It looks like Rovio can’t wait for summer (I can’t either) and has today updated their Android app with 15 new tropical levels. The new beach themed levels will have you kicking up sand and polishing up your bird tan while trying to rescue your eggs from becoming beach brunch. Let’s just hope for the pig’s sake they’ve brought some sunscreen (I smell bacon!).
Google has added four new countries to the list from which Android developers can sell their products. Developers from the following countries can now sell their applications and in-app products on Google Play, using their local bank accounts for payments:
- Czech Republic
- Israel
- Poland
- Mexico
Spacetime Studios, the guys behind Pocket Legends and Star Legends, have released their latest MMO, and yes, it ends with the word “Legends.” The “Legends” series are certainly one of the most popular mobile MMOs to ever launch and Spacetime Studio’s cross-platform model has been an industry leader. Dark Legends continues this model and is the first MMO to launch simultaneously on mobile and desktop platforms. Interestingly enough, Spacetime Studios has opted to launch Dark Legends on Android before iOS, ending a trend long held by the majority of developers. While this could be seen as a victory for the Android platform, I’m still a strong advocate of simultaneous releases (especially when it comes to cross-platform games).
Along with Google’s Q1 earnings reports, Google announced their plans to create a new class of non-voting stock which will be distributed via a stock dividend to all existing stockholders — essentially creating a 2-for-1 stock split. Existing stockholders will receive one new share of non-voting stock for every share they own, doubling their overall share without affecting voting power. This new non-voting stock will be available for corporate uses, like equity-based employee compensation, and will ensure Google’s founders retain control over Google’s destiny.
Google has released its Q1 2012 revenue earnings — and business is good! Revenue for Q1 2012 came in at $10.65 billion, up 24% from Q1 2011. Overall, the majority of revenue avenues saw growth despite Google’s willingness to explore risky projects. Google ended up with a hefty $49.3 billion cash on hand and looks to continue growing that stockpile as they move forward in the year. In the earnings call today, Larry Page talked mostly about their dedication to the long-term and points out how many of their projects don’t reach critical mass for quite a few years. For example, Larry points out that he’s been working on Android for 6 years and it wasn’t until the past 3 years that Android has begun to really explode.
