Google acquires 3D software pioneer to take on Apple

Toronto: Google has snapped up a top Canadian start up which pioneered a 3D interface technology for Mac and Windows PCs.

Called Canada's hottest software start up, Toronto-based BumpTop has been acquired by the search engine for reportedly between $30 and $45 million, according to reports. However, there were no details of the deal by the two sides.

Set up just three years ago, BumpTop has pioneered touch-screen software that allows use of multiple fingers at a time on a multiple touch screen.

Called 'desktop workspace,' the software allows users to organise pictures, documents and videos much more intuitively. Users can perform many functions with their fingers, including dragging of items into docks, and playing around with photos on desktop.

Though Google has not specified how its will use this pioneering technology, it is certain that it will use touch-screen software in its smart phones based on its Android operating system.

Since its Android operating system is basically geared for touch-screen technology, rather than keyboard technology, Google's mobile market strategy is aimed at taking on Apple's iPhone and iPad that use touch screen technology.

SIAM appoints Vishnu Mathur as Director General

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers today said it has appointed Vishnu Mathur as the Director General of the industry body, who will succeed Dilip Chenoy.

"SIAM is pleased to announce the appointment of Vishnu Mathur as the Director General of SIAM. Vishnu succeeds Dilip Chenoy, who after a successful stint with SIAM moves on to take responsibility as the CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)," the automobile industry body said in a statement.

Prior to joining SIAM, Mathur served as the Executive Director of Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), where he joined in 1994

Tata Motors launches new Indica Vista priced up to Rs 4.4 lk

Country's largest auto maker, Tata Motors today launched a new range of its compact car Indica Vista at a starting price of Rs 3.57 lakh in the petrol variant and Rs 4.4 lakh in the disel variant (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new Indica Vista 'Drivetech4' series comes with Bharat Stage IV emission norm compliant Quadrajet diesel and Safire petrol, Tata Motors said in a statement. It said the new range comes with a specially designed gearbox intended to give the car high torque power and minimal vibration. The Indica Vista was originally launched in August 2008.

BHEL invested record Rs 829 cr on R in FY10

"State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) spent Rs 829 crore on research and development efforts during the 2009-10 fiscal, which was 20 per cent higher than last year."

India biggest spam generating country

"India has been ranked second in the list of 'dirty dozen' spam relaying countries, accounting for over seven per cent of global junk mails sent during the first quarter of the year, according to a new study."

Australian banks may spell good time for Indian IT staff

"Australian banks may spell good time for Indian IT staff As Australian banks upgrade IT systems, the country may face an acute skill shortage that can force the govt to relax skilled immigration curbs and trigger more off-shoring."

Mahindra sells 70,554 units of Bolero in 2009-10

"This achievement also makes Bolero the first brand in the SUV/UV/MPV category to cross the 70,000 sales mark in a year, the company said in a statement here."

Tata Group in $2bn road JV with Actis

"Tata Group is forming a joint venture with private equity firm Actis that could invest about $2 billion over five years in building roads, a newspaper said today."

UPDATE: Food inflation eases to 16.6%

"India's annual food price inflation eased in mid-April, but fuel price inflation quickened maintaining an upside pressure on the wholesale price index that could prompt further monetary tightening by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)."

Wipro

Wipro to allot 2.32 lakh shares to employees

"IT major Wipro Ltd today said it has decided to allot over 2.32 lakh equity shares of Rs 2 each to its staff under restricted stock unit plan 2004."

Coca Cola

Coca-Cola to set up 3 plants in China

"US soft-drink giant Coca-Cola will set up three new plants in China this year with an investment of $2 billion, the company said."

Govt opens I-T units in S'pore, Mauritius; 8 more on the way

"The government has set up two income tax overseas units at its missions in Singapore and Mauritius and will create such units in eight more countries to facilitate exchange of information on tax-related issues, Parliament was informed today."

Mitsubishi post profit at 30.5 bn yen in Q4

"Japanese car maker Mitsubishi Motors Corp today said it is back in the black, posting a net income of 30.5 billion yen ($325 million) for the January-March period of the year, driven by cost-cutting measures and vehicle demand in the Asian region."

Patni bags IT deal from Universal American:

"Patni Computer Systems Ltd said on Tuesday it secured a $200 million five-year IT and back office services deal from Universal American Corp, a US-based senior health insurance firm."

IBM

IBM creates world`s smallest 3D map !

"IBM scientists have created a 3D map of the earth so small that 1,000 of them could fit on a single grain of salt."

Chennai win IPL

Chennai win IPL: "

Chennai win IPL

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Sahara unveils Pune team name:

Sahara unveils Pune team name

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HSBC not bidding for KEB stake:

"The CEO of HSBC Holdings said on Tuesday it would not bid for a $4.2 billion controlling stake in Korea Exchange Bank, ending speculation that Europe's biggest bank would once again take part in the auction."

SAIL raises Rs 6.6 bn via bonds

"Steel Authority of India (SAIL) has retained bids worth Rs 6.6 billion at a cut-off yield of 8.72 per cent on its 10-year bonds, two sources with knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday"