GOOGLE SAYS 700,000 APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR ANDROID

Google Inc. said there are about 700,000 applications available for downloading onto mobile devices that run the Android operating system, challenging Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s lead in the race for software tools.

That means Google has matched Apple in the number of games, productivity tools and other programs that are usable on handheld electronics, including tablets and smartphones. Apple said last week that its App Store has more than 700,000 apps.

By luring software developers to its Android platform, Google is attempting to eliminate a key selling point Apple has used for the iPhone and iPad. Applications have become a battleground as the two companies look for an edge in the $219.1 billion smartphone market, akin to how Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) dominated the personal-computer business by getting other companies to write programs for its Windows operating system.

The rivalry extends beyond smartphones. Google today unveiled a tablet with a 10-inch screen and costing $399 to rival the iPad. The two companies also have introduced tablets with smaller screens.

In the race for software developers, Apple has argued that its iOS operating system leads to more sales. Apple said last week that it has paid $6.5 billion to developers since the App Store was introduced in 2008. (Businessweek)

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STUDENTS SURROUND ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING AT J’PURA

A tense situation has broken out at the Jayawardenapura University after a group of students surrounded an administrative building. The students have reportedly surrounded Vice Chancellor N.L.A. Karunaratna ’ s office building following an announcement that he will not be issuing Mahapola scholarships.

PayPal wants report from Sri Lanka: Sampath, three other banks to introduce service

Though the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) was first to introduce PayPal to Sri Lanka through the Sampath Bank, it is revealed that three other banks too have been now earmarked by the CBSL. A senior official from the CBSL told AdaderanaBiz, “We were to first introduce PayPal through the Sampath Bank. However, we now plan to introduce this service to the country through four banks. We also plan to gradually involve the rest of the banks in the country.” While the CBSL is discussing with the PayPal branch in India to introduce the service to Sri Lanka, PayPal’s Indian arm has reportedly requested a report on Sri Lanka’s exports. The senior CBSL official told AdaderanaBiz that they would be submitting such a report and hence the introduction of PayPal to Sri Lanka would face a slight delay. Though cash cannot be remitted to Sri Lanka through the world renowned PayPal money transfer service sending money from Sri Lanka is possible even now.

Sexy reality star arrested for ‘filming sex tape with businessman and blackmailing him

A REALITY star is accused of making a sex tape with a wealthy businessman and trying to blackmail him with it. Serbian TV personality Anabela Scekic, 39, has been held for blackmail after allegedly filming a sex session with a 34-year-old named only as N.N. Scekic, also nicknamed Tigrica (tigress), was arrested along with 23-year-old Tijana S. and 41-year-old Radovan L. The two women were accused of demanding €20,000 (£17,770) from the Belgrade businessman as Radovan L. allegedly masterminded the operation. A police source said they threatened to post the videos online if he didn’t hand over the money. They added: “N.N. accepted their request but said he would give them the money in four instalments.

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