help of players.
Judge bars Steve Jobs’ Android comments from Samsung trial
Steve Jobs’ disparaging comments about Android won’t be part of Samsung’s evidence in their upcoming patent trial with Apple, according to the judge.
Apple has to tell UK users Samsung didn’t copy the iPad, says judge
Apple has to tell UK customers that Samsung didn’t copy iPad designs for its products.
Apple closes real estate deal to expand Austin campus
Apple has closed a real estate deal to expand its Austin, Texas campus to accommodate twice the number of workers it currently employs.
Fiat to offer built-in espresso maker in new car
Fiat will offer Italian buyers of its 500L coupe a built-in espresso maker, saving them from having to stop at roadside cafés to get a caffeine boost.
AT&T to introduce shared data plans in August
AT&T will add shared data plans in August, following Verizon’s lead.
7-Eleven introduces mashed potato vending machine
7-Eleven convenience stores have begun rolling out a Slurpee-style mashed potato dispenser. End of civilization, folks.
A third PAX show coming to Texas?
Penny Arcade co-founder Mike Krahulik says his company is “aggressively exploring” opportunities to host a third PAX event in Texas.
Valve confirms Steam in development for Ubuntu
Valve Software has confirmed plans to bring its Steam game technology to the Ubuntu Linux platform.
Former OS X development head Serlet joins Parallels board
Former Apple VP Bertrand Serlet has joined the board of directors of Parallels, the company that makes virtualization software for the Mac.
Stop panicking about iCloud e-mail
The rollout of new icloud.com e-mail addresses doesn’t mean your mac.com or me.com address is going to stop working.
Marissa Mayer jumps from Google VP to Yahoo CEO
Marissa Mayer, Google’s first female engineer and one of its highest-profile executives, has been tapped by Yahoo for its CEO spot, vacant since Scott Thompson resigned in May.
Poll: Galaxy S III helps Samsung increase lead over Apple
Analysts believe Samsung is now the clear leader in worldwide smartphone sales, eclipsing Apple and Nokia.
Betaworks buys Digg for $500K
Digg, the once-powerful social news site, was sold today for $500K – a pittance compared to some other recent social network transactions.
Iranians claim unfair treatment by Apple retail employees
Jamal Abdi says that Apple retail store employees have discriminated – intentionally or unintentionally – against Iranian customers. But who’s to blame?
Free to play iOS game marketing cost ‘mismatch is insane’
Free-to-play iOS game makers say the mismatch is “insane” between what it costs to acquire a new customer and how much revenue they’ll get through advertising.
Metal Slug 3 comes to iOS
Metal Slug 3, the classic Neo Geo “run and gun” arcade game, is now available for iOS.
German telecom exec wants to lower international roaming fees
Telefonica Germany CEO Rene Schuster says international roaming fees for cell calls should be a thing of the past.
Penny Arcade offers Kickstarter project to go ad-free for a year
The Penny Arcade webcomic site is offering to go ad-free for a year if they can get Kickstarter donations to cover the cost.
Those who don’t learn from the past…
Frank Boulben, RIM’s new CMO, says he’s not interested in the past.