Google Maps celebrates 10th year

It's hard to believe that the premiere online and mobile mapping tool, Google Maps just celebrated its 10th anniversary. It was 2005 when Google Maps first went online and it has since become the de facto navigation tool for the web as well as for various mobile devices. Since then, innovation has been dramatic as Google intriduced global maps, Street View, various navigation options as well as indoor navigation and even maps of space, the ocean and previously uncharted areas.

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Microsoft and Samsung reach agreement over royalty payments issue

Microsoft and Samsung have been having a rather public dispute over patent royalty payments for a while already. But that seems to be over now as both companies have announced that they have privately settled the issue. The new terms they have struck haven’t been revealed publicly though.

In 2011, Samsung and Microsoft signed a licensing deal that would have the South Korean brand pay royalties based on its Android mobile devices sale. That went on smoothly until August 2014 when Microsoft threatened to sue Samsung over unpaid late fees on royalties. Samsung wasn’t paying Microsoft because of their acquisition of Nokia. They reasoned that the purchase turned them into a hardware competitor. But now that seems to be over and done with.

Source: Samsung + Microsoft | Via: SlashGear

All-time high: Apple becomes the first US $700 Billion company

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple Inc., the world’s most valuable company, now has a market value of US $710.72 billion, which makes it the very first American company to surpass the $700 billion mark in market value. This is the first time the stock has closed above $700 billion in market value even if Apple first traded above $700 billion on November 25, 2014.

This comes weeks after Apple shattered earnings expectations behind its most profitable quarter yet where it gained US $18 billion in profits. Apple is now twice as valuable as onetime rival Microsoft, it also leads Exxon Mobil, the next most valuable company at $385.4 billion, by a very significant margin. (developing)

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HTC debuts Desire 626, a mid-range device with HD display

HTC has just outed a pretty solid mid-range device with an HD display and 4G connectivity. The new Desire 626 was just officially launched in Taiwan and it carries a 5-inch HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB internal storage that is expandable via microSD. It is packed with a 13MP rear shooter with BSI sensor and f/2.2 aperture as well as a 5MP front camera. The downside is you get a non-removable 2,000mAh battery. It is now available in Taiwan for around US$190 with dark blue and white color options. We’re hoping it somehow finds its way here though.

Source: HTC | Via: Android Community