eBay founder launches paid-for online news service
The founder of eBay – the virtual marketplace that connects sellers and buyers worldwide – is launching an online news site where people will pay to exchange ideas and discuss issues affecting their communities. Pierre Omidyar, the chairman of eBay Inc, is entering the news business with an online service in Hawaii. By charging $19.99 (£13) a month for membership, Omidyar hopes to accomplish what newspapers and other media organisations have long struggled with – having readers pay for content and making local news profitable.
The Guardian

Facebook introduces Docs, based on Microsoft Web Office
At Facebook's F8 developer conference, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg announced Facebook Docs, saying: "It's all of the power of Microsoft Office suite online with a simple Facebook integration."Facebook users will be able to create, edit and share Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents online, or upload them from their PC or Mac.
The Guardian

London Marathon 2010: follow route on Google Street View
Much of the international elite field has been frantically searching for ways to reach the start line rather than get to the finish this week due to the flight ban introduced as a consequence of the volcanic eruption in Iceland. But while they are making their way to the UK Google’s street mapping project could provide some on-board viewing to prepare for Sunday’s race. Nervous first timers, too, can see what lies ahead at the weekend, when temperatures are predicted to reach 20 degrees and replicate the sunny conditions captured when Google first mapped the streets of London.
The Telegraph

US $100 bill gets 3D makeover
The US $100 bill has been given a 3D makeover – with a security ribbon taking advantage of the latest techniques to defend against forgery. The banknote utilises a "3D Security Ribbon" which makes it harder for forgers to copy the bill accurately. Tilting the bill should immediately show if the strip is present and the note genuine. "As with previous US currency redesigns, this note incorporates the best technology available to ensure we're staying ahead of counterfeiters," said US Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner.
TechRadar UK

BBC iPlayer hits new record for radio requests
The BBC iPlayer set a new record of 33.8m radio requests in March, according to the broadcaster’s latest figures. It also revealed that the average weekly amount of time spent watching TV programmes increased six per cent to 68 minutes, and time spent listening to radio rose eight per cent to 176 minutes. The iPlayer was visited by 1.3 million users a day throughout March and received a total of 118m requests for programmes across all platforms.
New Media Age

Heathrow Offers Premium App for Free
Heathrow Airport is offering passengers a free version of its newly launched mobile application for the next four weeks to provide passengers with the latest information and updates on the status of flights operating in and out of the airport.
Mobile Marketing Magazine

McAfee apologises as update cripples Windows XP PCs
McAfee has been forced to apologise to its Windows XP customers after sending out a flawed security update that crippled their PCs. The security software maker revealed that an update to its software mistakenly identified the 'svchost.exe' core Windows system file as a virus, leading the software to attempt to quarantine the file, causing the PCs in question to either crash or enter an endless cycle of rebooting. Only PCs running Windows XP Service Pack 3 have been affected.
ITPro

Skype offering free calls for stranded travellers
The Government promised Navy frigates, presenter Dan Snow has been navigating RIBs across the channel and now Skype is doing its bit to help those stranded by the volcanic ash aircraft ban. Flights are beginning to return to normality, but to help people stuck at airports, Skype has announced that it is making its WiFi tool, Skype Access, free until 2359 on Friday (23 April).
Wired

Vodafone launches mobile recording service
Vodafone Global Enterprise has announced the launch of a new service to enable regulated financial firms to record all incoming and outgoing mobile calls and texts, as new regulations on compliance loom. The solution will significantly enhance governance, business continuity and risk management processes.
Mobile Europe

Crisp, Jumptap, Medialets partner for rich mobile ads
Mobile ad specialists Crisp Wireless, Jumptap and Medialets have teamed up to offer what they are calling a unified rich media ad platform that works across both apps and the mobile web.
Mobile Entertainment