LivingSocial looking to pull out of Middle East

US-based daily deals website LivingSocial is looking to pull its operations out of the Middle East, just under a year of entering into the market. The firm acquired local deals site GoNabIt back in June 2011, but since then has faced stiff competition from a barrage of similar websites launching in the region.

According to a report in The National, anonymous sources say that LivingSocial is rumored to be in talks to sell its 750,000-strong subscriber list, which is predominantly based in UAE, Egypt and Lebanon. The closure follows up from the Netherlands operations closing down earlier this year, a mere six months after launching. Its other business LivingSocial Adventures which caters to activities such as skydiving also shut down in around thirty markets that it was operating in.

Read the entire report here.

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Outlook.com tries to woo Gmail users to switch over

Not happy with the supposed 1 million signups for Outlook.com, Microsoft are looking to slyly poach Gmail users to switch over to their new web-based email service.

In an official blog post on the Outlook Blog, the company posted a guide on how users can effortlessly ditch Gmail and transfer their emails over to Outlook.com.

Microsoft coyly says that users will never see adverts based on their emails, saying ..it won’t use the contents of your personal email to show you ads; in fact, you won’t see ads when reading email from friends.”

You can read the entire blog post and ponder switching to Outlook.com here.

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Is Microsoft calling Metro ‘Modern UI’?

After citing discussion with an important European partner”, Microsoft decided to disassociate the ‘Metro’ name from Windows 8 (the retailer has a similar name). Since then, the Cupertinos are confused what to call the operating system’s new titled UI.

ZDnet recently reported that ‘Metro-styled applications’ would become ‘Windows 8 applications’ and the ‘Metro user interface’ would be called ‘Windows 8 user interface’, however, The Verge’s weekend finding suggest that Microsoft is going for a completely different appellation.

A series of Microsoft Events and MSN Blogs are referencing the new interface as ‘Modern UI’, including variations such as ‘Modern UI Style apps’ and even ‘Modern UI-Style UI’.

Microsoft were to decide the new term for its interface end of last week, but have not announced anything on that front yet. So far, the company has provided only the following statement regarding the matter to Neowin:

We have used Metro style as a code name during the product development cycle across many of our product lines. As we get closer to launch and transition from industry dialog to a broad consumer dialog we will use our commercial names.”

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Crush through traffic with Stompy, the six-legged robot

Remember that slightly satisfying feeling of crushing an empty soda can under your foot? Wonder what it would feel like if you were crushing a car instead of a can?

Well wonder no more, because the crack team behind Project Hexapod have already set their sights on a new project called Stompy.

To put it mildly, Stompy is a six-legged, 1.8 ton two-seater robot, whose sole purpose in life is to crush things underfoot. Oh and supposedly navigate treacherous terrain and help on rescue missions in the future – sorry, I was distracted by all the crushing potential.

Stompy is currently $50,000 into its $65,000 funding goal, but if you can whip up $300,000, the team will build you your very own Stompy – not to be used for world domination purposes of course. Rewards for supporting the project include having your name shouted from the top of a mountain, a video of an object of your choice being stomped on, to getting a ride on Stompy when it’s completed. The project currently is pretty much just a leg and bit of chassis now.

If you aren’t completely terrified and Stompy has stomped its way into your heart, you can check out the project here.

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iPhone survives 1,000 ft fall

What is it with companies wanting to torture iPhones? Whether they’re being dropped, blended, thrown, or driven over, there’s no shortage of clips on YouTube of the lovely iPhone being put through some very dubious torture tests.

The latest one comes from iPhone case-maker G-Form, who decided it would be a great idea to leap out of a plane and send an iPhone plummeting to the earth from 1,000 feet. While the video may or may not convince you that their products are worth the abuse, I’m still suffering from a serious bout of vertigo just watching the video.

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Wow! Facebook becomes Online Gambling Sites

Facebook will allow users to use the British real money while playing the game of gambling that utilizes social networking platform.

This exit permit after Facebook opened the doors of cooperation with game developers Gamesys to launch an online version of the game Bingo gambling. Later, users are aged over 18 can play with real money.

"The game of online gambling with real money, including the popular and in accordance with the rules in the UK then we berpatner with game developers to bring it on Facebook, which is specifically reserved for adult members. So it is safe and can be well controlled," Facebook explained in a statement.

Meanwhile, Facebook spokesman added by Linda Griffin, although the game will open up online gambling with real money in the UK, make sure not to open up similar platforms in other countries and other game developer studio.

Unfortunately, Grifin reluctant to disclose information about how the portion of the distribution of the results obtained by Facebook from these online gambling games.

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Google’s self-driving cars logs in 300,000 miles

And Google said, let there be self-driving cars! And in a flash of thunderous dollars, there were self-driving cars…!

The search giant has said that its wondrous, we-can’t-wait-till-its-mainstream self-driving cars have logged in 300,000 miles of accident-free testing on actual roads. That’s better than 100% of drivers in Sharjah – that is indeed quite amazing.

Despite the milestone, Google says there’s still a long way to go. The testings have only been done on normal, drivable roads – snow-caked roadways, temporary construction signals and lane-less Sharjah roads are yet to master. As a next step, the company will soon allow members of the self-driving cars to go on solo rides, rather than in pairs, for things like commuting to work. Google hopes that one day this capability will enable people to be more productive in their cars.”

We would like that, yes.

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Windows RT tablets to launch with limited version of Office

A rumor is going around that Microsoft will ship a stripped-down version of Office 2013 RT when it launches its Windows RT tablets.

Currently referred to as a ‘preview’ edition, the version will not have certain features such as macros, visual basic editor, and certain third-party addins, similar to the ‘starter’ edition of Office 2010 that now bundles with most PCs and laptops. The decision to remove certain features was purely to extend the battery life of the Windows RT tablet, though a fully-featured version of Office 2013 can be purchased and installed if required.

Microsoft have yet to confirm this or provide more details, but if it’s true the company will certainly receive plenty of disagreement from expert Office users who might actually need to use the very features that Microsoft is looking to strip out.

(via The Verge)

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Visual Studio 2012 leaks to web (surprised?)

Oh Microsoft, it looks like this isn’t your week at all. After its precious Windows 8 Enterprise leaked to the web, its development platform Visual Studio 2012 was also leaked today, shortly after it hit RTM. According to this post on Winunleaked.info, the build is legitimate and furthermore does not require a key for activation.

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Even John Carmack does not like Windows 8

Microsoft maybe flogging Windows 8 as the best thing since sliced bread, but it’s increasingly failing to garner love from video game developers. After Gabe Newell openly called Microsoft’s new touch-friendly operating system a disaster”, a number of key developers too joined in the chorus. Blizzard’s Rob Pardo called Windows 8 not awesome” for the company, whereas Minecraft creator Markus Notch spoke against Microsoft’s decision to lock down” the platform. Now, id Software’s John Carmack is the latest one to bash the upcoming OS.

During his keynote at QuakeCon 2012, Carmack said that while he has more respect for Microsoft than others, he is pretty darn happy” working with Windows 7 at the moment, and he would be happy if Windows 8 didn’t actually exist. He is, however, excited for the Surface tablet, but said there was nothing to look forward to in Windows 8.

Carmack admitted that currently no one at id Software is working with Windows 8, but said they should probably start testing it since Doom 3 BFG Edition will be releasing very close to Windows 8 in October.

You can watch the entire, nearly 4-hours long keynote below. The Windows bit comes at the 2:47 hour mark.

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Electronic Arts sues Zynga

Electronic Arts (EA) has filed a copyright infringement case on behalf of its Maxis Label, which created ‘The Sims Social’. The Sims Social was released on Facebook in August 2011 as an extension of its popular Sims PC game franchise. Zynga’s The Ville came out in June 2012.

In a 40 page filing, EA pointed out numerous game elements it claimed Zynga ripped off in “The Ville,” from personality traits to avatars’ actions, such as conversing and dancing. In another example, EA claimed “The Ville” characters included eight personality types, ranging from athlete to villain, that echoed “The Sims” own jock-to-scoundrel lineup. EA also accused Zynga of using eight identical colors for its characters’ skin-tone palette.

 

Reginald Davis, Zynga’s general counsel, hit back in response, “It’s unfortunate that EA thought that this was an appropriate response to our game, and clearly demonstrates a lack of understanding of basic copyright principles”.

This is not the first time Zynga has been accused of copying other developer’s games.

It may be remembered that the social gaming giant’s ‘Dream Heights’ bared more than a passing resemblance to indie developer Nimblebit’s iPhone game ‘Tiny Tower’. But this is the first time Zynga has butted heads with a company as large as EA.

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Dropbox security compromised

In a blog post yesterday, Dropbox confirmed that their security has been breached. Apparently some users were getting spam emails on the email addresses they used for their Dropbox account.

Our investigation found that usernames and passwords recently stolen from other websites were used to sign in to a small number of Dropbox accounts.” Additionally, it was discovered that, ” a stolen password was also used to access an employee Dropbox account containing a project document with user email addresses. We believe this improper access is what led to the spam.”

Of course the Dropbox team has contacted the affected users as well as taken additional steps to ensure such an issue doesn’t happen in the future.

The following steps are being implemented:

• - Two-factor authentication, a way to optionally require two proofs of identity (such as your password and a temporary code sent to your phone) when signing in. (Coming in a few weeks)
• - New automated mechanisms to help identify suspicious activity. We’ll continue to add more of these over time.
• - A new page that lets you examine all active logins to your account.
• - In some cases, we may require you to change your password. (For example, if it’s commonly used or hasn’t been changed in a long time)

Regardless, we advise our readers to go ahead and change their Dropbox passwords immediately, just in case.

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Google's YouTube Immediately Build Studio in London

London: Google YouTube immediately opened a studio in London, England. Google's claim that the studio planned to be built in Soho, with the aim of providing support for novice filmmakers. The building was owned YouTube, there are facilities such as the tools to develop professional work for the website.

"It is amazing to think that some of the most successful creators in the arena, with millions of viewers, using something more than just their bedroom, webcam and any props that are used to produce the videos are interesting and likeable," said Sara representatives YouTube Mormino, recently.

"Many of our partners are ready to process their work to go to the next stage, using the latest equipment and editing techniques as well as expert advice and the stars are popular on YouTube," he added.

The plan, the studio will be equipped with a technologically advanced camera and cinema. In addition as many as two rooms for the recording process, as well as a space to perform the editing process with a green background will also complement the latest YouTube's headquarters.

Mormino said that those who would use the YouTube studio, can make reservations and appointments in advance. After the ordering process is approved, they can access the facility on YouTube in the London studio. In addition to utilizing the facilities have been provided, users can also learn new skills and collaborate with other filmmakers in the studio.

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Meet Kuratas, the $1.35 million mech of your dreams

If you’ve watched Transformers far too many times, then this story is for you. Got a spare $1 million under your couch? Then you could be the proud owner of Kuratas, the 4.5 ton diesel-powered monstrosity that will make your the envy of your neighborhood. That is, after your blow it all up.

Built by Suidobashi Heavy Industries, the mech has enough room inside to house a human pilot, along with driving controls and mechanisms to control the robot’s gigantic arms. Best of all, the robot is weaponized, and comes with such fun accessories as a gatling gun that’s activated by smiling. Yes, this thing makes Dr. Evil look like one of the Carebears.

Watch the utterly hilarious instructional video below, and start saving up!

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Blackberry Launches New Operating System

Ottawa: After being stuck in the manufacture of a device, finally Reaserch In Motion (RIM) has launched the latest operating system for the Backberry. TGDaily media proclaim, Tuesday (24/7), the operating system (IOS) 10 was rated as the most advanced operating system for the BB at this time.

The new alpha version of the BlackBerry 10 will provide convenience for users of voice commands that can be used in such devices. Unfortunately, IOS 10 assessed the success of iPhone and Android trail. In fact, it features very look familiar to iPhone owners.

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Google Browse Cable TV

New York: Companies search engine giant Google expanded cable TV market. Related parties say they will launch a television service in several U.S. states by using its own optical network. In fact, it is also to be launched high-speed internet with Google output.

According to the information page of the company as reported by NHK, they will begin to provide such services in some parts of Kansas and Missouri in September. The new service will be priced at a rate plan for $ 120 dollars per month. Remarkably, the service will also be provided for tablet PCs and smartphones.

Industry analysts see major changes taking place in corporate strategy, which involves the construction of the infrastructure itself to the new service. While Google's own plans for mengembangakn marketing services, at the arena in which Time Warner is providing cable television services.

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Nokia closes last factory in Finland

Finnish publication YLE reports that Nokia’s last mobile phone factory in the country has stopped producing handsets. The factory at Salo in Western Finland will formally be closed in September. It is estimated that some 780 people will lose their jobs.

The move is not unexpected. Nokia is also cutting jobs in Mexico and Hungry, all in a bid to shift production to Asia. In February it announced, ‘Shifting device assembly to Asia is targeted at improving our time to market. By working more closely with our suppliers, we believe that we will be able to introduce innovations into the market more quickly and ultimately be more competitive [...] We recognize the planned changes are difficult for our employees and we are committed to supporting our personnel and their local communities during the transition’.

It is the end of an era for the one-time industry leader which has reported huge losses in the last few quarters and is doing everything it can to stay relevant. Nokia’s restructuring plans will result in the cutting of 10000 jobs globally.

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HTC confirms Android Jelly Bean on One X, XL & S

After recent leaks, HTC officially confirmed over the weekend that their newest range of One smartphones will be getting Android Jelly Bean update soon.

Included models for the Jelly bean OS upgrade are the Ice Cream Sandwich running HTC One XL, One X and our recently reviewed One S. Sadly the entry model HTC One V will not be given the update. No specified date on when the updates will roll out, but HTC have confirmed to SlashGear that the update “is for all versions worldwide, including the carrier-specific versions in the U.S.”

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Windows Phone 8 coming in October

During the recent Q2 earnings, Nokia’s CEO Stephen Elop discussed about the sales of the current Windows Phone 7 handsets the Finnish company has released to date. Over the last three months Nokia has sold 4 million Lumia handsets worldwide, double the Q1 figures.

Despite the modest sales, Elop said that the coming release of Windows Phone 8 software in October, which promises better coordination and more features for computers and smartphones running Microsoft software, would further lift sales of Lumia devices,” according to NY Times.

The expected release date of Windows Phone 8 is not really surprising, given the desktop variant, Windows 8, will release on 26th October. Now all we wait for is the official date, however mark October as the month for all things Windows 8.

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Microsoft Office 2013 now available for downloading

Like Windows 8, Microsoft has released a downloadable preview version of their upcoming Office suite that is now called Office 2013. Like the previous generation, the Office suite features Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and OneNote along with Access and Publisher. New features for this time around include a refined UI that has a much flatter look, support for touch-screens and cloud syncing allowing access to all your files from anywhere. you can download Office 2013 by signing up for it here.

Microsoft states the following new features for Office 2013

Office at Its Best on Windows 8

Touch everywhere. Office responds to touch as naturally as it does to keyboard and mouse. Swipe your finger across the screen or pinch and zoom to read your documents and presentations. Author new content and access features with the touch of a finger.

Inking. Use a stylus to create content, take notes and access features. Handwrite email responses and convert them automatically to text. Use your stylus as a laser pointer when presenting. Color your content and erase your mistakes with ease.

New Windows 8 applications. OneNote and Lync represent the first new Windows 8 style applications for Office. These applications are designed to deliver touch-first experiences on a tablet. A new radial menu in OneNote makes it easy to access features with your finger.

Included in Windows RT. Office Home and Student 2013 RT, which contains new versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote applications, will be included on ARM-based Windows 8 devices, including Microsoft Surface.

Office Is in the Cloud

SkyDrive. Office saves documents to SkyDrive by default, so your content is always available across your tablet, PC and phone. Your documents are also available offline and sync when you reconnect.

Roaming. Once signed in to Office, your personalized settings, including your most recently used files, templates and even your custom dictionary, roam with you across virtually all of your devices. Office even remembers where you last left off and brings you right back to that spot in a single click.

Office on Demand. With a subscription, you can access Office even when you are away from your PC by streaming full-featured applications to an Internet-connected Windows-based PC.

New subscription services. The new Office is available as a cloud-based subscription service. As subscribers, consumers automatically get future upgrades in addition to exciting cloud services including Skype world minutes and extra SkyDrive storage. Subscribers receive multiple installs for everyone in the family and across their devices.

Office Is Social

Yammer. Yammer delivers a secure, private social network for businesses. You can sign up for free and begin using social networking instantly. Yammer offers integration with SharePoint and Microsoft Dynamics.

Stay connected. Follow people, teams, documents and sites in SharePoint. View and embed pictures, videos and Office content in your activity feeds to stay current and update your colleagues.

People Card. Have an integrated view of your contacts everywhere in Office. The People Card includes presence information complete with pictures, status updates, contact information and activity feeds from Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.

Skype. The new Office comes with Skype. When you subscribe, you get 60 minutes of Skype world minutes every month. Integrate Skype contacts into Lync and call or instant message anyone on Skype.

Office Unlocks New Scenarios

Digital note-taking. Keep your notes handy in the cloud and across multiple devices with OneNote. Use what feels most natural to you â€" take notes with touch, pen or keyboard, or use them together and switch easily back and forth.

Reading and markup. The Read Mode in Word provides a modern and easy-to-navigate reading experience that automatically adjusts for large and small screens. Zoom in and out of content, stream videos within documents, view revision marks and use touch to turn pages.

Meetings. PowerPoint features a new Presenter View that privately shows your current and upcoming slides, presentation time, and speaker notes in a single glance. While presenting, you can zoom, mark up and navigate your slides with touch and stylus. Lync includes multiparty HD video with presentations, shared OneNote notebooks and a virtual whiteboard for collaborative brainstorming.

Eighty-two-inch touch-enabled displays. Conduct more engaging meetings, presentations and lessons, whether in person or virtually, with these multitouch and stylus-enabled displays from Perceptive Pixel.

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