Blockchain start-up raises $55m

In this edition of the Worldwide Wrap, Ripple, a Google-backed start-up that uses blockchain technology to settle financial transactions has raised $55 million and Facebook has chosen a village in New Mexico as the location for its new data centre.

Ripple, a Google-backed start-up that uses blockchain technology to settle financial transactions between some of the world's biggest banks, has raised $55 million.

The latest finance round involves Standard Chartered, Accenture Ventures, SCB Digital Ventures, the venture arm of Siam Commercial Bank, and Japan's SBI Holdings. Additional investors include Santander Innoventures, the venture units of CME Group and Seagate Technology, and Venture 51.
Via: CNBC

Facebook has chosen a village on the edge of New Mexico's largest metropolitan area as the location for its new data centre, after a rollercoaster contest between New Mexico and Utah to attract the facility.

The courting of Facebook began more than a year ago with a meeting between the Republican governor, Susana Martinez, and Facebook executives.
Via: The Guardian

In an analyst rating update on Thursday, shares of Apple had their rating maintained by analysts at Credit Suisse.

The broker said it has now set a 'Outperform' rating on shares of Apple with a price target of 150. The price target according to the broker shows a possible increase of 31.22% from the current stock price of 114.31.
Via: National Daily Press

A cow which had its face blurred by Google street view has proved a hit on social media.

The animal was snapped by Google's cameras at Coe Fen, Cambridge, and seemingly given the same treatment humans receive for privacy reasons.
Via: BBC

Pittsburgh Uber riders now have a chance of being greeted by a self-driving car. Uber just rolled out a fleet of autonomous cars to test the technology in the real world. They'll also watch how passengers and other drivers respond to the autonomous vehicles.

While the technology is advanced enough for fully autonomous driving, for now a human driver will ride along, poised to take the wheel if necessary.
Via: Inhabitat

YouTube is launching new features allowing users to add text, live videos, images and gifs to channels.

The community tab gives users a new, simple way to engage with their viewers and express themselves beyond video, says YouTube.
Via: BBC