The news for Tuesday, September 3, 2013
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8GB Nexus 4 sells out on Google Play, and it isn't coming back | The Verge
After Google gave its Nexus 4 a $100 price cut last week, the 8GB version of the phone is now sold out on the Play store. It appears that the price reduction was more of a clearance sale, however, as Google tells The Verge that the cheaper model will not be restocked.The 16GB variant is still available for $249, and the 8GB version may remain on the Play store in other countries while stocks last, but it looks like those in the US have missed their chance to pick up a sub-$200 smartphone from Google.
Microsoft buys Nokia's devices unit in a $7.2 billion bid for its mobile future | The Verge
One of the most enticing "what-ifs" of recent years has come true: Microsoft has purchased Nokia's Devices and Services unit, bringing the Lumia lineup under the Redmond roof. The move unites Windows Phone 8 with its biggest hardware supporter, giving the company the integrated mobile offering it's been looking for with Surface and other devices. When the deal closes in the first quarter of 2014, Microsoft will pay 3.79 billion Euros for Nokia's business, plus another 1.65 billion Euros for its portfolio of patents. (The 5.44-billion Euro total is considerably less than Microsoft paid for Skype in 2011.) 32,000 people are expected to transfer from Nokia to Microsoft, including 18,300 that are "directly involved in manufacturing."
Spotify Makes Its Biggest Hardware Play Yet With Spotify Connect, Syncing Music At Home And Beyond | TechCrunch
Spotify is today adding a new feature to its iOS app that represents the streaming company’s most ambitious move yet to position itself as the go-to music app on connected devices — and in the process entice more people to pay the $9.99 per month required to use the app. It’s launching Spotify Connect, a new button in the app that will let users seamlessly shift Spotify music playing between their handsets and different Wi-Fi-connected devices in the home, starting with audio devices from 10 manufacturers.
Amazon Now Offering Users Discounted Or Free Digital Versions Of Print Books Bought Through Its Site | TechCrunch
Amazon announced a new program today called Kindle MatchBook, which offers digital versions of print books purchased through its online bookstore to customers for between free and $2.99, depending on the title. The program covers book purchases ranging back to 1995, when it first started selling books to customers online.
Apple iPhone event on September 10th is official, we'll be there live | The Verge
Apple is ready to unveil its next-generation iPhone hardware on September 10th. After weeks of speculation and a rumored launch next week, the company has just mailed out invitations to an event in Cupertino at Apple's campus on September 10th starting at 10AM PT. The invite itself features many colourful circles and the strap-line, 'This should brighten everyone's day'
Android KitKat is the next version of Google's mobile operating system | The Verge
Google's Sundar Pichai, head of both Android and Chrome, has confirmed that the next version of Android will be called KitKat. Yes, you've read correctly, KitKat, as in the trademarked name of the chocolate candy bar made by Nestle (and licensed by Hershey in the US). A splash page for the new operating system reveals that KitKat will be the codename for Android 4.4, not the long-rumored Android 5.0. The name keeps the company's long-standing tradition of naming each version of its mobile operating system after desserts.
Amazon officially announces new Kindle Paperwhite, shipping on September 30th | The Verge
Amazon has officially announced the new Kindle Paperwhite — just hours after the company accidentally put the page live earlier today and then pulled it down immediately. It looks like it has the same physical form factor as last year's Kindle Paperwhite, but has a higher contrast E Ink display, a faster processor for improved page turning and book opening, and a redesigned built-in light. The touchscreen has also been improved, which should make for an improved page-turning experience.
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