Lauren Goode

News Byte

Task Service TaskRabbit Launches Mobile On-Demand Delivery

Lauren Goode in News on June 21 at 10:01 am PT

TaskRabbit, the San Francisco-based start-up that helps users outsource chores to “Rabbits” online, is rolling out an on-demand delivery service through the latest version of its iPhone app. Users will be able to request delivery of products and goods on weekdays between 9 am and 7 pm, for a flat rate of $10. Available only in San Francisco to start, the service joins the ranks of Exec and Postmates, which already offers on-the-go task completion and delivery services in the city.

News Byte

Office-for-iPad App CloudOn Raises $16 Million in Series B Funding

Lauren Goode in News on June 21 at 4:30 am PT

CloudOn, an application for accessing Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Reader and DropBox on iPads and Android tablets, has raised $16 million in Series B funding today from Social+Capital, TransLink Capital and existing investors Foundation Capital and Rembrandt Venture Partners. The company first launched in January 2012, and claims more than one million downloads in the past five months. The app is currently free, though CloudOn has said it may introduce a tiered pricing structure.

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Sprint: Samsung Galaxy S III May Be Delayed

Lauren Goode in News on June 19 at 2:25 pm PT

Due to “overwhelming demand and limited supply,” Sprint says that customers who preordered the 16 gigabyte version of the new Samsung Galaxy S III could possibly receive their smartphones a couple days later than expected. Preorders kicked off on June 5, with early customers expecting to receive the device by June 21. In-store and online sales also start on June 21.

News Byte

iRobot Adds Wireless Command Center to New $700 Roomba Vacuum

Lauren Goode in News on June 19 at 3:00 am PT

IRobot, maker of defense and maritime robotics — it also makes the Roomba vacuum cleaner — has released a new vacuum as part of its Roomba 700 series. The Roomba 790 is an upgraded version of the 780, featuring a redesigned faceplate and a wireless remote that allows for room-to-room navigation. It costs $700 — $100 more than the Roomba 780, and about the same price as this hefty Oreck (non-robotic) vacuum.