Ten nuggets of knowledge to take away for the weekend, including Apple CEO Tim Cook offered his liver to save Steve Jobs’ life; mobile data usage in Ireland soared 82pc in just a year; and data scientists can rejoice.
1. Tim Cook offered Steve Jobs part of his liver, Apple nearly bought Yahoo!, new book claims
A new book by veteran tech reporters offers an insight into the life of former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, including revelations that Tim Cook offered to share part of his liver to save Jobs’ life and how Jobs considered buying Yahoo!, and more.
2. Mobile data usage in Ireland soars 82pc in just one year
In just one year, data usage by Irish mobile subscribers increased by 82.7pc by the end of 2014, according to Ireland’s telecoms regulator ComReg’s latest figures. At the end of 2014, 11pc of all mobile subscribers used 4G networks.
3. Call for Irish start-ups to pitch for Startup Next pre-accelerator
Startup Next, a global pre-accelerator that has helped 20 start-ups gain place in top accelerators such as Techstars and 500 Startups, wants Irish start-ups.
4. Data scientists rejoice! There’s an online marketplace selling algorithms from academics
Algorithmia, an online marketplace that connects computer science researchers’ algorithms with developers who may have uses for them, has exited its private beta.
5. UCC wants to accelerate the next generation of world-focused tech founders
University College Cork is seeking talented aspiring tech entrepreneurs to participate in the EU-XCEL European Virtual Accelerator, which will create entrepreneur teams that are incubator-ready.
6. First Terminator-1000-like liquid motor developed with unlimited potential
Sparking fear and awe alike, a new shape-shifting liquid motor has been developed, similar in style to the metal seen in the T-1000 in Terminator 2 that will one day actually be used in robot design.
7. Smart cars, Alibaba and the future: €150m investment adds to burgeoning market
Alibaba has just joined up with Chinese auto maker SAIC to invest around €150m into the development of internet-enabled cars.
8. Japanese scientists can now make tea wirelessly, and many other things
Thanks to a team of researchers from Japan, your kettle could soon be powered wirelessly for the first time, as well as ensuring the future sustainability of the planet through beaming solar energy from space.
9. Childcare tech start-up Little Vista raises €700k, nine new jobs created
Little Vista, a Dun Laoghaire-based software company that has created an app that is revolutionising how crèches and childcare facilities operate, is to create nine new jobs after closing a €700,000 investment round.
10. Snapchat charging huge numbers for its Discover ads
Perhaps shedding some light on why Alibaba values Snapchat at US$15bn, it appears the mobile messaging app is bagging US$100 per thousand views of adverts – twice the average.
Takeaway image via Shutterstock
