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Non-stop playing “Battlefield 3” video game worldwide: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and personal computer gamers have made the franchise as the fastest-selling game in Electronic Arts Inc. history

The Battlefield video game franchise was launched in 2002 and has continued to capture wide audiences around the world.  The latest version 3 of the video game dubbed as “Battlefield 3.”  

Electronic Arts Inc. reported on Monday (October 31) that the gaming company has sold Battlefield 3 for over five million packs during the first week launch.   EA considers the latest video game as the fastest-selling video game for the Redwood City, California-based company history. 

Battlefield 3 video game was developed by DICE in Stockholm, Sweden.  The game is distributed globally by EA.  Battlefield 3 gets a rating as “M” (Mature) by Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Battlefield 3 allows for multi-players to play at the same time.  The game can be played thru Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and personal computer. 

Since the first version of the three versions was introduced in 2002, the company has sold for 50 million units worldwide.

Images: (top) battlefield.com (right) origin.com

BlackBerry P’9981 powered by Porsche Design: 1.2 GHz processor, 768MB RAM, 8GB memory, touch display, steel frame, HD video recording (720p) and QWERTY keyboard, available before Christmas at Porsche Design stores (i.e., Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills)

One of Porsche Design stores located at Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, will be super busy this holiday season shopping as the only store in Los Angeles that will sell BlackBerry P’9981.  According to RIM press release, BlackBerry P'9981 smartphone will be available sometime before the Christmas this year. Click here for a list of Porsche Design stores around the world.

The new smartphone is powered by Porsche Design and will be called BlackBerry P’9981.  It will be equipped with 1.2 GHz processor, 768MB RAM, 8GB memory, touch display, steel frame, leather cover, HD video recording (720p) and QWERTY keyboard.  It also has a micro SD card slot for expandable up to 40GB.

(Image: BlackBerry P’9981)

Air quality debate in America: high levels of air pollution in cities (i.e., Los Angeles) and its side effects to lung cancer for non-cigarette smokers

A research study led by Michelle Turner, a graduate student at the University of Ottawa, found people who live in cities (i.e., Los Angeles) with high levels of air pollution but non-smokers have higher chances to die from lung cancer than people who live in cities with better air quality. 

Researchers believe the fine particles in air pollution can hurt and irritate human lungs which later increase risk for lung cancer for a long run.  This could lead to debate about air quality in cities, as researchers urged law makers must control air pollutions level to be as low as possible.

Using sample of 180,000 non-smokers, researchers noted that during duration of 26 years, 1,100 people died from lung cancer, as reported by reuters.com.  All samples in the study lived in America.

Researchers applied ratio of 14 to 21 out of every 100,000 women who are non-smokers could get lung cancer.  For non-smokers men, the ratio is 5 to 14 out of every 100,000 men. 

The study was published early this month by American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Yahoo! Inc. is reported to just selling its Asian assets, including Alibaba.com and Yahoo! Japan, as the number two search engine is planning to give back the proceeds to shareholders, but not selling the entire company

As per a report by Bloomberg on Friday night, October 28, 2011, Yahoo! Inc. is now considering selling its Asian assets including Alibaba.com auction and ecommerce website and Yahoo! Search in Japan.  In order to cool down its shareholders demand, Yahoo will give back the proceeds to them, but not selling the entire company.

While Yahoo! has signed a ten year deal with Microsoft two years ago, Yahoo! Search in Japan is not powered by Bing decision engine, but by Google search engine.

After firing former CEO Carol Bartz in early September, Yahoo! is now the largest target for takeover by several groups of deep pocket investors.  Other Silicon Valley’s technology companies including Google backed group of investors and Microsoft, have been rumored to be the top buyer for Yahoo! Internet properties. 

Microsoft’s Office Division presents a video depicting the future use of technology to help office workers, friends, and family members to be more productive

Microsoft’s Office Division showed a concept video depicting the future use of software and technology to help office workers, friends, and family members to be more productive. The first segment of the video shows office workers traveling from one place to another and connecting to their colleagues, friends, and family members. The video also shows activities among family members inside a household. As Kurt DelBene, President of Microsoft Office Division wrote “…helping us get things done, and strengthening our interactions with one another.”

All actors and actresses on the video used variety of devices including tablet PCs, desktops, workstations, and smartphones to access and connect to data wirelessly. The connection between one to another users could be performed from any locations around the world. Click here to watch the concept video.

 

Top image: Microsoft Office Division; bottom: video via YouTube

The real Windows Phone powered by Nokia: Lumia 800 will be available in Europe this November for €420 or $580, will also be available in few Asian countries before Christmas and will soon be available in America after the New Year 2012

During a big Nokia World event in London on Thursday, October 26, 2011, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop introduced two new smartphones running on Windows Phone 7.5 (“mango”) operating system.  The first phone will be called as Lumia 800, while during beta version was also known as Sea Ray.  Tech observers believe this phone resembles the popular Nokia N9. 

Lumia 800 is powered by a single-core 1.4GHz processor with 16GB of internal storage.  The AMOLED screen size is 3.7-inch.  There will be three types of color for the case includes black, cyan and magenta.  Initially without wireless subscription, the phone will cost about €420 or $580.  Lumia 800 will be preinstalled with several Microsoft software including Bing decision engine and a link to free 25GB of SkyDrive cloud storage system.  The phone also equipped with a free turn-by-turn voice navigation program.  Nokia will also launch a global service for music fans dubbed as Mix Radio.  While for sports fans, the phone will hook up with ESPN Sports Hub.

According to Nokia, people who live in Britain, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, will be able to purchase the new phone starting this November.  Wireless subscribers in Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan, can also buy the phone before Christmas this year.  Wireless subscribers in America will be able to get the phone after the New Year 2012.

During the Nokia World event, Nokia also introduced an affordable version of Lumia 800 which will be called as Nokia Lumia 710.  This cheap version will run on the same processor as Lumia 800.

(Image: Nokia Lumia 800 and Lumia 710)

Let’s say hello to Macworld iWorld, a name change for Macworld Expo, to be held from January 26 to January 28, 2012 at the Moscone West Convention Center in San Francisco, California

Technology event organizer IDG World Expo has decided to change the old name Macworld Expo to a new name Macworld iWorld.  This was made in conjunction with the entire naming convention and ecosystem of Apple products including iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMac, and others.  The incoming event will be held from January 26 to January 28, 2012 at the Moscone West Convention Center in San Francisco, California.  Registration for one of the biggest events regarding Apple mobile devices began on Tuesday, October 25, 2011.

According to macworld.com, organizer of the next year’s event will add more exhibits and conference sessions.  One of those new sessions includes The Music Experience which will produce live performances and chats from musical groups and entertainment experts who had utilized Apple devices to create their music and shows.  Another new session includes the Film Event which will showcase the way Apple devices are being used in movies and TV programs.

Apple Company was the major sponsor during the last three decades of Macworld conference, but the Cupertino-based company pulled out of sponsorship since the 2010 Macworld Expo. As per macworld.com, the world’s largest mobile devices company has operated over 300 Apple Stores to attract and serve its customers worldwide, so the year of 2009 was the last year Apple involved with the Macworld Expo event.

(Logo: Macworld iWorld)

America’s top video-rental and video streaming services Netflix Inc. experienced with the loss of 800,000 domestic users to 23.79 million as of September 30, 2011, compared to 24.59 million users prior three months

Netflix users in America dropped to 23.79 million as of September 30, 2011, compared to 24.59 million three months earlier (end of June, 2011).  The top reason for cancellations was due to price hike.  Netflix had about 16.8 million users in America one year ago.  Year-over-year change was an increase of 41.6%.

The popular video-rental company increased price in September and later planned to introduce a new brand for DVD services.  However, the new brand called Qwikster was aborted few weeks ago.  With the new brand, the company planned to separate two types of billings for streaming and DVD services while also asked subscribers to pay more money for the combined services.

For the third quarter of 2011, Netflix reported its global net income increased to $62 million, compared to one year ago which was at $38 million, or an increase of 63.2%.  The video-rental company’s global revenue was $822 million, compared to one year ago which was at $553 million, or an increase of 48.6%.

(Image: Netflix.com)

The side effects of bisphenol-A (BPA) in 3-year-old girls behavior and emotional problems including hyperactive, anxious, aggressive, and depressed

Using sample of 244 pregnant women and their 3-year-old kids, scientists found the side effects of bisphenol-A (BPA) in girls but not in boys while their mothers were pregnant. 

Researchers found mothers with high level of BPA exposure will carry children with some type of behavior and emotional problems including hyperactive, anxious, aggressive and depressed.  Researchers warned that those types of behaviors appeared more likely in 3-year-old girls than boys.

The study is being published in the journal Pediatrics. BPA is a type of chemical used to make plastic containers and also found in canned foods.

McDonald’s McProfit: the fast food restaurants generated net income of $1.51 billion, as global sales were up 5% with total revenue of $7.17 billion

McDonald’s generated revenue of $7.17 billion for fiscal third quarter ended September 30, 2011.  Compared to one year ago it had revenue of $6.30 billion (or an increase of 14%).

McDonald’s McProfit was up during Q3-2011 with net income increased to $1.51 billion, compared with $1.39 billion one year ago (or an increase of 9%).

The fast-food restaurants global sales were up at average of 5%.  Domestic sales were up 4.4% percent, while International sales were up as well.  Sales in Europe were up 4.9% and sales in Asia/Pacific and Middle East regions were up 3.4%.

Majority Americans eat too much sodium as salt habit in commercial and restaurant foods is killing and costing billions to the population (incl. health risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke)

American diet is killing and costing billions to the population.  Too much sodium consumption is linked to risk of high blood pressure and triggering heart disease and stroke.  Most of the sodium Americans consume is from commercial and restaurant foods.

The latest study is published this week by federal agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with a report titled the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 

Using sample of 19,000 people in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for data collected for period of 2005-2008, federal researchers found 88.2% of the population consume sodium on daily basis greater than the recommended level.  They should reduce their salt consumption to less than 2,300 mg per day.

The world’s largest software maker Microsoft Corporation generated revenue of $17.37 billion during fiscal Q1-2012 (July to September 2011) compared to $16.20 billion the year-ago quarter (a 7% increase from the same period of the prior year)

The world’s largest software maker Microsoft Corporation reported Q1-2012 (July to September 2011) revenue of $17.37 billion, compared to $16.20 billion the year-ago quarter. This was a 7% increase from the same period of the prior year. The latest quarter ended September 30, 2011.

The Redmond-based company also pocketed about $5.74 billion during the latest quarter. The net income for fiscal Q1-2012 was about 67.5% of the cost of purchasing Skype P2P communication technology. Microsoft announced the closing of the deal last week after received approval from America and European lawmakers.

Another bright side from Microsoft is all about Bing’s division (Online Services Division). The division is fighting very hard with Google search engine. Bing’s division generated $630 million during Q1-2012, compared to the year-ago quarter which was about $530 million. Within a span of twelve months, the division saw a 19% increase from the same period of the prior year.

(Chart: Microsoft Fiscal Q1-2012 Earnings)

China to help Apple’s bottom line as the Great Wall nation contributed $4.5 billion or 16% of the latest quarter’s total revenue (Q4-2011)

The Great Wall country is now the number two money maker for Apple Company, while America remains the number one in term of the most revenue.   At the same time, majority Apple mobile devices were manufactured and assembled in China, while all those devices were designed in America. 

Citing data from the fourth quarter of 2011, gigaom.com reported that China brought in $4.5 billion to Apple’s total revenue during the latest quarter.  This is equal to 16% of the total revenue.  While comparing to the continent of Europe as a whole, it brought in about $7.4 billion (or 26%) to Apple’s total revenue.

According to CEO Tim Cook as reported by gigaom.com, Apple stores located in the greater China region (incl. Hong Kong and Taiwan) are the most-visited and highest revenue generated retail stores.

Apple announced fiscal 2011 fourth quarter (July to September) financial results as the world’s largest mobile devices company sold 17.07 million iPhones, 11.12 million iPads, and 6.62 million iPods during the quarter

The world’s largest mobile devices company collected revenue of $28.27 billion from July to September, 2011 and with net profit of $6.62 billion.  Compared to the revenue of one year ago, the Cupertino-based company had a total of $20.34 billion with net profit of $4.31 billion.  In term of revenue, the company gained $7.93 billion over twelve months ago.  In term of net profit, it increased $2.31 billion over one year ago.

Citing Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, the press release noted that the world’s most valuable company generated total revenues of $108 billion during the fiscal 2011, while it pocketed $26 billion in profit.

The hottest product was iPads, as Apple sold 11.12 million units during the quarter.  In term of total units sold, this was equal to 166% increase over one year ago.  The new version iPad 2 was launched in the spring of this year.

While many phone subscribers have been waiting for a newer version of iPhone dubbed as iPhone 5 since this past summer, Apple released an updated version of iPhone 4S last week, there were no iPhone 5.  Due to delay of purchasing a new iPhone since summer, there was a just so-so sales number in the iPhone department.  Apple sold only 17.07 million iPhones during the quarter.  In term of unit count, this was equal to 21% increase over one year ago.

Not many people bought iPods during the quarter, as Apple noticed that the company sold only 6.62 million iPods, or 27% drop from one year ago.

Four million units and counting: Apple’s iPhone 4S is the hottest mobile device in the planet since its initial launch on October 14, 2011

The world’s largest mobile device company just announced that it has sold more than four million units of the new iPhone 4S since its launch on Friday, October 14, 2011.  The initial launch of the hottest mobile device occurred in America, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. 

According to Apple press release, two weeks after the iPhone 4S launched in America, starting October 28, the new phone will be available in 22 countries including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Apple also revealed that over 25 million customers have downloaded and installed iOS 5 on their mobile devices since the new operating system was released on October 12.  With the release of new iOS 5, customers can connect to new features such as iCloud storage system.  Apple believes that over 20 million customers have been accessing iCloud since the iOS5 launched last week.

There are three wireless carriers that currently offer iPhone 4S in America include AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint.  With at least two years contract and paying a minimum data plan of $15 per month, users can purchase either black or white color iPhones in America with a price tag at $199 for the basic 16GB model.  iPhones with more hand-drive spaces will cost additional $100 each, as for 32GB model has a price tag of $299, and the top of the line 64GB model will cost $399. 

In America, electronic stores and discount retailers are also selling the new iPhone 4S include Best Buy, Target, and Walmart stores.

Governor of the largest state in America, Jerry Brown, dedicated Sunday October 16, 2011 as Steve Jobs Day in California

Ten days after his dead on October 5, 2011, governor of the largest state in America, Jerry Brown, dedicated Sunday, October 16, 2011 as Steve Jobs Day in California.  The former CEO of the world’s most valuable technology company died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 56 years old.  He died at his home in Palo Alto, California.

Governor Brown sent out a tweet on Friday at 4:36pm Pacific Time October 14 to declare the Steve Jobs Day in California.

On the same Sunday, Apple Company will also hold a private memorial for Jobs’ close friends, families, and co-workers at Palo Alto-based Stanford University.  Silicon Valley’s top tech guys and CEOs will also attend the memorial services at one of the top universities in West Coast of America.

(Image: Twiiter.com @JerryBrownGov)

Canada’s regulators to modify rules handling imported traditional Chinese medicines and to protect consumers from malpractices

Federal regulators in Canada have insisted that importers of traditional Chinese herbal remedies must follow the nation’s laws for selling foreign products. The first step to modify the 40 years old laws was conducted this past week between federal health authorities and importers in Vancouver's Chinatown, reported AFP. In order to protect consumers from malpractices, Canada’s regulators try to bring federal and provinces level lawmakers, and merchants in the same table. 

According to AFP, there are over 1,300 types of traditional Chinese remedies that are currently marketed in Canada. Traditional Chinese herbal remedies include ginseng herbs, mushrooms, etc. Those Chinese herbs could be consumed by drinking or mixing with foods. Chinese medicines activities, notes, and books could be traced back for thousand years from the early dynasty in China.

Image (right) Chinatown traditional herbal store

Skype investors get big payday from Microsoft: the software giant welcomes a new division for handling real-time Internet communications for consumers and business enterprises worldwide

The software giant has officially closed its acquisition of Skype, as per a press release dated on October 13, 2011.  The value of the acquisition was $8.5 billion.  The biggest winner in term of money is investor group Silver Lake.   Both tech companies’ boards of directors approved the deal on May 10, 2011.  Lawmakers from both continents America and Europe have also approved the deal last week.

Former Skype CEO Tony Bates will get a new title as president of the newly created Skype Division among many business divisions inside Microsoft such as Windows, Servers, Online Business (Bing), and others.  Bates will work closely with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. 

Microsoft hopes to integrate many Skype technologies into its products and services offering especially targeting consumers and enterprise customers worldwide, including Windows operating systems (OS 7 and OS 8 "metro"), Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Xbox 360 gaming consoles, Xbox Kinect hand-free controllers, and Windows Phone "mango" for mobile devices operating system (mobile OS 7.5).

One of the top reasons for Microsoft to buy Skype is to please and helping the world’s largest social networking with over 800 million users.  Facebook is one of the closest partners for Microsoft.  At the same time, the giant software company has invested a chunk of money onto the social network company during the early stage of investment (tech watchers believe Microsoft owns about 5% stacks on Facebook). Skype technology has been integrated into Facebook since the early spring of this year.  The technology is widely used by hundreds of millions of Facebook users around the world. 

Another reason for getting in bed with Skype is to increase web traffics to Microsoft’s Bing decision engine as the software giant is trying to grab search engine market share from Google.

(Infographic: Microsoft Skype)

Silicon Valley’s Cash Cow: the world’s largest search engine generated $9.72 billion in revenues as Google had $2.73 billion in net income during Third Quarter (July to September 2011), while International revenues continue to grow

After the Wall Street market closed at 1:00pm Pacific Time on October 13, 2011, Silicon Valley-based company, Google reported their latest quarterly results.  Google generated revenues of $9.72 billion in Q3 2011, compared to one year ago which was $7.29 billion (or, an increase of $2.43 billion).  This was equal to about 33% increase from one year ago.

The world’s largest search engine pocketed $2.73 billion in net income during Q3-2011, compared to one year ago which was only $2.17 billion (or, an increase of $560 million).

Of the total revenues generated during Q3 2011, over 96% were generated from Google Sites and Google Network.  Google Sites (incl. Google.com homepage) brought in $6.74 billion or 69% of total revenues.  Google Network (incl. partner sites via AdSense programs) generated $2.60 billion, representing 27% of total revenues.  One year ago, Google Network generated only $2.20 billion. This was an increase of $400 million, or an increase of 18% within the past twelve month period.

International businesses, outside of America, continue to helping the world’s largest search engine company.   International revenues totaled $5.3 billion which was equal to 55% of total revenues in Q3-2011.  One year ago, International business contributed only 52% of Google’s total revenues.  Among Google’s global businesses, Britain contributed $1.05 billion in term of revenues for Q3-2011 or 11% share of total revenues.

Trends in America’s teenagers: more teens using condoms, more sex activities among black teens, most Hispanic males do not use condoms during sex

America’s top agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found more teenagers use condoms during sex.  The agency found 8 of every 10 teenagers used a condom, while many teens also calculated their female partner’s hormonal method for safer sex.  The report with a title “Teenagers in the United States: Sexual Activity, Contraceptive Use, and Childbearing, 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth” was published by CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics.

Based on data collected from 2006 to 2010, the report showed 43% female teens, or 4.4 million people, had sexual experience before married.  While about 42% male teens, 4.5 million people had sexual intercourse at least once before married.

Trends in America’s teenagers also differ among race groups.  The report found black males have more sexual activities than other races.  Hispanic males are most likely to disregard of using condom during sex.

Zynga, the world’s largest social networking gaming company introduces CastleVille, a new online game depicting medieval world and helping players to get happy ending

The world’s largest social networking gaming company just announced a new online game platform in its “Ville” franchise.  The announcement was made on October 11 (Tuesday) during a news event dubbed Zynga Unleashed.  At today’s event, the famous gaming company also announced a new site which will let players to play online games without going thru Facebook or other partners (i.e., Google Plus) with a project code named as “Project Z.”

Popular Zynga games are mostly available via Facebook including CityVille, FarmVille, FrontierVille, and others.  According the latest sources, Zynga has over 232 million active players and capturing about 40% of social networking gaming market share.

As per Zynga official blog post, the new online game was built by a team located in Zynga Dallas, Texas.  CastleVille game depicts medieval world with several interesting storylines and supported by various characters. The new game also adds soundtrack with original music recorded in Seattle.  As the new game will be released soon, players can check out CastleVille updates thru facebook.com/castleville

(Image: Zynga.com)

Let’s say hello to Facebook iPad app: the world’s largest social networking meets the world’s top selling tablet personal computer for the first time

Starting Monday (Oct 10, 2011), over 800 million users of the world’s largest social networking will be able to connect to their friends and families thru an iPad app.  This touch-screen device is manufactured by Apple, the world's largest mobile device company.  iPad is now also the world’s top selling tablet personal computer.  Users can get the full Facebook experience via touch-screen iPad tablet computer. 

According to Facebook official blog post, users worldwide have been asking for an iPad app to run on their iPads since the popular mobile device went on sale in April 2010.  With high number of users accessing Internet via wireless mobile gadgets, Facebook appears to match its users demand for more gadgets.  However, it took almost 18 months for Facebook engineers to get a solid iPad app for a general release this week.

Among great features on the new iPad app include users can chat with friends, user can play games in full-screen mode, users can flip through bigger photos album similar to a slideshow.  The top and left navigation bars also enhanced, so users can get notifications and messages at the top of their iPad screen easily.

 
(Screenshot: Facebook blog post)

800 million users worldwide: Facebook conquers global languages by adding a new translation tool which is powered by Microsoft Translator

With over 800 million users from around the world, Facebook is trying to help readers from the top non-English speaking countries, such as Brazil and Indonesia.  The world’s largest social networking launched a new translation tool this past weekend.  The new tool is powered by Facebook’s partner and investor, dubbed as Microsoft Translator.   This new tool helps its users to read public posts in other languages.

Facebook urged administrators (admin) for community pages to setup and enable the new translation tool on public pages, so any users can translate the pages in their own languages.  By adding the tool, pages will show a new blue-color link “Translate.”   The link is located after “Like” and “Comment” or between “Comment” and “Share.”  Similarly, for personal pages, each individual can install Microsoft Translator app via Microsoft Bing decision engine.  In order to allow friends from non-English speaking countries to read posts, individuals must setup and enable the translation tool on each page. 

Images: (left) MicrosoftTranslator.com; (right) Facebook.com Pages

California Dream: the largest state in America approves a new bill known as the "Dream Act" that let undocumented students with status as illegal immigrants to receive public or private funds for their college education

While most people in America generally have been suffering from the economy turmoil since 2007, and many believe it is harder to achieve American Dream, but not in California.  Governor of the largest state in America, ‎ Edmund G. Brown Jr. a.k.a. Jerry Brown, has signed a new bill called the "California Dream Act." 

Any high school students, legal or illegal, who graduated from a local school in California, will be allowed to pay in-state tuition and fees when they got accepted into state universities.  With the new bill, undocumented immigrant students who have great grades could receive public or private financial aid

 
According to the governor website, the new bill will be taking effect starting the 2013 school year.  Students with illegal immigration status can apply for Cal Grants and other state aid.  On the average, each top student usually receives about $4,500 in tuition reduction, as per latimes.com.  Each year over 370,000 low-income students received grants from various institutions in California.

(Image: Cal Grants)

All-in-one system: Microsoft's acquisition of Skype got two thumbs ups from two continents, America and the European Union, as the deal valued at $8.5 billion

With a ton of cash on hand, Microsoft will spend at least $8.5 billion to pay for the world’s largest peer-to-peer communication technology.  According to Microsoft press release, the acquisition of Skype had received approvals from two continents America and the European Union.  Brad Smith, Microsoft’s top level executive counsel sent out a statement and noted “We’re pleased that the European Commission has approved Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype. This is an important milestone, as we’ve now received clearance from both the United States and the European Union.”  The acquisition of Skype communication technology system was announced on May 10 this year.  Microsoft is hoping that the deal will be completed within weeks. 

Among Microsoft popular products and services, Windows OS, Office, and Bing decision engine will be benefited from the acquisition.   The P-2-P communication system could increase web traffic to Bing.  While Bing has several close partners, Facebook will be the top winner among others.   This past summer, Facebook added Skype’s features into the largest social networking site and helping its 800 million users to communicate via video and voice.  Users can connect via voice and watching their friends and families from around the world. 

iRIP Steve Jobs (1955-2011), Apple's co-founder and visionary dead at 56, on Wednesday, October 5, 2011

 
The world’s largest mobile devices company co-founder and ex CEO Steve Jobs died on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, at the age of 56.  Mr. Jobs had been battled with pancreatic cancer and other health issues since 2004.  Mr. Jobs had a liver transplant in 2009 from a young man after taking a leave of absence due to health problems.

In honor of Steve Jobs, apple.com website changed its homepage and showing a full page of Steve Jobs photo and also added a new sub section in apple.com/stevejobs.

Screenshots: (top) apple.com and (bottom) apple.com/stevejobs

Trends in America’s smartphone market share in August 2011: Google Android captured 43.7% shares, Apple iOS has 27.3% shares, while RIM BlackBerry dropped to 19.7% shares, and Microsoft Windows Phone remained stable at 5.7% shares

More people in America switched their handsets to smartphones in recent months. According to data from the comScore MobiLens service, close to 85 million people in America used smartphones to communicate, texting, and access mobile Internet. 

Google Android remained strong and captured 43.7% shares of smartphone market by the end of August 2011.  Compared to three months ago ending May 2011, Android captured 38.1% shares (an increase of 5.6% shares).

While many phone subscribers were disappointed with the announcement of newest Apple iPhone 4S on Tuesday, October 4, the world’s largest mobile devices company’s share of smartphone market remained at stable level.  Apple iOS has 27.3% shares by the end of August 2011, compared to 26.6% shares in May 2011, or an increase of 0.7% shares.

While RIM BlackBerry launched several new models in recent months, the smartphone's pioneer continued to lose market share.  BlackBerry has only 19.7% shares in August, compared to 24.7% shares in May, or a drop of 5.0%.

The world’s largest software company new mobile operating system dubbed as Windows Phone 7 and 7.5 continued holding its shares as per the latest data from the comScore MobiLens service.  Windows Phone has about 5.7% shares in August, compared to 5.8% shares in May, a tiny drop of 0.1%.

(Table: comScore)

Bummer… no iPhone 5: Apple only has iPhone 4S running on the new iOS 5 with extra iCloud and more powerful microprocessor running on dual-core A5 chip, available on October 14, 2011

After a lengthy wait for new products from the world’s largest mobile devices company, Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook didn’t showcase a new iPhone 5, but he announced a new iPhone 4S on October 4, 2011.  From outside, this new iPhone is similar to iPhone 4.  From inside, the new iPhone 4S has more powerful microprocessor running on dual-core A5 chip, better 8 megapixel digital camera, and can record full 1080p HD video. 

The new iPhone 4S will run on new iOS 5.  Several cool iOS 5 features include built-in Twitter integration and iMessage.  iMessage is almost similar to BlackBerry Messenger (BBM).

During the showcase, Apple’s top level executives also introduced new voice-recognition technology using Siri.    This is a new system to understand words and voices from users.

In America, phone subscribers can start ordering the new iPhone via AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless starting this Friday, October 7.  The new phone will be shipped shortly and will arrive on customer’s doorstep on October 14.  On the same date customers in other countries include Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan, will get their new iPhones as well.

There are two type of colors for the new iPhone 4S, black or white.  The cheapest will carry a price tag of $199 for the 16GB model plus two years contract with phone providers.  Other models will carry price tags of $299 for the 32GB model and $399 for the new 64GB model. 

(Image: Apple iOS 5)

Freedom to read for Californians: privacy protections for buying, reading, and borrowing books, e-books, and library records, starting January 1, 2012

California Governor Jerry Brown made the Reader Privacy Act as an official law for the largest state in America.  The privacy law also known as Yee’s law will protect California consumers from unwarranted searches of any type of books or e-books purchased thru brick-and-mortal bookstores or online stores. Yee’s law or the Reader Privacy Act will take effect starting on January 1, 2012. 

Yee’s law was authored by California State Senator Leland Yee, Ph.D.  As a very powerful lawmaker from the Democratic Party who handles San Francisco and San Mateo County, California, Senator Lee really understands the important of privacy law for human being.   Senator Lee immigrated to America when he was three years old, from Guangdong, China where people do not have freedom of speech and freedom to read in the Great Wall nation.  

Yee’s law had support from many organizations, institutions, and corporations.  Two powerful organizations sponsored Yee’s Bill including the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).  It also had support from top Silicon Valley’s technology companies such as Google and TechNet.

(Image: California State Senator Leland Yee, Ph.D)

Electric cars customers who have given down-payment can test-drive a prototype of Model S Sedan during a special event at Tesla Motors factory in Fremont, California

The largest electric carmaker in California, Tesla Motors, opened its factory doors to customers who have given down-payment at Tesla Motors factory in Fremont, California on Saturday evening (October 1).  The future customers and guests can drive a prototype of Model S Sedan during the special event.  Former PayPal founder, who sold his online payment system company to eBay and now Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, gave a presentation of the Model S.  Musk also urged its future customers to support the carmaker for a long run.

The new electric car Tesla Model S has a price tag of about $57,400.  Previous model Tesla Roadster has a price tag of $109,000.  During the President Obama administration, new electric car buyers can get $7,500 federal tax credit.  Buyers can get their electric car sometime in early 2012.

According to reuters.com, the new electric cars Tesla Model S will come in three types based on its battery power.  Those three types of battery power include a car that can drive for at least 160 miles/257 km, 230 miles/370 km or 300 miles/483 km.

(Image: teslamotors.com)