Pepper the robot is taking early retirement. The humanoid’s maker, Japan’s SoftBank Group, hasreportedlystopped producing Pepper due to weak demand. Pepper had beentoutedas the harbinger of a robotics revolution, but the droid’s early demise shows it couldn’t live up to the hype. [Read:Why entrepreneurship in emerging markets matters] The 💜 of EU tech The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art....

Last week,we reported FarmVillereleased its ‘English Countryside’ expansion, its biggest update since it launched almost two years ago. Existing players are invited aboard an airship and transported across the pond for a cup of tea, although it’s a somewhat similar social gaming experience. To celebrate, live sheep paraded around New York City streets and visited London landmarks this morning. Having just spent a weekend in London having a wander and taking in all of the bits and bobs of the city’s charm, I think these photos are pretty amazing…...

Fashiolista, the Dutch social shopping startup with a focus on fashion, has launched aniPhone appto help its users get a spot of inspiration while they’re out and about. In case it’s passed you by, Fashiolista is a service whichlaunchedat last year’sThe Next Web Conferenceand lets users share the clothing and accessories that they like online. While browsing fashion websites, you click a ‘Love’ button in your browser whenever you spot something that appeals to you....

Oh dear, we thought that big brands might have learnt that hijacking hashtags isn’t a good idea and yet here’s US fashion brand Kenneth Cole,hijackingthe#Cairohashtag (currently used to report from the troubled events in Egypt) to promote its new Spring collection. Need we remind you, Kenneth Cole, that people aredyingon the streets of Cairo as they fight for their beliefs? It’s quite shocking to see a brand act like this in 2011....

In January of this year, I posted11 New York City Start-Ups To Watch in 2011including rivalsFashismandGo Try it On, two thriving, albeit similar NYC start-ups that allow users to upload photos of their outfits in order to get realtime feedback, advice and opinions on their clothing and accessory choices. Remember when Cher from Clueless had her own computer program to match outfits? Every young girl wanted one of those programs (and closets to match) and now, 16 years later, we at least have the former....