Sony is shutting down the PSPgo handheld device. After completing the production run, Sony has decided that the PSPgo’s time is up. No new PSPgo handhelds will be shipping and Sony plans on focusing on their Next Generation Portable device.
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has launched a new service called Google Map Maker. Google Map Maker allows the local community to update maps as new venues open. For example, if a mom-and-pop coffee shop opens in the strip mall next to your house, you will know about it immediately. But Google Maps would have to wait until the shop announces they’re open for business on Google Places.
Social gaming company Zynga has acquired JamLegend, a music gaming company. JamLegend is a start-up that was planning on competing directly with Rock Band and Guitar Hero. JamLegend will be shut down and the team will be absorbed into Zynga.
Lijit Networks is an ad company that power third party advertising services for publishers and offers a complementary search tool widget. The company has recently raised $10 million in funding.
The BlackBerry PlayBook went for sale yesterday. The tablet made by Research In Motion Limited (NASDAQ:RIMM). Android app compatibility is not available as of yet. The price of the device is $500 for the 16GB model, $600 for the 32GB version, or $700 for the 64GB option. RBC Capital Markets’ Mike Abramsky checked with 70 retail stores to create an analysis of how many devices he expected to have been sold.
In their lawsuit document Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) filed against Samsung, some of their sales figures were revealed about their devices. Apple has sold over 108 million iPhones, 19 million iPads, and 60 million iPod Touch devices. This means that about 36% of all iOS devices are iPods. You can read Apple’s complaint against Samsung here: http://cdn0.sbnation.com/podcasts/apple-samsung-lawsuit.pdf [AppleInsider]
OpenBuildings.com has raised $2 million in a series A round of funding led by BlueRun Ventures and Index Ventures. John Malloy (BlueRun) will be joining the board of directors at OpenBuildings.
Actress and the UNICEF ambassador to the United States Alyssa Milano has partnered with Tonic.com to educate people about the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases. Milano is also aiming to raise $75,000 in donations for the cause. Tonic.com is a website for brands to engage consumers around positive actions. So far Tonic.com has helped over 3,500 causes raise over $540,000. You can read more about Milano’s initiatives at: http://www.tonic.com/deed/support-alyssa-milanos-fight-against-tropical-diseases/