“We don’t have any rules; everybody is trying to figure it out. That’s why the Internet is like the Wild West, the Wild Wild West. We need to write the new rules.” Jay-Z said on the 3-minute ad video, which was shown near the end of the second quarter of the NBA Finals Game 5.

In the ad, Jay-Z can be seen inside a studio, apparently conceptualizing his 12th solo album with producers Rick Rubin, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Pharrell Williams. Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets are also featured in the ad, along with the tagline, “The Next Big Thing is here.”

As noted in the message at MagnaCartaHolyGrail.com, one million owners of the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy S4, and Galaxy Note II will get a free “Magna Carta Holy Grail” album, and can be downloaded via a special mobile app on Monday, June 24, 2013. The album will be unlocked on Thursday, July 4, 12:01 a.m. E.T, 72 hours (3 days) before it will be officially released.

According to a report at Wall Street Journal, a person familiar with the matter told them that Samsung paid $5 to Jay-Z for each album copy. This means that the rap icon will earn a cool $5 million even before his new album will be released. In addition, the “Magna Carta Holy Grail” album will instantly be ranked Platinum.

Magna Carta Holy Grail ad by Samsung and Jay-Z
Image Credit: MagnaCartaHolyGrail.com

Facebook hashtags sample
Image Credit: Facebook newsroom

“To date, there has not been a simple way to see the larger view of what’s happening or what people are talking about.” Facebook product manager Greg Lindley wrote in a post this Wednesday, June 12, 2013 in the company’s newsroom page, announcing the availability of the clickable hashtags on Facebook.

“To bring these conversations more to the forefront, we will be rolling out a series of features that surface some of the interesting discussions people are having about public events, people, and topics. As a first step, we are beginning to roll out hashtags on Facebook.” Lindley added, noting that users can still control its usage.

To be able to use this feature, Facebook hashtags should be denoted with a “#” sign. Users can search for a specific hashtag from their search bar. #NBAFinals was mentioned as a good example of today’s trending topic. Then, they can click on the hashtags that started on other social sites and compose their own messages on their Facebook walls.

Lindley emphasize that hashtags on Facebook is only the first phase to help users to easily discover what others are saying about a certain topic, and to be able to share their thoughts about them. This means that Facebook is still planning to launch more related features in the future, which will include the trending hashtags.

What do you think about this latest Facebook feature? Will it be another source of privacy problem, or will it be a big advantage in expressing our freedom of speech?

As featured at Apple.com this Monday afternoon, Apple CEO Tim Cook started the event by saying that the company has already paid $10 billion to developers. He added that there are now 407 Apple stores in 14 countries, and a new store was opened in Berlin, and that 50 billion apps have already been downloaded.

Craig Federighi, head of software engineering, discussed about the updates on the Safari Web browser, which includes a sidebar within the app that will allow users to access to all of their bookmarks. A new feature called “shared links” was introduced, where users can view all of the links shared by people they are following on Twitter and LinkedIn. Facebook is not included, though.

There is also this iCloud Keychain in Safari, which will help users remember their Web site logins, passwords, and credit card numbers as well. It also has an automatic-suggestion feature for a new password for Web sites.

Later, Phil Schiller, Apple‘s SVP for marketing, announced the new line of MacBook Air devices: an 11-inch MacBook Air with 128 GB that promises 9 hours of battery life and will cost $999, and a 13-inch MacBook Air that has 11 hours of battery life and will start at $1,100. Shipping of these devices is set to start within that day.

The new OS X Mavericks offers fresh features, including tabbed Finder window, new Tag support that is useful for powerful search. Also included is the ability of users to get the menus across multiple displays, and will be available from the Mac App Store.

Finally, Apple announced the much-awaited iOS 7, which will be available for free for iPhone 4 and later, and iPad 2 and later, iPad mini and iPod touch (fifth generation) this fall. It was introduced as completely redesigned software with an entirely new user interface.

Among its features include Control Center, which allows users to swipe up with their thumb on the bottom of the screen. Here, users will able to view the phone’s settings, which include adjustment of brightness, access controls for Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and to apps such as Clock, Flashlight, Calculator and Camera.

The iOS 7 also has Notification Center, improved Multitasking, and AirDrop, which is an entirely new way to share content fast and easy. The new Camera app includes a square camera option, while the redesigned Photos app introduces Moments. FaceTime audio and Message blocking are also included.

Nonetheless, the most applauded iOS 7 feature is the Activation Lock, which disables phone even when a thief turns it off. This requires users their Apple IDs and passwords before someone can do anything with it. This is to avoid people stealing the phone.

Meanwhile, Siri now has a male voice and new female voices, and includes Twitter search integration and Wikipedia integration. It also offers Bing web search within the app and can change device settings and play back voicemail.

iOS7 in action
Credit: Apple.com

A vintage Apple computer was sold for $668,000 at an auction in Berlin, Germany, according Breker auction house on Saturday, May 25, 2013.

The Apple 1, sold to an Asian client, reportedly set a record auction value.

Apple co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak reportedly built the 1976 computer model in a family garage.

Breker said that there are only six known remaining and functioning models of Apple 1 computers in the world.

In 2012, Breker sold one of the Apple 1 unit for $637K. Wozniak’s signature was printed on computer, says Breker.

An Apple 1 computer, consist only of the circuit board, was being sold for $666 in 1976. All other accessories are sold separately, that include the case, keyboard and monitor.

Yahoo and Tumblr logo
Credit: Yahoo/Tumblr

According to earlier reports, Yahoo plans to buy Tumblr, which hosts 108.5 million blogs and 50.9 billion posts as of this Sunday. But it now appears that the rumors were true. Boards of both Yahoo and Tumblr reportedly agreed unanimously on the acquisition, people familiar with the matter told AllThingsD.

Tumblr Founder and CEO David Karp and Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer have not yet released any official statement with regards to the deal. But AllThingsD‘’s sources noted that Karp, 27, will still stay at Yahoo for at least four more years at least and will still have the majority of control over the service.

On the other hand, Mayer allegedly decided that buying Tumblr was going to be “the stake in the ground of what her strategy is going forward for Yahoo” and that she quickly realized in her research that the site is something that Yahoo needed to make it both relevant and “cool” to new consumers – younger audiences.

As a business model, Tumblr already made $13 million in revenue as of 2012 and aims to make $100 million in 2013. So far, Tumblr has raised $125 million in funding, and among its investors include Spark Capital, Union Square Ventures, Sequoia Capital, Greylock Partners, and Insight Venture Partners.

Tumblr had 117 million visitors last April alone, according to comScore. A formal announcement from both companies announcing this business deal is being expected this Monday afternoon, which will be via a news conference from Yahoo in New York City, where Tumblr is based.

Vin Diesel
Image Credit: Vin Diesel Facebook

Diesel, 45, was recently interviewed by Entertainment Weekly for his latest movie “Fast & Furious 6,” which is scheduled for release on May 24, 2013, where he was asked about the attributes that led to his millions of Facebook followers; or exactly 41,562,751 Likes, as of this writing.

“So, when I had started my page, the only person that had a million fans was Barack Obama. Because it was first-quarter 2009, and he’d just got elected as President, because of social media. So, when I started talking to the fans, I became the No. 1 page in the world. Over Coca-Cola, over huge companies. And it was only because I said: “Hi, guys, I love you.” Vin Diesel told Entertainment Weekly.

“What was unique was: I never let anyone do a post, I never let anyone post for me in the last four years. My audience knows me so well on the page that if my producing partner’s in the room when I post, they’ll know somebody was around me. That’s kind of cool, that’s how sophisticated they are. Facebook really owes me billions of dollars.” Diesel jokingly added.

“You have an extra layer of protection in a weird way. I call on my angels because of that. If I’m doing a photo shoot with a leopard, and the leopard gets loose, and nobody got eaten, you kind of go: There must be something to that energy everyone has.” Diesel replied, when asked of his thoughts on the other side of his 41m Facebook followers.

2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Image Credit: Chrysler via Edmunds.com

According to pdf file document posted at the official website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) dated Tuesday, May 7, 2013, the recalled vehicles include 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee manufactured from February 11, 2004 to March 9, 2010, and 2005-2010 Jeep Commander produced from January 31, 2005 to March 10, 2010.

As noted in the report, Chrysler opened an investigation on January 18, 2012, as a response to a customer complaint regarding a 2007 MY Grand Cherokee that shifted to neutral and rolled upon a remote start. Chrysler issued a voluntary recall last April 30 to reflash the final drive controller of the affected models.

On the same report, Chrysler said that on September 25, 2012, they obtained the software source code from the control supplier and began evaluating them. The software modification was completed on December 3, and on March 19, 2013, the validation of the new software has been completed.

The New York Times reported this Saturday that Eric Mayne, a Chrysler spokesman, sent them an email stating that there have been 26 reported accidents and two injuries apparently related to the problem. Although no additional details were revealed, Mayne stressed out that none of the victims were in fatal condition.

Chrysler said that they will start notifying affected owners this coming June via letter, and will re-program the transmission software with no extra charge. For more information about this Chrysler Jeep recall, owners are being advised to call Chrysler directly at 800-853-1403, or NHTSA‘s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

Sharp logo
Credit: Sharp-world.com

According to the report, most the 5,000 employees who will lose their jobs will come from overseas, including some of its directors and advisory positions. Sharp has now 51,000 employees worldwide, and plans to cut the number of it workforce at its main office in Osaka, Japan into half.

The Asahi Shimbun said that they obtained a copy of Sharp‘s midterm management plan, which states that the struggling Japanese technology giant will reduce the number of its directors from 12 to 6, and will also remove a significant number of advisers. This Sharp’s employment reduction is part of their 3-year recovery plan,

During the implementation of their plan, Sharp forecasts annual sales of more than 3 trillion yen ($30 billion) until March 2016, along with a net profit of 100 billion yen and an operating profit of 180 billion yen in fiscal year 2015. To achieve this, Sharp plans to refocus on business areas with huge potential for profit growth.

During the first year of the 3-year recovery period, Sharp purportedly promised its major creditor banks that it will implement cost cutting measures to achieve net profits in fiscal 2013,. In the second and the third years, the company will focus more on profitable products and sales areas to increase its revenue.

Allegedly, Sharp plans to start producing more 4K sets with clearer screens and 70-inch type or even bigger HDTVs for the US market, will also market local appliances, such as washing machines and refrigerators, in Southeast Asia depending on the on regional demand.

Aio Wireless screenshot
Credit: AioWireless.com

“Aio is not an acronym. Aio is based, in part, on the Latin meaning of the word “aio,” which means “I say.” It also is associated in many languages as a greeting, or a way to say hello. That led to our tagline, “Say hello to Aio and a new way to wireless.” A statement reads at AioWireless.com.

“Aio is providing first-class, unlimited service at a value price offering great devices (smartphones, feature phones, and tablets), a differentiated customer experience, and nationwide talk, text and data service with no annual contract.” Aio Wireless added.

Aio has listed the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy Express, and Nokia Lumia 620 as among the smartphones that are included in the AT&T no contract service. Independent dealers will be adding more stores in the mentioned cities over the coming weeks and to more U.S. cities over the next year.

“Aio Wireless is targeting consumers who prefer no annual contract and want a first class wireless experience at a value price. It’s not a matter of demographics; it’s a matter of targeting a segment of users whose needs are not being met.” An Aio Wireless spokeswoman was quoted telling to PCMag.com.

“We saw there was an unmet need among value-conscious wireless customers who want unlimited nationwide voice, text, and data service and a first-class experience with no-annual contract. We decided to go after that unmet need and we built a service around answering it.” The spokeswoman added.

Aio noted that pricing for each plan will vary according to the market and will range from $35 for 100MBs and $70 for the 7GBs. The public is being invited to sign-in at AioWireless.com or enter their ZIP Code to know if their area is already covered with this AT&T no contract service.

Outlook screenhot
Image Credit: Blogs.office.com

“Today, we’re excited to announce that we’ve completed upgrading all Hotmail customers to Outlook.com.” A statement reads at Blogs.office.com, noting that their goal was to build the best email service in the world, capable of leveling up to more than one billion active customers.

“Coupled with the growing organic excitement for Outlook.com, this has pushed us to over 400 million active Outlook.com accounts, including 125 million that are accessing email, calendar, and contacts on a mobile device using Exchange ActiveSync.” Outlook added.

“Of course, this had to be done with a live site experience that was handling billions of transactions a day. We’ve been focused throughout the upgrade on ensuring that every customer has a great experience. We’ve been overwhelmed with the response so far, based on the comments we’ve received.” Outlook said further.

Microsoft also announced the two recently added features to Outlook.com: SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) send, which will make users easier to send an email from different email addresses, and deeper integration with SkyDrive, where multiple file formats can be stored and easily be sent to others from the web.

Microsoft said that they spent the last few weeks making sure that everything was completed to meet the high quality expectations from Outlook users, which they claimed to be already 60 million active accounts as of last February. For old Hotmail.com users, they will still use the same address.

On their earlier video preview, Microsoft announced that Outlook.com users to interact with each other across social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It also now supports the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari.