UPDATED 10:01 EDT / MARCH 27 2013

Flipboard Update Lets Users Create + Share Magazines

In today’s mobile and social roundup: Flipboard now lets you share your magazines; Microsoft secures patents for Surface keyboard; Amazon adds X-Ray feature to TV shows on Kindle Fire;  and Yahoo to acquire Dailymotion.

 Flipboard now lets you share your magazines

Since Google’s announcement of Google Reader’s demise, the world’s been looking for a replacement.  Flipboard’s come up regularly as a Reader alternative, and now there’s one more reason to check out the content delivery app.

Flipboard, the Android and iOS app that delivers news and social media updates in a magazine-like page, has been updated for iOS users.  It now allows users to create and share their very own magazines.  If you decide to share it publicly, other Flipboard users can read and comment on your magazine.  The redesign also comes with a new notification feature that tells users when someone likes their magazine, and also lets you subscribe to other magazines that you find interesting, but you can’t yet edit your own magazine.

The new Flipboard is already available for iOS devices, with the Android version coming soon.

Microsoft secures patents for Surface keyboard

Microsoft has won a trio of design patent that involves its Touch Cover keyboard, and the magnetic coupling that attaches the cover to the tablet itself.  In the previous weeks, Microsoft also secured patents for the physical design and various UI elements of the Surface tablet, as well as patents for various UI elements for Window Phone 8.

Though Microsoft has amped its game, one analyst stated that his estimates for Surface tablet sales has been lowered since consumers don’t seem to be interested in purchasing one.  From previous projections of 1.4 million units for this quarter, Pacific Crest analyst Brendan Barnicle lowered his estimates down to 600,000.

Amazon adds X-Ray feature to TV shows on Kindle Fire

If you’re watching a movie on your Kindle Fire, the X-Ray feature allows you to learn more about the movie, like actor names, the plot, if there are sequels, who the director or producer is.  The mini lessons are powered by IMDb.  Now, Amazon is extending the X-Ray feature to TV shows, giving Kindle Fire users access to IMDb information without having to open a new app.  The update will roll out to the entire Kindle Fire family as well as the Amazon Instant Video app on Wii U.

Yahoo to acquire Dailymotion

According to people familiar with the matter, Yahoo is in talks to acquire a controlling stake in France Telecom’s Dailymotion, a European online video site much like YouTube.  Yahoo could acquire as much as 75 percent of Dailymotion that would cost around $300 million.  If this pushes through, it will be Marissa Mayer’s biggest move yet since stepping up as Yahoo’s CEO.

“Dailymotion needs to find a big strategic partner, ideally an American partner, that will allow it to open the doors to the American market,” said Stéphane Richard, CEO of France Télécom, at a press conference back in February.

“We have an opportunity, a possibility that could be very good for Dailymotion, and very value-creating for the group in general.” He declined to give details, saying only, “It’s on track.”

For an entire recap of today’s top stories, check out this morning’s NewsDesk segment with Kristin Feledy, below:


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