KOBO opens submissions for second annual Emerging Writer Prize

Self-publishing has exploded in popularity all around the world in every possible genre. With thousands of books published every year there are incredible opportunities to be discovered. Now, for the second year, Kobo has announced it is now accepting submissions for its Kobo Emerging Writer Prize.

The prize identifies and rewards exceptional debut authors in three categories: Literary Fiction, Genre Fiction (this year Romance, with a different genre showcased each year), and Non-Fiction. 

Each winning author will be awarded a $10,000 CAD cash prize as well as promotional, marketing, and communications support, with the winners announced in June.

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Maserati to debut bespoke sports sedans with Zegna interiors at the CIAS

Taking its reputation for performance, comfort, and luxury to another level at this year's Canadian International Auto Show, Maserati will feature bespoke sports sedans that highlight all-new interiors by Ermenegildo Zegna.

The 2016 high performance sport sedans, full-size Quattroporte and the mid-size Ghibli sport sedan will feature custom silk interiors fashioned by Ermenegildo Zegna within the Auto Exotica exhibit. Designed in collaboration with the legendary Italian fashion brand, these silk interiors are specially outfitted and woven, much like a fine Italian suit. Available in three color variants (Nero, Cuoio and Rosso), this tailored interior option is now available on the 2016 sport sedans and will later extend to the full Maserati range. 

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AirVisual Node is the latest smart air quality monitoring solution

AirVisual, a social enterprise that provides air quality tools and information people need to thrive in polluted environments, today announced the worldwide launch of the Airvisual Node, the world’s smartest air quality monitor allowing people around the world to control the air they breathe.

The portable device uses a complex proprietary algorithm to calculate and display real-time and three-day forecasts of particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations on a screen and via the AirVisual mobile app.

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Google takes down adblocking app for Samsung devices

We reported a few days ago that Samsung's allowing its users to block ads through its mobile browser. Google's dashed those plans though as they pulled adblocking app AdBlock Fast from the Google Play Store. According to the app's developer, Rocket Labs, they got an email from Google Play saying the app breached section 4.4 of an agreement Android developers need to sign. The section says Google doesn't allow any activity that "interferes with, disrupts, damages, or accesses in an unauthorized manner the devices, servers, networks, or other properties or services of any third party including, but not limited to, Android users, Google or any mobile network operator."

By blocking ads, it's understood that this interferes with third-party services. It's worth noting that Google earns most of its revenue through advertising. And a lot of the web pages accessed through Samsung's browser run ads that make money for Google and other companies or organizations.

Source: The Guardian