Project Emporia from Microsoft Research FUSE Labs (short for FUture Social Experiences Labs) and England's Cambridge University is a mobile news reader that aggregates stories from the social web.

Created as a Twitter app, the project evolved into a mobile search app for Windows 7 devices. Users can customize the feeds and vote up or down the headlines pulled in, as the app serves up a continuous stream of fresh content based on the community.Continue reading...

AIG raises $8.7 billion.

Amazon launches $164 Kindle 3G with ads, as B&N unveils $139 touchscreen Nook.

Apple passes 500,000 unique app offerings in its U.S. store.

Bharti Walmart expands wholesale stores.

Bob Dylan turns 70.

Boeing weighs options for new planes.

British Airways develops Windows 7 mobile boarding app.

California Pizza Kitchen agrees to buyout offer.Continue reading...

Apple signs cloud deal with Warner Music as Google reportedly in talks with music service Spotify. 

Android called up by the US Army.

Kate Middleton reportedly strikes "obey" from Royal Wedding vows.

McDonald's expresses shock at employee non-action during beating of customer in Baltimore.

Muammar Gaddafi wants NY Met's Costume Institute honor.

Pabst sees more political pressure on marketing of Blast by Colt 45.Continue reading...

Usually when a brand takes off, it is in earnest. But sometimes it has many half-lives in hilarity. When it comes to satire, Star Wars is a deathless brand.

A new video has surfaced from YouTube’s Sneaky Zebra Channel. Based out of the UK, the channel says it is dedicated to creating awesome action and comedy films, and then getting them to go viral.

The latest of their creations to take off? A parody of the “I’m a PC, and Windows was my idea” campaign, but Star Wars-branded. Yup, there’s still gas in the tank on the Star Wars satirical vehicle.Continue reading...

In the telecommunications world, one little stutter or stumble can bring giants to their knees. Nokia may still be the largest mobile phone handset maker, but the formerly formidable Finnish company is struggling for its very existence, having fallen behind in creating in-demand smartphones. 

In a surprise move that to some seems like a last-ditch effort to remain relevant, Nokia's new CEO, Stephen Elop, a former Microsoft executive, went to his old employer to form a "strategic alliance" that amounts to a multibillion dollar bailout.Continue reading...

McDonald's unveils new I'm Lovin' It campaign (above).

Virgin Atlantic is under investigation for alleged price-fixing.

Thanks to Japan and its love of smartphones, Apple sales are up.

Gatorade's new campaign has athletes drinking throughout their games.

Lay's won't need the FDA to launch a new form of salt.

Netflix is wooing users with price cuts for Wii-based service.Continue reading...

The Dora the Explorer brand has been extended, licensed, merchandized and partnered with a plethora of other brands and franchises. Now, however, the Dora brand is getting a rock 'n’ roll makeover in one of the most bizarre co-branding schemes in recent memory.

Guns-n-Roses guitar god Slash has agreed to team up with the cartoon brand's parent company, the Nickelodeon network, to design a limited edition Dora the Explorer backpack. The rock star and his iconic black top hat will help design a bag featuring Dora the Explorer that will be auctioned this year to raise money for the Children's Defense Fund.Continue reading...

Today, major brands like Verizon, Nestle, and Ford want a seat alongside the guests at your party – just in time for the Super Bowl.

Verizon is holding parties on Super Bowl Sunday with the help of 1,000 Fios owners. In the coming days, hosts are required to upload plans, videos, and photos on a Fios-branded website.

The site will also provide themed food recipes, fact sheets, and a countdown to the event. Through these events, Verizon can easily take advantage of the gatherings with a “While you're all here, we should talk about...” type of tactic.Continue reading...