Topping tech headlines Wednesday, Sergey Brin digs on smartphones, Google adds Calendar results to search field trial, and researchers show off stretchy batteries.
Topping tech headlines on Wednesday, Google co-founder Sergey Brin took to the TED Conference stage to rag on smartphones — while wearing a pair of futuristic glasses with a mini computer screen over one eye.
Brin called the uber-popular mobile devices “emasculating,” adding that users are “standing around and just rubbing this featureless piece of glass.” While the co-founder didn’t elaborate on his comments or explain what it is about a smartphone that cuts into a man’s virility, a $1,500 Google Glass price tag, it seems, will surely boost a guy’s manliness. A pair of the fancy goggles hit eBay last week, and bidders quickly pushed the cost to at least $15,500 before eBay yanked the listing. For more, check out The Best of TED 2013.
In other news, researchers created a thin, stretchable battery that can be expanded up to three times its size without loss of power or performance.
Meanwhile, Google has expanded its Gmail Search Field Trial to include Calendar results, allowing participants to find an entire day’s schedule by typing “What is on my calendar today” into the search bar. Only those actively participating in the trial will be able to access calendar and other personal search results.
Across the pond, Mobile World Congress 2013 is wrapping up in Barcelona. For more, check out PCMag’s roundups of the best phones and best tablets from the show, as well as the 10 Weirdest Things at MWC 2013.
Also making headlines Wednesday:
Microsoft Updates Office 365 for Business, Adds New Plans: Microsoft unveiled several new versions of its Office 365 suite for businesses.’Old School’ MiniDuke Malware Targets European Governments Via Adobe: Kaspersky and CrySys Labs have identified a new strain of malware, dubbed MiniDuke, that appears to combine old-school techniques with more modern options to target government entities and institutions around the world.Kindle iOS App Update Erasing Book Libraries: A Wednesday afternoon update, however, fixed the problem.
Leap Motion Controller Launching May 13 for $79.99: Customers can pre-order the Leap Motion controller online now; it is expected to begin shipping May 13 and will exclusively hit Best Buy stores on May 19.Amazon Cloud Player App Lands on iPad: Amazon has finally optimized its Cloud Player app for the iPad and iPad mini.
Samsung Wallet App Targets Apple’s Passbook: Samsung this week showed off an API for its new Wallet mobile payment system, and offering that sounds similar to Apple’s Passbook feature.Spotify iOS Update Revamps Interface, Fixes Bugs: Spotify launched Version 0.6.0 for iOS, bringing an updated user interface and new options to iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch listeners.Microsoft: Windows Phone 8 Will Be Upgradable: Microsot gives a glimpse into its cadence of upcoming Windows Phone news.Sony Discounts Gamers’ Favorite Titles of 2012: If you missed out on some of the most popular games of 2013, then now might be the perfect opportunity to check them out.Netflix Launches First-Ever ‘Flixies’ Awards: Netflix
has debuted “The Flixies” awards, designed to celebrate “the ways you really watch Netflix.”Bad Piggies App Update Adds 30 Levels, New Time Trials: Rovio catapulted a Bad Piggies app update to iOS and Android users, adding features that take the popular characters to new heights.RSA: Imperva Seeks Balance in the Data Protection Force: The IT security firm was slammed for a recent study of anti-virus software but Imperva’s philosophy of balancing automated security with human judgment deserves a listen.
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