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"Plot is highly overrated," said League of Legends designer

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"Plot is highly overrated," League of Legends developer Riot Games narrative lead Tom Abernathy said today during a Game Developers Conference presentation at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Abernathy, who previously worked at Microsoft on Halo: Reach, said internal and external research "proves that out."</div>
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It's not plot that truly hooks gamers, but rather characters, Abernathy said.</div>
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"Users don't remember plot; what the do remember is they remember characters," Abernathy said. Players become "hooked" in a game if they care about its characters, he explained.</div>
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"Focus on the things that they will retain, that are going to be most important to them in the long-run," Abernathy said to a room of developers and press. "Focus on character."</div>
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But to create believable and compelling characters, developers should make sure that characters' motivations are aligned appropriately with the motivations that they are leading the player to experience as well, Abernathy said.</div>
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Also during the talk, co-presenter Richard Rouse III, a design lead at Microsoft, said most players do not finish games. He estimated that only about a third of players actually finish the games they play. (<i>gamespot</i>)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://www.gamespot.com/videos/embed/6413917/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe></div>

"Plot is highly overrated," said League of Legends designer

"Plot is highly overrated," League of Legends developer Riot Games narrative lead Tom Abernathy said today during a Game Develo...

Mt. Gox login page returns, only lets users check their balance

Unknown 0 Infotech 10:00 AM

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBIZKkf8yJQEMg6CM7K1a-7jcIsTIa6PoPFj2kRKtBv1uGPamS2JARKUkBYSn1r12liT6GOmStiGE5xIvSRsSyJPnaw7KU5p9y1RfynkzL9rakMRN8mGXR0GxVTKzfoIQGSuIytWoJB8H/s1600/bitcoin_yearinreview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBIZKkf8yJQEMg6CM7K1a-7jcIsTIa6PoPFj2kRKtBv1uGPamS2JARKUkBYSn1r12liT6GOmStiGE5xIvSRsSyJPnaw7KU5p9y1RfynkzL9rakMRN8mGXR0GxVTKzfoIQGSuIytWoJB8H/s1600/bitcoin_yearinreview.jpg" /></a></div>
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Wondering where your Bitcoins are? Looks like Mt. Gox is giving you an official way to check. The fallen Bitcoin exchange has updated its homepage with a sparse login screen, inviting users to sign in and check their wallet's balance -- with a caveat. "This balance confirmation service is provided on this site only for the convenience of all users," the site warns. "Confirming the balance on this site does not constitute a filing of rehabilitation claims under the civil rehabilitation procedure... ...and should also not be considered an acknowledgement by MtGox Co., Ltd. of the amount of any rehabilitation claims of users."</div>
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That legalese is referring to Japan's Civil Rehabilitation Law and Mt. Gox's bankruptcy proceedings, which are counting the company's assets to suss out a liquidation value. Mt. Gox users with Bitcoin stuck in limbo may eventually get a percentage of their wallet's worth based on the official totals. It's not a particularly heartening disclaimer, but at least it gives users a way to verify their online wallets without putting their accounts at risk. (<i>engadget</i>)</div>

Mt. Gox login page returns, only lets users check their balance

Wondering where your Bitcoins are? Looks like Mt. Gox is giving you an official way to check. The fallen Bitcoin exchange has updated its...

iPhone Is Most Desired Smartphone In Emerging Markets [Survey]

Unknown 0 Infotech 8:57 AM

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XvYjqFQ5e0xrdIbMjC9udBUXtCuX2D9P7iHbfmKzv4hku5Ocr7w6Qh56VmVtHf1c6J3AVScEQ1idg0-KTGgIq-lkhIk__2lpekHtgwinRP1Oqh1IohIV-NdAZ0_joRcXsU1AleQn91f5/s1600/iphone4_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XvYjqFQ5e0xrdIbMjC9udBUXtCuX2D9P7iHbfmKzv4hku5Ocr7w6Qh56VmVtHf1c6J3AVScEQ1idg0-KTGgIq-lkhIk__2lpekHtgwinRP1Oqh1IohIV-NdAZ0_joRcXsU1AleQn91f5/s1600/iphone4_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Companies pay special attention to emerging markets as there’s significant room there for growth. Such markets are catered to by a plethora of low-end or mid-range smartphones, usually powered by Android. Samsung holds a strong position, which gives it a leg up on Apple when it comes to their global statistics. The iPhone doesn’t exactly fit the range of most customers in emerging markets, though that doesn’t mean they can’t desire for one. A recent survey finds that in majority of the emerging markets, iPhone happens to be the most desired smartphone.</div>
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Customers polled by Ovum and Upstream in China, India, Brazil, Nigeria and Vietnam were asked about the smartphone of their choice. 32 percent of all polled said that they desire the iPhone. Samsung came in second place with 29 percent. In third place comes Nokia, with 13 percent of polled consumers desiring its devices. Even if they can’t buy an iPhone, the survey goes to show that they would if they could afford to.</div>
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The interesting thing to note is that back in 2012 the exact same survey revealed 32 percent in favor of Samsung. Back then, only 21 percent of those polled said that they desired an iPhone. In just one year Apple has managed to knock Samsung off in emerging markets, as far as the desirability is concerned. (<i>ubergizmo</i>)</div>

iPhone Is Most Desired Smartphone In Emerging Markets [Survey]

Companies pay special attention to emerging markets as there’s significant room there for growth. Such markets are catered to by a pletho...

Samsung Hungary Hints At AMOLED Display Touting Galaxy TabPRO

Unknown 0 Infotech 8:30 AM

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cpkj-3ED58xponPpANnNcVItoO8wZXhrMyluavTUsdDEACNwLk3qAwbznA8HyICWiYjats0ZECNbdjV-yMoogi08k8J14RCEYmLLcu_ViGz0rvxl96K5eT8FeVQHrR6XUyzQNmLTenm5/s1600/samsung-galaxy-tabpro-amoled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cpkj-3ED58xponPpANnNcVItoO8wZXhrMyluavTUsdDEACNwLk3qAwbznA8HyICWiYjats0ZECNbdjV-yMoogi08k8J14RCEYmLLcu_ViGz0rvxl96K5eT8FeVQHrR6XUyzQNmLTenm5/s1600/samsung-galaxy-tabpro-amoled.jpg" /></a></div>
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Over the past couple of months there have been a lot of rumors about Samsung working on its second AMOLED display touting tablet. It is believed that the tablet might be launched in the near future, but so far the company hasn’t said anything about it. Just last week some specifications of the tablet were rumored. Now it appears that Samsung Hungary has dropped a solid hint about the existence of this tablet. In a response to a query about the Galaxy TabPro 8.4 LTE, the company’s arm inadvertently let it slip on its Facebook page that a Galaxy TabPro with AMOLED display is coming in a few months.</div>
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In all of the rumors we have heard about this tablet up till now there’s no mention of the display size. Even Samsung Hungary didn’t let the display size slip. Regardless of the size, all rumors claim that its going to have a 2,560×1,600 pixel resolution AMOLED display. Apart from that, the tablet is expected to be offered in 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi flavors.</div>
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Under the hood, Samsung’s own Exynos 5 processor is expected. The tablet may come with Android 4.4.2 KitKat installed out of the box. Rumor has it that the AMOLED tablet may also have an Ultra Power Saving Mode like the Galaxy S5. It has certainly been quite a while since Samsung launched an AMOLED tablet, its fans are certainly keeping their fingers crossed. Lets see how long it takes for the company to make it official. [<i>ubergizmo</i>]</div>

Samsung Hungary Hints At AMOLED Display Touting Galaxy TabPRO

Over the past couple of months there have been a lot of rumors about Samsung working on its second AMOLED display touting tablet. It is b...

Samsung’s Premium Smartphone Rumored Once Again

Unknown 0 Infotech 8:25 AM

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLbz31hX_2Q7KV1wSNF7himAYkkJ3qVMU0xYwEz7GJXCLukfFhIjom6hea_VUv4RTs5mPF9pu1PnFLz0oGEOnwqMyWOj0ybOf21-DcgEdv_AdJtkPt26VdhTpWZzKeOcPuv4zVYKniDcL/s1600/samsung-sign-bgr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLbz31hX_2Q7KV1wSNF7himAYkkJ3qVMU0xYwEz7GJXCLukfFhIjom6hea_VUv4RTs5mPF9pu1PnFLz0oGEOnwqMyWOj0ybOf21-DcgEdv_AdJtkPt26VdhTpWZzKeOcPuv4zVYKniDcL/s1600/samsung-sign-bgr.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since last year it has been rumored multiple times that Samsung is working on a premium smartphone. Rumor has it that the company will fashion this smartphone out of metal instead of plastic. A month or so prior to the Galaxy S5′s official announcement it was rumored that perhaps a premium version of the 2014 flagship will be released. That hasn’t happened up till now, and if reports coming in from Korea are correct, it might not happen ever. Instead, what Samsung may end up doing, is launching its much rumored premium smartphone lineup.</div>
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The reports quote Samsung Vice Chairman Kwon Oh-hyun saying at the Samsung Electronics’ annual shareholders meeting that the company will continue to maintain its dominance in key businesses such as mobile phones by rolling out “premium lineups.” He didn’t touch the subject beyond that, so its not entirely clear if the premium lineup will just differ on build material or if internal hardware will be different as well when compared to existing flagships.</div>
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Meanwhile Samsung co-CEO JK Shin is quoted denying the existence of a premium Galaxy S5. The rumor mill was abuzz with speculation about this variant, which was expected to come with a 2K display. So far there isn’t much evidence to support that theory. (<i>ubergizmo</i>)</div>

Samsung’s Premium Smartphone Rumored Once Again

Since last year it has been rumored multiple times that Samsung is working on a premium smartphone. Rumor has it that the company will fa...

Titanfall: The Joystiq Review

Unknown 0 Game News 12:06 AM

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmDAXpT-cSTLrccvFYEnu620wrTlVP0YTt3n6swoQnUADBxVQk3J8cgrL3recihf74nsSmSXIv9zSEAEdHR_IZCg2xbE5hVaGLqrxlTaLD5ptsPVkRZG1jeP9GYVUgF_OI9v6WJWg2RBQ/s1600/The+Joystiq+Review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmDAXpT-cSTLrccvFYEnu620wrTlVP0YTt3n6swoQnUADBxVQk3J8cgrL3recihf74nsSmSXIv9zSEAEdHR_IZCg2xbE5hVaGLqrxlTaLD5ptsPVkRZG1jeP9GYVUgF_OI9v6WJWg2RBQ/s1600/The+Joystiq+Review.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://joystiq.com/game/Titanfall" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Titanfall</a> is strictly coiled around the player. You couldn't excise even one piece without slackening it like a ruined kidnapper's rope. The serpentine level design, the liberating sense of movement, the flawless controls and yes, the enormous bipedal tanks dropping from the sky, are equally indispensable in this arresting shooter.</div>
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Given the studio's splintered status as a <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/respawn-entertainment/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">former Call of Duty custodian</a>, Respawn Entertainment has made a multiplayer game fit for those who have spent years peering through the eyes of a speedy killing machine – a seasoned six against six in battles for land or a higher kill count. A history with rapid-fire aim and fleet-footed 3D movement is not essential here, but recommended. (<i>engadget</i>)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZbZFSfCpUoI" width="560"></iframe></div>

Titanfall: The Joystiq Review

Titanfall is strictly coiled around the player. You couldn't excise even one piece without slackening it like a ruined kidnapper...

How To Restart Apps in Windows 8.1

Unknown 0 Infotech 11:53 PM

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Microsoft threw away the rule book when it designed Windows 8. Before, things like restarting an application were simple because of the nature of Windows apps themselves. If you hit the X in the top right corner of the screen, they closed and you could select the app from the Start Menu again.</div>
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Because apps have changed and evolved in Windows 8.1, that’s no longer the case. It’s true that Desktop apps like iTunes and Internet Explorer can still be restarted that way. However, Windows Store apps that is, apps that are purchased or downloaded for free from the Windows Store and synced between devices don’t work that way. Unless you’ve dragged them to the bottom of your screen, Windows Store apps run in the background until they’re no longer needed.</div>
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<b><u>With a Mouse and Keyboard</u></b></div>
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<b>Go to the Start Screen.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyhTKXiU-6FEQR9Low8jix5WxQVOBN0Bcou0gUXPfmfZMQOfOUEArZeCBGfWfCcuFii2fHDJxosTCcQ7dqY4F_CRNdbp0kzOD1Z-fDTVyA3Wlze8OM-mUSHJDMKkxRmhvksClNXMzgaHE/s1600/How-To-Restart-Apps-in-Windows-8-1-620x348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyhTKXiU-6FEQR9Low8jix5WxQVOBN0Bcou0gUXPfmfZMQOfOUEArZeCBGfWfCcuFii2fHDJxosTCcQ7dqY4F_CRNdbp0kzOD1Z-fDTVyA3Wlze8OM-mUSHJDMKkxRmhvksClNXMzgaHE/s1600/How-To-Restart-Apps-in-Windows-8-1-620x348.jpg" /></a></div>
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Open the Windows Store app that’s giving you issues. For this example, we’re using Prime TV.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZYVfsS6zXi8VIP4cAm09qqJijDTmn70Y7wmrwywXC24dPlK4iPOADAQ58Edc0NMEw43-Y0ZcZn6TLhGD1d0HLY_biF8nNQ1JfPXRZ8pL1FmpBl70tTETeK-7mZVhv9GVZFNz69M90XfH/s1600/How-To-Restart-Apps-in-Windows-8-2-620x348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZYVfsS6zXi8VIP4cAm09qqJijDTmn70Y7wmrwywXC24dPlK4iPOADAQ58Edc0NMEw43-Y0ZcZn6TLhGD1d0HLY_biF8nNQ1JfPXRZ8pL1FmpBl70tTETeK-7mZVhv9GVZFNz69M90XfH/s1600/How-To-Restart-Apps-in-Windows-8-2-620x348.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now place your mouse cursor at the top of the screen. Hold down the left button on your mouse and drag the window down to the button of your screen and hold it there. Wait for the app to flip over and drag it back to the top of your screen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGTRq5R1vaJmmU-4YEArg-f953aydf23uMaRnMm5Z3xe9-m4a5twnirveyOHKNEjidqoZ5Gd4GdBPiYy_4Yqf5wHG9IAaNmcEyzd8dDVDkwtpYsIC2oB04cYjxdE5kV_rIelqeBWPDh4w/s1600/How-To-Restart-Apps-in-Windows-8-3-620x348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGTRq5R1vaJmmU-4YEArg-f953aydf23uMaRnMm5Z3xe9-m4a5twnirveyOHKNEjidqoZ5Gd4GdBPiYy_4Yqf5wHG9IAaNmcEyzd8dDVDkwtpYsIC2oB04cYjxdE5kV_rIelqeBWPDh4w/s1600/How-To-Restart-Apps-in-Windows-8-3-620x348.jpg" /></a></div>
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Users can also go into any app and press the Windows Key + the down arrow on the keyboard to close an app without using the mouse at all (<i>gottabemobile</i>)</div>

How To Restart Apps in Windows 8.1

Microsoft threw away the rule book when it designed Windows 8. Before, things like restarting an application were simple because of the nat...

Leaked press images show Samsung's ATIV SE for Verizon

Unknown 0 Specs 11:43 PM

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbG5wCaq3SHQvxIyG-jAkPfQY_JXZB9ydF1eUpacIX92QPZU5wuSBRDkyL_XNkATkVe9gL2qDc7pNcSykMujdmI8-tBsNTIWjtRpd8mAr4GGLBIHmQhFDVSqBgHCxadtHoNPf4MWupo6u/s1600/ativse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbG5wCaq3SHQvxIyG-jAkPfQY_JXZB9ydF1eUpacIX92QPZU5wuSBRDkyL_XNkATkVe9gL2qDc7pNcSykMujdmI8-tBsNTIWjtRpd8mAr4GGLBIHmQhFDVSqBgHCxadtHoNPf4MWupo6u/s1600/ativse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Samsung's upcoming Windows 8.1 smartphone for Verizon, the ATIV SE, passed through the FCC last month, and now we're getting a look at the actual device. </b></div>
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The leaked press photos above show a phone that strongly resembles the Windows Phone-powered ATIV S, with a physical home button. The alleged ATIV SE appears to share design elements with Samsung's Galaxy handsets as well, from the rounded edges to the textured finishes on the back and front. It's still unclear when the ATIV SE will launch on Verizon, but we know it'll arrive some time this year following the debut of the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system. Expect a 5-inch, 1080p display and LTE capability when the SE hits store shelves. (<i>engadget</i>)</div>

Leaked press images show Samsung's ATIV SE for Verizon

Samsung's upcoming Windows 8.1 smartphone for Verizon, the ATIV SE, passed through the FCC last month, and now we're getting a lo...

Microsoft and Oracle solidify cloud

Unknown 0 Infotech 11:32 PM

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Anyone who ever followed the relational database wars probably noted this tidbit last week:  Oracle’s flagship database. WebLogic Server middleware and Java are all  now generally available on Microsoft Windows Azure as “license-included virtual machine images” in the Windows Azure Image Gallery.</div>
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The timing was not really a surprise; Last month, Microsoft had signaled that it would post the images on March 12. But some background is in order:  It wasn’t all that long ago that Microsoft armed with SQL Server went to war against the Oracle database juggernaut. And it made headway at least in Windows shops, in small and mid-sized companies and in departments of enterprises. But Oracle retained its market share lead by holding onto large accounts in financial and other compliance-preoccupied industries.</div>
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Given that history, it really was news last June that Oracle and Microsoft said they would forge peaceful coexistence and put Oracle software onto Azure, fully certified and supported by Oracle. Before it was certified on Windows Server. Given that Oracle is building a cloud of its own, this seemed a little like sleeping with the enemy.</div>
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So why the change of heart? Well for one thing, there are enemies and then there are enemies. Microsoft and Oracle came late to the cloud, while Amazon Web Services, which  turned 8 last week, has built up dominance in public cloud. Enterprise software companies, including but not limited to Oracle and Microsoft know they have to do something to stem the momentum of AWS. Pricing for Oracle stuff on Azure is listed below. (<i>gigaom</i>)</div>
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Microsoft and Oracle solidify cloud

Anyone who ever followed the relational database wars probably noted this tidbit last week: Oracle’s flagship database. WebLogic Server ...