Google says it will shut down its virtual world, Lively, by end of the year, to focus more on its core search, advertisements and applications business. “We’ve also always accepted that when you take these kinds of risks not every bet is going to pay off”, says Google on the official blog. (more…)

Eight contestants are to watch 56 movies for 121 hours as part of a competition designed to set a new Guinness World Record. The contestant capable of fending off sleep as they watch films non-stop without averting their eyes from the screen will win $10,000 and become the new title holder – the previous world record is 120 hours and 23 minutes. (more…)

Sprint announced a world-roaming smartphone that looks like BlackBerry, the BlackJack, or Nokia E61i, but it’s uglier. Samsung Ace looks like BlackJack but offers dual-mode CDMA/GSM functionality so you can use your smartphone internationally. This means that the Ace will use Sprint’s CDMA network for all domestic calls, and then you can use the included SIM card to make calls on GSM networks abroad. (more…)

Ericsson will show new multimedia and broadband, including several world firsts, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 11–14. Ericsson’s demonstrations will unveil the latest developments in television, mobile broadband and energy efficiency. Visitors will be able to experience the technology and learn about the services’ capabilities at Ericsson’s main conference stand, located in Hall 8, La Fira, and in the TV pavilion and outdoor area. (more…)

Dear Mr. Dan-Andrei Dragomir,
This is your final e-mail regarding your GSMA Mobile World Congress 2008 registration confirmation. You are registered with a Press/Media pass for GSMA Mobile World Congress 2008, which is being held 11-14 February at The Fira in Barcelona, Spain. See you there! (more…)

Movius, formerly known as IP Unity Glenayre, will be demonstrating a number of its next-generation applications at the Mobile World Congress 2008 (3GSM), in Barcelona. Visitors to the Movius booth (Hall 1, Stand no. F20) will be able to participate in a live mobile marketing campaign that bridges together social networking, video telephony and text messaging. (more…)

Japanese company Nintendo, once seen as the loser of technology battle, now rules the world of gamers, both Wii console and Nintendo Dual Screen are market leaders in US acording to NPD Group latest study. Nintendo DS was the top-selling U.S. system of 2007, with nearly 8.5 million sold, including more than 4 million in November and December alone. Wii placed second, with nearly 6.3 million sold through the year, more than 2.3 million of which sold in the final two months. (more…)