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Roomer launches iOS and Android apps for booking unwanted hotel reservations

May28
by on May 28, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, Insider, Product Launches

HotelRoom
Roomer, a service for people to buy and sell unwanted non-refundable hotel reservations, has just launched its first native mobile apps for iOS and Android. Available now, the company said the first iteration of the app only allows prospective travelers to search and book discounted hotel rooms, rather than also allowing users to sell non-refundable hotel room which they no longer require. The Web platform does allow this, however, and Roomer says this feature will be built into the mobile app over time. To ensure that the buyer and seller feel confident in making a transaction, Roomer said it has put a validation system in place. Once…

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BBC iPlayer for Android and iOS gets new home screen, Collections and more

May28
by on May 28, 2014 at 12:13 pm
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, Product Updates, UK

iplayer dan taylor flickr
The BBC has just released new versions of its mobile apps for Android and iOS devices which promise new features and easier programme discovery. Announced today, the new apps bring key updates to both platforms such as a new home screen design, which will now offer a selection of curated programmes alongside the most popular BBC content, and tweaked Category and Channel pages. The Beeb said the changes should make it easier to find the shows or channels you want to watch. Each of the Home, Category and Channel pages also now include a new feature called Collections, which allows you to…

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Microsoft Ventures partners for cyber-security accelerator, one startup to get $1m investment

May28
by on May 28, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Insider, Product Launches

MSVentures
Microsoft Ventures, the startup-nurturing and investment-focused side of Microsoft, has announced today that it is launching a cyber-security-focused program at its accelerator in Tel Aviv, Israel, in collaboration with Jerusalem Venture Partners. Announced today, the four-month program will provide oversight and expertise from industry executives, as well as free tools and other support for the participating companies. And as we discovered before, Microsoft doesn’t take any cut of the action in exchange for this support, nor require any obligation to use Microsoft technology. The accelerator is looking for startups currently working on building cyber-security products and services, the importance of which can’t…

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Amazon wants to make a mint with a new marketplace for collectible coins

May28
by on May 28, 2014 at 11:26 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Insider, Product Launches

Amazon has announced the launch of a new Collectible Coins marketplace today which gives buyers access to “more than 10,000 unique US coins” from a number of recognized and reputable dealers. The marketplace offers only rare and historical graded US currency and the company says its simple search tools make sifting through the virtual treasure trove a doddle. Dealers selling coins through the platform include Stack’s Bowers Galleries, Kagin’s, David Lawrence Rare Coins and Liberty Coin, among others.   The launch may seem a somewhat left-field move for Amazon, but it’s not the first time the retailing giant has made moves into the collectibles…

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Microsoft’s Surface Pro 2 is now up to £150 cheaper in the UK

May28
by on May 28, 2014 at 11:18 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Gadgets, Product Updates

pro2feat
If you live in the UK and think Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 3 is just a little too large, it’s worth taking a look at the now discounted Surface Pro 2. As Pocket-Lint reports, the company has dropped the price of its last-generation laptop-tablet hybrid by up to £150 on its online store. The 64 GB variant is now available for £569 (down from £719) while the 512GB version costs £1,289 (down from £1,439). The middle 128 GB and 256 GB Surface Pro 2 models, meanwhile, have been slashed by £140, bringing them down to £659 and £899 respectively. None…

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