LBS

TI Bluetooth(R) Smart technology

Texas Instruments announced the launch of SimpleLink(TM) Bluetooth(R) low energy CC2541-Q1, a highly-integrated wireless microcontroller (MCU) that delivers low power, low cost, and simplified automotive connectivity to emerging smartphone-controlled and wirereplacement applications. www.ti.com

Alibaba to acquire AutoNavi

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd has agreed to acquire Beijing-headquartered digital mapping and navigation firm AutoNavi Holdings Ltd for about $1.5 billion. Alibaba will integrate AutoNavi’s mapping service to its technology allowing its customers to access peer review of shops and restaurants, and thereby increase its revenues. The transaction is expected to be complete by the third quarter of this year. Post the transaction, AutoNavi will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba. www.techcircle.vccircle.com

Parking App Wins Sydney Trip for Indian Students

An idea for an app to make parking easier and save fuel has resulted in the school excursion of a lifetime for a group of Indian students. The team from Anand Niketan Satellite School in Ahmedabad is coming to Sydney as the winner of the Creativity Meets Technology IT competition organised by UTS and UTS: Insearch.Their winning entry Spot the Parking Space was to develop an app that helped people find a parking space utilising Google maps. This app would save fuel by facilitating faster parking, resulting in cleaner air. http:// newsroom.uts.edu.au/ Source: UTS

GPS in cars gets insurers’

With GPS-based devices becoming popular in cars and commercial vehicles as a navigation tool, insurers are looking at such installations positively, with many contemplating discounts on motor premiums for vehicles with these installations. www. timesofindia.indiatimes.com