MSN Messenger to end after 15 years

Windows Live Messenger was switched off in most of the world in 2013

Microsoft's Windows Live Messenger will be switched off in China in October, marking a final end to the 15-year-old service.

Originally known as MSN Messenger, it was launched in 1999 but was switched off for most users in 2013, after Microsoft bought rival Skype.

Users in China continued to use the old service but will now be transferred to Skype by 31 October.

Twitter reveals $134m cost of Gnip purchase

Twitter has revealed that it paid $134 million (£80 million) in stock and cash for the Colorado-based startup, Gnip.

The package was outlined in the firm's 10-Q filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission and 

included more than $107 million in cash and as much as one million shares of restricted stock and other 

equity awards to Gnip employees.

Need to blow off steam? John McAfee’s BrownList is here

Flamboyant security pioneer/political refugee John McAfee is launching a new site where people can blast companies, governments or pretty much anything.

Microsoft’s SNIPP3T app lets you keep track of your favorite celebrities

Microsoft has released a new app for the iPhone called SNIPP3T that lets you keep track of all your favorite celebrities.

Can too much Twitter make you crazy?

Can spending too much time reading and writing in 140 characters or less really send you crazy?

A quick glance at some recent news headlines would be enough to send every Twitter user into hiding - "Woman Hospitalised with Twitter Psychosis" and "Twitter can trigger psychosis in users".

Facebook Messenger receives barrage of one-star reviews amid forced switch

As has been expected for quite a while, Facebook has started taking the Messenger part out of its official app for iOS and Android this week, prompting those who want to use the feature to install the standalone Messenger. To say that this hasn’t gone well with users would be an understatement.

Facebook buys cyber-security startup PrivateCore

Facebook has purchased PrivateCore for an undisclosed sum, to help protect the data of its users.

PrivateCore is a cyber-security company that authenticates and secures server data.

Law student files class action suit against Facebook for privacy violations

An Austrian law student has filed a class action lawsuit at a commercial court in Vienna against Facebook over privacy violations.

Google allegedly planning on separating Photos from Google+

After unlinking Hangouts from Google+ in the recent past, it seems Google is now planning on doing the same with its photos service. Currently available as part of the Google+ social network, the Photos service will soon become independent, according to Bloomberg.

How to prepare for a interview at Google

So you sent off hundreds of developer resumes to the biggest technology companies in the world, and waited by the phone for days. When you didn't get any replies, you bottomed out in the pit of despair, and began watching 80s movies in your underwear. Then, the impossible happened: the phone rang! You've got an interview! Wait, now what?

You're probably asking: "What kind of questions get asked at developer interviews?" or "what do I have to do to prepare for an interview at Google?"

ITProPortal is here to help, with our comprehensive guide on how to prepare for a developer interview at one of the world's technology giants.

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Bolt, new instant messaging app from Instagram, now available in select countries

We talked about the Bolt service a few days back. The app is now officially available on iOS and Android, but only in New Zealand, Singapore, and South Africa for now.

Facebook to make Messenger a mandatory download

Facebook has been pushing its Messenger application pretty zealously, and there’s even been talks of the social networking giant monetizing the app.

Instagram readying Snapchat competitor in the form of ‘Bolt’

Snapchat’s incredible popularity has its competitors scrambling to come up with an equivalent service to engage the masses. Despite several attempts, no one has really managed to match Snapchat’s success.

Google may buy Twitch for $1 Billion

Google has been known to snatch up any and every type of business, that’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone that the internet search giant is interested in purchasing the online game-streaming service, Twitch.

Coming soon to Twitter, Facebook: Click to buy now

For Twitter and Facebook, the two principal combatants in the world of social media, e-commerce is emerging as the newest battleground. Twitter announced in a blog post last week that it had agreed to acquire CardSpring, a mobile payments infrastructure company that allows merchants to offer deals to consumers that can be loaded onto to their credit cards. When the card is used to pay at the store, the coupon is

automatically applied.

Facebook launches Mentions app for verified users

Facebook has launched a new application exclusive to those with a verified account. Called Mentions, it helps all those celebrities on Twitter to keep track of all the replies they receive.

Other than being available only for verified users, the app is currently only available in the US and only on the iPhone.