Good morning and happy first Monday of 2011. Here are some of today’s top tech stories to get you started.
Goldman Invests in Facebook at $50 Billion Valuation
Source: New York Times
The New York Times reports that Facebook recently "raised $500 million from Goldman Sachs and a Russian investor in a deal that values the company at $50 billion, according to people involved in the transaction."
VIZIO Unveils New Smartphone and Tablet Featuring VIA Plus for Even More Entertainment Freedom
Source: PR Newswire
You may be familiar with Vizio TVs, but the company’s getting into the Android phone and tablet markets as well. It’ll be showing off a 4-inch smartphone and 8-inch tablet at the Consumer Electronics Show this week, as part of its "VIA Plus Ecosystem" of internet connected TVs and Blu-ray players. Both devices feature integrated infrared remote control functionality and software for Vizio’s upcoming line of Google TVs.
Google Digital Newsstand Aims to Muscle In on Apple
Source: Wall Street Journal
Google is rumored to be working on a digital newsstand for its Android mobile platform that would sell magazines and newspapers from major publications. In order to entice publishers, Google would apparently take a smaller percentage than the 30% that Apple charges for iTunes sales.
Recently on Techland (in case you missed it):