CNET News

Volkswagen tries to conquer the world with tech

Brian Cooley — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:59:00 PDT

The automaker wants to be the biggest in the world by 2018, and that will require great tech from an unlikely outpost in Silicon Valley. As part of CNET Conversations, Brian Cooley visits its Electronics Research Lab. [Read more]

Panasonic sees wide angle with new X series lens (hands on)

Lori Grunin — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:00:00 PDT

The 12-35mm f2.8 Micro Four Thirds lens could be perfect when you want something better than the standard 14-42mm kit model; whether it is or not depends upon the as-yet unannounced price. [Read more]

For Silicon Valley VC, a Leap from great advice to big rewards

Daniel Terdiman — Sun, 20 May 2012 21:07:45 PDT

For Andy Miller, a general partner with the venture capital firm of Highland Capital Partners, helping his portfolio companies may be just as rewarding as making money from them. [Read more]

Leap Motion: 3D hands-free motion control, unbound

Daniel Terdiman — Sun, 20 May 2012 21:06:37 PDT

The startup's technology puts sub-millimeter accuracy at user fingertips, offers control gestures like pinch-to-zoom, and promises new applications that make the Kinect and its kin look like yesterday's news. [Read more]

Annular solar eclipse goes global, social

Steven Musil — Sun, 20 May 2012 19:41:39 PDT

First annular eclipse in 18 years thrills millions in western U.S. and Southeast Asia and millions more who could only watch on social networks. [Read more]

Schmidt challenges grads to turn off the screen for an hour a day

Steven Musil — Sun, 20 May 2012 17:20:08 PDT

Google's chairman emeritus tells Boston University graduates: "Take your eyes off that screen and look into the eyes of the person you love." [Read more]

Yahoo strikes deal to sell half of Alibaba stake

Steven Musil — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:47:19 PDT

Internet pioneer will sell about half its shares in the China e-commerce giant for $7 billion. [Read more]

Thiel's college dropout plan scrutinized by '60 Minutes'

Steven Musil — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:15:51 PDT

Investor and entrepreneur tells the CBS news magazine that a college degree is unnecessary for financial success, but critics call his program an elitist ploy. [Read more]

Outcry after Facebook removes pic of dying baby

Chris Matyszczyk — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:26:57 PDT

A mother wants to share a picture of her son on Facebook. He lived only eight hours. Facebook removes the image, deeming it "too graphic." Much later, the company offers an apology and admits it erred. [Read more]

Imports of HTC smartphones slowly resume

Steven Musil — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:10:53 PDT

Phones held up over patent issues with Apple are being released after U.S. Customs inspections, the handset maker says. [Read more]