Amazon Buys Amie Street
Four years ago, Amazon helped fund Amie Street, an online music store. Now, they are shutting the service down. Amie Street didn’t really take off as they’d hope, with a variable pricing model that didn’t catch on and only partial support from the major labels. It ended up being a place for indie artists rather than mainstream stars. As Amazon folds Amie Street’s customers into their existing base, the Aime Street team will focus on their online streaming radio service Songza. via AllThingsD
Google Voice Widgets for Android
Google just released two new home screen widgets that will make your interactions with Google Voice much easier. Not only are they useful, but they are compact and kinda pretty. The first is the Google Voice Inbox widget. It shows you most recent voicemails and text messages. You can flip back and forth through the items and tap to open the application.
The second is the Settings widget. It gives you quick access to:
- Launch Google Voice
- Compose a Text
- Change your dialing preferences – your phone can use Google Voice in four different ways
- Turn on Do Not Disturb – send all calls to voicemail
Google’s Bucky Balls Doodle Costs Visitors Money
This past weekend, Google celebrated the 25th anniversary of the discovery of the buckminsterfullerene with a special doodle. An interactive and rotating bucky ball graced the search home page. According to ZDNet, some Google users were up in arms about the new doodle. Why? because it was using up all their CPU, causing their laptops to overheat, and driving up their electric bills. Who wasn’t complaining? The maker of the Bucky Ball desktop toy, who raked in $250k in sales because of the doodle.
Just a few days later, Google not only put up a seemingly more complicated “balls” doodle, but also launched Google Instant search. Those poor computers have probably all burst into flames by now. Of course, we know the real point of these latest doodles is to highlight how far the Web has come.
The Craigslist Adult Section Saga
After huge amounts of pressure, Craigslist shut down their Adult section. First, in clear protest, they simply replaced the link with a big CENSORED logo. Now, it’s as if that entire section never existed. Not only does this raise questions about free speech, but some say the removal of the Adult section is a loss for victims. Danah Boyd writes that Craigslist serves as a “public perch from which law enforcement can watch without being seen.” By removing the Adult section, we lose a valuable resource in helping those being victimized.
Windows Phone Coming Oct 11th
According to Pocket-lint, “multiple sources” have confirmed that Microsoft will launch its new mobile operating system, Windows Phone 7, on 11 October 2010. Microsoft will use New York as it’s stage and broadcast the launch around the world. This news comes from “senior figures within the industry,” known and trusted by Pocket-lint. Not feeling Android? iPhone just not what you’re looking for? Looks like your prayers may be answered on 10/11. Keep an eye out.