Tech blog: Five essential technology stories of the week

Groupon does a deal - for a slice of Groupon

Groupon, the online daily deals service, has raised $700m (£437m) after the public offering was priced higher than had been expected. Shares in the coupon company were originally priced in a range of $16 to $18 a share, but were eventually sold at $20. Groupon only offered 5 per cent of the company, meaning its market value is around $10billion. Not bad for a firm that is yet to come close to turning a profit.

BT asked to make Pirate’s Bay walk the plank

In the latest skirmish in the entertainment industry’s war against file sharing, the British Recorded Music Industry (BPI) has asked BT to block access to The Pirate Bay. This comes after a court recently ruled that the internet service provider must cut off its users’ access to file sharing site Newzbin2. A BT spokesperson said that the ISP was “considering its response”, adding that “a court order will be needed before any blocking could begin”.

A new look delivered to Gmail

Google has freshened up its Gmail service with a clean, more flexible design, and extended this to Google Reader. But the changes to Gmail, which currently has around 260 million users worldwide, go beyond a simple reskinning. They also include better search functionality, streamlined conversations and new HD themes. The web giant has attracted some criticism from Reader users after it replaced the ability to share articles with new integration with its Google+ social network. In a separate development, Google announced that it is also planning to release an iPhone app for Gmail.

Facebook reunited for amorous Britons

One in ten Britons has admitted tracking down former lovers through Facebook in the hope of rekindling lost romance, according to a survey. A total of 16 per cent revealed they regularly use social media to keep tabs on old flames, while 1 per cent ended up sleeping with their exes according to FinderMonkey.co.uk.

Angry Birds soars to record downloads

Angry Birds, the phenomenally popular mobile phone game which sees feathered heroes pitted against their porky enemies, has broken a new record for the largest number of gaming downloads. In less than two years it has been downloaded 500 million times from consumers across the world. Want more eyewatering stats? On average, it is played for 300 million minutes every day and 400 billion birds have been launched into attack. The game, created by Finnish firm Rovio, recently launched in China.