Google Scans The Oldest Known Biblican Manuscripts Including 10 Commandments

About a year ago, Google scanned five manuscripts of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are ancient documents that include the oldest known biblical manuscripts that exist.  The Scrolls were written over 2,000 years ago on parchment and papyrus, preserved in a hot and dry desert climate, hidden within deep caves.  The Scrolls are considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.  Google is working with the Israel Antiquities Authority to launch the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library.

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Apple Removes AppShopper From App Store

Apple has removed the AppShopper app from the Apple App Store.  Arnold Kim, the developer behind the app, has confirmed the removal.  Apple added a rule to their terms of service back in September that stated:  “Apps that display Apps other than your own for purchase or promotion in a manner similar to or confusing with the App Store will be rejected.”  AppShopper essentially keeps track of price drops on mobile applications and reports when apps have been updated.  Personally I think AppShopper is doing Apple a favor since iTunes does a terrible job promoting apps these days that are not related to birds that are angry.

Dell Buys Data Protection Company Credant Technologies

Dell has acquired a data protection company called Credant Technologies.  Credant’s data protection technologies are designed to encrypt information on  smartphones, tablets, servers, and the cloud.  Dell did not disclose the financial details in the acquisition.

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Google+ Starts Testing A Social Side Bar

Google+ has started testing a social side bar on certain websites that allows users to chat directly with other people on the page.  This could potentially be a new monetization stream for the company.  The social side bar would also have notifications and sharing options.

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Enterprise Storage Company Exablox Raises $22 Million

Exablox is an enterprise storage company that has raised $22 million in funding from Norwest Venture Partners and U.S. Venture Partners.  The company was founded in 2010, but recently stepped out of stealth mode.  Exablox said that current storage solutions do not address issues like runaway costs, complicated installation, and lack of data security.

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EXAI Raises $15 Million To Help Convert Facebook Pages Into Websites

EXAI is a company that has a platform for website creation.  The company recently launched a new platform for small and medium sized businesses for individuals to transform their Facebook Pages into fully functional websites and mobile websites for free.  The company has also raised $15 million in funding to further scale their technology and fuel business growth.  The $15 million also includes a private investment of $3 million.  There are roughly 60 million small and medium size businesses that have Facebook Pages, but do not have a website or mobile presence.  The small businesses are missing out on a way to reach their customers as a result.  EXAI’s tools allows customers to manage all of their website content via Facebook like photo uploads and then have it exported automatically to the web.

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Toyota Fined $17.35 Million Over Safety Defects In 2010 Lexus RX 350 SUVs

Toyota is being fined $17.35 million by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  This fine is based on safety defects that were found in 2010 Lexus RX 350 SUVs.  Toyota is not getting fined only because the flaws exist, but also because the company failed to report them within a window of 5 business days.  The safety issue revolves around the car’s floor mats, which could become tangled up with the accelerator and brake pedals.  This causes some drivers to accelerate unintentionally.

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