Facebook takes first step into Israel with Onavo purchase

Facebook has acquired Onavo, a 40-person strong Israeli startup focused on mobile application intelligence, data and compression.
Facebook will acquire the Tel Aviv-based company’s technology, personnel and office, which will give Facebook its first Israeli headquarters.

'Forcefield' technology controls computers Minority Report-style

UltraHaptics could be used to create an invisible mid-air feedback layer for interaction with motion-tracking sensors such as the Leap Motion. Photograph: Leap Motion

Researchers at Bristol University have developed a new system that simulates the feel of objects in mid-air using nothing but sound.

Print a working paper computer on an $80 inkjet

Ink laced with silver nanoparticles could make it a reality, to the joy of hobbyists

"IMAGINE printing out a paper computer and tearing off a corner so someone else can use part of it." So says Steve Hodges of Microsoft Research in Cambridge, UK. The idea sounds fantastical, but it could become an everyday event thanks in part to a technique he helped develop.

Apple shares get boost on Icahn dinner with CEO Cook

Reuters) - Shares of Apple Inc. rose about 2 percent on Tuesday on news that billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn had dinner with Apple chief executive Tim Cook on Monday and "pushed hard" for a buyback.

"Had a cordial dinner with Tim last night. We pushed hard for a 150 billion buyback. We decided to continue dialogue in about three weeks," Icahn tweeted on Tuesday.

Valve Steam Machines, Steam Controller, and SteamOS: Visionary or Vapor?

I've seen the future, and it is Steam. Maybe. Possibly. Honestly, it's hard to tell whether Valve's announcements will actually become a reality. Let's go over what we know.
Valve is working on SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system focused on Steam access, networked game streaming like the Nvidia Shield, and a Big Picture-style interface. It is also pursuing a Steam Machine platform that will consist of several different gadgets from different vendors, presumably based around certain standards to run SteamOS and certain games. Finally, Valve is also making a game controller with two touchpads featuring new haptic feedback technology and a touch screen. The Steam Machine platform and Steam Controller will be given to 300 beta testers, who get the Golden Ticket trading card on Steam and get their elderly grandfathers to finally get out of bed to tour the chocolate factory.

Leap Motion

Multi-touch desktop is a (miserably) failed product due to the fact that hands could get very tired with prolonged use, but Leap Motion wants to challenge this dark area again with a more advanced idea. It lets you control the desktop with fingers, but without touching the screen.


It’s not your typical motion sensor, as Leap Motion allows you to scroll the web page, zoom in the map and photos, sign documentss and even play a first person shooter game with only hand and finger movements. The smooth reaction is the most crucial key point here.