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Google reportedly has a partner in its robotics efforts: Apple supplier Foxconn

Feb11
by on February 11, 2014 at 10:03 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Asia, Google, robots, Taiwan

Foxconn Logo Google reportedly has a partner in its robotics efforts: Apple supplier FoxconnFor years, Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn – also known as Hon Hai – has been Apple’s largest supplier. However, it is now also quietly working with Apple’s rival Google — more specifically on Android creator Andy Rubin’s robotics project — the Wall Street Journal reports.

Foxconn’s chairman Terry Gou met with Rubin to discuss new robotic technologies and the possibility of deploying robots at Foxconn’s factories, according to the WSJ. This could mean that Google will use Foxconn as a testing ground for its robots, which will reportedly be targeted at manufacturing in areas such as electronics assembly.

Foxconn may be best known for its Apple link but it has seen its revenue growth slowing. The company has thus been intensifying its diversification efforts – and one of its initiatives was a smartwatch, unveiled in June this year.

➤ Foxconn Working With Google on Robotics [Wall Street Journal]

Thumbnail image via Voishmel/AFP/Getty Images

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Yelp puts photos front and center with new design

Feb11
by on February 11, 2014 at 9:16 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Insider

Just two days after it emerged Yahoo was reportedly tapping its data to boost search engine results, business review site Yelp is giving its own site a bit of a spit-shine.

Though the fresh look is yet to be pushed live, it will better emphasize the community-contributed content, while also pushing photos of businesses “front and center”, as Yelp puts it. This means that rather than being greeted by a small thumbnail at first, you can choose from six large images instead.

Yelpie 730x473 Yelp puts photos front and center with new design
Moreover, the user review highlights feature now surfaces the best menu items, prices and other key information, such as whether a bar only sells wine. Finally, the user reviews’ column width has been reduced and font size has also been given a tweak to make it easier to read, while displaying larger photos and pushing them in-line underneath the text.

➤ Yelp’s New Interface in Your Face! | Yelp Blog

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Samsung hints at TouchWiz redesign with the latest teaser for its Unpacked 5 event

Feb11
by on February 11, 2014 at 8:53 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Mobile, samsung

We’ve already seen leaks suggesting that Samsung is preparing a significant overhaul for TouchWiz, the user interface on its Android devices, and now the company has teased a set of new, streamlined and circular icons for it.

This teaser posted to Samsung’s blog and social media accounts shows a simplified set of icons which have been added to the media invitation for its Unpacked 5 event, where it seems likely the Galaxy S5 will be unveiled. The fitness and lifestyle icons may also be a nod to the Google Now-style alerts that last month’s leak suggested would arrive in TouchWiz.

0211G KV 가로형final 730x486 Samsung hints at TouchWiz redesign with the latest teaser for its Unpacked 5 event

The event takes place in less than two weeks, so there’s not long to wait. TNW will be ring-side in Barcelona to bring you the latest as soon as it is announced.

➤ Update on Samsung Unpacked 2014 [Samsung]

Thumbnail image via JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images

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Flappy Bird creator says he removed the game because it became too addictive

Feb11
by on February 11, 2014 at 8:09 am
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, flappy bird, flappy birds

Had enough of Flappy Bird developer Dong Nguyen? The Vietnam-based developer has spoken out for the first time since pulling the wildly popular game for iOS and Android earlier this week. In an interview with Forbes, he said the decision came because the game was so addictive that it “had become a problem.”

The Forbes report suggests Dong felt guilt because so many people had become addicted to the game, though his other games will remain available because they are “harmless.” Dong said his stress was so severe that he found himself unable to sleep — his anguish has certainly been visible in his recent tweets.

In the rest of the interview — available at the link below — Dong denied that legal issues had forced the game offline. He pledged to release new apps in the future and said he quite likes some of the Flappy Bird clones.

➤ Exclusive: Flappy Bird Creator Dong Nguyen Says App ‘Gone Forever’ Because It Was ‘An Addictive Product’ [Forbes]

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