Google struggles to keep Project Ara together, Microsoft patches Internet Explorer, play Final Fantasy VII on iOS, Pocket Casts casts pods, find your Ashley Madison email, Kelly Clarkson sings Tinder.

Project Ara Is Just Too Fragile

Google recently revealed that Project Ara -- its effort to create a modular smartphone -- has been delayed until 2016. And now we know why.

In a nutshell, Project Ara failed the drop test. As Google explained with a tweet promising, "No more electropermanent magnets." These magnets are what Google has been using to keep the various modules attached to the body of the handset, but they clearly aren't strong enough to keep the components from separating if dropped.

This is a rather serious fail on the part of Google, and it's no wonder it has forced the company to go back to the drawing board. A follow-up tweet hinted at the possible solution, with Google "testing a signature experience to attach/detach modules". Whatever that means. Regardless, don't get your hopes up of buying a modular smartphone anytime in the near future.

Internet Explorer Gets Patched Up

Microsoft has issued a critical patch for Internet Explorer designed to fix a flaw already being exploited by undesirables. All versions of Internet Explorer, from IE7 to IE11, are affected, although the new Edge browser for Windows 10 is safe. Interestingly, Microsoft is crediting Clement Lecigne of Google with the find.

Microsoft explains the issue in a Technet post, saying, "An attacker could host a specially crafted website designed to exploit this vulnerability through IE, and then convince a user to view the website". Thankfully, there is still an element of user control involved, as "an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an instant message or email that takes them to the attacker's website, or by getting them to open an attachment sent through email".

Users are being advised to update Internet Explorer as soon as possible. We would add that switching to another, probably better, Web browser would also fix the problem. You know Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox both exist, right?

Final Fantasy VII Lands on iOS

Final Fantasy VII is finally available on iOS, with Square Enix releasing the game in the App Store on Wednesday (Aug. 19). This mobile version of the classic RPG (role-playing game) works on iPhone 5s or later, iPad 3 or later, and iPad mini 2 or later.

Final Fantasy VII is priced at $15.99 in the U.S., which is significantly more than most mobile games. But then this is Final Fantasy VII, one of the greatest games ever released on any platform. It also comes with touchscreen controls, and various built-in cheats to help those struggling to make progress.

Pocket Casts Adds Nearby Podcasts

Pocket Casts, one of the best podcast catchers currently available, has been updated. At least on Android. The update has added a rather cool new feature which offers users a new way of discovering podcasts they currently don't listen to/have never heard of.

The new Nearby tab, found under Discover, shows you the podcasts being listened to by people in close proximity, and what podcasts you have in common with those around you. Provided they have Pocket Casts installed and are sharing the information. Unfortunately, iOS users will have to wait a little longer for the update to reach them.

The Ashley Madison Email Finder

The hackers who hacked Ashley Madison -- the website for people who want to cheat on their significant others -- recently dumped the data on the dark web. As a result, a lot of people are enduring a tough week, after being exposed as (potential) cheaters.

However, it turns out that many of the email addresses used to sign up to Ashley Madison were used without their owner's permission. Which means your email address could have been used even though you had never even heard of Ashley Madison before last month's incident.

Thankfully, there is a simpl ways to discover if your email address was caught up in the scandal. Simply type your email address into cynic.al, and you'll at least know if you have some explaining to do. We just hope your partner believes you're entirely innocent of any wrongdoing.

Kelly Clarkson Sings Tinder Profiles

And finally, to succeed at Tinder -- which essentially means scoring more dates than anyone else -- you really need to spend some time on your profile. Pitching it just right is essential to Tinder effectively. Unless, that is, you personally know Kelly Clarkson.

This video shows American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson singing a selection of Tinder profiles. She makes them all sound good, whether they're bland, odd, or even a little bit perverted. So, there's the answer: if you're struggling to Tinder, make friends with a singer. [H/T CNET]

Your Views on Today’s Tech News

Do you have any interest in Project Ara? Are you still using Internet Explorer? Will you be buying Final Fantasy VII on iOS? Is Pocket Casts your favorite podcatcher? Was your email address caught up in the Ashley Madison hack?

Let us know your thoughts on the Tech News of the day by posting to the comments section below. Because a healthy discussion is always welcome.