The company offered it free of charge to owners of WinMo 6 and 6.1 devices earlier this year -- but Microsoft taketh away just as quickly as it giveth, apparently, because it's already pulling the plug on the tool at the end of December, which never actually made it out of "Technology Preview" status.

ENGADGET: Microsoft Recite killed off, but why? Mobile

Meanwhile, Nissan is moving its Leaf to a main, integrated production line, Toyota sold 12, 750 units of it plug-in Prius in the first full year, and BMW is apparently moving a fantastic product (while investing in a carbon-fiber factory in Washington State).

FORBES: Simon Says 'Charge Your EV At The Mall'

Apparently, Prof Hawking had scheduled only one appearance on British TV to plug his new book - and this was it.

BBC: 10 THINGS WE DIDN'T KNOW THIS TIME LAST WEEK