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Microsoft is killing Xbox Music’s free music streaming

Oct22
by on October 22, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Insider

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The streaming music game is tough. So tough that Microsoft is retiring the free (ad supported) version of its Xbox Music streaming service. The feature will stop streaming ad-supported music on December 1, 2014 for Windows 8.0 and 8.1 devices. Microsoft explains why it’s pulling the plug on the service in a FAQ: We are focusing Xbox Music to deliver the ultimate music purchase and subscription service experience for our customers. With Xbox Music Pass, you have access to millions of songs on your PC, tablet, Xbox, phone, and the web. Download music for offline listening and create playlists that…

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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg addresses students in Chinese

Oct22
by on October 22, 2014 at 10:29 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Insider, Social Media

Mark Zuckerberg used to be extremely awkward during presentations. He’s still no Steve Jobs, but he’s gotten way better. In fact, he’s gotten so good, that he’s conducting interviews in Chinese. Post by Mark Zuckerberg. The Facebook CEO surprised the audience at Tsinghua University in Beijing when he answered questions in Mandarin. Clearly if you want to connect on a global stage, you need to know more than just a few pleasantries.

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Maximizing your minimum viable product: How to get high results without releasing a ‘minimal’ product

Oct22
by on October 22, 2014 at 6:32 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Design & Dev, Insider

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Jerry Cao is a content strategist at UXPin, where he develops in-app and online content for the wireframing and prototyping platform. He recently co-authored The Guide to Minimum Viable Products. “Minimum” is a strong word… and not one usually associated with a good product. Yet lately, the term “Minimum Viable Product” is thrown around as widely accepted advice for startups. Is there truth to this, or is it just another fly-by-night trend? That all depends on who you ask. The idea is this: a company without the resources to fully realize their vision should release their product prematurely with only…

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Google Earth for Android gets a 3D overhaul and faster map updates

Oct22
by on October 22, 2014 at 6:16 pm
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, Google

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Google today released an update to its Google Earth Android app that brings the service’s first major improvement to its 3D rendering technology since launch. Built from scratch, the renderer offers “faster, smoother and crisper transitions.” Google also plans to use it as a foundation for updates to 3D technology in other products. Here’s what the renderer looked like before: And this is the new look: Other additions to Google Earth for Android include faster basemap updates so that the app will get new data at the same time as Google Maps. You can also use Google Drive to open…

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2015 Challenge Cup Kicks off: Here are the winners from Washington, D.C.

Oct22
by on October 22, 2014 at 5:39 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Entrepreneur, Insider

1776 challenge
The new year came early to 1776 last night. The D.C. incubator – which launched in February 2013 – hosted the first regional pitch of its 2015 Challenge Cup. Founders from four categories – health, education, energy, and cities – competed to represent D.C. at the Challenge Festival in May 2015. After a series of 60-second pitches, judges invited two finalists per category to pitch for five minutes before taking audience questions. In the end, four startups – one per category – will represent the District at the Festival: Edbacker, a crowdfunder for educators; BaseTrace, which provides DNA-based tracers that…

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