Newsy - Tech

Microsoft Reverses on XBox One DRM

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:07:24 -0500

(Image Source: CNET)

BY MATT PICHT

Ever since Microsoft revealed its new XBox One console at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo, the company’s been facing a barrage of bad press and consumer outrage. Fortunately for Microsoft, the company’s PR division has a quick-turn button.

When Microsoft first unveiled their new console, many critics took umbrage with the need for constant internet connection, along with DRM restrictions on used and shared games. (Via Gamespot)

Rival console maker Sony even took a jab at Microsoft’s DRM restrictions on their official YouTube Channel.

“This is how you share your games on PS4.”

“Thanks!”

At first Microsoft stuck to its guns, telling angry consumers to just stick with the current console, the XBox 360. Now it seems Microsoft is pulling an XBox 180.

Giant Bomb initially reported on Wednesday that Microsoft is now planning to remove its restrictive DRM policies in a day-one patch, eliminating the always-online requirement and restoring disc functionality to the physical discs. This means gamers no longer need to log in daily to play their downloaded games, and they can trade and share their game discs freely between consoles.

Microsoft’s Don Mattrick confirmed the news in an official blog post thanking XBox consumers for their feedback.

“While we believe that the majority of people will play games online and access the cloud for both games and entertainment, we will give consumers the choice of both physical and digital content. We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds.”

The news has most gaming fans rejoicing: Microsoft’s DRM policies were largely seen as pandering to developers at the expense of consumers. Escapist Magazine’s Jim Sterling calls Microsoft’s reversal a triumph for consumer advocacy.

“An age of more vocal gamers and consumers actually telling companies they don’t want the shaft seems to be having some damn fine results.”

But the move does come at a price — Kotaku reports XBox One customers won’t be able to share physical media or carry their digital library from console to console as originally planned.

“In theory, if you had registered the game online—a requirement that's also been dropped for disc games for the Xbox One—you'd then be able to play those games from any other console you were logged into. Now, with disc games not needing to be registered, you'd have to bring the disc with you to prove you had the rights to play the game on it.”

The XBox One is still scheduled for release in early November with the price set at $499.

Apple TV Adds HBO Go and WatchESPN to the Lineup

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:28:12 -0500

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(Image source: Ubergizmo)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

Good news for Apple TV owners and even better news for Apple: Apple TV is adding HBO Go and WatchESPN to its streaming video lineup.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet software and services, said of the addition, “HBO GO and WatchESPN are some of the most popular iOS apps and are sure to be huge hits on Apple TV.” (Via Apple)

But that’s only if Apple can get people across the country to trade in their PS3s and Xbox 360s for the $99 box.

USA Today reports “sales of Apple TV haven't been as explosive as other products such as the iPad and iPhone.”

Gizmodo adds, “Apple’s still got work to do to catch up with the competition,” but “adding HBO Go and WatchESPN ... is a nice step for anyone who had more or less left the Apple TV to rot in favor of an Xbox or PS3.”

And for those who already own Apple TV, they are definitely using it. Apple released some very impressive usage numbers along with its big announcement, saying iTunes users have downloaded more than 1 billion TV episodes and 380 million movies from iTunes to date and are purchasing more than 800,000 TV episodes and more than 350,000 movies per day.

TechCrunch writes, “Apple is still clearly in no danger of being toppled from its perch as a digital media sales giant … and that’s likely why it’s welcoming more streaming partners to the Apple TV service.”

Despite these additions, many are still calling for Apple TV to make the full app store available. SlashGear seems to think this is proof that the door will open fairly soon.

“Apple’s loosening of what exactly will run on the Apple TV would seem to lend extra weight to rumors that the company is considering bringing over the App Store.”

Along, with HBO Go and WatchESPN, Apple TV has also added Sky News, Crunchyroll and Qello.

Scientists Build Robot Designed to Run Like a Cat

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:25:01 -0500

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(Image Source: Popular Science / EPFL)

BY DANNY MATTESON

Two things the internet loves — robots and cats— together at last.

This little guy, built by Swiss scientists, has been dubbed the “cheetah cub” bot — a cat-sized bot that moves just like our real feline friends. (Via YouTube / epflnews)

It’s kinda like this guy — Boston Dynamics Cheetah bot — if it had a baby. Or another Boston Dynamics bot — the Big Dog — with less nightmare-fuel. (Via Boston Dynamics)

The “cheetah cub bot” was designed for search and rescue missions — like finding people in collapsed buildings — which it should be pretty good at, since it moves like a cat and all.

According to one of the scientists behind the robo-kitty: “This morphology gives the robot the mechanical properties from which cats benefit, that's to say a marked running ability and elasticity in the right spots, to ensure stability.” (Via RT)

Beyond that it can also reportedly carry a GoPro camera — and move at speeds up to 1.4 meters, or about 7 times its own body length per second. You know, like when your cat is chasing that little red dot. (Via Geek.com)

And it’s not the only creation the team behind the “cheetah cub” bot have introduced into the robotic animal kingdom. They also gave us this robotic salamander earlier this year … (Via Popular Science)

… and the AmphiBot, which is based on the movements of a lamprey. (Via YouTube / onlygeek)

The research behind the “cheetah cub” bot was published in the International Journal of Robotics Research.

Could Instagram Soon Have Vine-Like Videos?

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:41:58 -0500

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(Image source: Instagram)

BY CANDICE AVILES

Instagram users hold onto your hats, video-grams could be coming to a phone near you.

On Monday, TechCrunch reported Facebook’s June 20th press conference is all about Instagram starting to share short videos. It says an inside source leaked the info and that if it’s true, it kind of makes sense.

“About three weeks ago Matthew Keys broke a story noting that such a service was getting tested internally. At the time, there wasn’t any information on when it would be coming out, nor whether there would be filters, nor whether this would be in a separate app or part of an Instagram update.”

Keys also said the videos would be between five and 10 seconds in length. TechCrunch goes on to say if this is, in fact, the news Facebook wants to share, then the press invitation sent out earlier was just a distraction. (Via Instagram)

Don’t remember the invite? It sent the tech world abuzz after it was sent out via snail mail. The invitation also had a coffee cup ring on it sparking rumors of perhaps a “news-reading” app or “newspaper-esque” idea to come. (Via ABC)

Although it’s still too early to know exactly what Facebook has up its sleeve. If the Instagram video rumor is true, Marketing Pilgrim says it’s a move made to keep up with competition.

“The logical conclusion is that Vine is in the head of the folks at Facebook enough that they feel a response to the Twitter video offering is necessary.”

The Vine app lets users take six seconds of video footage on a phone then share it to its Vine network, Twitter or Facebook. (Via Vine / @Buckhouse)

A writer for SlashGear says while it’s a change to Instagram, it won’t do much for Facebook’s reputation because it’s not an original idea. But regardless, it’s still a good opportunity.

Guess we’ll have to wait and see what Facebook will unveil come June 20th.

Netflix-DreamWorks Deal to Add Original TV Shows

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:21:00 -0500

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(Image source: DreamWorks)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

In a push for more original programming, Netflix has announced what might be its biggest deal yet. The online streaming service will partner with DreamWorks Animation for access to 300 hours of new programming.

The multi-year deal will allow Netflix to create and air its own shows inspired by characters from DreamWorks Animation's hit movies like “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda” — something a Bloomberg analyst says is a strategy to...

“... capitalize on recognizable franchises and generating more programming out of these established characters. What it does is give Netflix subscribers a reason to hold on to their subscription.”

For Dreamworks, The New York Times says the goal has been to quote, “lessen its dependence on the volatile movie business by aggressively expanding into TV programming.” And to do this, the company had essentially three options.

start a cable channel of its own
strike a deal with an upstart children’s network or
partner with Netflix.

And DreamWorks has opted for the latter of the three. No price tag on the deal just yet, but this follows along a trend of several Netflix and DreamWorks deals in recent years.

In 2011, Netflix gained access to DreamWorks’ movies after they appear in theaters. And Netflix announced back in February it would air a spinoff of DreamWorks’ film “Turbo” — due to premiere next month. (Via Netflix)

Kids programming appears to be a big focus for Netflix right now. It lost access to a lot of children programming when a deal with Viacom’s Nickelodeon expired last month.

And this latest announcement follows Netflix’s agreement with Disney to become the only U.S. subscription service to show five popular Disney Junior and Disney XD shows. (Via Los Angeles Times)

The Next Web reports the first series as a part of the DreamWorks deal will air sometime next year.

Revelations From Apple: Transparency on Govt. Data Requests

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:43:00 -0500

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(Image source: Apple)

BY MIKAH SARGENT

It didn’t take long for Apple to join the ranks of tech companies releasing information about government data requests. Microsoft and Facebook released info on Friday, and Apple joined late Sunday. The Cupertino company gave some insight into the requests in a statement on its website.

From December 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, Apple received 4,000 to 5,000 data requests from the government. 9,000 to 10,000 specific devices or accounts were noted in these requests, and include criminal investigations and matters of national security.

But Apple didn’t stop at just releasing the number of requests. The tech company elaborated on the requests and stated some interesting revelations.

Apple says most of the requests involve police investigations of robberies, missing children, locating patients with Alzheimer’s, and attempting to prevent suicide. Apple’s legal team carefully evaluates each request, and only provides pertinent data. If requests seem inaccurate or inconsistent, Apple says its legal team rejects them. Interestingly, the Cupertino company makes it a point to mention it doesn’t keep — quote — “... a mountain of personal details about our customers in the first place.”

Any iMessage or FaceTime conversations are secured through end-to-end encryption. Not even Apple can decrypt this data. Moreover, your location, map searches, and Siri requests aren’t stored in an identifiable form — that is, this data is not tied to you. (Via: Apple)

But this so-called transparency from major tech companies is being called into question. The Next Web notes the unspecific nature of the shared information, and how some tech companies are reacting.

“Google and Twitter have criticized Microsoft and Facebook’s declarations because they do not distinguish between the types of requests made — and that fact applies to Apple’s numbers too …”

How much data is going to national security? To local law enforcement? Users want to know where their information is going, not just how much.

But major tech companies — Apple included — continue to push for more transparency. In Microsoft’s statement to consumers, the company said:

“We understand they have to weigh carefully the impacts on national security ... With more time, we hope they will take further steps. Transparency alone may not be enough to restore public confidence, but it’s a great place to start.”

British Intelligence Reportedly Spied on G20 Delegates

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:18:58 -0500

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(Image source: The Guardian)

BY MATT PICHT

Edward Snowden and The Guardian newspaper have blown the lid off quite a few U.S. intelligence-gathering operations in the past few weeks. Now The Guardian is revealing new information putting United Kingdom intelligence agencies in the hot seat.

The Guardian’s latest leaks pertain to the U.K.’s Government Communications Headquarters, or GCHQ, which is a British intelligence organization similar to the NSA. The agency was apparently ordered to collect information on foreign delegates at the British-hosted G20 summit in 2009.

Documents revealed to The Guardian show the GCHQ allegedly used several tactics to spy on various delegates. These include tricking delegates into using Internet cafes with keylogging and email interception software installed on every computer; bypassing security of Blackberry phones to monitor communications; and specifically targeting the communications of certain delegates, including the Turkish finance minister and Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev.

This latest revelation comes a week after news of the massive PRISM spying operation, which put intelligence agencies in both the U.S. and the U.K. in a lot of hot water. British Minister of Defense William Hague defended the GCHQ’s use of PRISM before Parliament on Sunday.

“It has been suggested that GCHQ uses our partnership with the United States to get around U.K. law. … I wish to be absolutely clear that this accusation is baseless.” (Via BBC)

Hague is technically right: The GCHQ’s actions were within legal limits.

The agency gets its authority from the Intelligence Service Act of 1994, which allow British intelligence agencies the legal power “to obtain and provide information relating to the actions or intentions of persons outside the British Islands … in the interests of national security … or in the interests of the economic well-being of the United Kingdom.” (Via The National Archives)

Essentially, the British government has the power to spy on any foreign national as long as it’s in the interest of U.K. national or economic security. Evidently giving diplomats a slight edge during negotiations counts as the latter.

Thanks to the NSA’s PRISM program, it now has the means to do so on a much broader scale. The GCHQ reportedly contacted PRISM officials with 197 information requests since at least May 2010. (Via PolicyMic)

The Guardian’s latest allegations could lead to an uncomfortable conference for the U.K.: Britain is preparing to host a summit for the G8 nations Monday.

Facebook RSS Feed Rumored for This Week

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:51:35 -0500

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(Image Source: TechCrunch)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Hard on the heels of the less-than-stellar release of its Facebook Home software, Mark Zuckerberg’s social networking giant says it’s releasing a new product this Thursday. If all the speculation holds true, the company will reveal its own news aggregation service.

The rumors began swirling when Scottish developer Tom Waddington spotted mentions of RSS feeds in Facebook’s coding. He tried accessing the code, but its currently locked down and only available to whitelisted apps.

The second clue — Facebook invited the press to an event via snail mail with a coffee stain on the invite. Some say that looks like the same type of stain that gets on a newspaper when you read it — further churning the rumour mill. (Via The Droid Guy)

More fuel to the fire — Google is shutting down its own RSS feed reader service on July 1st. This headline notes its because news consumption is changing, but the writer says Google trying to get people to go to Google+. (Via WebProNews)

Now that Facebook has conquered social networking — it may as well tackle news consumption next, right? A writer for PC Magazine calls an RSS feed the next logical step for Facebook.

“Many users already turn to Facebook for their headline fix, scouring their timeline for friends' links to stories... It makes sense for Facebook, which is constantly gunning for people to spend more time on its site, to add a social news component.”

And The Inquisitr writes: “Imagine logging into your Facebook account and seeing friend posts and then clicking over and seeing a fluidly integrated RSS feed that allows you to share stories quickly while accessing feeds from others as they allow.”

TechCrunch notes this isn't the first time Facebook has attempted an RSS feature. It added a “subscribe via RSS” link to its pages in 2011 but dropped the button in late 2012, replacing it with the “follow” feature.

And despite Google Reader shutting down, Ubergizmo reports Facebook could have some competition.

Online news aggregator Digg is also planning to create a replacement for Google’s service.

It’s not known when that replacement will be released for use, and Facebook is staying tight-lipped on its own plans,too, pending Thursday’s announcement.

Balloon Based Net-Access: Google's 'Project Loon'

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 14:25:00 -0500

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(Image source: Google)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Ever like to try something a bit loony? Google does! It’s attempting to provide Internet access to the entire world using balloons.

It’s called Project Loon and the idea is to send a network of balloons in the sky and have them circle around the world in the stratosphere. These so-called “loons” could provide Internet to the entire world! (Via Google)

The balloons would travel 20 kilometers above the earth — higher than planes, clouds and mountains. The balloons would be made out of sheets of strong plastic and powered by solar panels.

Two thirds of the world’s population does not have access to affordable Internet. Google set out to solve the problem by providing faster, easier and cheaper Internet access to rural, remote areas and help fill coverage gaps. The technology could also be used to bring people back online after disasters.

The Washington Post notes this technology could be especially useful in many African nations where monthly Internet costs are higher than monthly salaries.

Currently Google is testing “Project Loon” in New Zealand, where sixty people have had an antenna attached to their homes. If the balloons work, hundreds of people could connect to a balloon at the same time. (Via CNN)

Google says it plans to use some complex algorithms and lots of computing power to figure out the balloons' travel patterns. However, the BBC quotes a computing professor who says this might be more difficult than Google believes.

“The practicalities of controlling lighter-than-air machines are well known because of the vagaries of the weather... I think it may take them a little longer to get right than they might believe.”

Google got its first civilian connected to the Internet earlier this month. It plans to continue running tests and to see the viability of the project on a large scale.

And in case you were wondering, this isn’t one of Google’s April fools jokes.

Facebook, Microsoft Disclose National Security Request Data

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:30:22 -0500

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(Image source: Slashgear)

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

Facebook and Microsoft are now being allowed to disclose just how often the U.S. government requested online data.

“Facebook says it got up to 10,000 requests in the last half of 2012, targeting some 19,000 consumer accounts. Microsoft got about 6,000 requests.” (Via HLN)

In a statement posted to the company’s blog, Facebook says:

“These requests run the gamut — from things like a local sheriff trying to find a missing child, to a federal marshal tracking a fugitive, to a police department investigating an assault, to a national security official investigating a terrorist threat … ”

Microsoft released a similar statement, pointing out the data requests only impact a “tiny fraction of Microsoft’s global customer base.”

The two companies explain legally they can’t reveal how many data requests were regarding national security. But the majority of government requests were for other things such as local criminal cases.

Businessweek explains the companies’ disclosures come after Google asked the U.S. government “ … for more leeway this week to report aggregate numbers of data requests, following reports that the U.S. National Security Agency is collecting millions of residents’ telephone records and the Web communications of foreigners under court order.”

The New York Times notes “Under federal law, companies generally cannot disclose even the existence of national security data requests they receive. But in recent days, Facebook, Google and Microsoft have been pressing the government for permission to share more information.”

The tech giants say the latest information they’ve been allowed to publish is a step in the right direction, but that laws in place still keep the public from fully understanding the extent of government data requests.

Government to Share Wireless Frequencies With Companies

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:54:01 -0500

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(Image source: U.S. Department of Commerce)

BY MATT PICHT

The recent NSA leaks have been a huge blow to the White House. But finally there’s some good tech news coming from Washington: Friday, President Obama approved spectrum sharing of government wireless frequencies with commercial users. Yay?

OK, here’s the problem: Every data transfer over the air, whether radio waves or TV or Wi-Fi, uses a specific bandwidth of radiation. (Via YouTube / themobilefuture)

But there’s only a limited amount of bandwidth available, and as more and more people use wireless devices, the available spectrum grows increasingly limited. (Via YouTube / parkswaltdisney)

The Federal Communications Commission estimates the increasing bandwidth consumption could exhaust the currently available spectrum by 2014. Lawmakers have been struggling to find new ways to efficiently conserve the wireless spectrum without impeding consumer needs.

“There’s kind of this almost never-ending set of ideas on how to use it and gobble up more and more spectrum. We need to understand it is a limited resource, and it is a huge, extremely valuable national resource.” (Via C-SPAN)

Various solutions to the spectrum crunch have been suggested, from more efficient allocation of available space to an incentivized auction for unused TV broadcast frequencies.

The one the president adopted today will eventually allow commercial users to access some frequencies previously reserved exclusively for government traffic, sharing whatever space government agencies aren’t using whenever it’s available. (Via The White House)

The move has been widely praised by lawmakers who have been lobbying for this reform and by the wireless providers who have been hungry for the extra broadband space. The chairwoman of the FCC “applaud[ed] President Obama for his leadership on this critical issue,” and a Sprint executive said the administration’s plan will “lay the groundwork for tomorrow’s broadband future.” (Via Broadcasting & Cable)

But not everyone is thrilled with the prospect. Wireless advocacy group CTIA told GigaOM it’s going to be very difficult to implement the logistics of this plan.

“Carriers simply can’t turn capacity on and off on a schedule or leave big gaping bandwidth holes in their coverage if they’re going to adequately serve their customers. … Unless the government limited its use to the wee hours of the night, carriers couldn’t depend on using that spectrum when they most need it.”

Although wireless carriers might not want to look a gift horse in the mouth, we’re betting the recent NSA leaks might make some consumers think twice about accepting free Internet from the government.

Microsoft Office (Finally) Comes to iOS

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:43:00 -0500

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(Image source: CNET / James Martin)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

It’s not just another tech rumor. Microsoft Office is really available on iOS. No, really.

Microsoft Office for iOS allows you to view and edit Office files stored on the cloud or attached to emails. Gizmodo says, “You can also edit recently used files offline, and create Word and Excel documents from scratch on your device.”

In its coverage, Ars Technica jokes that Hell hath frozen over. But seriously, this one’s been floating out there for years.

The rumors of Office-to-iOS have been around since the iPad came out in February 2010. “Since then [says CNET] it's been a trickle of vague feature lists, misfires on release dates, and increasingly honed denials and no-comments from Redmond.”

The app is optimized for iPhone, not iPad — and you need to have an Office subscription license.

That subscription is call Office 365. And on its Office blog, Microsoft assures us it’ll continue to bolster the service. The company has recently expanded Skype calling and added features to OneNote.

Meanwhile, 9to5Mac suggests Microsoft’s current commercial — which shows Office running on an iPad — “ … violated the letter of this ad campaign and the spirit while somehow still giving Apple folks a sub-par experience.”

What about the guys at Google? For now, Office for Android is still just a rumor.

Microsoft to Open Windows Stores Inside Best Buy

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:15:00 -0500

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(Image source: Forbes)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Microsoft is taking the retail route to revitalize sales of its flagship operating system.

The largest software company in the world will soon set up shop in 600 Best Buy stores across North America. This — as the newest Windows operating system’s apparent popularity doesn’t appear to be driving hardware sales. (Via KHOG)

“ … Windows 8 has sold more than 100 million copies. But sales of new devices running the new software, including Microsoft Surface tablet — they haven’t been as strong as hoped … ” (Via WNBC)

A writer for Forbes says the move differs from the store-within-a-store concept employed by both Apple and Samsung inside Best Buy locations.

Instead, it “ … represents a complete take-over of the PC department. Windows Stores will effectively replace the computer department at these 600 Best Buy locations.”

And it’ll showcase more than PCs — with tablets, software, phones and Xboxes all in the mix.

The Windows stores will be hard to miss. PC World says they’ll be between 1,500 and 2,200 square feet, “ … on par with the size of the homes into which those PCs will be installed.” (Via PC World)

Microsoft already has something of a retail presence — it owns 70 retail stores, including 30 “pop-up” stores like what you see in malls. The New York Times tech section notes the potential of an impending showdown:

“Microsoft is investing much more heavily in the retail side of the business, where Apple has a distinct advantage with its stores.”

The Wall Street Journal says it’s also an attempt by Best Buy to get on the right side of changing trends in both computing and shopping. The retailer will dedicate more than 1,200 employees to the effort.

Myspace Reinvents Itself as a Social Music Service

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:34:03 -0500

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(Image source: Myspace)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

Wednesday, former social media giant Myspace officially relaunched to the public with a $20 million ad campaign to put some wind beneath its wings.

But Myspace is a new beast this time. It launched a new Web version and iOS app rebranding the site as a social music service. The app offers social radio and streaming music. It even has a GIF creator. (Via Myspace)

The streaming music industry is already pretty crowded, but Chief Executive Tim Vanderhook says Myspace’s approach will be unique.

“We're giving everyone in the world their own radio station. We’re crowdsourcing to make new stations. Apple’s taking an algorithmic approach. That’s been done before.” (Via The Guardian)

It’s been a bizarre transformation for Myspace, which at one point had 100 million accounts and more daily U.S. visitors than Google. It was the premier social networking site until social media juggernaut Facebook began to take off.

The company’s decline can be charted by their price tag. In 2005, News Corp. bought Myspace for a staggering $580 million. Six years later, it was bought by a group of investors led by Chris and Tim Vanderhook for a meager $35 million.

With such a huge fall from grace in the rearview mirror, The Huffington Post says Myspace’s social music relaunch has a better-than-average chance of coming up short.

“Most brand relaunches fail under the best of circumstances. ... The fact is the MySpace [sic] brand, if it is known at all, has become something of a joke among a good [amount] of the young people they seek to attract. ... MySpace should be worried.”

But what about that $20 million ad campaign? Myspace is hoping that will be enough to buy a new identity.

Myspace has already released two spots that are part of the ad campaign. One spot shows artists like Pharrell, Ciara and, unfortunately, Riff Raff dancing, making faces for the camera and telling viewers to join the party online. (Via Mashable)

And if the campaign doesn’t work, Myspace still has its secret weapon.

Pop and film star Justin Timberlake is also an investor in the company and played a big role in helping replenish the “cool” factor by promoting the company himself. (Via Rolling Stone)

And while it’s too soon to know whether Myspace’s marketing worked, the Los Angeles Times reports the site attracted 11.6 million users in May, once again putting Myspace in the top 10 social networks in the U.S.

Next iPhones: Bigger Screens, New Colors, Lower Prices?

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:18:00 -0500

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(Image source: AppleInsider)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Apple released a new operating system for the iPhone this week and rumor has it the company could redesign the hardware — and release several new versions of the iPhone this fall.

New reports say the company is planning to release 4.7 and 5.7-inch models. That’s more than an inch larger than the iPhone 4. (Via ZDNet)

Some say the company is entering into the “phablet” market — larger smartphones that are not quite big enough to be considered tablets. (Via The Independent)

Rumors also suggest Apple may come out with a less expensive $99 colorful iPhone.

The phone would not be as advanced as current iPhones or the larger screen models. Apple supplier Pegatron would make these phones. (Via AppleInsider)

Foxconn will carry on producing the black and white models, which will remain full-price exclusives.

Many believe this new batch of smartphones is aimed to compete with Samsung’s extensive lineup of smartphones. Currently, Samsung has the 5.5-inch Galaxy Note II and phones at many different price points. (Via International Business Times)

But a writer for CNET was asked if getting a new iPhone even matters these days. Aren’t they all pretty much the same?

She basically said yes — besides faster processing, better screens and sharper cameras — the changes to hardware now are just incremental and don’t make a big difference to the average consumer’s experience.

“Eventually, the hardware differences among new devices become somewhat insignificant to most wireless users. Some people might argue that we've already reached that point. And that's why the nearly 3-year-old iPhone 4, and almost 2-year-old iPhone 4S are still selling like hotcakes.”

She goes on to say Apple’s new operating system iOS7 is what will set Apple’s smartphones apart from the competition.

Facebook Gives In: How #Hashtags Took Over Social Media

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:59:52 -0500

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(Image source: CNET / Facebook)

BY COLLIN RUANE

You could say a major announcement from Facebook is now trending. The social media giant announced Wednesday it’s introducing clickable hashtags, similar to the ones seen on Twitter.

According to a Facebook blog post: “To bring … conversations more to the forefront, we will be rolling out a series of features that surface some of the interesting discussions people are having about public events, people, and topics.”

The announcement shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, though. The Wall Street Journal reported back in March Facebook was getting ready to introduce the hashtag.

For those not in the know, the hashtag is a pound sign plus a word or phrase, which essentially links together everything people are saying about a given topic. (Via ABC)

The hashtag has gained popularity over the past few years, mostly on Twitter, but also on Instagram and Pinterest. A high-school blogger for PhillyBurbs.com gives a teenage perspective, saying:

“… this abundance of hashtags has turned into an obsession, leading teens to start taking hashtags outside of their normal Twitter habitats and into two mixed worlds: Facebook and, even worse, the real world.”

The obsession was taken to new heights when a mother and father named their baby “Hashtag” in 2012. (Via The Christian Science Monitor)

But some are doubting the future of what was originally known as the pound sign on a phone’s keypad — saying it’s no longer useful on the web.

A writer for Successful Workplace says, “Searching on a hashtag reveals the same results as searching without one so the point of it has become a little less important and more of a psychological effect. Indeed, I see less tagging from savvy users and more from newcomers and the abstract.”

But on Bloomberg, a social media expert argued Facebook’s change is a good idea — for the same reasons hashtags are popular on Twitter.

NICK BEIN: “One is it increases engagement by helping its users discover what other people are talking about as on Twitter, and then secondly it provides a new dimension for targeted advertising.”

And a writer for CNET agrees, saying Facebook can reach out to a core demographic with the use of hashtags. “Their presence could help Facebook lure young users — something it struggles with — and provide the missing link to so much that goes on across social media.”

Hashtags haven’t been used long enough on Facebook to gauge public interest, but let’s not forget — people have been putting hashtags into their Facebook statuses even before those tags did anything.

Pandora Challenges Royalty Rates by Buying Radio Station

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:11:51 -0500

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(Image source: VentureBeat)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Pandora refuses to be boxed in — as the Internet radio giant might’ve found a way to kiss its ASCAP troubles goodbye.

What’s ASCAP? It’s the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

You know, the organization that collects performance-rights royalties from radio stations and, yes — from Pandora. (Via WJW)

But Pandora hasn’t been crazy about the payment process. The music-streaming company says it’s being discriminated against — claiming ASCAP is “ … charging it higher royalty rates, as well as letting publishers pull their song catalogs from Pandora while keeping them available for competitors.” (Via CNN)

So, how’s Pandora dealing with that? By buying a local radio station in the country’s 255th largest market.

It’s not known how much Pandora paid for KXMZ in Rapid City, S.D. and its estimated 18,000 listeners. But a writer for CNET says it’s clearly not an audience grab for the 70-million-listener-per-month Pandora.

“Pandora pays two royalty streams, one for actual sound recordings and another to composers for publishing rights. … by buying a terrestrial station, Pandora piggybacks onto a settlement that gives better rates on that smaller fee stream.”

According to Fox Business, Clear Channel-owned iHeartRadio benefits from a similar arrangement — because its parent company owns 800 radio stations.

BGR reports Pandora has actually filed a motion in federal court alleging discrimination by ASCAP — because 16 of the top 20 internet radio providers are able to get the license that Pandora hasn’t previously been granted.

It’s an adjustable-fee blanket license born out of a 2012 settlement between ASCAP and the Radio Music Licensing Committee — or RMLC.

A writer for Billboard explains it’s a blanket license because the settlement extends to Internet performance royalties. He suggests “A shift to RMLC rates would represent big savings … ASCAP has not given Pandora either the RMLC's percent-of-revenue royalty rate or the 25% standard deduction available to Internet radio services.”

It hasn’t taken long for a war of words to ensue in and around the music industry. The Hill’s Christopher Harrison wrote an op-ed on why Pandora did what it did.

Harrison said ASCAP has violated its antitrust decree, writing: “ … we have encountered many attempts by the incumbent industry players to undermine Pandora’s mission to connect millions of fans with the music and artists they love. These organizations seek to impose unprecedented royalty increases that are neither reasonable nor competitive.”

And ASCAP’s president, Paul Williams, fired back: “Songwriters and composers are struggling in the digital economy to be paid fairly for their creative work. Pandora is trying every trick in the book to brazenly and unconscionably underpay and take advantage of the creative labor that produces the core offering of their business – music written by individual songwriters and composers.”

A Pandora spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal KXMZ was the cheapest station the company could find. In a regulatory filing Tuesday, Pandora estimated the move would save it about 1 percent in revenue.

What Helicopter Test Pilots Will Do to Break Speed Records

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:28:00 -0500

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(Image source: Eurocopter)

BY BRIANA ALTERGOTT

The record for the world’s fastest helicopter speed has been broken for the first time in a little more than two years.

The Eurocopter X3, a high-speed hybrid helicopter, officially made aviation history by reaching 293 miles per hour during a June 7 flight. (Via YouTube / EuroSon99)

The last time the record was broken was back in 2010, when the Sikorsky X2 copter managed to fly 259 miles per hour during a test flight. (Via YouTube / CarjamRadio)

Before that, the fastest helicopter speed was held by a Westland Lynx that flew 249 miles per hour in 1986. (Via YouTube / xraysierra)

So just how do these helicopters reach such high speeds? Both the Eurocopter and the Sikorsky were developed to explore new options for high-speed flight. The Eurocopter X3 uses new and improved tractor propeller setup and rotor head fairing. (Via Popular Science)

These improvements reduce drag in the Eurocopter X3 and allow for extra speed without additional power. (Via Aviation Week)

The Eurocopter X3’s pilot didn’t seem surprised by the copter’s accomplishment. He told reporters, “It’s no exaggeration to say that the X3 is clearly in its element at high speeds.” (Via Wired)

The copter toured the U.S. in 2012, performing demonstrations for potential civil, military and law enforcement operators. (Via Eurocopter)

The Eurocopter actually exceeded 300 miles per hour in descent, although that won’t register in the record books.

The chopper wars will soon take a break. Eurocopter X3 will be retired after making one last — static — appearance at the Paris Air Show next week.

How Netflix Plans to Make Recommendations Relevant

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:38:00 -0500

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(Image source: Yahoo!)

BY MIKAH SARGENT

Netflix recommends “Super 8,” “Thor,” “Mission Impossible” — and “Sesame Street"? We’ve all had this happen. With everyone in the family watching their favorite shows on the same Netflix account, it’s hard to keep a perfectly curated recommendation list.

Not anymore. Todd Yellin, VP of product innovation at Netflix, announced individual user profiles will be coming to Netflix this summer. Yellin says Netflix is revolutionary because of its recommendation algorithms, but Engadget explains the problem: “Many families share a single account, and all their different tastes mix into a nonsensical mess.”

Each user profile is tailored to that specific user. Your recommendations are based on what you’re watching and how you’re rating titles. And according to Digital Trends, the feature will be dead simple to use — it only takes a few clicks.

When you log in to Netflix, you’ll see a set of avatars with each user’s name underneath. You simply click on your profile, and Netflix loads up your specific recommendations, ratings and recently viewed list.

Gizmodo says the feature will allow either five or six user profiles — that number is still undecided. But don’t get too excited. Five or six profiles does not mean five or six streaming sessions. The company will continue its two-stream limit.

Yeah, only two video streams can be active at a time, but at least your “suspenseful foreign horror films” list won’t be contaminated by their “quirky independent romantic comedies.” And Yahoo! reports Netflix has something else in the works.

“ ... a remote control feature that will power on your television and allow you to control your Netflix app via iPhone or Android through your Wi-Fi connection.” Pretty cool!

Smartphone-Controlled Cockroaches Could Unlock Brain Secrets

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:16:00 -0500

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(Image source: Backyard Brains)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

It’s always such a pleasant surprise to walk into a room and see a roach or two scurry away under the couch or the refrigerator. But what if you could control their little buggy minds to scurry right out the door? Well, now you can — sort of.

This is RoboRoach, and yes, it is a real roach, and yes, it is wearing a backpack. The cyborg roach project will be presented at the TEDGlobal conference in Scotland this week. (Via Backyard Brains)

So how does this contraption work? Or more importantly, how does one get a backpack on a roach?

Step one: making the roach unconscious for the “surgery.” That’s done easily by placing it in ice water. (Via YouTube / Ilse Knatz Ortabasi)

Then the backpack is attached, and according to one of the study’s researchers, neuroscientist Greg Gage, the backpack “communicates directly with the neurons in the cockroach’s antennae.” (Via TED)

And then those neurons communicate information to the bug’s brain, which allows Gage to control the movements of the cyborg roach with a smartphone. (Via Boing Boing)

“They use their antennas to navigate the world. They’re passing information about if it touches a wall, and if it does touch a wall, the cockroach wants to turn in the opposite direction. By lightly stimulating these nerves, we can actually trick the cockroach into thinking it has touched a wall.” (Via Kickstarter)

Oh, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Check out this other project created by Gage and his partner called the Spiker Box. The first step in using this device is also to knock the roach out with a little ice water, then “Carefully cut off one of its legs. Don’t worry, they can grow back. … A particularly fun one students enjoy is stimulating neurons and muscles to music.” (Via Backyard Brains)

OK, then. But hey, as Digital Trends puts it, “before you begin to wonder if Gage is one whisker short of a full beard, best to hear him out.”

He told the BBC: “This is not just a gimmick, the technique is the same as that used to treat Parkinson’s disease and in cochlear implants. … The point of the project is to create a tool to learn about how our brain works.”

And as for the ethics of poking, prodding and cutting legs off living beings, Gage addressed that, too, saying, “We are pretty certain that this doesn’t impose pain on the insect and they still have free will because they adapt very quickly and ignore the stimulation.”

Well, there you have it — a smartphone-controlled roach. Gage and his partner are on Kickstarter, but they’ve still got a little ways to go. With a goal of $10,000, they’ve raised just more than $3,000 with 27 days left.

And if you want to try out your own cockroach cyborg at home, you can visit the project’s website on Backyard Brains and pre-order your very own kit for just $100.

Buying the roach is optional. We’ll leave this one up to the bug enthusiast — it’s never been a priority of mine to get that close to the critters.

Nintendo's E3 Games: Is it Time for New Characters?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:47:31 -0500

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(Image source: FanPop / Nintendo)

BY COLLIN RUANE

The Electronic Entertainment Expo, better known as E3, kicked off in L.A. Monday. The conference features the newest from the video game industry.

And while Sony and Microsoft have been battling it out in the public eye, we haven’t been hearing much from Nintendo until now. And unfortunately, there aren’t many surprises to speak of. (Via BBC)

Nintendo’s roster of new games for its struggling Wii U console includes a new Pokemon game and, of course, a new game featuring our favorite plumbers in “Super Mario 3D World.”

Nintendo isn’t featuring much of anything new character-wise, but a writer at the Los Angeles Times says it hasn’t hurt the company in the past.

“Nintendo has a reputation for handling its original properties with great care, subtly adding details that can make games feel fresh.”

But one blogger for Kotaku doesn’t agree with that sentiment — saying that the new games have too much of the old.

“I’ve played four of Nintendo’s big E3 2013 games and I’m still undecided whether to be excited or disappointed. Nintendo didn’t bring the shock of the new to E3. They brought comfort food.”

So why is Nintendo featuring a lot of the old? GameSpot was able to talk to Nintendo’s director of product marketing back in April to get the company’s perspective.

“If you've got an idea that's really fun and really interesting, pairing that with, for example, Mario, then that takes a fun and interesting gameplay mechanic and puts it with a character that makes it instantly appealing to a very wide range of people.”

And the folks over at BostInno agree. According to one writer, players use Nintendo’s games because of those characters.

“People don't take to Nintendo because of graphics or cutting-edge software. They enjoy it because it’s nostalgic and its games are classics with iconic characters.”

The new games announced for the Wii U will not be fully available for the console until late 2013 or early 2014.

Microsoft Xbox One vs. Sony PS4: Everything You Need to Know

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:51:59 -0500

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(Image source: Extreme Tech)

BY MIKAH SARGENT

Microsoft’s Xbox One and Sony’s PlayStation 4 have both entered the “name your price and tell us when we can buy it” stage of development, and now the gaming consoles are going head-to-head. We’ll present the facts; you decide the winner.

First, Xbox One.

It’s an all-in-one device “designed from the ground up to be the centerpiece of every living room.”

It has an eight-core processor, 8 GB of RAM, a 500-GB hard drive and a Blu-ray player. More importantly, though, it has HDMI Pass-Thru — a feature that allows you to watch TV right through your Xbox console, no input switch needed. (Via Microsoft)

And Mashable notes: At E3, Microsoft announced a whole load of games to draw you in. There are 13 titles you’ll only be able to play on Xbox One.

From the top: “Forza Motorsport 5,” “Minecraft,” “Project Spark,” “Battlefield 4,” “Below,” “Dead Rising 3,” “Crimson Dragon,” “Ryse,” “Killer Instinct,” “Sunset Overdrive,” “Quantum Break,” “D4,” “Witcher 3” and “Halo 5.”

With hundreds of YouTube channels devoted strictly to video-game screencasts, it’s no surprise Microsoft would introduce a feature for capturing and sharing your games.

Xbox promised to give you a way to “show off your best moves,” but that’s not all — Microsoft has partnered with Twitch to give you a destination for your recorded video games. Microsoft’s chief product officer said the built-in product will:

“ … deliver breakthrough experiences where any gamer can become a broadcaster..Enabled with Kinect, Xbox Live and Twitch, your voice and video allow for instant streaming, voiceover capabilities and interaction with viewers.” (Via The Next Web)

And now the PS4.

Sony’s CEO said of its direction: “The living room is no longer the center of the PlayStation universe, the gamer is.” Sounds a lot different from the thinking behind the new Xbox, but some say it looks an awful lot like Microsoft’s device. Chris Taylor tweeted, “That moment where your entire Twitter stream tells you the PS4 looks like the Xbox One.” (Via Twitter / @FutureBoy)

The PS4 has an eight-core processor, 8 GB of RAM, an upgradable 500-GB hard drive, and a Blu-ray player -- the same specs as the Xbox One. And while it doesn’t have HDMI Pass-Thru, the PlayStation 4 has a feature called Remote Play. (Via Sony)

IGN explains: “Remote Play compresses the PS4's experience and sends it to the Vita over local WiFi. The entire game can then be enjoyed on the handheld. Essentially, the Vita functions as a dummy terminal with the PS4 doing all of the heavy-lifting.”

And though the PlayStation doesn’t have a partnership with Twitch like Xbox does, it has a plethora of other features for sharing your games.

When you click the “Share” button on the controller, you can easily share video from your game, invite your friends to watch you play and even allow them to take over for you. (Via YouTube / Arekkzg)

No worries, Polygon says plenty of developers have signed on to make games for the PS4 — 30 in total.

Last but not least, two important things to consider: pricing and used games. Ars Technica and All Things D summarize the considerations.

The Xbox One requires users to sign on to the Internet every 24 hours to check ownership licenses. This means developers can restrict used game sales by requiring consumers to link their ownership to a specific game. PlayStation 4, however, won’t have this restriction. Users can trade in their games, sell them to others, or give them away.

All Things D has release dates and pricing for the consoles:

“The PlayStation 4 will cost $399 and will go on sale ‘this holiday season,’ Sony announced at its E3 press event tonight in Los Angeles. That’s $100 less than the Xbox One, which Microsoft said today would retail for $499, starting in November.”

The PS4 and Xbox One are in mortal combat. We leave you with this: a comparison chart to help you decide the winner.

--Both have nearly the same tech specs. (8 GB RAM, 500-GB HD and an eight-core processor)

--Xbox One has HDMI Pass-Thru for an all-in-one media device

--PS4 touts Remote Play for playing full-scale games on the PlayStation Vita

--Both have screencast features

--Xbox One has a partnership with Twitch for sharing your screencasts online

--PS4 has a quick and easy “Share” button, allowing friends to tune in to your games

--Xbox requires 24-hour online check-ins and restricts used game sales

--PS4 leaves the used game sales in your hands

So who wins the console war? That’s all up to you and your hard-earned cash.

For Real This Time: Google Acquires Waze for $1B

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: Voxxi)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

It’s official, Google announced Tuesday it has acquired the popular social mapping system Waze for a reported price tag of more than $1 billion.

For weeks there has been speculation this deal was in the works. (Via Social Media Today)

Both Google and Facebook were in a bidding war for the GPS navigation company. (Via GPS World)

But once talks with Facebook fell apart, a perfect opening came for Google to scoop up Waze. (Via All Things D)

So just a bit of context on what exactly Waze, a company based in Israel, is. It’s a mapping system… (Via Waze)

…that not only supplies GPS but it does it in real time and also provides users with reliable information about traffic conditions, travel times and much more. (Via Youtube / Waze Gps)

“The interesting thing about Waze compared to any of the other navigation application is that it’s all crowdsourced. So we now have 50 million people driving around and using it and that’s all information that we use to get that real-time information.” (Via CNN)

But what also makes Waze unique is the company creates its own maps — only one of four companies in the world that works in that way. So what does this new acquisition mean for the future of Google? Well, the U.S. is one of Waze’s biggest markets and CNBC points out that can only help Google.

“This Waze deal is going to help Google, it also hurts Facebook, it’s hurts Apple… Google’s had to pull back, held the levels it need to hold, I think it could test highs again soon.” (Via CNBC)

And a writer for Forbes notes Waze might even be used as an alternative to Google’s current mapping system — just as Microsoft did when it bought Skype in 2011. Writing: “Microsoft, which had a rival product called Messenger closed it not long afterwards and currently offers Skype as its solutions for both Internet conversations and immediate messages.”

Forbes also points out many employees with Waze, including its CEO, plan to stay in Israel to operate independently for at least the next three years — so getting a Google-sized company to embrace the start-up management style could be a hurdle.

WWDC 2013 Keynote: Apple's Big Announcements

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:35:39 -0500

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(Image Source: Apple)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

And now, a word from Apple Executive Phil Schiller:

“Can’t innovate anymore, my a**!” (Via The Verge)

Apple’s keynote address at the annual WorldWide Developer’s Conference Monday lifted the veil on several new updates and models of popular Apple devices. Here’s a look at what’s new from the Silicon Valley staple.

“We do have a creative group at Apple, and we can think out of the box … so I’m proud to present to you today OS X Sea Lion?” (Via Bloomberg)

Not quite. Apple ditched the cat names in showing the first in a line of California-themed operating systems — OS X Mavericks. Apple looked to places within California for inspiration and decided on naming the new OS after a NorCal big-wave surf spot. (Via CNET)

Wired notes Mavericks goes after “workflows, security and browsing with this newest update.” Features include: compressed memory to free up more space more quickly than Mountain Lion; a smoother, less-memory-hungry Safari with sidebars; and Maps...

Previously only for iOS devices and also previously a dud. (Via Talking Points Memo)

Apple also threw in a multiple display feature, notifications and Finder Tabs — a new way to “declutter your desktop by consolidating multiple Finder windows into one.”

Mavericks wasn’t the only operating system that got a reboot at Apple’s geek revival, announcing the biggest change to iOS since the iPhone.

The tech company unveiled the iOS 7 for mobile devices with all-flat everything and a Control Center, a tool that allows for easy access to settings. NBC reports an easy swipe on the screen brings up all the “important stuff, toggles, and switches you need.”

TechCrunch also points out Apple added a scrolling vertical carousel for Safari and more options for Ms. Siri... or Mr. Siri. Or is it Monsieur Siri? You can now choose between a male or female voice in English, French or German.

Schiller’s we-still-got-it comment followed the reveal of the newly designed Mac Pro, hailed as the most significant upgrade since 2010. Here’s their hard-rock treatment of the new hardware. (Via CBS)

Although it looks more like a potential concept design for Episode VII R2-D2, Mashable says the smaller and more powerful Mac Pro performs much faster than it’s predecessor, something “Professional video editors and graphics pros will likely rejoice over...”

Schiller also did the honors of introducing the new line of MacBook Air notebooks, with a new update binge movie watchers should enjoy.

Forbes notes the 11-inch Macbook Airs will go from five to nine hours of battery life, while the 13-inch will give you a whole half-day’s worth — 12 hours. So what does that mean?

“If you like watching movies from iTunes, up to 10 hours. You can watch almost the entire trilogy of Lord of the Rings.” (Via CNET)

Finally, Apple’s “en garde” of the day: the long-awaited iTunes Radio — Apple’s answer to music services Pandora and Spotify.

According to All Things D: “users can create radio stations based on songs they’re listening to,” share stations with friends, and “flip through curated channels picked by the dudes [and dudettes] at Apple.”

Apple also introduced iWorks for iCloud, something Mashable deemed “a cross between Office 365 and Google Docs.” As with most of the new product updates, iWorks will be available to consumers later this year.

Apple Announces Updates to Mac Pro and MacBook Air

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:27:37 -0500

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(Image source: Apple)

BY A.J. FEATHER

Between the long-winded announcements of Apple’s new desktop and mobile operating systems — iOS 7 and OSX Mavericks — attendees the Apple WorldWide Developers Conference Keynote got a look at some new hardware.

Right after showing off the latest edition of OS X, Apple revealed an updated line of Macbook Airs. The new models don’t look much different from the mid-2012 line on the outside, but they received a big performance upgrade. (Via Apple)

The battery life of the 11-inch model increased from five to nine hours, and the 13-inch improved from seven to 12 hours. In addition, they will use Intel’s Haswell Processor and AC Wi-Fi, which is expected have data transfer speeds roughly three times faster than the current generation. (Via CNET & TechRadar)

Apple followed up the MacBook announcement with the first significant update to their Mac Pro line since 2010.

And update is probably an understatement. The Mac Pro received a complete redesign and the power boost to back it up. Digital Trends says the new model is one-eighth the size of the previous model and is “Shaped like a trash can from Crate and Barrel.”

But as TechCrunch points out, the new hardware is plenty powerful, even if it looks bizarre. “This new Intel Xeon machine ... has a central thermal core and superfast memory support. It is double the performance of the previous Mac Pro generations."

The new Mac Pro will also support up to three 4K displays. To put that in perspective, every 4K display is said to have the resolution of four full HD screens. (Via CNET)

All this innovation came with what some see as a big drawback, though.

As a number of Mac rumor sites predicted, there’s basically no room for expansion inside the new Mac Pro, making the Pro heavily reliant on external hard drives and the relatively new Thunderbolt 2 interface, which can be used to connect both external hard drives and monitors. (Via MacRumors)

But according to ZDNet, Thunderbolt 2 will offer transfer speeds up to four times faster than USB 3.0 and more than five times faster than eSATA — the technology used to connect most internal hard drives. This means that even though any memory added to the new Mac Pro will need to be connected externally, the connection speeds will be more than sufficient. (Via ZDNet & TechRadar)

The new MacBook Airs hit the shelves Monday and the new Mac Pro is scheduled for release this fall.

Hopefully for Apple’s sake, this doesn’t turn out like the last time they released a product inspired by a geometric shape. (Via Macworld)

iOS7 Unveiled at Apple's WWDC: Flat Out Fabulous?

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:18:47 -0500

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(Image source: Apple)

BY JIM FLINK

The newest gadget unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference or WWDC is Apple’s new operating system: iOS7. From a new “flat” design to iTunes Radio to full Siri integration in your car — it’s a whole new world. Apple’s Tim Cook calls it...

"... the biggest change to iOS since the introduction of the iPhone." (Via San Jose Mercury News)

Hype? Maybe. Let’s start -- with that “flat” description.

Over the past few weeks, sneak peeks of the new interface showed Apple senior designer Jony Ive ditched the 3D and realism elements of past ios’s. (Via 9to5Mac)

ComputerWorld describes flat design, saying: “.... the consensus seems to be a reduction in the three-dimensionality of icons and other actionable elements … that make them stand out from the background.”

For the non-designers out there, flat is totally in right now.

According to VentureBeat: “The new icons are cleaner and aim for minimalism, compared to the detailed and colorful icons we’ve seen on the OS so far.” (Via VentureBeat)

Designmodo even tweeted the new icons aren’t flat enough. Guess you can’t please everyone.

But that’s only what ios7 looks like. How about what it does?

New features include:

A new control center
Multitasking and auto-updates for all apps
A faster Safari with tons of tabs
Photostreaming from multiple cameras..

And that’s just a start....

“What if you could get iOS on the screen that is built into your car. So you could get phone calls, play music, go to maps, get your i-messages right on the screen in your car.” (Via Apple)

This iOS is intended to go where you go -- seamlessly. Translation -- Siri everywhere. And we might have to stop calling Siri a she. The Verge notes, Siri now gives you voice options....

Male and female voices
Multiple languages (French, German)
Integrated Twitter, Bing and Wikipedia

Yes, Apple is now playing more with others, even while seemingly making fun of them. One Mashable writer listed a few subtle jabs at the other big companies.

“For digs/swipes at the competition, I saw:
Google (Siri's default search is Bing)
Microsoft (let me just fire up Chrome on this Windows 8 machine)
Samsung (no need to "bump" other phones)” (Via Twitter)

Apple presenters also made fun of the company itself -- noting it has lost the old look of fake wood, fake leather and green felt. Apple also unveiled a new desktop OS, called Maverick, and iTunes Radio, to rival Spotify and Pandora.

NSA Whistleblower: 'I Do Not Expect to See Home Again'

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 16:16:31 -0500

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(Image source: The Guardian)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

The man behind one of the largest intelligence leaks in U.S. history stepped forward Sunday in an interview with The Guardian.

“My name’s Ed Snowden, I’m 29 years old. … I think that the public is owed an explanation of the motivations behind the people who make these disclosures that are outside of the democratic model.”

The Guardian reporter Glenn Greenwald broke the news last week of widespread phone and Internet surveillance on American citizens, carried out by the National Security Agency — a report he called necessary. (Via RT)

“The only thing we’ve endangered is the reputation of the people in power who are building this massive spying apparatus without any accountability who are trying to hide from the American people what it is that they're doing.” (Via ABC)

Snowden provided Greenwald with information in exchange for anonymity but says he never intended on hiding his identity forever. He told The Guardian, “I can't in good conscience allow the U.S. government to destroy privacy, internet freedom and basic liberties for people around the world ... ”

A former CIA analyst who worked for the NSA through a private contractor, Snowden says he believes he did the right thing by publicizing the NSA program — but he fears imprisonment as a consequence. (Via The Atlantic)

That’s why he left his home, job and girlfriend in Hawaii three weeks ago and flew to Hong Kong in China, where he hopes to find protection due to “a spirited commitment to free speech.” He also says China is one of the few countries that might resist U.S. efforts to extradite him.

Though many journalists and China-watchers pondered if China was the best choice for Snowden. Max Fisher, who covers China for The Washington Post, suggested “Too many spy movies?” (Via Twitter / @MaxFisher)

Certainly, mainland China isn’t a haven for government whistleblowers or civil liberties. Hong Kong is its own special administrative region, but it’s still under Beijing’s thumb. (Via CNN)

Journalist Nicholas Kristof speculated the CIA and Chinese authorities would be in a race to get to Snowden first.

The Obama administration has cracked down on whistleblowers in recent years. In the case of Bradley Manning, the soldier behind the WikiLeaks leaks, the government is seeking life imprisonment.

Apple's WWDC Keynote: What to Expect

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 13:31:47 -0500

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(Image source: Apple)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Apple will kick off the World Wide Developers Conference, or WWDC, Monday morning in San Francisco.

“Excitement” for this keynote might be putting it mildly. Tickets reportedly sold out in less than two minutes. (Via Mashable)

The WWDC usually focuses on software, but many expect Apple to unveil some services and possibly hardware as well.

One service widely rumored to debut is Apple’s iRadio, or whatever the company decides to call it. (Via Slate)

Apple has reportedly struck deals with all three major labels — Sony, Warner and Universal — and the service is expected to mix aspects of iTunes and Pandora. (Via All Things D)

A writer for the Los Angeles Times says the company has something to prove.

“Now that growth in sales of its smartphones is slowing, observers say it's more essential that Apple strengthen its software and services to retain customers and find other ways to drive more revenue.”

Speaking of software, the centerpiece of the day will most likely be the new operating system for Apple’s iPhone and iPad.

It will be the brainchild of senior vice president Jony Ive. Ive has been instrumental in Apple’s hardware designs in the past and now is shifting efforts to the “human interface.” (Via The Verge)

Rumors say he is planning to ditch some of the textured surfaces and flatten the design. So that means...

“Goodbye, woodgrain shelves in iBooks; see ya later, green felt in Game Center and ciao, leather stitching in Find My Friends.” (Via Mashable)

The third big announcement expected Monday is the new generation of Macbooks.

Most expect the notebooks to be slimmer, faster, ligbbhter and have a longer battery life. The Facetime camera is expected to get upgraded to 1080p. And some predict the Macbook Air could get a retina screen like the pro. (Via Tech Crunch)

Other hardware announcements seem less likely. Few expect releases of a new iPhone, or an iTV or the rumored iWatch.

But one iPad case manufacturer is confident Apple will release a new iPad 5 Monday. He’s already made 15,000 cases for the new device, but won’t ship them until Apple makes the announcement. (Via USA Today)

Again, a new iPad is only a rumor for now. Expect some new app announcements and new ads at the keynote.

Lastest 'Invisibility Cloak' Could Hide People, Satellites

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 13:23:45 -0500

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(Image source: DesignBoom)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Surely you’ve heard that question before, but what would you choose? Flying, superhuman strength, mind control? What about invisibility?

Researchers at Purdue University have developed, well, an invisibility cloak. And yep, its effects are pretty similar to this — except they don’t quite work the same. (Via YouTube / DumbledoresArmy1)

According to LiveScience, this new version of the invisibility cloak creates holes in time that hide data. Researchers found “by tweaking the optical signals in telecommunications fibers, they created a way to essentially mask data sent between a sender and a receiver to outside observers.”

Put more simply, it manipulates rays of light.

The lead researcher told ABC: “‘Say you have a light beam. ... Speed up the front half and slow down the back half, and you create a place where the light beam splits apart. There is no light intensity there.’ … When data is sent, it makes a record in a light beam. ‘If you send a piece of data, but the light beam isn’t there, you can’t make the record. So if someone depicts the absence of light, they will think no data was sent.’”

Another researcher talked to the BBC and said to think about it in terms of a flowing river.

Basically, it’s like taking a region of a river and diverting it to create holes where there isn’t any water — like a dam. (Via National Geographic)

“If we part the water so it doesn’t see the dam popping up and down, it isn’t disturbed, and afterwards we can put the water back together so it looks like a nice calm river again. That’s how we control the flow of the light. We’re pushing it forward and backwards in time, so it avoids events that would otherwise disturb it.”

But one downfall of the cloak is that it only works in one direction. If it is seen from another point of view, the device is revealed. (Via The Guardian)

Researchers hope the headway they’ve made in the ever-present attempt to create invisibility could have profound effects not only here on Earth, but up in space, as well.

The cloaks might one day be able to hide satellites in mid-to-high Earth orbit. Also, “the device could have important implications for sending secret messages via fibre optic cables. It can hide a continuous stream of events at telecommunications data rates — much quicker than a similar invention unveiled last year.” (Via Daily Mail)

The research for this latest invention was published in the journal Nature.

One Step Closer: Apple Makes iRadio Deal With Sony

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 12:10:49 -0500

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(Image Source: All Things D)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

Pandora, Spotify: watch out. New competition is on its way. Apple is a step closer to developing iRadio.

The tech giant has finally reached a deal with Sony Music and its publishing arm Sony/ATV — one of the last roadblocks for the product. Universal Music and Warner Music have already struck deals. (Via YouTube / Apple)

This deal took quite some time. A major point of contention for Sony was how much Apple would pay for songs that people only listen partially and then skip. (Via CarrieUnderwoodOfficial.com)

As it stands now, under Sony’s two-year introductory deal, Apple will give 10 percent of any ad revenue it generates from Sony Music.

iRadio is expected to be a free, online, ad-based service that uses user preferences to tailor music selections... must like it’s future competitor Pandora.

All Things D explains iRadio would be like an “enhanced version of Pandora.” Users will have more control over their songs than what Pandora offers, but not full on-demand like you have with Spotify.

Pandora currently reigns supreme when it comes to Internet radio, with about 70 million active listeners.

But CNET reports it’s only available in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. Apple, on the other hand, hopes to make its services more global including countries like the U.K., France, Germany and Japan.

And announcements regarding Apple and its radio service have been rocking Pandora shares.

When Apple signed a licensing deal with Warner Music Group, Pandora shares fell more than 10 percent. And they are still down about $2 from last Friday’s close. But one economic analyst argues we won’t really know how Pandora will fare until Apple actually unveils iRadio.

“‘We doubt Apple will be dominant in this venture.’ Whatever Apple does, everyone will get a chance to get excited, or frightened of it..." (Via MarketWatch)

Apple is expected to make an official announcement about iRadio at its Worldwide Developers Conference Monday.

Will Apple Really Launch an iPhone Trade-In Program?

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:35:00 -0500

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(Image source: Bloomberg)

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

Waiting for your upgrade to roll around so you can get a sleek, shiny new iPhone? Well, you might not have to wait much longer.

Apple is reportedly introducing an official iPhone trade-in program — allowing iPhone users to trade in their old models for credit towards a new iPhone 5. (via Apple)

Some iPhone 4 and 4S models are currently going for around $200, which is enough for customers with certain phone plans to upgrade to the iPhone 5 for no money down. (via Computerworld)

Apple will be partnering with Brightstar, a mobile phone distributor that also handles trade-ins for AT&T and T-Mobile, for the program. The Los Angeles Times explains this is a first for Apple.

“ … Apple has never done a trade-in program … However, in recent years, its competitors, particularly Samsung, have caught up, and as a result, Apple has seen its growth slow. A trade-in program could help turn that around.”

Apple intends to sell the refurbished, trade-in models in emerging markets where demand for cheaper devices is high. Bloomberg says doing it this way will increase sales without undercutting iPhone 5 distribution in the U.S.

“Selling used iPhones in emerging markets may also keep first-time smartphone buyers around the world from committing to Android, buying time for Apple to introduce new models.” (via Bloomberg)

There is no official start date for the new program, but you can expect to see it launch sometime later this month.

Microsoft, FBI Team Up Against $500M Cybercrime Ring

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 12:04:00 -0500

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(Image source: CNN / Floyd Yarmuth)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Microsoft and the FBI teamed up to disrupt a huge cybercrime ring that allegedly stole more than $500 million from individuals, banks and other institutions.

Microsoft personnel and FBI agents seized servers and other evidence from data-hosting facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania to disrupt the network. However, the mastermind behind the cyber-attack is still unknown. (Via PC Magazine)

The attack is known as the Citadel botnet. The malware infected about 5 million computers around the world, and Microsoft has taken down at least 1,000 of an estimated 1,400 malicious computer networks.

The Citadel malware worked by sending users’ keystrokes from infected computers to servers. Then cybercriminals used that information to steal logins and passwords for bank accounts. (Via Youtube / Marcelo Zarate)

Besides personal computers, American Express, Bank of America, PayPal and the Royal Bank of Canada were all compromised. Microsoft has now filed a civil lawsuit in North Carolina.

The lawsuit is filed against John Doe No. 1. The unknown ringleader is thought to be in Eastern Europe somewhere, and police forces from 80 countries are working to bring down the hacker, who goes by the alias Aquabox. (Via BBC)

Microsoft has taken the lead in fighting cybercrime before.

In 2012, the company’s employees, escorted by U.S. Marshals, raided two American companies and seized servers and hundreds of websites used to steal more than $100 million over five years. (Via CNN)

The Citadel malware blocked machines from getting security updates, but now with the network disrupted, those machines should be able to update and purge the Citadel virus from their systems.

Secret Court Order Gives All Verizon Phone Records to NSA

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 21:53:49 -0500

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BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

If you’re a Verizon customer, the government reportedly has records of every call you’ve made, the people you talked to and how long you talked for at least the last month.

A top secret court document obtained by The Guardian shows a judge ordered Verizon to hand over all of its phone records to the National Security Agency for a three-month period beginning in late April and then banned Verizon from talking about it.

“The document shows for the first time that under the Obama administration the communication records of millions of US citizens are being collected indiscriminately and in bulk – regardless of whether they are suspected of any wrongdoing.”

The records include the identities and locations of the parties on each call and the time and duration of the call itself. The surveillance covered calls made within the U.S., including some local calls.

CNET reports the judge’s order relies on a section of the Patriot Act called the “business records” portion. It allows government agencies to collect any tangible business data with little judicial oversight.

Since the contents of the calls themselves weren’t given to the agency, it was able to classify the call metadata as “business records” instead of communications.

No agencies involved would speak to The Guardian before publication, and Verizon also declined to comment. But the bombshell report is likely to pile on to the criticism of the Obama administration’s surveillance policies.

A writer for TechCrunch says the idea of the government using data collection against American citizens used to seem far-fetched — until the IRS scandal and the targeting of journalists.

“Nefarious actors inside the government like to abuse national security programs for political ends, and that should make us all (even more) suspect of government spying.”

A writer for The Atlantic adds: “the order seems to explain the repeated warnings by Democratic Senators, Ron Wyden and Mark Udall, who sit on the Senate intelligence committee. They've hinted that the government's surveillance powers are much more broad than most Americans would assume.”

There are still many questions about the order, like whether this was a one-time thing or whether other companies have similar orders. It may be tough to learn the truth, though. The order The Guardian obtained was intended to be classified until 2038.

Mind-Blowing, Mind-Controlled Helicopter Really Works

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:02:00 -0500

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(Image source: University of Minnesota)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

Remote-controlled helicopters, you’ll soon be old news. Minnesota researchers have now made it possible to control the mini flyers with your thoughts. Mind control, people. Mind control.

“We place an electrosensor over the scalp of the human subject, and we trained the subject and ask them to imagine certain movement actions with intention of controlling the flight.” (Via BBC)

So the controller doesn't actually move at all; it's all in the head. They do say the human brain is a powerful place, but it all really comes down to two words: The Force. But really, Nature.com breaks down the interworkings.

“Specific neurons in the brain’s motor cortex produce electric currents. These currents are detected by electrodes in an EEG cap, which send the signals to the computer.”

The computer then translates the signals into a command like "Turn right" and sends it to the robot via Wi-Fi. It then turns right. (Via NBC)

And in case you were wondering, this futuristic invention isn’t hitting store shelves to become playthings for kids anytime soon. The mind-controlled copter was actually created for a much different purpose. (Via Daily Mail)

According to the lead professor, “This Brain Computer Interface technology is all about helping people with a disability or various neurodegenerative diseases to help them regain mobility, independence and enhance performance.” (Via University of Minnesota)

Now the question is, what else will we soon be able to control with our minds? Lunch, come to me … Well, one can dream.

Samsung Scores Surprise Patent Win Over Apple

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:43:00 -0500

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(Image source: Apple)

BY ELIZABETH HAGEDORN

In the ongoing tug-of-war between Apple and Samsung, Samsung has emerged the surprise winner — at least for now.

“Now Apple can no longer sell AT&T versions of some iPhones and iPads. Granted they are older versions like the iPhone 3 and 4 and the iPad 1 and 2. (Via HLN)

The U.S. International Trade Commission’s ruling slaps a ban on the import and sale of some Apple products which allegedly infringed on certain Samsung 3G wireless patents. (Via AT&T)

It’s a significant coup for the Korean company against its rival in the gadget market. In a statement released after the verdict, a Samsung rep said:

“We believe the ITC’s final determination has confirmed Apple’s history of free-riding on Samsung’s technological innovations.” (Via The Wall Street Journal)

Expect Apple to appeal the ruling. The Cupertino company thought it was in the clear last September when an ITC judge tossed out Samsung’s infringement claims — only for the trade body to announce a month later it would review the decision. (Via Apple)

While this most recent ruling dealt a blow to Apple, an industry analyst told The New York Times, the company really won’t feel the decision since the ban only affects its older, less popular devices.

“It has more to do with counting the blows between the two parties, and this is one for Samsung, but materially there is not going to be a huge impact.”

But how about AT&T customers? If you’re looking to buy one of the cheaper iPhone models, you may be out of luck.

And keep in mind, it’s only the latest round in the litigation battle between the two tech giants — with separate cases pending in about 10 countries. (Via ABC)

Does this mean an end to the long-held feud here at home? Doubtful, says a market analyst who talked to Businessweek, saying:

“There’s too much skin in the game now. It’s almost so ugly I don’t think they’ll come to any agreement...It’s not like they have to worry about paying the legal bills.”

President Obama now has 60 days to review the ruling. If he doesn’t veto it, the ban will go into effect.

Apple Pushes 'Spaceship' Campus in Report to Cupertino

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 18:42:57 -0500

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BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

How do you sell a spaceship to a town? Apple is still trying to get approval for its new spaceship-style campus in Cupertino, releasing an economic impact report to show just how much money the city could bring in — if it gives Apple the go-ahead.

The 82-page report details Apple’s building and hiring plans and the economic benefits Cupertino could gain. Those benefits include more than $40 million in new taxes for the city, as well as $68 million in improvements to local roads and parks, and 9,200 new construction jobs, not to mention the new employees Apple will bring to the area. (Via Scribd / Keyser Marston Associates)

The project has been underway for some time. The company first proposed its new campus in 2006, and the late Steve Jobs presented the spaceship-looking designs to the city council in 2011. (Via City of Cupertino)

You could say Apple needs a new homebase, since of the 16,000 employees the company has in the city, only 3,000 fit in the current main campus.

CNET writes: “With its success, Apple had sprawled out beyond its headquarters to several satellite buildings, and Jobs sought to bring all its employees together in one facility. The new campus would fit up to 12,000 employees in one, 2.8 million square foot, four-story building.”

But getting a project that big to be approved by the city takes time — and a good deal of persuasion. All Things D reports Apple has yet to get the green light.

“The document is yet another effort by Apple to sell its new campus to Cupertino … While Cupertino mayor Gilbert Wong has said in the past that ‘there is no chance we are saying no’ to Apple Campus 2, the fact is that the city has not yet officially said yes.”

Along with the economic impact report, Apple will have to give the city an environmental report, as well. As a preview, it’s already known the new building will have 650,000 square feet of solar panels, and a majority of the campus will be green space.

Zynga Wasn't Ready for the Rise of Mobile

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:53:00 -0500

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BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

Game developer Zynga is downsizing. The company announced it’s laying off 520 employees, a cut equal to about 18 percent of its labor force.

Zynga will also be closing its offices in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas. The goal is to save about $70 million to $80 million in pretax expenses annually. (Via WJHL)

But why such a large cut for the maker of popular games like Farmville and Words and Friends? The answer is simple — Zynga wasn’t ready for the rapid rise of the mobile platform.

In a letter to employees, Zynga CEO Mark Pincus said, “The scale that served us so well in building and delivering the leading social gaming service on the Web is now making it hard to successfully lead across mobile and multiplatform, which is where social games are going to be played.” (Via The Wall Street Journal)

One analyst put it this way, “In a mobile world, they have yet to create a hit game of their own, despite supposedly amazing analytics and 3,000 people (500 fewer today).” (Via The New York Times)

But it’s been clear for a while now that Zynga was facing an uphill battle.

Ever since its public offering at the end of 2011, shares have fallen and games have been short lived. Company shares fell 11.5 percent, and are have plunged about 50 percent over the past 12 months. (Via BBC)

And take for instance Zynga’s purchase of OMGPOP, the maker of Draw Something. Highly popular at the time of the sale, but after a few doodles Draw Something failed to make its mark. (Via YouTube / AppFind)

And just last year, Zynga cut 150 employees to save somewhere between $15 million and $20 million. A writer for All Things D explains it’s these types of cuts that mirror a dismal trend in mobile business.

“... this is a ‘right-sizing’ of Zynga to reflect a more somber reality that these mobile businesses are not as large as its Web-based one that rode the startup to glory on the explosive growth of social networks, primarily Facebook.”

But Pincus might have an ace in the hole to save the troubled company — gambling. Last year Zynga filed an application for a license with the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Analysts say this could be a significant opportunity for the company. USA Today reports forecasts for 2017 suggest the U.S. gambling market could hit $7.4 billion. (Via YouTube / Ultimatepoker)

And when it comes to mobile, “casino-type games in general — card games, slot games and dice-based games — were hot. Such games landed in the top three genres for revenue worldwide in 2012, for both Apple's iOS and Google's play.”

But for now, Zynga’s cuts are projected to be completed by August.

Verizon to Stream Every 2014 NFL Game on Mobile Phones

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:50:00 -0500

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(Image source: Verizon Wireless / YouTube)

BY MATT MORENO

If you’re checking this out on your mobile phone right now, access to more cool new media could be coming your way. Verizon is reportedly close to a deal with the NFL to stream all of the league’s games — including the playoffs starting in 2014.

SportsBusiness Daily reports the two sides are close to signing a 4-billion-dollar deal that would include every NFL game. The site says, “The deal … should forever obliterate the distinction between sponsor and media-rights deals.”

The new agreement, announced Tuesday, expands a previous one for Verizon customers which already allowed them access to games on ESPN, NBC and the NFL Network. (Via NFL)

This deal will include CBS and Fox afternoon games and the playoffs. (Via Verizon)

But, don’t toss your TVs out quite yet. The NFL doesn’t want to do away with you watching the big screen and, of course, doesn’t want to miss out on making money from cable and satellite providers. The deal will reportedly be restricted to only mobile phones meaning most mobile tablets won’t have full access.

The Verge says that restriction is already largely in place and, “It's obvious Verizon and the NFL want to keep this service truly mobile and don't want customers using it to replace watching games at home through more traditional channels.”

It's another technological move for the NFL. This expected deal comes on the heels of a five-year, $400 million deal with Microsoft to allow tablets on the sidelines and eventually available for referees. (Via The Wall Street Journal)

So, while watching football on just a few inches of screen might not be ideal, it will at least help you stay up to date on your fantasy team — if you have a large data plan that is.

How an iPhone Charger Opens Your Phone to Hackers

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:28:00 -0500

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(Image source: Flickr / Digitalnative)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

Know how you’re always careful when you set your drink down? Well, now you might want to take a little extra caution charging your iPhone in the near future.

Electrons might not be the only thing transferred to your device now that a group of researchers from Georgia Tech have developed an iPhone charger that can hack your phone in less than a minute. (Via Flickr / Digitalnative)

The group wanted to show that despite Apple’s history of developing largely malware-free devices, it is possible to inject arbitrary software to devices running the latest version of iOS.

The researchers have kept their secrets mostly underwrap, but in a product description they explained “an attacker can hide their software in the same way Apple hides its own built-in applications.” (Via Black Hat)

This essentially means a hacker could conceal a tiny circuit board in a docking station or battery, which could then install malicious software (i.e. apps) on the device without your knowledge. (Via YouTube / Apple)

These hidden apps could then get a hold of files or personal information stored on the phone. For the developers of the charger, this power is alarming. But Forbes is quick to point out that hacking phones via their USB connections is not a new thing.

“The devices’ combined data and power port has been the most common point of entry for hackers seeking to jailbreak their devices to remove Apple’s default restrictions on their devices.”

Take for instance, the “evasi0n” jailbreak released by hackers in February.

These hackers took advantage of a few flaws in iOS’s mobile backup system, and developed a program that allows users to remove all of Apple’s installation restrictions on their phone or tablet in just a few minutes. (Via evad3rs)

The group of researchers will present this malicious charger and ways to protect your phone at the Black Hat computer security conference on July 27 in Las Vegas.

Marriages Starting Online: With This Ping, I Thee Wed

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:57:00 -0500

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(Image source: PerthNow)

BY BRIANA ALTERGOTT

Looking for love? According to a new study, signing up for an online dating website could really improve your chances of finding your future husband or wife.

In the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found more than a third of U.S. marriages start online. (Via U.S. News)

“And they found those relationships are typically happier and less likely to split up. They think it might be because people on dating sites attract people who are serious about getting married.” (Via WJXT)

More than 19,000 people nationwide who got married between 2005 and 2012 participated in the study. 35% reported they met their spouse online. (Via Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

About 45 percent met on a dating website. The rest found their partner on social networking sites, chat rooms, instant messaging, or other online forums. (Via Los Angeles Times)

Side note — eHarmony did pay to have the study conducted.

But according to USA Today, the lead author said, "I had an agreement with eHarmony that I had complete control, and we would publish no matter what we found, and the data would be available to everyone.”

Looks like those online dating commercials have been on the right track.

“One in five relationships now begin in an online relationship.” (Via Match.com)

“Chances are, behind every great relationship, there’s eHarmony.com.” (Via eHarmony)

Glass Gets First Porn App, Google Quickly Bans Porn Apps

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 23:06:29 -0500

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BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Developers giveth … and Google taketh away. It looks like potential Google Glass users who enjoy adult content will have to find other ways to put X-rated material in front of their faces. Google banned sexually explicit material on it’s futuristic spectacles.

Adult app store MiKandi released an app — with a title that rhymes with “[Zits] and Glass” — for Google Glass Monday, that would’ve allowed users to post and share explicit content to other Glass users. (Via YouTube / mikandistore)

But Google wasn’t having it and swatted the whole porn-on-glass thing down just hours after MiKandi’s app launched. CNN reports Google changed the developer policies for Glass to say: “We don't allow Glassware content that contains nudity, graphic sex acts or sexually explicit material …”

And to possibly add insult to injury, MiKandi CEO Jesse Adams wrote on his blog he found out about Google’s policy changes for Glass the same time everyone else did: “We were not notified of any changes and still haven’t been notified by Google. … Although the app is still live and people are using it, at this point we must make changes to the app in order to comply with the new policies.”

Google Glass has yet to be released to the public, and Google is still figuring out what it will and won’t allow developers to do.

One of the first changes Google made involved facial recognition apps. The Los Angeles Times reports Google listened to early Glass users and vowed not to approve apps that could, essentially, identify individuals by their faces and voices.

A writer for PCWorld says, “The company so far has largely stood back to let developers shape the direction of Glass applications. But some of the controversy surrounding Glass, including the recently updated developer policies, shows that, in some areas at least, Google will step in to draw more lines in the developer sandbox.”

In addition to sexually explicit content, Google also banned gratuitous violence, hate speech and gambling on Glass.

Is Apple's iRadio Set to Launch Next Week?

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:43:14 -0500

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BY JIM FLINK

Could it be just a week and counting to the launch of iRadio? That’s been the rumor since word first leaked this weekend of Apple striking a deal with another record label.

ZDNet reports, Apple now has deals with Warner and Universal and is in talks with Sony as the company looks to join the ranks of other streaming services like Spotify, Slacker Radio and Rdio.

So, late to the dance? Maybe. But this is Apple, and while it may not be on the front end of streaming, it has to be a contender when it gets in the game. GottaBeMobile notes:

“If Apple launches iRadio at WWDC 2013 as part of iOS 7, or even as a standalone service available later that week, the company will likely play up support for Siri. Siri cannot currently control music services like Pandora, Spotify and the forthcoming Google Play All Access for iPhone app.”

But Apple has the potential to be a game-changer for both sides of the equation. In addition to being able to rewind songs in mid-play, CNET reports iRadio would also have an easy-to-use purchase button on Apple devices.

“This, too, could be a boon to the labels, which collect roughly 70 percent of every dollar from an iTunes purchases. Currently, there are about 500 million iTunes accounts; Pandora, by contrast, has about 70 million active users.”

Linking streaming with purchasing power is one big hurdle. Another is the ability to store streamed music. If Apple does that, CBS Moneywatch says watch out.

“Temporary storage of streamed music could allow a device to snag a block of music in advance of losing Internet access and then erase it when a connection returned. Integrating streaming with an iTunes music store would let consumers immediately purchase music that they heard and listen to suggested streams of music based on what they already owned.”

iRadio could be launched at Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, starting next week.

Twitter's Vine App Finally Available for Android

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:41:44 -0500

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(Image Source: Twitter)

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

Twitter is swinging its Vine out to the world’s top mobile operating system — finally releasing the popular video application to the users of Android.

Vine allows users to create 6-second, looping video clips by tapping the screen on their smartphone to start and stop the action — creating a GIF-like experience. (Via Vine)

Since it debuted on iPhone and iPad earlier this year it’s skyrocketed to 13 million total users. (Via Vine / @buckhouse)

So Mashable’s Lance Ulanoff writes, “No wonder Android owners were so miffed that it took Twitter almost six months to release an Android App.”

Well it’s here now, and according to CNET it will sport many of the same features available on its Apple counterparts. (Via Vine / @dGrayk)

Including “ … easy video creation with automatic playback and sound; the Explore feature, for discovering popular posts and seeing what's trending; and Find Friends, to find and invite people. Plus, Twitter added a feature unique to Android: zoom.”

But PC Magazine points out there are some key capabilities on iOS not yet supported on Vine for Android.

You won’t be able to use: “ … @mentions and hashtags. You also won't be able to shoot video with the front-facing camera, search for people and tags, or share Vine posts to Facebook.”

Twitter says it’s working hard to bring these features to Android, and will address them through a series of “frequent updates” over the coming weeks.

Intel Releases Haswell Processors

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 10:22:55 -0500

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(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY A.J. Feather

The fourth generation of Intel’s Core processors is out this week, and they are expected to give a much needed boost to the battery life of tablets and small PCs.

Last year, Intel released its line of Ivy Bridge Processors, which offered a small upgrade in performance and a modest improvement in battery life. (Via ComputerWorld)

The introduction of the Haswell processor line will be much more notable. Intel vice president says the new line of processors will improve battery life by 50 percent. (Via Gizmodo)

The Verge reports this upgrade will offer a significant enough “... improvement in laptops and tablets that you’ll actually want to look for their name.”

But this processor — which PC World is calling the first processor of the post-PC era — may have some unexpected consequences. “Tomorrow’s mobile PCs might be so thin and light, and last so long on a single charge, and offers so much more utility than Android and iOS devices, you might just buy a Windows notebook before reaching for that phone or tablet.”

Intel already controls about 80 percent of the notebook processor market, and the introduction of Haswell means it probably isn’t planning on backing off the competition anytime soon. In fact, Intel is expanding its attack to manufacturers of graphics processing units like Nvidia.

ExtremeTech says Haswell puts Intel so far ahead of AMD, Intel’s main competitor in the processor market, that “AMD literally can’t afford the R&D it would take to catch up...” and manufacturers of GPUs, such as Nvidia, aren’t safe because “Intel’s literature makes it plain that the company absolutely intends to minimize the value of separate GPUs by incorporating performance where it can and driving the adoption of ever-smaller form factors where it can’t.”

Apple is expected to announce upgrades to its MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lines with Haswell processors later this month at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. Haswell will likely hit the PC market with the release of Windows 8.1 on June 26.

Google Loses Privacy Court Battle With FBI

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 19:13:01 -0500

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(Image source: ZDNet)

BY MATT PICHT

Privacy advocates suffered a defeat on Saturday, as Google’s petition to ignore 19 warrantless FBI information requests was rejected by a federal court.

The case revolved around National Security Letters, or NSLs, which allow FBI agents to request specific customer data from companies. These letters don’t require a warrant and come with a built-in gag order, which means companies can’t tell people when they are disclosing their personal data. (Via Electronic Privacy Information Center)

The FBI has issued almost 300,000 NSLs since 2003. These requests have gone relatively unchallenged by companies in the past. But the constitutionality of NSLs has come under scrutiny in recent court cases.

Federal Judge Susan Illston, who presided over Google’s lawsuit, ruled NSLs an unconstitutional infringement of the First Amendment in a separate lawsuit in March. The Obama administration has since appealed that ruling, and a final decision on the case is still pending. (Via Wired)

But according to CNET, Judge Illston’s decision in the Google case was swayed in favor of the government “after a pair of top FBI officials, including an assistant director, submitted classified affidavits.” The affidavits reportedly demonstrated that the NSLs sent to Google were legitimately issued.

The wording of Judge Illston’s decision does leave room for Google to file a more narrowly focused petition in the future. Yet this is still a blow to civil liberty advocates who were hoping for tighter restrictions on the use of NSLs.

A spokesman for the Electronic Frontier Foundation told the The Guardian, “We are disappointed that the same judge who declared these letters unconstitutional is now requiring compliance with them.”

While Google can’t reveal the targets of these NSLs, the company has started publishing the number of FBI requests received in its monthly public transparency reports.

What on Earth is a Hyperloop?

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:52:00 -0500

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(Image Source: All Things Digital)

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

What do a Concorde jet, a railgun and an air hockey table all have in common? According to the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, together they describe a potential new form of high speed transportation called “Hyperloop.”

Elon Musk says he has an idea for what he calls “a fifth mode of transportation” — something faster and less expensive than a bullet train. (via All Things Digital)

“I think it would be a great way, better than a high speed rail or a plane between the right city pairs like San Francisco and L.A. or New York, Boston … ” (via CNBC)

Musk criticized California’s proposal for a massively expensive high speed rail, claiming it would cost almost $100 billion and wouldn’t be nearly as fast as similar systems in Europe and China.

He says Hyperloop could be built at a tenth of the cost per mile, and would be able to get you from San Francisco to L.A. in under a half hour. (via USA Today)

But Musk’s description of a Concorde - railgun - air hockey table transporter is so vague it couldn’t possibly be real, right?

Business Insider claims it is real, and the idea behind it has been thought of before.

In 1972, Rand Corporation released a document detailing an underground tube system that could take people from L.A. to New York in under 21 minutes — the Very High Speed Transit System, or VHST.

“The VHST would be a vacuum sealed tube buried underground that would zip across the country.” Reading the document, “ … it's easy to see similarities to a railgun/air hockey table style transporter.”

Business Insider says it has emailed Musk asking if Hyperloop is similar to VHST. He has yet to respond.

App Offering 'Gay Cure' Sparks Intense Criticism

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:16:00 -0500

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(Image source: MSN)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

The smartphone app industry has been booming lately, creating an app for pretty much anything. But one recent release is getting a little extra attention ... not necessarily for its tech savviness.

The app comes from Setting Captives Free — a non-denominational ministry that offers solutions to problems through Jesus Christ. Through the free app, the group offers a 60-day “gay cure” that will guide users to find “freedom from the bondage of homosexuality.”

(Via MSN)

Some problems the group helps with are taken seriously by most, like substance abuse and gambling addiction. Others — like curing homosexuality — are more questionable.

But the ministry’s president, Mike Cleveland, insists the app’s “Door of Hope” will help users will be “free from sexual impurity and self gratification.” He also explains to users that people are not born with a “homosexual gene.”

(Via Setting Captives Free)

But as many would expect, this helping hand didn’t sit well with everyone.

A petition on AllOut.org was published Wednesday calling for the removal of the app from iTunes and Google Play. As of Saturday morning, nearly 70,000 people signed on.

(Via AllOut.org)

And a writer for PopSci notes the app has received criticism directly, with comments like “you people disgust me” and “superstitious ignorance."

But the group’s board of directors told The Huffington Post in an email it “...is not against or opposed to any individual or group of people.” And explain “If homosexuals are unhappy with their current way of life; they have the right to pursue happiness and change if they wish."

iTunes reportedly removed the app from its store shortly after the petition went live. Google, on the other hand, still offers it.

Google Calories? Nutrition Facts Showing Up in Search

Fri, 31 May 2013 10:38:00 -0500

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(Image source: Google)

BY MIKAH SARGENT

Instead of Googling directions and prices for the nearest burger joint, why not check out Google search’s latest feature? The tech company now allows you to add a little guilt to your gut.

Google has added nutritional information to your search queries. This feature is an extension to Google’s Knowledge Graph, a resource that aims to bring meaningful answers to your searches, not just links.

So typing in “carbs in an apple” won’t just give you a link to the nearest website with the information, it will also return a set of organized information. And it’s all viewable right from the search results page.

Google recently activated conversational voice search, allowing users to ask questions instead of typing in keywords. With this new set of information, you can literally ask Google, “How much protein is in a large egg?” and the results will appear.

And with the Knowledge Graph, Google says results are much smarter.

“The graph helps us connect things that are related ... For example, when you ask for ‘summer squash carbs,’ we include ‘zucchini’ as a relevant food in the dropdown, because it is a type of summer squash.”

Whether you’re on your iOS or Android device, PC or Mac, you’ll have access to the information — all via Google search. The Verge says the nutrition facts are coming slowly, but surely, reporting the nutrition data will launch Thursday in English and is expected to reach all users in the U.S. within 10 days. Google also plans to include other languages and even more food later. And who doesn’t love more food?

Will Microsoft's Windows 8.1 Save the Flagging OS?

Thu, 30 May 2013 18:42:26 -0500

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(Image source: Wired / Noah Devereaux)

BY COLLIN RUANE

Windows is doing some damage control after a not-so-popular revamp of its operating system following the 2012 release of Windows 8.

On Thursday, Microsoft released a sneak preview to tout its software known as Windows 8.1 — the first major update to Windows 8. (Via KTTV)

The Irish Times points out Windows 8 has been slammed with almost unanimous criticism since its market release seven months ago.

A writer at InfoWorld says sales have been hurting, too. Despite Microsoft’s claim that Windows 8 is doing well, “Windows 8 is in a nosedive, no matter how you look at it ... ”

In an attempt to improve its image, Microsoft released a statement acknowledging the reactions and explaining its new plan. (Via Bloomberg)

“We’ve learned from customers on how they are using the product and have received a lot of feedback. We’ve delivered hundreds of updates to the product and to apps. We’re just getting started, and the potential ahead is tremendous.”

The BBC called Windows’ change a “U-turn” of sorts, bringing back one of the most iconic features of past versions of the operating system.

Microsoft notably removed the Start button from its interface in Windows 8, making it the first Windows OS to lack the button in nearly two decades. The BBC even referred to Windows 8 as Microsoft’s “New Coke.”

Now, a New York Times blogger writes, “Windows 8.1, in a change from the original version, will allow users a new one-click option to skip the touch interface and have their computers start up each time to the desktop screen.”

Other changes to expect include the “Search will be improved … PC settings will be accessible from a single location as a native Windows 8 app … Internet Explorer 11 will be released, and the terrible Windows 8 native app will finally show open tabs … And you'll be able to boot straight to the desktop, or into a view of all of your apps.” (Via ComputerWorld)

Windows 8 will be available in a preview version in the next few weeks and should be fully available by the end of the year.

Facebook Pledges to Combat Gender-Based Hate Speech

Thu, 30 May 2013 14:17:58 -0500

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(Image source: Facebook)

BY MATT PICHT

Facebook sent a strong message to its users this week: Trolls, take a hike! The social media company announced Tuesday it will work to start eliminating gender-based hate speech from its social media platform.

The effort began on May 21, when activist groups Women, Action, and the Media and The Everyday Sexism Project launched a campaign calling on Facebook to improve its content policies on gender-based hate speech. The movement soon swelled to include over 100 other organizations that bombarded Facebook with tweets and emails over the course of the week.

And on Tuesday, Facebook responded with a promise to step up its content restrictions, vowing to work with activist groups to better define what constitutes hate speech and to hold users accountable for the content they produce.

The announcement is being hailed as a historic turning point in the fight against gender-based hate speech. Laura Bates, founder of The Everyday Sexism Project, told CNN Facebook’s influence will have a very powerful effect in determining the limits of acceptable behavior on the Internet.

“Facebook has a huge reach with over a billion users. And that means that it does have a very exciting opportunity to shape cultural norms, and what is publicly and socially acceptable or not.”

But the move has some free speech advocates questioning Facebook’s commitment to an open Internet. A writer for GigaOM says while it’s hard to object to Facebook blocking this specific content, policy decisions based on public outcry or ad revenues could be a slippery slope.

“As more than one free-speech advocate has noted, if popular protests about offensive content were what determined the content we were able to see or share a few decades ago, anything promoting homosexuality or half a dozen other topics would have vanished from our sight.”

And it wasn’t just the activism that prompted Facebook to act: 15 prominent companies, including Nissan and Nationwide, pulled their Facebook ad campaigns after these ads were displayed next to offensive content. A writer for Businessweek says it’s clear the way to Facebook’s heart is through its pockets.

“Why Facebook ever saw the content in question here as anything but a commercial liability remains a mystery to me, but once that fact was demonstrated, action was probably inevitable. What advertisers say goes. Those who want to influence Facebook in the future, take note.”

And just a friendly reminder: As a private corporation, Facebook isn’t restricted by the First Amendment and has the legal right to regulate the content that appears on its site.

Video of Homemade 'Lightsaber' Goes Viral

Wed, 29 May 2013 21:32:01 -0500

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(Image Source: YouTube / styropyro)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

A Jedi Knight emerged last week showing off his specially-crafted, homemade, yet don’t-try-this-at-home “lightsaber.” And his video exhibition has gone viral.

Drake Anthony, also known as “The DIY Laser GUY,” posted this video to his YouTube page showing a 3000mW handheld laser. The laser is powerful enough to set random things on fire and surely make parents cringe.

Uproxx gives a lamens terms version of the lasers parts saying, “The casing looks a lot like Luke’s weapon of choice, but what matters are the internals. Essentially, the guts of this thing are simple: Two laptop batteries and a laser diode in the 450 nanometer range.”

The video has garnered more than 400,000 views in one week. Anthony writes his new creation is the most powerful laser he has ever used and this might be the most powerful handheld laser seen on the web.

Gizmodo highlighted this frosty-looking laser pointer back in 2010 called the Spyder III. Though it was dubbed the most powerful portable laser, the Spider III had a 1000mW output, only one-third as powerful as Anthony’s creation.

The Next Web points out: “ ... this thing may not be as deadly as a real lightsaber, but for all intents and purposes, you might as well treat it as such. In fact, we’d argue this thing probably needs a safety lock, just in case.”

So, how do we know Anthony is a Jedi Knight and not a Sith Lord? Well, the answer is easier than you think.

Sith Lord’s can’t use blue. Duh. (Via Lucasfilm)

Facebook Rolls out Verified Accounts for Public Figures

Wed, 29 May 2013 18:49:57 -0500

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(Image source: Facebook)

BY MATT MORENO

Verified accounts are a nice Twitter feature to help separate the real celebrity Twitter handles from the impostures. Now, Facebook is moving in the same direction.

Facebook announced Wednesday it will roll out verified Facebook accounts for “...a small group of prominent public figures [such as] (celebrities, journalists, government officials, popular brands and businesses)...” with large followings.

Similar to Twitter, the verification is a small blue and white check mark near the name of the profile to ensure the page is the “real deal.” (Via Mashable)

Facebook says you can’t request to have yourself verified, but it doesn’t say how it decides which pages should or shouldn’t be verified. TechCrunch reports one of its own writers got verified shortly after the announcement.

The site states, “He uses a normal user profile but with the Subscribe feature turned so people can follow his public updates. His relatively large follower base of 170,000 and his profession as a journalist likely qualified him for automatic verification.”

Facebook’s verification system looks and sounds a lot like Twitter’s, which is interesting since both company’s appear to be in a growing social-network competition.

The Wall Street Journal reports at a recent conference Twitter’s CEO Dick Costolo took some early, subtle jabs at Facebook, but, the writer says, “Later, in a discussion about Twitter’s mission, there was less confusion about which company he had in his crosshairs, noting that Twitter wanted to be the place where people go to for the whole ‘timeline experience.’”

The new Facebook verification badge is currently live on the site.

Robot Predicts Your Actions, Pours Your Beer

Wed, 29 May 2013 17:40:55 -0500

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(Image source: YouTube / Hema Koppula)

BY COLLIN RUANE

A PhD student and a professor at Cornell University in upstate New York developed a robot which works to assist humans in simple daily tasks.

The robot, known as Kodiak, is able to pour you a brew at a moment’s notice. (Via YouTube / Hema Koppula)

It can also perform several other simple tasks including opening the fridge for those who are unable to do it themselves. (Via Toronto Sun)

According to Wired, the experimental robot isn’t just for fun and games — the testing could provide real benefits for the future.

“This technology has applications beyond helping you ease into inebriation … having better telepresence robotics, and creating robots that work better alongside humans in factories, offices, or hospitals. It could also help seniors maneuver around their homes, giving them a fuller sense of independence.”

So what sets Kodiak apart from other technology? NBC points out it has a mind of its own in order to assist those who use it.

In a statement, one of the robot’s developers said, “Our algorithm makes a guess on what the person has been doing in the past, and considers several possible activities that the person may be doing in the future.”

Kodiak works with the assistance of a Microsoft Kinect 3D camera and a database of 3D videos in its memory. (Via Ubergizmo)

The accuracy in predicting a human’s future actions might not be completely up to par quite yet, but a writer for Medical Daily points out Kodiak is fairly accurate within a matter of seconds.

While it’s a work in progress, the robot was able to correctly predict actions 82 percent of the time when looking one second ahead of time. It drops to 71 percent when predicting three seconds ahead of time. And, remarkably, Kodiak is still accurate more than half the time when predicting actions ten seconds ahead of time.

Slate notes while the innovative technology may be cool and exciting, humans don’t need algorithms to predict the future. Which means, Kodiak probably won’t make any changes to who tends the bars on busy nights — or what we do in our daily lives just yet.

“Humans and other animals do this all the time, and they do it incredibly well, which is why robots aren’t going to be replacing human bartenders anytime soon.”

The project was funded by the U.S. Army Research Office, Microsoft and the Alfred E. Sloan Foundation. The PhD student and professor both behind the project will present their research in conferences in Atlanta and Berlin in June.

Gmail Unveils new 'Tabbed' Inbox

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:48:30 -0500

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(Image Source: Google)

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

The Gmail inbox is getting a brand new look on desktop and mobile — revamping the functionality of the popular email service.

Google announced Wednesday the new update will employ the use of tabs to custom-categorize your mail — something Google says “will put you back in control” of your inbox. (Via Google)

The new default categories — based on Gmail’s current label system — include …

… Primary for people you contact regularly, Social for social networks, Promotions for offers and deals, Updates for receipts and bills and Forums for messages from online groups. (Via NBC)

Improving email inbox interface and organization has been a focal point for many tech companies as of late —

— and Google is competing to gain ground on the mobile front against competitors such as Mailbox, who also promise their email organization system will get you to “inbox zero” daily. (Via Mailbox)

CNET explains Gmail’s new overhaul will “go some distance to help keep the Gmail faithful from straying to more mobile-friendly mail clients.” But it’s ability to take you to “inbox zero” nirvana remains unproven. (CNET)

A writer for SlashGear says the new interface could improve email workflow, but questions its efficiency.

“This update has the potential to effectively sort spam instantly – what remains to be seen is if the algorithms Google has put in play are as slick as they appear in the first promotional video the team has revealed.”

The update is available immediately for desktop and on Android, with the iOS app also set for release pending Apple’s approval.

Amazon Announces Five Original TV Series

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:25:41 -0500

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(Image Source: Amazon)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

Amazon has chosen five original TV series to premiere when it launches its video streaming service at the end of the year. So what are they?

The first, Alpha House, is an adult political comedy. It stars John Goodman and follows four senators who live together in a rented house in Washington DC. (Via Amazon)

The Next, Betas, centers on “four computer geeks and their quest for nerd fame as they attempt to crack the ultimate code.” It’s set in Silicon Valley. (Via Amazon)

And in what some call a surprising move, the final three are all geared toward kids.

Annebots — “revolves around Anne, a young scientist, who creates three robot helpers…” (Via Amazon)

Creative Galaxy — aimed at a much younger audience, is an interactive series “designed to inspire kids' creative thinking.” (Via Amazon)

And finally, Tumbleaf, is “aimed at preschoolers and set in a whimsical land where a small blue fox named Fig plays each day.” (Via Amazon)

Each of the shows were chosen from a lineup of 14 pilots of potential original series released by Amazon last month. Viewers then got to vote on their favorites.

Amazon’s new streaming service will compete with others like Hulu…

… and Netflix — which lost its deal with Viacom, owner of Nickelodeon, when the company decided not to renew its deal with Netflix last week. (Via Siliconbeat)

So, Amazon targeting the little ones might not be the worst idea as far as increasing viewership goes. Also, creating original content will give Amazon a more even playing field with competitors — leaving a writer for Mashable to note:

“Amazon has built a sizable video library over the past few years by licensing content from major studios. Now, like Netflix and Hulu, it's moving into more original content. Clearly, Amazon hopes to add incentive for consumers to subscribe to its own as well as other streaming video providers...”

In a statement, Roy Price, director of Amazon Studios says: “It's exciting to see the process in motion, doing exactly what we set out to do. The success of this first set of pilots has given us the push to try this approach with even more shows - this is just the beginning.” (Via Pocket-Lint)

Amazon’s original series will begin premiering at the end of the year and on into 2014.

Apple CEO Talks Wearable Computing at D11 Keynote

Wed, 29 May 2013 14:15:21 -0500

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(Image source: AllThingsD)

BY MATT PICHT AND EVAN THOMAS

AllThingsD kicked off its D11 conference Tuesday with a keynote conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook. It’s the second year Cook has headlined for the AllThingsD conference, and just like last year, he really didn’t have much to say.

Journalists Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg grilled Cook for almost an hour and a half on everything from Apple TV to the upcoming iOS 7. Cook gave few concrete details about new products, but he did hint that Apple TV was part of a “very grand vision,” and suggested iOS 7 might be more open to the consumer. (Via Ars Technica)

The conversation grew more interesting when Swisher and Mossberg brought up the field of wearable computing. Cook criticized rival product Google Glass for lacking mass market appeal, but suggested the field of wearable tech has tons of potential — if Apple can find the right product.

“There’s lots of things to solve in the space, but it’s an area where it’s ripe for exploration.” (Via AllThingsD)

Apple’s CEO declined to give much more information, suggesting Apple customers would enjoy being surprised. According to ReadWrite, Cook’s coyness was an implicit promise of cool things to come.

“Basically, Cook was saying, ‘Look, we know we haven’t released a game changer in awhile. And we know our stock has dropped. But we’re building cool stuff. Trust me. When it’s ready, we’ll show it to you.’”

Still, the lack of details has some journalists champing at the bit for more information. A writer for Fortune says Cook’s modesty is a far cry from the bombastic titillation Apple’s old CEO would routinely generate.

“What frustrates about Tim Cook is that while Steve Jobs was every bit as persnickety about revealing Apple’s product plans … Jobs would say darn interesting things in the process. Cook, on the other hand, is completely confident in his ability to out-wait his inquisitors … ” (Via CNN)

D11 wasn’t just about Apple’s products for Cook: He also fielded questions about his recent visit to Capitol Hill over allegations of tax avoidance. TechCrunch notes, Cook took advantage of the D11 keynote to discuss his problems with the current U.S. tax code.

“ ... the code itself is more than 7,500 pages long and impossible to understand. As a result, Cook suggested it was time to gut the current tax code. With that in mind, Cook went before the Senate subcommittee to provide a proposal for comprehensive tax reform.”

Those hoping for more Apple information won’t have long to wait: Cook will take the stage again on Monday, June 10 to deliver the WWDC conference keynote address.

Why Are CNN and BuzzFeed Teaming Up?

Tue, 28 May 2013 12:38:00 -0500

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(Image source: BuzzFeed)

BY ELIZABETH HAGEDORN

An unlikely pairing or a match made in Internet heaven? CNN has announced it’s joining forces with viral video site, BuzzFeed.

Here’s a taste of what’s in store for the new partnership... mashup videos like this, showing you “Some of the Most Amazing Rescue Moments Shown on CNN.” (Via YouTube / CNNBuzzFeed)

The new content will show up on a joint YouTube channel, as well as CNN.com.

Per The Wall Street Journal, the not-yet-specified, eight-figure deal gives Buzzfeed access to both CNN’s video archives and current content.

Interestingly enough, CNN beat nearly every other news organization in 2012 in terms of online traffic... so why the need to branch out? A writer at The Atlantic Wire explains why Buzzfeed may be the perfect partner for a network looking to further tap into the 18-34 demographic.

“ … CNN can't exactly give the BuzzFeed ‘10 Animals That Look Like Poop Cruise Victims’ treatment to its CNN.com stories, but now those ideas have an online home — and some branding for the kids.”

And it’s a bargain for BuzzFeed too, according to a Mediabistro writer, who says: “For BuzzFeed, the deal provides a wealth of video content, just waiting to be uncovered and edited down to brief, bite-sized chunks ready for social sharing.”

This is just the latest in BuzzFeed’s efforts to transition away from being a website more associated with cat pictures than traditional news. It launched a business section earlier this month and raised $19 million to improve its mobile and international presence.

The New York City-based company made another big announcement Tuesday — BuzzFeed will create what it’s calling a “ social video studio” in LA for “influencers, thinkers and celebrities” to make their own viral videos.

What's Behind Yahoo! CEO Mayer's Recent Shopping Spree?

Mon, 27 May 2013 18:05:58 -0500

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(Image source: Mashable / Flickr)

BY COLLIN RUANE

Yahoo! has been making headlines, especially in the last few weeks, for its boldness in purchasing roughly a dozen web services since October — six of them within the last month.

Most recently, Yahoo! announced a bid to purchase video site Hulu which streams content from some of the country’s most popular networks. This is the second time Yahoo! has taken a shot at acquiring Hulu. (Via MSNBC)

AllThingsD notes the price Yahoo! is willing to pay this time around is significantly lower than it was two years ago.

Back in 2011, Yahoo! offered to buy Hulu for $2 billion before it decided to take itself off the market. Now Yahoo! is offering between $600 million and $800 million for the video streaming service. However, Hulu has said it won’t accept offers under $1 billion.

Whether Yahoo! acquires Hulu or not, the company and its new CEO, Marissa Mayer, have been developing Yahoo! in attempts to bring it back into the spotlight.

Arguably, the most notable change at Yahoo! is its recent purchase of blogging site Tumblr for $1.1 billion. The popular site is home to more than 100 million blogs and millions of devoted users. (Via The New York Times)

A writer for VentureBeat said Mayer is on fire with changes she has spearheaded at Yahoo!. “Finally, after years of virtual irrelevance at the search/media company, Mayer has Yahoo doing huge and interesting things again.”

The series of acquisitions at Yahoo! prompted one writer at iTech Post to call it a shopping spree.

In addition to taking over many smaller companies, Yahoo! is also taking control of “Saturday Night Live” after buying the rights to it in April. SNL currently has its episodes streamed on Hulu. Examiner takes a look at when changes will be taking place.

“The deal with Broadway Video and NBC Entertainment will cement that all 38 seasons of the skit comedy show will stream only on Yahoo! starting in September.”

Why so many abrupt changes from Mayer? Time points out the CEO wants to bring concepts to Yahoo! which worked well when she was an executive at her old company.

“Mayer has made clear that she wants to incorporate Yahoo’s products — like Yahoo Mail, Flickr and its popular home page — into the ‘daily habits’ of its users. In order to achieve that goal, Mayer is trying to refocus Yahoo on the ‘user experience,’ which was her specialty at Google.”

Mayer’s effort to focus on the user appears to be working. USA Today notes that in January, Yahoo! had 28 million regular users — more than twice as many users visiting the site compared to that time a year earlier.

And people have noticed the changes at Yahoo! A blogger for The Motley Fool says the company has a lot of room to grow and is doing just that.

“What helps me remain bullish is that [Mayer] seems to have a vision for the company, one that she seems to be executing.”

Since Mayer took over as CEO, Yahoo’s stock price has nearly doubled. The price in July of 2012 was less than $15, and, as of Friday, the stock’s price has risen to nearly $27 per share.

Did Apple Show an iWatch in Latest iPhone Ad?

Mon, 27 May 2013 16:28:30 -0500

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(Image source: YouTube / Apple)

BY MATT MORENO

A new Apple iPhone ad has people talking. No, not about the iPhone, but about the iWatch. Its believed the company may have teased their next gadget in the ad. You be the judge.

Check out this guy, harmlessly drumming along to his music at a coffee shop. But, what’s that on his wrist? Looks to be a trendy wrist watch. The iWatch, maybe? Very sneaky Apple. (Via YouTube / Apple)

The two-second long clip has many saying, “hmmmm.” Tech blog 9to5mac was first to point out the possibility. A writer says, “While obviously Apple wouldn’t leak a real product through their advertisements, we can’t help but think that this is perhaps a subtle troll on Apple’s part.”

Now, its possible its not the iWatch and all this uproar is over nothing. But, an iWatch from Apple has been rumored for awhile, and Apple CEO Tim Cook promised “new product categories” in his latest talk with investors.

The New York Times first reported in February the company was experimenting with a wristwatch like computer.

Then, Bloomberg said the company had more than 100 people working on the concept. The article says that many people suggests Apple is doing much more than just experimenting.

And Corning — that’s the company which creates glass for other Apple products — announced last year it figured out how to create bendable glass, but says it won’t be seen in products for another three years. (Via Corning Incorporated)

Even if Apple doesn’t deliver on the iWatch, wearable technology could still be the new thing of the future.

Google is working on wearable Google glasses that can do just about anything a Google search can. It’s not expected to be released to the public until late 2013 or early 2014, but there are already lots of prototypes floating around. (Via Google)

Tech analysts say if the iWatch is as far along as they think it is, and, you know, real, it would probably ship in 2014. But for now, it’s all still speculation.

Original 'Apple 1' Computer Sold for Nearly $700K

Mon, 27 May 2013 12:07:47 -0500

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(Image Source: Breker)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

A wealthy entrepreneur from the Far East left an auction with a special vintage piece over the weekend — one of the first Apple computers ever made.

The buyer put up a record-breaking $671,000 for an Apple-1 at an auction in Germany. This sale surpasses the paid for a model last November.

Dating back to 1976, these computers were originally built by Apple co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in a family garage. There are thought to only be six known functioning models left in the world.

This particular computer has shifted hands a couple times before.

But the original owner, Fred Hatfield, wasn’t a fan of it. He told NPR the computer couldn’t do much, only simple calculations. He ended up selling the computer for $40,000.

That buyer, a young man from Texas in the software industry, fixed up the computer and even got it signed by Wozniak himself — which most likely increased the antique’s value.

German auctioneer Uwe Breker tells The New York Times the attraction of these computers is what they represent.

“It is a superb symbol of the American dream. You have two college dropouts from California who pursued an idea and a dream, and that dream becomes one of the most admired, successful and valuable companies in the world.”

The most recent buyer of the Apple 1 has requested to remain anonymous. As for Hatfield, he plans on using his $40,000 on some “good dinners and nights of music on Frenchmen Street.”

'Samsung Premiere 2013' and the Art of the Tech Tease

Mon, 27 May 2013 10:18:29 -0500

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(Image Source: Engadget)

BY JIM FLINK

What a tease. If you’re playing in the tech sector, that’s just about the highest compliment you can be paid. Take a look at the latest rumor, coming the way of indecipherable snapshots.

Engadget tries to translate exactly what these partial pictures represent. It suggests Samsung is teasing its "Premiere 2013" roadshow event in London on June 20th. And here’s its take.

The words "Galaxy & ATIV" … suggest the event will mainly feature Android and Windows-based devices. The ... three mysterious devices -- possibly a tablet or phone, a convertible laptop ... and a camera.

Oh, that’s not the half of it.

TGSpot reportedly found this nugget -- reportedly an accidental reveal by Samsung of a new Galaxy S4 mini on its own website.

Mashable noting, Samsung allows you to sort apps by device, and that....

Devices are listed by name and photo, the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini being one of those devices.

Accident? Ok... but here are more details....

The Galaxy S4 mini would...

… shrink the screen size from 5-inches to 4.3-inches.

… have a handset sporting a 1.6GHz processor, Super AMOLED 960x540 display, and 8-megapixel camera.

And the Chinese site, Punk Panda reportedly even has pictures....like these.

So, rumor. Mystery. International intrigue. Rich stuff.

Trusted Reviews notes, Galaxy has even more accidental information....

The Galaxy S4 Mini will run on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with Samsung's heavily customised TouchWiz UI. It'll also have a ... Dual Camera, Eraser Shot, and Drama Shot.

Samsung has sandwiched its announcement between rivals Apple and Microsoft for its big reveal.

Apple’s WWDC begins June 10. Microsoft’s Build Conference begins June 26, where it’s likely to unveil Windows Blue, an update to Windows 8.

(Via IBN Live)

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is reportedly, allegedly, purportedly heading for a mid-July launch.

Google Attempts to Connect a Billion More Users to Internet

Sat, 25 May 2013 20:48:57 -0500

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(Image source: Google)

BY CANDICE AVILES

Is there anything tech giant Google isn’t willing to try? The company is attempting to build wireless networks in developing markets to connect at least a billion more people to the Internet.

The Wall Street Journal reports the wireless networks would be put in areas like sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia — places that currently don’t even have wired Internet connections. (Via Google Maps)

Early reports suggest Google might team up with local telecommunications firms in those areas to develop the networks and supporting business models.

Google can make this happen a few different ways. It can either create a massive satellite-based network or use the gaps in television broadcast airwaves — but only if government regulators allow it. Those gaps between broadcast TV channels are also known as “television white spaces.” (Via PC Magazine)

And if it doesn’t use TV white spaces, Ars Technica reports Google is also experimenting with blimps and balloons to transmit signals for networks.

This move has been in the works for some time now, as Google sees financial promise in it.

“More Internet users ... would drive online advertising on many of Google’s services. The company currently derives 87% of its annual revenue from selling online ads. The activities underscore how the Web search giant is increasingly aiming to have control over every aspect of a person’s connection to the Web across the globe." (Via The Wall Street Journal)

However, GigaOm seems to think Google’s goal of reaching billions of people might be a little far-fetched.

“Google is focusing its efforts primarily in rural areas, but if Google really plans to connect a billion unconnected people, it would also need to hit urban centers. Still ... it could have an enormous impact on the developing world. In sub-Saharan Africa, 3G and 4G cellular is practically non-existent.”

Google might have competition when it comes to accomplishing its mission, though. (Via Microsoft)

According to TechCentral, both Google and Microsoft are pouring money into pilot projects testing the potential of the white-spaces spectrum. If the companies get permission to use white spaces, “it could help bring billions of people in emerging markets online for the first time. The social and economic impact would be vast.”

Google has declined to comment on this topic.

Google I/O Screengrab Looks Like Major Gmail Update

Sat, 25 May 2013 12:53:00 -0500

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(Image source: Android Police)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

If you use Gmail on your Android device or the web, new changes could be coming your way.

For your phone, leaked screengrabs show Google might be adding a navigation drawer, rather than the drop-down menu in the current Gmail app. The buttons for “compose” and “search” have also found a new home in the top action bar. (Via Android OS)

Android Police say they spotted the change in a Google I/O session video. And while some argue the screengrabs could just be a mock-up, TechCrunch points out the presentation makes the changes look possible. Not to mention the fact that the navigation drawer would make using the app a lot easier, especially for those who like to use a lot of labels.

On the web, Gmail could have new Category tabs that organize emails into separate inboxes based on the content within the email. (Via 9TO5 Google)

So let’s say you get an email from Facebook or Twitter. That would be filtered into the inbox titled “Social.”

Other emails would get placed in categories like Main, Offers, Notifications, and Forums. The Next Web explains the categories would function a lot like AOL’s Alto application.

The Verge says this type of change is a possible sign Google is trying to play “catch up.” Outlook added “Quick View” filters back in 2010.

And The Next Web says if these rumors are true, users could expect the changes to be rolled out over the next few weeks.

What to Expect for Apple's iOS 7 Software

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:51:40 -0500

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(Image source: Mashable)

BY COURTNEY TEZENO

More details are emerging about Apple’s new iOS 7 design as its debut draws near. The latest round of Apple rumors indicate we’ll be seeing a lot less color.

According to 9to5mac, Apple’s Jonathan Ive is responsible for the flattened, minimalistic design. Ive is not a fan of the current design features mimicking real-world textures, such as the Notes app that looks like notebook paper. According to Ive, “software designs filled with physical metaphors do not stand the test of time.”

Based on the rumors, Simply Zesty created this concept video demonstrating what we might see in the iOS 7. The redesign would eliminate the real-world textures currently dominating the iOS software in favor of a flat black-and-white design. (YouTube / SimplyZesty)

TechSpot reports on the old elements the apps could lose with the new operating system.

“Game table-inspired green felt, leather-like trim, wood-grained shelves and college-ruled yellow notebook paper — in favor of a decidedly modern look filled more with broad swaths of solid color and filled less with overt stylism.”

So “real-world” is out. Meanwhile, Examiner has summarized a list of other design changes users can expect. Starting with the home screen, icons will lose their shadows and gloss in favor of flatness. However, the buttons are still round and tappable. The lock screen nixes the shiny, transparent time bar in exchange for a shine-free black interface. The grid for entering a pin code will be replaced with round, black buttons with white text. And the notification bar’s drop-down menu will sport a black-and-white color scheme.

According to tech website AllThingsD, Apple has confirmed it will debut the new versions of iOS and OS X at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

Google vs. Facebook in Waze Bidding War?

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:27:00 -0500

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(Image source: Bloomberg)

BY SCOTT MALONE

It appears Google is driving full speed ahead with a plan to purchase mobile mapping company Waze — but this new interest could lead to a bidding war of the who’s-who of tech giants.

Bloomberg cites several sources close to the matter, but those sources say Waze is seeking more than $1 billion in any deal. This comes on the heels of Facebook’s reported negotiations with the mapping company.

Waze is a mobile application for getting directions and routing around traffic with the help of other drivers, and it’s used by more than 47 million people in 193 countries. (Via YouTube / Waze GPS)

Waze’s reported suitors include Google, Facebook and Microsoft among others. But there’s one notable name that is apparently sitting this one out: Apple. Why? One analyst told Bloomberg buyouts just aren’t Apple’s M.O.

“Rather than trying to solve the problem by going out and making a big acquisition … They seem to want to build this kind of functionality organically, in-house, and the problem is that they stumble over themselves. They stumbled over themselves in cloud synchronization and now they’re stumbling over themselves with Apple Maps.”

So if Apple wants to sort out its own map software, why does Google — which already has a popular mapping app of its own — want to jump into the fray?

Industry experts point to the growing popularity of mobile devices, and as a result mapping services are rising in importance too. A writer for ZDNet says Google’s potential benefits are twofold. (Via WWAY)

“If Google manages to secure the startup, not only will it keep Waze information, subscribers and technology out of rival company hands, but real-time updates could become a valuable addition to Google’s popular Maps service.”

Analysts also point out that Google buying Waze would keep Facebook out of the mobile mapping melee.

But all bidding aside, TechCrunch reports Waze’s own investors could be the major snag in any acquisition thanks to “... questions about whether Waze would move fully to the U.S. or keep [research and development] in Israel causing disagreements.”

Case Against Apple Suggests E-Book Price-Fixing 'Conspiracy'

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:08:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY SCOTT MALONE

As if the IRS targeting Apple’s alleged tax-dodging practices wasn’t enough, it now appears another part of the U.S. government is poised to take a bite out of the tech giant’s bottom line.

The Department of Justice alleges Apple and five big-name publishers plotted to fix the price of ebooks “to boost profits and force rival Amazon to abandon its discount pricing.” But while the trial hasn’t started yet, its judge recently said...

“I believe that the government will be able to show at trial direct evidence that Apple knowingly participated in and facilitated a conspiracy to raise prices of e-books, and that the circumstantial evidence in this case, including the terms of the agreements, will confirm that.” (Via CNET)

That sounds an awful lot like a verdict, doesn’t it? Well the judge did say her viewpoint was, quote, “tentative,” and she was basing it solely on the evidence she’s seen already.

The iPad-maker maintains it didn’t conspire to fix prices, and it didn’t collude with any book publishers. But just how much bite does Apple’s argument hold? (Via WBIR)

All Things D obtained a 2010 email from Steve Jobs to James Murdoch of News Corp. In the email, Jobs lays out his view of News Corp’s options to sell its e-books. Yet one line stands out among the rest: “Throw in with Apple and see if we can all make a go of this to create a real mainstream e-books market at $12.99 and $14.99.”

That last bit, the “we can all make a go of this” to create a mainstream e-books market, sounds a bit suggestive of collusion. Yet in that same email Jobs admits Apple’s pricing idea may just be flat out wrong, so it’s not as damaging as it could be.

While that email is just one piece of the justice department’s evidence against Apple, it’s important to point out each of those five publishers have already settled with the department. (Via WNAC)

Again: that looks like quite the red flag that the other defendants have all settled over alleged price fixing.

But a writer for SlashGear says don’t touch that gavel just yet. He spoke with one of those publishers who settled, and the publisher said it dropped its defense “because the potential penalties became too high to risk even the possibility of an unfavorable outcome.”

We likely won’t know just what side of the favorable scale Apple’s outcome will be on for a few weeks. The trial is set to begin June 3rd.

Google Acquisition Eyes Kite Power, Flying Wings

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:55:00 -0500

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(Image source: Makani Power)

BY MIKE WESTFALL AND MIKAH SARGENT

Google’s super-secret research lab, Google X, is focusing its attention on the clouds. After early investments with the company, Google has acquired Makani Power — a green energy company.

The company makes Airborne Wind Turbines, or AWTs. Due to wind inconsistencies on the ground, AWTs are made to fly between 800 and nearly 2,000 feet where there is stronger, more reliable wind for generating power.

And even before the acquisition, Makani was making leaps and bounds with the energy technology.

According to CNET, the company hopes to continue to improve the kite’s generating abilities. The goal is to produce a kite that can generate 600 kilowatts of power — so far it has been able to generate 30 kilowatts. To compare, the average wind turbine generates 3,000 kilowatts and CNET notes it requires a lot more material.

Google X is designed to come up with these crazy, seemingly impossible ideas — referred to as moonshots. And the Makani Wind Turbines won’t be the first moonshot to come out of Google X. Google Glass and the Google driverless car are both products of the impossible tech factory.

TechCrunch spoke with Google, which has confirmed this acquisition and provided the following statement from Astro Teller, Google X’s “Captain of Moonshots”:

“Creating clean energy is one of the most pressing issues facing the world, and Google for years has been interested in helping to solve this problem ... [Makani Power] turned a technology that today involves hundreds of tons of steel and precious open space into a problem that can be solved with really intelligent software.”

But why is a tech company throwing shareholder cash at projects for humanity? Other than the obvious moral reasons, Bloomberg says it’s because Google’s taking a page out of the history books.

“Google X seeks to be an heir to the classic research labs, such as the Manhattan Project, which created the first atomic bomb, and Bletchley Park, where code breakers cracked German ciphers and gave birth to modern cryptography.”

Another world-betterment project coming out of the secret laboratory is a project to bring internet to undeveloped countries. Keep up the good work, Google.

Are Teens Truly Tired of Facebook?

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:50:00 -0500

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(Image source: CNET)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

Facebook is still the most popular social network around. But it might actually be losing its attraction among a main target audience — teens.

A new Pew study found a decline in teens’ enthusiasm for the social media site.

They’re blaming an increasing adult presence on the site, people sharing excessively, and what they call stressful “drama.” The big takeaway?

A senior researcher with the Pew Internet Project told ABC "While Facebook is still deeply integrated in teens' everyday lives, it is sometimes seen as a utility and an obligation rather than an exciting new platform that teens can claim as their own"

But, a whopping 77 percent of kids aged 12-17 still use Facebook. Pew reports this is because teens still see it as an “important part of overall teenage socializing.”

And Twitter seems to be picking up speed, seeing an 8 percent increase in use among teens since 2011.

News like this has caused a bit of concern for Facebook investors. But Bloomberg editor Corey Johnson says this data isn’t necessarily bad news, instead...

Corey Johnson: “It just shows that there are a variety of social media and that the kids, the teenagers are very aware what happens on these types of platforms.”

Emily Cheng: “Right perhaps the role of Facebook is changing.”

A writer for CNET says the bottom line here is that teens just want to be social.

“It isn't about posting your latest outfit or beer pong picture and asking for validation. It isn't about seeing who Snodgrass is dating or what's he smoking. It's a genuine conversation. Dialogue. Immediate dialogue. Backward and forward.”

Twitter Rolls Out Two-Step Verification to Curb Hacking

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:05:14 -0500

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(Image Source: YouTube / Twitter)

BY MATT MORENO

Twitter is hoping a new security option will help keep your account and password private and keep hackers out.

The company unveiled a new, two-step login process Wednesday. As described in this video, the option would have users sign in to their account as normal, then send a verification password to their phones. (Via Youtube / Twitter)

The extra step isn’t mandatory and can be enabled or disabled by going to the settings page. (Via Twitter)

But the update helps add extra security following the recent hacking of several high profile accounts.

Earlier this week, a group calling themselves the Syrian Electronic Army reportedly hacked The Telegraph’s Twitter account. But, its not the only account to fall victim. (Via The Telegraph)

In the past year, the accounts of Burger King, Jeep and the Associated Press were all compromised. Many of the accounts were altered to feature incorrect information. (Via ABC, Fox News, CBS)

In the case of the Associated Press, a tweet on the company’s verified Twitter page read: “Breaking: Two Explosions in the White House and Barack Obama is injured.”

The tweet was false, but caused Wall Street to panic before it was removed by Twitter. So, it might take a little longer to get into your account, but a writer for CNET says it’s a good tradeoff for extra security.

She writes, “The additional security measure certainly complicates the login process, but the extra step is one many Twitter users, particularly brand users, will welcome with open arms.”

The security step requires you to enter your cell phone number to receive the verification codes. Facebook and Google have similar systems.

GIF Inventor Weighs in on Pronunciation Debate

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:00:05 -0500

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(Image source: Mashable)

BY ELIZABETH HAGEDORN

We now have before us the answer to one of life’s greatest mysteries — how to pronounce the word GIF. Or is it GIF?

The inventor of the graphic interchange format Steve Wilhite nabbed a lifetime achievement award at this year’s Webbys. Here’s his five-word long acceptance speech... and, watch carefully. (Via CNN)

“It’s pronounced JIF not GIF." (Via YouTube / TheWebbyAwards)

There you have it. Wilhite launched the GIF in 1987, and the quick, animated format has since taken off... (Via PBS)

...spurring endless Tumblr pages devoted to things like these dancing poodles, this needlepointing cat, and some of Tyra Banks’s more horrifying facial contortions. (Via Buzzfeed)

While some may rejoice that the giff/jiff debacle is finally over, a writer at CNET wonders: could this be the start of a downward spiral? Will Americans begin questioning their every word? Words like: “‘water’ (it actually has a ‘t’), ‘Wimbledon’ (why do so many Americans believe it has a ‘t’ near the end?) and ‘herbs’ (can you see the ‘h’ at the beginning?)”

Believe it or not, this also spells bad news for the White House. Take a look at this picture posted to the administration’s Tumblr account, seemingly declaring the pronunciation as with a hard G.

So, to believe the White House decree or take the inventor at his word? Where do you stand on the jiff/giff debate?

Perhaps the best answer lies with this GIF. (Via Gawker)

Xbox One Designed to Take Over Your Living Room?

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:20:00 -0500

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(Image source: Microsoft)

BY JIM FLINK

After eight long years, it’s here. Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox One: The company’s new flagship entertainment device. So long Xbox 360. You’re so two-thousand-and-late.

So, what’s new and cool? The Xbox One boasts TV integration and voice control. And that’s big. Analysts suggest Microsoft is trying to take over your living room.

(Via Bloomberg)

Xbox One builds in Skype and streaming services, and even uses an HDMI pass-through to present your TV content...

(Via Microsoft)

... plus it has a Blu-ray drive for movies, an improved Kinect sensor so sensitive, it can track when your heart beats faster. And did we mention it’s voice controlled?

(Via The Verge)

Still for all the cool, Microsoft immediately had to deal with the critics. The Guardian notes...

“Gamers would be forgiven for feeling a little disappointed by Xbox One, which seems so focused on being the hub for the living room that there has been little apparent innovation in the games themselves ….”

That may require some patience. A Wall Street Journal reporter says, most think Microsoft will make another big splash in three weeks at the E3 gamer’s conference in Los Angeles...

“...there’s gonna be at least eight wholly new game properties that are going to be exclusive for the XBox One...so these would be games that are franchises, not like what we’ve seen before with games like Halo, but potentially all new game franchises...”

Another thing the new console apparently won’t have — backwards compatibility with old Xbox games.

(Via Mashable)

Forbes reports, all Xbox One games will have to “be installed to the hard drive, either through digital download or the disc itself. That allows easy access to titles without disc switching, but it also causes complications.”

Complications like your friends having to pay an unlock fee — if you allow them borrow your game.

So, excitement yes. And, still lots to muddle through. There’s time though. Microsoft says Xbox One will be available later this year.

NASA Funds Development of 3D Printed Food

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:28:41 -0500

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(Image Source: TNO Research)

BY MATT MORENO

It’s tough to get a pizza delivered to Mars. Instead, NASA is developing a 3D printer capable of instantly materializing food.

Quartz reports NASA is in partnership with Systems and Materials Research Corporation to develop a 3D printer that could print food for astronauts. (Via Quartz)

The company owner says he’s already printed chocolate, so creating a device to print other foods isn’t out of the question. (Via YouTube / Anjan Contractor)

NASA is reportedly giving the company a six month, $125,000 grant to work on the project.

The concept is still in the works, but it will reportedly involve adding cartridges filled with powders, oils and nutrients into a printer. The machine could then create nutritionally balanced meals. (Via YouTube / TNOResearch)

But, why stop at food? The 3D technology is allowing for further innovations.

CNN reports a variety of companies are already printing jewelry, buttons, game pieces and other small items. (Via CNN)

But 3D printing technology means the public could potentially print anything, including guns. Defense Distributed briefly put up the plans for a 3D printed gun earlier this month. (Via YouTube / vice)

Many of the ingredients used in 3D food printing have a shelf life of 30-years — plenty of time to get to Mars.

Senators Grill Apple CEO Over Company Tax Evasion Charge

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:52:03 -0500

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(Image source: C-SPAN)

BY MATT MORENO

Apple executives went before a U.S. Senate panel Tuesday, facing accusations of tax evasion. Though the California-based company’s CEO says they’ve done nothing wrong.

Senators John McCain and Carl Levin announced at a news conference they believe Apple Inc. is using offshore entities, mainly in Ireland, to skip out on billions of dollars in taxes. (Via euronews)

MCCAIN: “Apple is one of the largest tax avoiders. It’s unacceptable, and they’re not the only ones, but they’re the most egregious offender." (Via Bloomberg)

In a report, the Senate committee says Apple is withholding $102 billion of its $142 billion in earnings overseas. It goes on to say one of Apple’s two Irish subsidiaries paid only $10 million in taxes, despite earning $22 billion in 2010. (Via Al Jazeera)

Apple isn’t the only company accused of doing this, but the senate committee says it’s investigating the company because of the “gimmicks” it uses. However, CEO Tim Cook says the Apple’s tax record is squeaky clean.

“Apple has real operations, in real places, with Apple employees selling real products.”

“We pay all the taxes we owe -- every single dollar.”

Another question here: are Apple’s tactics technically legal but morally wrong? It’s a bit of gray area. New York Times reporter Charles Duhigg explains.

“The tax code was written for industrial companies yet, in today’s digital age, companies that sell digital downloads, intellectual property or programs -- things you can't touch, they can move those around the world and, as a result, slip through the cracks.”

But, a writer for CNN sees it differently and says Apple exploited loopholes to escape paying its fair share.

Apple reportedly has two subsidiaries in Ireland, but the country’s government says its tax system is not to blame.

Xbox to Announce New Console Tuesday, Sony Releases PS4 Ad

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:55:00 -0500

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(Image source: Microsoft)

BY COLLIN RUANE

Big news in the world of all things gaming.

Microsoft is set to announce its new Xbox console known as Xbox Infinity at an event on Tuesday. WBBM breaks down some of the new specs. (Via KSAZ)

HARRY PORTERFIELD: “The new device will offer more than just games. You’ll be able to stream movies, music and television. Insiders say you’ll see more specialized glasses and an advanced version of its motion sensor.”

But the new Xbox device won’t be completely revealed on Tuesday. NBC reports it will be the first part in a two-part reveal which stretches into mid-June.

But it seems Microsoft isn’t the only company making headlines for a new gaming system. On Monday, Sony released a new ad for the PS4 — a console that was first announced a few months ago. (Via YouTube / sonyplaystation)

Sony stayed secretive when it began touting the PS4 three months ago without showing the actual console. That decision came under scrutiny by critics and gamers alike who felt let down by a reveal that didn’t really reveal much. (Via TechSpot)

The Examiner notes the company is now showing little more than it did in February, saying, “This … teaser video … shows a far away and fuzzy look at the next-gen console interspersed with extreme close-ups of the chassis and lettering.”

The release of Sony’s ad, one day before the Xbox reveal, seems timed to steal a little of Microsoft’s thunder. And Engadget reports Sony may need the help, describing the Xbox 360 as “dominant” in 2012, outselling all other consoles.

But one blogger from Mind of the Geek argues Microsoft’s ranking could be in jeopardy if the reveal doesn’t go well.

“I’ll be watching with eager eyes and sheer excitement, waiting for Microsoft to blow me away and give me a reason to love Xbox again. The competition is fierce, and history has shown that giants can fall in this industry.”

And Forbes echoed that sentiment Monday writing, “This console race is a high-stakes game … It gets real tomorrow.”

Sony and Microsoft will go head-to-head at next month’s Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3 event in June, as the two competitors show off their upcoming devices. A release date for the new Xbox has not been announced.

Teen's Invention Charges Cell Phones In 20 Seconds

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:01:03 -0500

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(Image source: KPIX)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Yeah, it’s not exactly the worst problem to have — but isn’t it annoying how long cell phones take to charge? Well, 18-year-old Eesha Khare was tired of that, and her award-winning invention might mean you’ll be able to charge your phone in just 20 seconds.

The California teen won the Young Scientist Award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for her device, which packs a lot of energy into a small space. Also, how energetic is that guy with the flag?

Khare won $50,000 for her invention -- it fits into your phone and could charge it in 20-30 seconds. So far, it’s been used to power an LED light. It’s called the supercapacitor.

Not to be confused with the flux capacitor. Khare’s invention can also be used for about 10,000 charge cycles. Today’s batteries last about 1,000 cycles, she says. (via Universal Pictures)

KHARE: “Just the size comparison -- it’s so small, and I’d be able to actually replace this with a normal battery.”

REPORTER: “With her $50,000 prize, she’ll go to Harvard this fall and fuel her passion for research.” (via KPIX)

Khare says she loves research on the nanoscale, which is why she’s so proud of this invention. And which is why we’re feeling a little ashamed of our lack of accomplishments at age 18.

On Facebook IPO's Anniversary, a Look Back at the Year

Sun, 19 May 2013 17:21:51 -0500

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(Image source: Mashable)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

It’s been one year since Mark Zuckerberg rang NASDAQ’s opening bell. Since then, the company has made big strides toward mobile ad revenue but suffered a lackluster stock price. Here’s a look back at the year since Facebook became the third biggest IPO in history.

The company was valued at $104 billion, 100 times its revenue, and the stock debuted at $38 per share, almost 100 times more than Google’s IPO eight years earlier. (Via The Telegraph)

Throughout the day, the stock price jumped to $43 and then came back down, finishing up right where it started at $38 a share. But Facebook would never see those numbers again.

Facebook’s stock price plummeted throughout 2012, going as low as $17. According to CNN, “concern about Facebook's late entrance into the mobile ad market was the main reason the stock never recovered.”

In Zuckerberg’s first interview after the company went public, he spoke to that very problem.

“I think the big question that is on everyone’s minds that will determine at least our performance over that period is really gonna be how well we do with mobile.” (Via YouTube / Jeffrey Powers)

Zuckerberg pledged to refocus the company on mobile, and despite the lack of enthusiasm for Facebook Home, The Wall Street Journal reports Zuckerberg made good on that promise.

“ ... new posters began appearing at the headquarters of Facebook Inc. The posters proclaimed: ‘Advertisers are users too.’ … Facebook has pushed revenue up its priority list and restructured its business so that many of its best minds are now thinking about driving sales ... ”

And it seems, at least on the mobile front, those minds are making a difference. In 2011 Facebook had 288 million mobile users. Today? 751 million, which adds up to a 161 percent increase.

And what’s more important than more users is how Facebook is capitalizing on those users.

“Last quarter, 30% of Facebook’s ad revenue came from mobile devices, up from 23% during the previous quarter and 14% the quarter before that. In the first quarter of 2012, Facebook’s mobile revenue constituted 0% of its total revenue.” (Via Time)

But even with these impressive numbers in mobile revenue, the stock price is still 30 percent below where they started a year ago, closing Friday at $26.

Yahoo! Approves $1.1B Tumblr Acquisition

Sun, 19 May 2013 15:15:57 -0500

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(Image source: All Things D)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

Yahoo’s proposed $1.1 billion buyout of Tumblr has reportedly gotten the green light from the company’s board. The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that people familiar with the buyout say it’s a done deal.

Word first broke on Friday that the massive deal was all but finalized, with Yahoo! announcing an event Monday night in New York where CEO Marissa Mayer would be unveiling something product-related. (Via News12)

Now the boards of both companies have reportedly given the deal the go-ahead, making it all but official.

Tumblr hosts more than 100 million blogs, getting around 117 million unique visitors last month.

And, more importantly to Yahoo!, the site is most popular with the 18-24-year-old demographic. (Via Quantcast)

The Wall Street Journal reports: “The company considers the takeover to be a way to jump-start its revenue growth and obtain a bigger presence in social media tied to digital devices...”

Since the news broke, there have been mixed reactions among business and tech writers. Business Insider said of the deal:

“We think this is a win for both Tumblr and Yahoo. Yahoo gets a big, young audience. Tumblr gets more money, and time, to figure out its business.”

But according to TechCrunch, Tumblr’s users aren’t happy with the deal, with many claiming they will walk away from the site if Yahoo! buys the company.

And then there are those who bring up Geocities, the web hosting service Yahoo! bought for $3.6 billion in 1999 only for it to be shuttered in the U.S. 10 years later. A writer for The Atlantic is skeptical the Tumblr buyout will be any different, due to the company’s lack of revenue.

“To say there are cynics out there who think this is going to blow up and be a disaster for both sides is an understatement. But it's mostly going to be a disaster for Yahoo! and Marissa Mayer because they're the ones dumb enough to pay $1 billion for a company that only generated one percent of that in revenue last year.”

The $1.1 billion cash buyout is Mayer’s biggest acquisition to date, made all the more risky by the fact that Yahoo! reportedly only had $1.2 billion cash on hand at the end of March.

Google Glass Causing Congressional Privacy Concerns

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:56:20 -0500

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(Image Source: Google)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

Google glass is sparking some concerns for a group of lawmakers. The problem... privacy.

Eight members of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus are currently awaiting answers to a letter sent to Google’s chief executive Larry Page. In the letter, the group outlined eight questions about how the technology would impact the privacy of the “average American.” (Via YouTube / Project Glass)

Some questions highlight Google’s track record, bringing up the 2010 incident where Google collected user data over wireless networks without permission.

Others focus on the actual capabilities of the technology.

The letter even goes so far as asking what limitations will be put on app developers. (Via U.S. Congress)

Glass will essentially allow users to connect to the Internet and do things like take photographs, record and watch video, send text messages and post to social media sites through device that resembles a pair of glasses. (Via ABC)

But lawmakers like Texas Rep. Joe Barton don’t want Google Glass wearers to have the ability to record other people without them knowing. And Congress members, like him, aren’t the only ones worried about what the technology could potentially do.

Caesars Palace recently banned Google Glass, saying the use of recording devices and computers aren’t allowed when gambling. (Via Caesars Palace)

But a writer for The Motely Fool argues this reaction to new technology is no different than others we’ve seen in the past.

In 2003, the problem was camera phones and their growing popularity and quality. (Via Wikimedia Commons / OptoScalpel)

Just like we’re seeing now, the questions then revolved around how to handle and regulate the technology... but the point is, eventually we learned to how to deal with it.

“It’s still too early to give Google Glass that much credit, but it’s also too early to write it off. We may figure out a way to adapt the new technology into our lives without giving up all of our privacy. We've certainly done it before.”

Google defended its technology against these privacy worries during the Google I/O conference on Thursday. An engineer on the Glass team pointed out that social cues will alert others that you’re looking at them.

“If I’m recording you, I have to stare at you — as a human being. And when someone is staring at you, you have to notice. If you walk into a restroom and someone’s just looking at you — I don't know about you but I'm getting the hell out of there.”

Nonetheless, the group of lawmakers is expecting a response to all of their questions no later than June 14.

Georgia Woman Receives High-Tech Bionic Hands

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:25:55 -0500

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(Image source: aimeecopeland.com)

BY COLLIN RUANE

One year after her life changed completely, a Georgia woman has received two new prosthetic hands that do more than any prosthesis has done before.

Twenty-five-year-old Aimee Copeland fell in May 2012 when a homemade zip line snapped, causing a serious cut in her leg that required 22 staples. After days of constant pain, doctors discovered Copeland had contracted a flesh-eating disease. (Via CNN)

She had to have both her hands, a leg and a foot removed in a life-saving amputation. According to Atlanta’s WXIA, Copeland is adjusting to her new life with prosthetic hands — which are almost completely operational.

“With the new hands by Touch Bionics, Aimee can wipe down tables, fold a towel, hang clothes, she can even flatiron her hair — and do it all on her own.”

The “i-limb ultra revolution” hands cost about $100,000 each. They’re controlled by both Copeland’s muscles and an app called “biosim.” Copeland says the forearms feel like they’re actually parts of her body. (Via WXYZ)

Copeland is doing fairly well now, but as USA Today notes, she was seriously fighting for her life just one year ago.

“At one point, [Copeland] was on a ventilator battling kidney failure and other organ damage. Doctors had to amputate her limbs in several operations because of the progression of infection.”

Before she got her hands-on hardware, WSB spoke to Copeland about her outlook on life, which has stayed positive at points when others might have given up.

“This is a life-altering thing, but it is what you make it. And it’s not the end. It’s just the beginning of a new life, of a new way of looking at life. Now that you have this different frame of mind, it can really be a beautiful thing.”

And her inspiring accomplishments continue. WBBH reports Copeland will be reaching new milestones in just a matter of weeks.

“This month, she’s finishing her master’s degree in psychology. Then she plans to start on a second master’s degree in social work.”

This summer, Copeland will be getting a service dog while she volunteers at a youth camp geared toward kids with amputations. (Via aimeecopeland.com)

Touch Bionics, the company that created Copeland’s new hands, has offered to pay for her $200,000 medical expenses on one condition — she’ll be the company’s spokesperson.

Would Yahoo Buying Tumblr for $1B Make It Cool?

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:40:00 -0500

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(Image source: AllThingsD)

BY MIKAH SARGENT

How much would you pay to be cool? A hundred dollars? A thousand dollars? How about $1 billion? According to AdWeek which spoke to sources familiar with the deal, Yahoo is in talks to acquire or partner with Tumblr — and the acquisition/investment could hit $1 billion.

You heard that right — Yahoo’s looking to Tumblr to increase its cool-factor. AdWeek says Tumblr’s demographic is made up of “... the young, cool and creative crowd—not currently a Yahoo sweet spot.”

Tumblr is home to a diverse crowd of contributors from illustrators and artists to writers and poets. With more than 107 million blogs and 50 billion posts, many of these users are content creators who fill the site with photos and text.

And Yahoo wants to tap into that content. Details are still a little blurry on what exactly Marissa Mayer and the gang are planning with Tumblr. It could result in a partnership and investment or an acquisition. Either way, AllThingsD says the move will be great for Yahoo as Tumblr continues its climb.

“… Tumblr has been stepping up its efforts to raise a large funding round that could value the New York company at $1 billion. In a series of fundings since 2007, Tumblr has raised $125 million so far, at a reported valuation of $800 million.”

As Yahoo continues its push to be a — quote — “mobile first” company, it makes sense that the company would set its sights on Tumblr — a social network whose user-base is full of the eyes-glued-to-phone crowd.

But Yahoo will have to move quickly to remain competitive in the mobile space, where it’s up against competition like Facebook. GigaOm says “… Yahoo is worried that Facebook could swoop in at the last minute and beat it to the buzzer … Facebook could use the much needed younger 18-to-24 year old demographic, something it (successfully) tried to acquire with Instagram.”

If Yahoo does beat Facebook to the punch, the company would be setting itself up for success. There have also been rumors about Yahoo acquiring Hulu. TheNextWeb paints a whole new image of Yahoo if these deals go through.

“Yahoo, as a firm that owned one of the leading premium video-delivery services, and a leading social network and consumer-created content engines, would be a dramatically different company than what was slowly falling to pieces just years ago.”

Google Wallet Adds Gmail Payments, no Physical Card

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:11:00 -0500

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(Image source: Google)

BY MIKAH SARGENT

Google’s I/O Developer Conference got off to a tech-laden start Wednesday, packed full of updates and announcements for Google’s services. Many had hoped Google would announce a physical card attached to its Google Wallet service, but no dice.

However, we did get a pretty great consolation prize — sending money via Gmail. That’s right, Google’s slowly rolling out a new feature in Gmail that allows users to send money using Google wallet and its email service.

Google Wallet got its start as a Near Field Communication (or NFC) technology, allowing users to quickly pay for items by hovering their NFC-enabled phone over an NFC-enabled kiosk. But there’s a problem: NFC isn’t available everywhere.

CNET spoke with Peter Hazlehurst, director of product management for Google Wallet, who says Google recognizes the problem. “There are still places where NFC can't be used. And not every device has it yet.”

So until NFC takes root in our day-to-day consumer habits, Google Wallet is bringing innovation to our inbox.

It’s super simple to send money from your Gmail inbox. Much like sending a picture or document, you start by composing an email to one of your contacts. Then, in the list of attachments you click the money sign to attach your money. From there you simply fill in the blanks and send the money on its way.

Another plus: if you send money directly from Google Wallet or from your connected bank account, it doesn’t carry any fees. If you choose to use a credit card or debit card, there’s a 2.9 percent transaction fee.

Global Post says the service doesn’t require a Gmail account to send money, so long as both users have a Google Wallet account. The service will slowly roll out over the next few months.

If you're dying to use the service now, there is a way! Google says if one of your contacts has access to the service and chooses to send you money, the feature will be activated for you as well.

The Top 5 Highlights From The Google I/O Conference

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:59:43 -0500

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(Image source: NBC)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

The annual developer’s conference, titled Google I/O, began Wednesday with a kick-off event in San-Francisco and as usual the tech giant presented tons of updates to make the company more money and our lives a little bit easier. So here they are, the top 5 highlights announcements from Google I/O 2013.

First, Google Maps gets an upgrade — a big one. Google Maps seems to be getting into the business of discovery instead of just finding. (Via TechCrunch)

If you want to know where something is, just click it and directions will show up, but along with the directions comes recommendations, coupons and ratings. (Via Google+)

Also there has been a full integration of Google Earth which notably caused a room of software developers to ooh and aah. (Via Google Earth)

Second, while Google+ still lags behind Facebook and Twitter, the company’s social media platform will soon boast a revamped chat service.

With the new Hangouts, Google combined its video chat service, messenger and Google Talk. (Via NBC)

This new feature will also sync your messages no matter what device you’re using, so if you’re chatting on your desktop you don’t have to worry about your phone buzzing with every new message. (Via Google+)

Third, Google plus’s new photos feature does everything but take pictures for you. Once you’re phone is plugged in the automated employee begins doing the dirty work.

Auto Back-up uploads your photos to the cloud, Auto Highlight sorts through to find duplicates and poorly exposed pictures, Auto Enhance fixes everything from brightness to focus and then Auto Awesome takes groups of photos snapped in a row and creates gif’s for you. (Via Google+)

And just when you thought you had Twitter Music figured out here comes another streaming music service that knows what you want to hear.

You may have already heard of Google’s All Access Streaming Music Service. Considering Google is still the number one search engine worldwide, it was a no brainer for the tech giant to try to help you find new music. (Via CNN)

Google Music will offer personal recommendations for it’s users based on what you have listened to — though early critics say the service doesn’t really separate itself from the competition. (Via Google+)

And finally, the event included a surprise appearance by Google co-founder Larry Page giving his view on the role of technology in modern life.

Page said: “Technology should do the hard work so that people can get on with doing the things that make them happiest in life.” (Via The New York Times)

Google Reportedly Set to Launch Music Service

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:41:00 -0500

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(Image source: Earning Is Not Hard)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

Slowly but surely, Google is beginning to take over the world. Next in its sights — Spotify. On Wednesday Google will reportedly unveil a competitor to the subscription-based music-streaming service.

According to CNBC “The reports say the company signed deals with a major record label but its unclear how much Google will charge, or if there will be ads.” (Via YouTube)

“Various reports say Google has reached deals with Universal Music, Warner Music and Sony Music to license their songs.” (Via CNN)

Those are the largest recording companies in the U.S., and home to artists like Rihanna, Bob Dylan and Jay-Z.

Now, Google already has a music service, sort of — and that’s Google Play. But with it users can only buy individual songs or albums — similar to iTunes.

The Verge got an exclusive interview with sources close to the company who say the official announcement will be made at Google I/O, which began Wednesday and runs through Friday.

The writer also points out the announcement will give Google a leg up on its competitors — specifically Apple, as it’s also in the process of creating a music streaming service. However, “Apple is working on an online radio service that is said to be more akin to Pandora, a service that plays songs at random similar to traditional radio.”

Universal Music's parent company Vivendi, reported a 13 percent increase in first quarter earnings from last year. That, along with other offerings from Sony, could potentially allow Google to have a major impact on its competitors.

BlackBerry Offers BBM on iOS and Android

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:22:39 -0500

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BY SCOTT MALONE

Blackberry is offering up its prized fruit to the mobile market. The smartphone company announced Tuesday it would make its Blackberry Messenger — or BBM — service available for iOS and Android users starting this summer.

The service used to be available only on BlackBerry smartphones. It boasts 60 million users, who send and receive an estimated 10 billion messages each day. (Via YouTube / BlackBerry)

BlackBerry’s CEO called it the right time for BBM to be independent and said it’s a statement of confidence.

But a tech analyst told the Toronto Star he is not so confident in the company’s decision, because “... monetization is not the immediate focus, and it arguably weakens the hardware franchise.” (Via The Toronto Star)

The BBC reports those sales are already weak, as BlackBerry devices accounted for less than four percent of global smartphone shipments at the end of last year.

So if monetization isn’t the focus of the move, and it could weaken the company’s already weak sales, why do it? A writer for the Financial Post says “BlackBerry is hoping to introduce new users to [BBM], and BlackBerry’s technology.”

That technology includes the company’s new operating system, which launched earlier this year and powers their new family of smartphones. But it looks like BlackBerry is jumping into an already crowded fray.

Wired notes the leap comes while WhatsApp — another messaging service — has held a spot in the top 20 lists of free apps for Android, and calls a multiplatform edition of BBM “a shot across the bow of Apple’s iMessages.” Combine those two with Facebook’s own separate messenger app, and you might be wondering what’s the difference between BBM and the competition?

One analyst told Computerworld: “Think of BBM as a private Facebook or Twitter. BBM has morphed into much more than texting, since it now includes video chat, screen sharing, music and audio.”

Those features he mentioned — video chat and screen sharing — won’t be available on other platforms until later this year. But it’s interesting he compared BBM to Twitter and Facebook, because BlackBerry also announced it will be launching its own social network this summer.

BBM Channels is similar to Facebook fan pages, in the sense users can create a page and watch people subscribe to it, interact with subscribers, and more. A writer for ZDNet says this ultimately shows BlackBerry...

“... Is attempting to thread the needle between a more private social network like Facebook originally was (and Path is now) and a broadcast platform like Twitter.”

So BlackBerry is trying to thread a pair of needles: social media, and multiplatform messaging. We’ll keep an eye on both of them, as they’re each set for launch this summer.

LinkedIn Bans Prostitution and Escort Services on its Site

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:32:06 -0500

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JASMINE BAILEY

Anyone planning on using LinkedIn — the professional networking site — to gain clients in the world’s oldest profession, better think again. The company just added a new clause in its user agreement terms.

It states users shall not: “Upload, post, email, InMail, transmit or otherwise make available or initiate any content that: Even if it is legal where you are located, create profiles or provide content that promotes escort services or prostitution.” (Via LinkedIn)

Before the change, there was a similar clause prohibiting users from “unlawful” activities — however, prostitution isn’t “unlawful” in every country.

Mashable talks to a representative who says, “…LinkedIn decided to be a little more explicit about banning these professions from the site, regardless of what a country's laws might be.”

So, was the move really necessary for the site? After all, the point of LinkedIn is to build a professional identity. Well actually, it might have been. On the site people can endorse you for skills…

…one of which is prostitution. But we’ve got to point out the description ties it to law enforcement. So it’s probably meant for police officers. (Via LinkedIn)

But a writer for ReadWrite points out an “escort” means basically the same thing as prostitute, noting, “ …escort services fall into a legal gray area in many jurisdictions. The clarification appears necessary, as some LinkedIn members appear to have been skirting the older terms to offer risqué business.” (Via Read Write)

LinkedIn’s new policy came into effect as of Monday.

Lumia Slims Down With 925, Shrinks Storage

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:46:00 -0500

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(Image source: Nokia)

BY MIKAH SARGENT

Slim, lightweight, aluminum — you may think we’re talking about the iPhone 5, but we’re not! Nokia has announced a new, re-imagined piece of tech, and you may want to get your hands on it.

This is the Nokia Lumia 925: a thinner, lighter version of the Lumia 920. Instead of the high-gloss polycarbonate body typical of Lumia devices, this phone sports an aluminum frame with a polycarbonate back.

Why might you want to get your hands on it? BBC spoke with Nokia’s chief product designer, who said the company wanted to create “...a product that is a little bit more compact and a little bit more comfortable in the hand.”

You see, one of the biggest drawbacks and complaints about the original Lumia 920 was its heft. Nokia made several changes in the 925 to slim down the device. Unfortunately, not all the change is good.

The Lumia 925 had to go on a tech spec diet. The device lost half its internal storage — 16GB instead of 32GB — and lost its wireless charging capabilities, though you can still buy an attachment for wireless charging.

Despite the slimdown, the device still holds on to some pretty amazing specs. It has an 8.7 megapixel camera, 1GB of RAM, a 2,000 mAh battery and a Snapdragon S4 processor. An impressive set of features … what could go wrong? According to a writer for The Verge: the software.

“The only problem here is Windows Phone. It’s a solid operating system, but it needs improving and a higher quality of apps. Nokia is once again fleshing out its Windows Phone range, but it’s up to Microsoft to push the software forwards.”

Engadget says the phone will launch in Europe and China in June. The device will then crop up in the US sometime after that.

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do in Digital Age

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:25:00 -0500

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(Image source: Tumblr / Kahnoodle)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

It’s never easy ending a relationship, but according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, living in this day in age can make getting over that special someone much harder.

The digital age — with it comes Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. And it may be fun to post pictures and statuses about you and your significant other while you’re together, but when it comes time to break it off, all of those so-called “digital possessions” are still there. (Via The Ellen Degeneres Show)

The study shows many people just can’t bring themselves to hit the delete button, and some hit it way too fast. Either way, it makes for a cold, hard, painful walk down memory lane.

“It shows one-third of Facebook users just can't delete any pictures from their past relationships, and experts claim those visual reminders only prolong the emotional pain.” (Via WOIO)

“Half of us immediately delete all digital files of our ex immediately after a breakup. It’s all gone, deleted, gone. But regret immediately follows that.” (Via WMAQ)

But the study shows that what’s most dreaded for couples calling it quits is changing that Facebook relationship status. Yup, and not to mention the inevitable flow of comments to come. (Via HowtoVideoInfo / YouTube)

We should note the study only involved about 24 participants, but some of the researchers have proposed a way to combat the social media blues if you’ve got ‘em.

“New software should be created that could automatically put pictures and video of an ex-lover in a Pandora’s box of sorts. Right, I think it’s a good idea.” (Via WDAF)

Well, they do say “out of sight, out of mind.”

Sony's Waterproof Xperia ZR Smartphone Offers Full HD

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:51:00 -0500

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(Image source: Sony)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

Ever dropped your phone in water and thought you were doomed? Well, with the newest Sony phone, you’ll no longer have to be extra careful around pools and toilets.

The Xperia ZR can be submerged underwater for 30 minutes and withstand depths up to five feet. And with a 13-megapixel front-facing camera and 16x digital zoom, users can create full HD underwater videos and photos. (Via YouTube / Sony Xperia)

The director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications said the new phone “ … pushes the boundaries on where and how consumers can use the full potential of their smartphone.” (Via CNET)

A writer for Mashable explains this phone’s water resistance is a little better than the Sony Xperia Z that came out in April. You could only take that phone into 3.3 feet of water. The writer also points out...

“ ... for both devices, this specifically means ‘fresh water,’ meaning you probably shouldn't take it with you for that ocean dive, but it's still a very nice feature to have, especially with the summer approaching.”

Just last week, Sony reported its first return to annual profit in five years. The fluctuating yen and sale of assets like a Manhattan skyscraper are said to have helped. According to The Telegraph, the Xperia is “crucial to its future success.”

No word yet on if you’ll be able to talk or text underwater — uh, but we don’t know how those muffled conversations would actually sound. Sony is expected to release the phone in select markets by the end of June.

Samsung to Unveil 5G by 2020?

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:16:00 -0500

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(Image source: Samsung Tomorrow)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

Samsung will reportedly be ready to release 5G by 2020. Supposedly marking the way for a mobile breakthrough — working 100 times faster than current conventional networks.

This announcement comes even as 4G still has yet to be released in major markets including the U.K. and China. (Via YouTube / MoblieTechReview)

The South Korean company claims its 5G network will be so fast it will allow users to send large amounts of data from their phone “... practically without limitation.” (Via The Telegraph)

This technology will, in theory, allow users to download data at up to 10Gb (gigabits) per second — doing so by tapping into much higher frequency bands. The company says so far it transmitted data at 1Gb (gigabit) per second. (Via Yonhap)

As it probably doesn’t come as much surprise — The Wall Street Journal points out users will not be complaining about faster devices.

“The technology could easily gain fans among phone users routinely sending and receiving large amounts of data. With 5G networks, for example, users would be able to send super-high-definition movie files in a matter of seconds…”

And on its blog Samsung notes the possible implications not only for the company but for the entire mobile phone market. Writing:

“Samsung’s latest innovation is expected to invigorate research into 5G cellular communications across the world; the company believes it will trigger the creation of international alliances and the timely commercialization of related mobile broadband services.”

Google Shuts Down SMS Search

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:41:00 -0500

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(Image source: SEO Roundtable)

BY KATIE BRENNAN

Google’s SMS search service is no more. Didn't know it existed? The search giant may have been banking on that — it shut down the service with no warning whatsoever.

SMS search allowed users to send a text message to Google requesting a search via a short number. The results would come back as information, rather than web links, in a text message.

“Many shortcuts were available to retrieve the latest sports scores, information about local businesses, stock information, translations or weather information using the search option.” (Via Ghacks)

Google discontinued the service Friday without any prior warning, but Gizmodo says the move shocked very few people. “It was useful to a lot of people back in the day, but it's not surprising that the service has been losing popularity.”

But the service’s abrupt end did tick off its relatively small fan base. Unhappy users turned to Google forums and Reddit to express their concerns.

A Google employee responded, saying “Closing products always involves tough choices, but we do think very hard about each decision and its implications for our users. Streamlining our services enables us to focus on creating beautiful technology that will improve people’s lives.”

The SMS search worked on smartphones but was most popular with basic phone users, who didn’t have a data plan to access google.com.

TechCrunch reports recent data shows why Google might choose to axe the service. “The number of feature phone sales is on the decline worldwide as more and more people make the shift to smartphones.”

Apparently, Google is trying to stay ahead of that shift. Engadget reports the lack of advance notice from Google could have some basic phone users “...upgrading their devices sooner than expected -- if that's even an option in the first place.”

Other SMS-based services, like Gmail and Google Calendar are still available, for the time being.

But The Verge points out, if Google “...can see fit to scrap the hugely popular Google Reader RSS-syncing service, we doubt it feels compelled to keep dragging them into the future.”

ABC to Begin Live Streaming to Mobile Devices

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:58:28 -0500

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(Image source: WABC)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

This week could see the making of television history as ABC announces it will begin streaming your local affiliate station on mobile devices. And those stations are starting to sell it pretty hard.

“This is Watch ABC. You’ll be able to find it online or download the app beginning on Tuesday … Watch ABC is just like having a portable TV set in your hands.” (Via WPVI)

“It’s an all-new way to experience ABC and Channel 7 in your home, on the go, anywhere you can receive a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.” (Via WABC)

Those stations are from Philadelphia and New York, the first two cities to receive the service. But the network says it plans to expand to an additional 200 markets in the coming months. The New York Times reports the service could be just as revolutionary as ABC claims.

“The mobile app may prod the other broadcasters to follow ABC, much as they did seven years ago after the network started to stream full episodes of shows the morning after their TV premieres.”

But there are a few catches. For one, you might think live streaming would be a simple matter of putting things up on a website, but the Los Angeles Times reports it’s a little more complicated than that, and as a result every market will see a different feed.

“The local stations don’t want viewers to be able to bypass them and just watch a national ABC feed on the Web. That would hurt their ratings and ad revenue. That meant ABC had to ensure that the interests of its affiliates were protected … ”

The other catch, and the one that seemed to rile people up most on Twitter, is that after a quick preview period, the service won’t be as simple as “download and hit play.”

A TV critic for the Philadelphia Daily News writes: “ … it will eventually require proof that you're somehow paying someone to get your TV shows (even though they're theoretically available over the air). In other words, if you're used to having to enter your Comcast (or other provider) login to watch a service like HBO Go, expect to have to do the same to watch, say, ‘The View.’”

The service will start out on Apple devices and expand to other platforms later on.

Big Changes Reportedly Coming to AppleCare by This Fall

Sat, 11 May 2013 16:42:54 -0500

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(Image source: Apple)

BY CANDICE AVILES

Apple users expect a lot of changes this fall when it comes to the AppleCare and AppleCare+ service programs.

The company’s vice president, Tara Bunch, revealed a set of after-sales policy shifts would soon be released, with many of the changes referred to under the “One Apple” brand. (Via Apple)

An Apple employee told AppleInsider the biggest deal here is the way repairs for iPhones will be changed.

“The way it is now, if almost anything is wrong with an iPhone, iPod, or iPad, the entire device is exchanged for a like-new re manufactured (sic) device, whether brought into an apple store or sent in for mail in repair. Now we are starting to actually repair the products and return the same device to the customer.”

Currently, Apple stores can replace speakers, receivers, home buttons, the vibrator motor and battery. By June that will expand to include cameras, sleep buttons and more. (Via Apple)

AppleInsider notes the new in-house repairs are expected to come to the U.S. first before going worldwide. Bunch said this policy change will save the company nearly $1 billion per year.

So what else can we expect? AppAdvice points out other changes AppleInsider mentions including Apple changing its AppleCare service. It will allegedly make a subscription model or introduce a new tier. The new AppleCare also might include 24/7 support, though nothing has been confirmed yet.

Despite a few more changes, one important, and perhaps most visible, will be a revamp of the company’s support websites to include more interactive tutorials and videos. If all goes smoothly, we’ll reportedly see these changes as soon as fall.

Astronauts Take Spacewalk to Fix Space Station Leak

Sat, 11 May 2013 14:48:13 -0500

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(Image source: NASA)

BY MICHELLE SCHUELKE

A leak on the International Space Station had two astronauts take a quick planned spacewalk.

Live-streamed from space, this footage from NASA shows astronauts Chris Cassidy and Tom Marshburn floating over the Indian Ocean. The two were tasked with fixing a leak to the cooler of the ISS where the two solar panels connect. (Via NASA)

The leak comes from a pump that circulates ammonia coolant to one of eight solar panel systems that provide electricity to the station. However, it wasn’t life threatening.

If you look close enough, you can see the specks. The tiny white flakes tipped NASA off to an ammonia leak on board Thursday. (Via Space.com)

A writer for Los Angeles Times says this area of the space station has been problematic in the past. “That coolant loop has caused trouble for some time, and crew members attempted to locate and repair a leak in November ... ”

After more than six hours of working on the leak, the astronauts waited to see if the new pump was working properly.

In the meantime, another astronaut inside the ISS tweeted, “Houston just sent the command to start flowing ammonia through the newly-installed pump. Gloved fingers crossed.”

Then another tweet 30 minutes later, “No leaks! We’re bringing Tom & Chris back inside ... ”

Euclid Analytics Uses WiFi to Track In-Store Shoppers

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:37:47 -0500

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(Image Source: Euclid Analytics)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Ever get that sneaking suspicion that somebody’s watching your every move? Well, you might be paranoid... but for good reason. Some national retailers are keeping tabs on in-store shoppers using this. *shows smartphone*

Tech company Euclid Analytics uses Wi-Fi antennas in stores to help retailers learn more about shoppers. They can track how many people enter a store, how long they stay, and even which aisles they’re walking through. (Via Flickr/adamgreenfield)

Euclid Analytics explains when shoppers with Wi-Fi enabled phones enter a store, those phones that have their Wi-Fi turned on will send out “pings” or signals when searching to connect with a Wi-Fi network. The pings are then recorded and sent to a cloud service for analysis.

The New York Times reported in March the analytics service had nearly 100 customers and had “tracked about 50 million devices in 4,000 locations.”

According to Euclid, 40 to 70 percent of all shoppers have smartphones, so it’s an easy way to track shopper behavior. But some are questioning the process of collecting information without the customer’s consent.

A CBS reporter wrote, “most consumers have no idea it is happening, and there are schemes to move tracking beyond the bounds of a store's walls, creating the potential for a commercial Big Brother.”

A KMGH investigation found Nordstrom stores in Colorado took measures to notify customers, but placed those notifications in hard-to-see areas.

But those Euclid sensors won’t be found at Nordstrom at all anymore.

Recently, both Nordstrom and Home Depot ended trials with Euclid. Nordstrom used analytics service in 17 of its stores nationwide before ending the pilot program. A Nordstrom spokeswoman said in a statement, "We always said Euclid was a test for us. The test is over and we'll now evaluate the results from it." (Via MSN)

But even though those big chains are out, TechCrunch reports the company still has plenty of clients.

“Though Euclid doesn’t disclose its customer line-up, the company now says it’s installed in over 30 apparel chains, quick-serve restaurants and shopping malls, as well as auto parts, home improvement and department stores.”

Euclid Analytics is an opt-out service for now. That means if you want your shopping tendencies to stay private, you can go to its website to prevent them from tracking you. Or you can disable your wireless Internet on your device before your shopping excursion.

Amazon Reportedly Developing Smartphone With 3D Display

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:21:36 -0500

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(Image source: Amazon)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

In a new feat of technological one-upmanship, Amazon plans to add something else to the do-it-all smartphone — 3D holograms.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Amazon’s plans to expand beyond its Kindle device with new gadgets, including a high-end smartphone with a 3D screen, minus the funky glasses. According to anonymous sources who know of Amazon’s plans, “Using retina-tracking technology, images on the smartphone would seem to float above the screen like a hologram and appear three-dimensional at all angles … ”

To make it even more sci-fi, Amazon is reportedly working on a number of devices called Project A, B, C and D, or the Alphabet Projects, which are rumored to include smartphones and audio streaming devices. (Via Mashable)

Tech writers report the Amazon smartphone rumor is nothing new, with some saying this is a logical next step. But this new device will be up against stiff competition such as the dominant Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy.

Some doubt 3D technology will actually be a major selling point. A writer for MarketWatch points to the poor reception of the Nintendo 3DS. Consumers complained about the eye strain with 3D on the small screen.

A writer for Computerworld quotes an analyst who points to other less-than-popular 3D devices and says a big problem is “the lack of 3D content for smartphones, which requires special cameras and production. Producing a holographic 3D image would be complex.”

But surely there’s someone out there looking forward to a Coachella Tupac performance or message from Princess Leia in the palm of his or her hand. Well, while most tech writers collectively yawned, at least one Time writer showed some interest: “If the phone itself is cool and the gimmick-plus-gimmick 3D thing turns out to be a nonessential added feature, so be it. Actually … make it the main feature and promote it heavily. I want to see what happens.”

Although The Wall Street Journal reports Amazon plans to release the new devices in the coming months, the anonymous informants say some or all of the products could be shelved for any number of reasons. Amazon did not comment on the report.

New Netflix, YouTube Features Continue TV-Less Trend

Thu, 09 May 2013 23:45:17 -0500

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(Image source: Flickr / Dunkoman)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Remember that thing called the television? Of course you do because you probably still own one ... for now. But the newest evolution of show-watching on the Internet and mobile devices is putting the “telly” right up there with CD players on the list of electronics that aren’t quite as necessary anymore.

Video streaming service Netflix announced this week the addition of “post-play” to its iOS apps.

For those not in the know, post-play was made available to users on Netflix.com, PlayStation3 and Xbox in August 2012. At the end of a show, the next episode is on deck, ready to launch without any user interaction.

With movies, users will get a choice of three recommendations, although playback doesn’t start automatically. (Via Mashable)

Tech writers say this newest Netflix mobile addition is perfect for marathon viewing, also known by the less healthy-sounding name “binge watching.”

And it seems to be dropping just in time for the new season of "Arrested Development” which begins May 26 and will only be available on Netflix.

A writer for PolicyMic didn’t care to hold back his excitement, saying the show need only “exist” to do well on this new platform. He adds in the show’s history, there have been “zero unfunny episodes and counting.”

Besides commenting that “Arrested Development” was made for binge watching, a Time writer says the new Netflix-only offering “could be instrumental in popularizing a new way to watch and make TV–outside the TV-network system, without commercials or even weekly schedules. Netflix gave Arrested Development new life ... and Arrested Development may be instrumental in helping Netflix (along with Amazon, Hulu, et al.) create a new TV business.”

Also in this week’s news of TV that’s not on TV, the Google-owned video website YouTube announced a pilot program for a group of partners to offer paid content via YouTube channel subscriptions, starting at $0.99 per month.

This includes small start-up channels, like Jim Henson Family TV, UFC Select and PGA Digital Golf Academy.

But a writer for Forbes points out one thing is missing from YouTube’s list: major media companies. He writes a total defection away from TV sets is still a ways away, adding for Google to be really successful, it “has to prove subscriptions work for viewers,” then “create its own bundles to attract broader audiences and at the same time amass audience segments advertisers will want to reach.”

The Netflix-only season of “Arrested Development” is expected to be a hit, considering Netflix’s original series “House of Cards,” which proved to be a huge success for the company. Netflix plans to keep making original series — as do its competitors, Hulu and Amazon Prime.

Microsoft Reportedly Considering $1B Nook Buyout

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:28:55 -0500

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(Image source: Barnes & Noble)

BY EVAN THOMAS

According to documents obtained by TechCrunch, Microsoft is prepared to fork over $1 billion for Nook Media LLC, Barnes & Noble’s digital content and ebooks arm.

The Nook e-ink readers will be left largely alone, but the documents indicate Nook tablets could be on their way out, in favor of apps and software that run on third-party devices.

CNN explains Barnes & Noble has had trouble keeping pace with more established digital-first operations.

“The bookseller has been unable to keep up with Amazon's successful Kindle e-reader… Nook sales have disappointed for several quarters, despite major device upgrades like the Nook HD release this past September.”

VentureBeat points out until that phase-out is complete, this buy “…would put Microsoft in the awkward position of owning an Android-based tablet that, while not extremely successful, has sold more devices than Microsoft has sold of its own Windows 8-based tablets.”

It’s a good thing Microsoft is more interested in the digital assets, then. An analyst tells PCWorld this would fit right in with Microsoft’s existing content delivery.

“It appears that Microsoft is looking for a content partner brand that they can use to help develop content opportunities beyond the movies and music they provide today through Xbox Live.”

Investors appear to like the idea. At time of writing Barnes & Noble’s stock price has spiked more than 21 percent since the news broke. (Via Google)

But TechCrunch couldn’t get Microsoft or Barnes & Noble to comment on the documents, so the purchase remains firmly a rumor.

Mother Allegedly Consults WebMD After Son Gets Shot

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:01:00 -0500

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(Image source: MSN)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

The Internet is good for a lot of things, especially those do-it-yourself tutorials, but when it comes to treating a bullet wound, it’s probably best to leave that to professionals.

KHOU reports a Houston mother could be facing charges for allegedly seeking medical help from WebMD after her 14-year-old son was shot by a friend.

Texas Cable News reports a surveillance video from inside the home caught the shooting on tape.

“That friend accused of shooting the boy is 24-year-old Pete Jesse Rodriguez … Surveillance video from cameras inside the home show Rodriguez pointing a gun directly at the teen, tracking his every movement, then pulling the trigger.”

The bullet hit him in the upper left thigh, and the video shows him lying on the floor for several minutes before getting up. (Via WFAA)

The teen and his mother reportedly looked up gunshots on WebMD.com, then seven hours later, he went to the hospital. It was reported Wednesday that he was in stable condition.

Detectives arrested Rodriguez, who is being held on several bonds totaling $151,000. Investigators are also reportedly considering felony charges against the mother.

Facebook Could Buy Waze for $1B

Thu, 09 May 2013 08:13:00 -0500

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(Image source: Waze)

BY KATIE BRENNAN

Facebook is reportedly in talks to acquire an Israel-based GPS App called Waze and the price tag could be hefty — between $800 million and $1 billion.

Waze is a community-based traffic and navigation app, which allows users to share real-time information. Waze uses that info to help users outsmart traffic. (Via Waze)

Calcalist, a main Israeli business publication, first reported the social networking giant was in final stages of negotiation with the maker of the crowd-sourced traffic and navigation app.

The Marker, another Hebrew publication, added to the Calcalist report, saying the deal would be about half in shares and half in cash. TechCrunch also did some digging and found a source that confirmed Facebook and Waze are in talks.

But the negotiations could hit a roadblock. That source says there’s an issue of “whether to keep Waze in Israel or whether to take it to the U.S., as Facebook did with two previous Israeli acquisitions.”

Bloomberg’s Tel Aviv based reporter says Waze founders are insistent the app’s developers stay in Israel. But that’s if a deal even happens. A spokesperson for Waze was quick to point out this is just a rumor.

“She also said to me look, if you read the press, Facebook has already bought us and so has Apple with a heavy dose of irony. Certainly Waze is not commenting on this.”

Facebook isn’t commenting either, so right now these are unsubstantiated reports, but The Next Web says, if it does happen, it would make sense.

Facebook now boasts 751 million monthly active mobile users. “The company isn’t shy about its further ambitions when it comes to mobile, and has been making acquisitions left and right to beef up its portfolio of products, hire mobile development and user experience talent and stay ahead of the curve.”

Facebook is also familiar with acquiring Israeli startups. It’s picked up two in the last two years, Face.com and Snaptu.

Google Maps Redesign in Cards?

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:19:00 -0500

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(Image source: Google Operating System)

BY MIKAH SARGENT

The folks over at Google Operating System, an unofficial Google news blog, got their hands on some screenshots. And it looks like an update to Google Maps could be in the cards.

Or rather, Maps could be getting a facelift with Google’s cards — a recent design refocus, information-based cards that give users what they need when they need it. A writer for TechCrunch says these images have some credibility for that very reason.

“Google’s been pushing those cards quite a bit lately — Google Now was the first service to run with the card metaphor, and the search giant recently revamped its Google Play Store Android app to put individual app and song listings into cards as well … it would hardly be a shock to see Google turning to Maps as the next service to get a card-centric facelift.”

The new design will take everything from the sidebar and plop it down on top of the map. Google Operating System notes this redesign will work much better for mobile devices by providing “a more immersive interface.”

Business Insider says Google’s not stopping at interface immersion. The redesign is also said to sport a local search feature based on top reviews and recommendations from your Google+ circles. And a few visual tweaks to icons, text, and colors.

Now before you get too excited about the card-filled update, bear in mind this round of rumors is based on two screenshots from an unofficial blog. But, with Google I/O only a few days away this redesign just might be an ace in the hole for Google’s design revamp.