Google buys start-up that develops gesture-recognition software. There are speculations that Google will integrate this technology into its Chromebook laptops and Nexus devices, because Flutter’s technology detects simple hand signals via webcam.Gesture-recognition is used in some gaming consoled (Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox Kinect), some smart Tvs and in Samsung Galaxy 4 smartphone. This technology could be very useful for older people or people with disabilities, according to Richard Picking from Glyndwr University. The deal was announced on Flutter’s website by its co-founder Navneet Dalal. Continue reading »

tags: Chromebook, Flutter, Galaxy S4, gesture recognition, Glyndwr University, Google, Navneet Dalal, Nexus, Nintendo Wii, Richard Picking, start-up, Xbox Kinect

BlackBerry asked for preliminary expressions of interest from potential strategic buyers. This buyers can buy the whole company or parts of it, which would be alternative to the preliminary agreement reached weeks ago with a group, led by Fairfax Financial Holdings (BlackBerry’s biggest shareholder), to take the company private for ca. $4,7 billion. Potential strategic buyers are Cisco, Google, Intel, LG, SAP and Samsung. The potential buyers have been especially interested in BlackBerry’s secure server network and patent portfolio. Analysts are saying that BlackBerry’s assets include well-regarded services business that powers its security-focues messaging system worth $3 bn – $4,5 bn; a collection of patents worth $2 bn – $3 bn and $3,1 bn in cash and investments. BlackBerry has a special committee with the assistance of independent financial and legal advisors, which is conducting review of strategic alternatives. Financial advice is providing JPMorgan Chase and RBC Capital Markets. Legal advice is providing Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Torys LLP. Continue reading »

tags: Arps, BlackBerry, CISCO, Fairfax Financial Holdings, Google, Intel, JPMorgan Chase, LG, Meagher & Flom LLP, patent portfolio, RBC Capital Markets, Samsung, SAP, secure server network, Skadden, Slate, Torys LLP

Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell claims that Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook isn’t the next Steve Jobs. Bushnell met Steve Jobs in 1974, when Jobs showed up at Atari in sandals and demanded a job interview. Atari employed him as a $5-an-hour developer. In his opinion, Cook probably thinks he’s innovating, when in fact it’s just micro-evolution. “If I were to choose somebody to run international manufacturing and processing and keep the wheels on the bus, Tim Cook is about as good as anybody can get,” said Bushnell. He is more impressed with Google’s approach, which focuses on testing new products and ideas even when some might fail. Continue reading »

tags: Apple, Atari, Google, Nolan Bushnell, Steve Jobs, Tim Cook