Microsoft's Bing uses algorithms to predict winners of upcoming World Cup matches

With the FIFA World Cup kicking off in Brazil and global fascination for 'The Beautiful Game' reaching fever pitch, various tech companies are showcasing their  technologies in the service of sport. Microsoft's Bing is adding a 'predictions' feature to its search. This puts the computational power of Bing to use and determines schedules, scores and even who is likely to win a match. 

“For the tournament, our models evaluate the strength of each team through a variety of factors such as previous win/loss/tie record in qualification matches and other international competitions and margin of victory in these contests, adjusted for location since home field advantage is a known bias,” said Microsoft.

Sony creates site for third-party accessories of Xperia line

Sony wants to make it easier for you to find third-party accessories for its Xperia gadgets with the “Made For Xperia” website. The products featured include cases and screen protectors made exclusively for these devices. Some of the companies showcased include Incipio, Krisk, White Diamonds, and Case-Mate. The site serves more as a gateway to these companies as you will be redirected to their sites to buy the accessories. It is just a more convenient way to find out what accessories you can purchase out there.

Source: Android Headlines

Amazon adds Audible into the Kindle app

Would you like to be able to switch between reading an ebook to listening to an audiobook seamlessly? Amazon has updated its Android and iOS app to do just that. Amazon introduced Whispersync for Voice in its Kindle app to put together Kindle ebooks and Audible titles with Amazon’s one-click Matchmaker service. It will cost you as little as US$0.99 per title or around $3.99 if the title is a bestseller. This feature is available for over 45,000 titles.

Source: Cult of Android

Xiaomi poised to enter North American market in 2015

While the Chinese tech brand Xiaomi might not be too familiar to ordinary people, tech enthusiasts know this brand as manufacturers of affordable but powerful smartphones in Asia. And it would seem they would make their way to this side of the planet in the coming year. According to former Google executive and now Global Vice President for Xiaomi Hugo Barra, the company is working on entering the North American market next year. They aren’t focusing on it at the moment because they are trying to enter 10 other markets this year. We will keep you posted for any updates on this matter.

Source: Android Authority