Google Now launcher available

Google Now launcher available on all Android 4.1 devices

The Google Now Launcher is now available on the vast majority of Android devices, thanks to a new roll out this weekend.

The tool, which allows users to view upcoming appointments, weather, traffic conditions, public transport, sports scores and more, can now be downloaded for all devices running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and up.

Previously the launcher, which arrived as a standalone app in February, had only been available for the Nexus and Google Play Edition family of devices.

The arrival of the app for all Jelly Bean devices means users can get the Google Now launcher directly on their homescreens and say "OK Google" to launch voice searches.

Swipe right
Once installed, Google Now cards can be accessed by swiping right on the home screen. The launcher also offers one-tap searches, access to Google apps like Maps, YouTube, Mail and more. 

Google most attractive employer

Google most attractive employer among Asia-Pacific graduates

NEW DELHI: Internet giant Google is the most attractive employer for graduates from the Asia-Pacific region in a list of top companies which figures no Indian company.

According to global employer branding firm Universum's 2014 Most Attractive Employers in Asia-Pacific Ranking, Google has emerged as the most desirable employer among business, as well as engineering and IT students in the APAC region.

Google is followed by Deloitte, Citi, Apple and P&G in the top-five firms for business students. Among engineering and IT students, Google is followed by Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and BMW.

The list has 50 companies each for the two categories, but no India company figures in either of the lists, although a number of these companies have significant headcount in India.

Interestingly, the latest Fortune Global 500 list has eight Indian companies including state-run IOC which was featured in the top 100 at the 96th position.

Besides, Deloitte, the other three major accounting firms were also placed among the Top 10. KPMG was ranked sixth, PwC seventh and Ernst & Young eighth.

The popularity of banks and professional service firms among APAC graduates were also visible in the rankings as these firms took 11 of the top 20 employer positions.

The FMCG sector also had significant presence in the list as the four key players featured include P&G ranked fifth, Unilever 14th, Nestle 16th and the L'Oreal Group 20th.

While Google continues to dominate the rankings as the top employer for engineering/IT students, Samsung is a close competitor in Asia-Pacific.

On the other hand, former communications and IT giant, Nokia, continues to fall in the rankings at 32nd place this year.

The survey further revealed that high future earnings' is a top priority across Asia-Pacific for both management/commerce students and engineering/natural science students, the report added.  

NASA

NASA says `impossible` space propulsion technology really works

Researchers at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston have revealed that a microwave thruster system that requires no propellant does actually works and it can change space exploration forever.
According to Wired UK, the study found that test results indicated that the RF [radio frequency] resonant cavity thruster design, which was unique as an electric propulsion device, was producing a force that was not attributable to any classical electromagnetic phenomenon and, therefore, was potentially demonstrating an interaction with the quantum vacuum virtual plasma, Discovery News reported.
The roots of the propulsion system tested by the NASA team trace back to a British researcher named Roger Shawyer, who claimed that his "EmDrive" generates thrust by rocketing microwaves around in a chamber. There was no need for propellant, as solar power could be used to produce the microwaves.
Shawyer said that his company, Satellite Propulsion Research Ltd., has successfully tested experimental versions of the thruster. However, many scientists have dismissed such claims, saying the propulsion system violates the law of conservation of momentum.
The NASA scientists determined that the Cannae Drive produces 30 to 50 micronewtons of thrust, less than 0.1 percent of that measured by the Chinese team, but nevertheless suggesting that the technology works.

Hike messenger

Hike messenger crosses 20 million user mark in india

World largest social media

NEW DELHI: Facebook, the world's largest social media company, has crossed 100 million active users in India — the second country, after the United States, in which it has done so. And it already has a new figure in mind for India: one billion users. Confirming the crossing of the "landmark" of 100 million on March 31, Javier Olivan, the company official in charge of global growth, told ET: "Now, we look forward to 1 billion in India — that's a different focus and challenge."

WhatsApp

Instant messaging app WhatsApp now reportedly has 50 million active users in India. The app which was acquired by Facebook has seen quite a steady growth in India, one of the fastest growing markets for smartphones.

The app has also entered a deal with Airtel to offer its users Whatsapp only data plans, ranging from Rs 36 to Rs 49, according to a report in BGR. However, there isn’t any official confirmation about the 50 million users mark.

WhatsApp announced 48 million active users in India last month, with the app adding a whopping 4 million active users per month. WhatsApp’s India user base now constitutes 10 percent of its global active user base.

That number could rise even further when Whatsapp brings voice calling to the app. While there are plenty of contenders for the messaging crown, none have as wide a cross-platform base as WhatsApp, which will be crucial as competition looks to new features to attract users. WhatsApp may not have stickers or random chat like some of its rivals, but the voice-calling feature could end up cementing its dominance in the space.

Fb asset

facebook total asset value is 41 billion USD
$41 billion to INR is 2504895000000.00


$41 billion to EURO is 30534352300.00
$41 billion to DIRHAM is 150595050000.00
$41 billion to GBP is 24370672650.00
$41 billion to CHF is 37144770000.00