Tech news from around the web:
- Facebook is in talks to hire Robert Gibbs, President Barack Obama’s former White House press secretary, to help manage the company’s communications, according to the New York Times’ DealBook. The talks come ahead of the social network’s planned initial public offering next year.
- AllThingsDigital reports that Google is teaming up with MasterCard and Citigroup to embed technology in Android mobile devices that would allow consumers to make purchases from mobile devices equipped with near-field-communication technology. FT tech hub reported this month on the web company’s deal with VeriFone Systems to set up cash tills with NFC technology.
- Television company Endemol UK has bought a 50 per cent stake in celebrity gossip site Holy Moly, Media Guardian reports. The nine-year-old site will expand into new areas including TV, music, film and fashion as a result of the investment.
- Apple’s new MobileMe will have a music back-up service component, dubbed a ‘locker’, says 9to5Mac. The service will cost about $20 a year. The news follows reports this month that Apple was to set up a cloud-based iTunes music streaming service.
From the FT:
