Facebook Become First then Google in 2011

James Murdoch, chairman of News International, announced the closure of News of the World.
(Credit: News International)
• News of the World is shutting down in the wake of allegations that newspaper representatives hacked the phones of news subjects, including a missing teenager, Milly Dowler, who was later found dead. It was also revealed this week that relatives of British troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan may have also been targeted. The hacking cases at the paper have previously involved politicians and celebrities, including actress Sienna Miller, who pocketed $160,000 in an out-of court settlement. (CNET and The Guardian)

• Some potential hires go for an intimate walk in a wooded area of Palo Alto, Calif., with Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg. What's it like? One potential hire recalled the stroll: "The entire experience was totally surreal. I really felt like I was on a date." Or if you are Sheryl Sandberg, the courting process begins at a Christmas party when Zuckerberg spends an hour chatting with you by the door and then follows up by e-mails and private dinners. (The New York Times)
• So you can video chat with your friends, family members, and co-workers, but what if things get weird? Here's how to handle awkward situations more gracefully: CNET compares video chat on Facebook vs. Google+ and gives you tips. For a more visual comparison of the services, read Keith Kleiner's take. (CNET and Singularity Hub)

• The verdict is in on the legal battle between Apple and Amazon: For now, Apple loses, Amazon wins. A judge refused to grant Apple's request for a preliminary injunction to stop Amazon from using the term "Appstore." The reason being that while the term isn't exactly too generic, Apple needs a better case as to why Amazon's use of the term would confuse customers. On that note, keep in mind the Apple App Store hit 15 billion downloads. (CNET)
• Apple reportedly gets the new iPhone 5 ready for a third-quarter launch. There's a rumor that Apple has asked suppliers to build 25 million units of the next iPhone by August. (The Wall Street Journal and CNET)