Google updates Play Newsstand to add new navigation tabs, ‘My Library’ section

Google Play Newsstand users will notice a few new things with the latest update. The “Read Now” section features an easier way to access content sections—such as news, highlights, sports, etc. You can tap on each or swipe through them. They even come with their own colors to make sure you’ve noticed that you’ve switched sections.

The “My News” and “My Magazines” have been combined into “My Library” section.  The manual setting for pre-downloading “Read Now” content has been taken out though. Perhaps it now just downloads everything for you by default. But we have to check that first.

Source: Android Central

Yahoo! started encrypting data center traffic, plans to do the same with Yahoo! Messenger

Following the NSA controversy in the US, Yahoo! seems to be striking back with the announcement of its plans to encrypt traffic from its data centers. Yahoo! claims they have begun encrypting this week and they also intend to encrypt services like Yahoo! Messenger.

Yahoo!’s Chief Information Security Officer Alex Stamos wrote in a blog post, “Hundreds of Yahoos have been working around the clock over the last several months to provide a more secure experience for our users and we want to do even more moving forward. Our goal is to encrypt our entire platform for all users at all time, by default.”  

Janelle Monáe and M.I.A. will use holograms to perform together live at Audi launch

After 2Pac’s holographic resurrection at Coachella in 2012, we know the definition of live performances have been changed forever. Audi wants to carry on the tradition at the launch of the new A3 on April 3. M.I.A. and Janelle Monáe will be performing a cross-country duet of two new songs with the help of holograms. Monáe will be playing her set in Los Angeles, while M.I.A. will perform in New York. They will close the show together with the two songs.

According to the press release, "The set utilizes 3D projection mapping to add layered depth of field perception with animated graphic content, the result of which will be an electric never-before-seen 3D bi-coastal performance." We’d have to see for ourselves how they’re going to pull this off though.

Source: Spin

Nokia debuts MD-12 Bluetooth speaker alongside new Lumias

Nokia has also unveiled a new accessory to match its new Windows Phone 8.1 smartphones.  The MD-12 is a Bluetooth speaker that is available in the same color palette as the new devices. Nokia claims this speaker has better bass than those similar in size (it’s about the size of a hockey puck, in case you were wondering). And it will supposedly run for 15 hours on a single charge. Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said the MD-12 will cost US$55 but did not mention when it will go on sale.

Source: Engadget