Bing Goes Sleek and More Social

Microsoft’s revamped search engine shows promise — if users can adapt.
Bing's Stefan Weitz says search is better with faces.

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Google to Expand Mobile-Device Partnerships

Google Inc. plans to give multiple mobile-device makers — rather than just one partner — early access to new releases of its Android mobile operating system and to sell those devices directly to consumers, said people familiar with the matter.

ESPN Retools Radio App, Launches on iPad

ESPN is boasting better sound and offline listening with its new $4.99 radio app. Like rabid sports fans needed an excuse to download it.
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Going on Vacation? Ditch the Paper Guidebook and Try These Apps.

Stuck on Earth offers a visual tour of the world; Frommer’s day-by-day guides are packed with info.
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Pebble Creator on How He Closed $10 Million on Kickstarter: Build for Mom

The now-famous Pebble watch has received more than $10 million in pledges on Kickstarter.
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Samsung’s Latest Tablet Takes Aim at the Kindle Fire

Samsung sets its sights on a new competitor with its latest Android tablet.
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News Byte

HTC Evo 4G LTE Set to Arrive May 18

Sprint’s newest 4G Android smartphone, the HTC Evo 4G LTE, will be available starting May 18 for $199.99 with a two-year contract. The smartphone will be compatible with the carrier’s new 4G network when it launches later this year. It runs the latest version of Android, and its highlights include a 4.7-inch high-definition touchscreen, an eight-megapixel camera and a built-in kickstand. If you already know this is the phone for you, Sprint is taking preorders now.

News Byte

Google Revamps Google+ for iPhone

Google has launched an updated version of Google+ for iPhone, with larger profile pics, optical cues, a more prominent “+1” atop the news stream and other visual enhancements to create a more eye-friendly app. Google+ app users can also sync photos from their iPhones to a Google+ album, use mobile “Hangouts” to video chat with friends and view a “Nearby” news feed to see status updates from people around the same location.

Google CFO Patrick Pichette: I Don’t Get Why People Think Mobile Ads Are Worth Less

Though the business of mobile advertising is often criticized, Google CFO Patrick Pichette said it could outpace desktop ads.
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Oracle’s Narrow Victory Is Really Google’s Win in Java Trial

Oracle won part of its argument, but failed to make it stick.
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Kindle Fire Shipments Fizzle