Geekly Update - 26 Jan 2011

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

Wikipedia turned 10 last week. In honor of the event, everyone gets to make up ten new facts.

A software worm called Stuxnet worked its way into Iran's nuclear facilities. It succeeded in crippling progress there, but Russian authorities are claiming it could have caused a Chernobyl-style disater.

Fourteen year-old Robert Nay created the game "Bubble Ball" that has taken over Apple's top rated app spot, knocking out "Angry Birds." You can see the 8th grader's game that has already amassed 300,000 downloads for yourself here.

An animated Pacman hit TV screens briefly from 1982 - 84 and now, according to Deadline, it seems to be coming back in the form of a Wipeout reality show. What's next... "Jackass: Donkey Kong Version"?

Nokia is ending its free Ovi Music to customers probably because of DRM issues, although the company claims that it is doing so to "make way for other services." It will continue its download service in China, India and Indonesia... where silly nuances like copyright and piracy aren't such a big deal.

Firefox 4 is now in beta form and will become available to all in mid-February. Mozilla promises Instant Website ID, anti-malware protection and other enhancements.

Nuance Communications released a software development kit that will ad speech and voice recognition to Android apps and Apple's iOS. The technology may be used in applications like Dragon Mobile involving car interiors, retailers like Amazon and in smartphones. If you said "New Juan's commune occasions", press 1.

With a target date set of March 27, Nintendo will be releasing its 3DS handheld. For about $250, gamers can play regular DS games, take 3D pictures, and won't need 3D glasses.

Intuit is offering free service and credit card reader through February to small businesses that want to try their GoPayment mobile service. A card can be swiped in seconds and payment will go to the company in a couple of days.

Sony has a new compact camera designed for the masses that will be available in March. The DSC-J10 is a 16.1MP point and shoot with a 4x optical zoom, a TFT LCD screen, USB connector, and a capability for about 200 shots per battery charge.