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Wed, 31 Dec 08
Security Wonks Find Gaping Hole in Trusted Site System
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65684.html
An international group of independent security researchers announced Tuesday that they have found a significant weakness in the Internet digital certificate infrastructure used by many Internet businesses. The flaw could conceivably allow cybercriminals to create fake certificates that would then be accepted and trusted by many widely used Internet browsers. The purported weakness could enable a hacker to impersonate secure Web sites and e-mail servers to launch virtually undetectable phishing attacks, according to the researchers from California, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Wed, 31 Dec 08
Quad-Core Acer Notebook Targets Gamers, Designers, Warm Lap Enthusiasts
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65681.html
Acer unveiled its latest notebook PC Tuesday -- the Aspire 8930G-7665, featuring Intel's new powerhouse mobile chip. The chip, the Core 2 Quad Mobile Processor Q9000, makes Acer's new laptop one of the first notebooks to offer users four processing cores. The Core 2 Quad processor offers 6 MB of shard L2 cache, 4 GB DDR3 1066 MHz Dual Channel Memory and clock speed rates up to 2.0 GHz. The new Aspire is priced at $1,799.99. Aimed at gamers and multimedia enthusiasts, the Aspire 8930G-7665 also includes high-definition functionality.
Wed, 31 Dec 08
Facebook Faces Nature's Wrath in Breastfeeding Photo Flap
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65669.html
In a world where "man boobs" are allowed to flop freely at football games, the strict scrutiny of photos of breastfeeding mothers reflects a double standard that has riled many Facebook users. By curbing the posting of such content -- the implication being that the nursing mother's bare breast could possibly be construed as "obscene" -- Facebook has exposed itself to a public relations nightmare. The social network is under fire for removing photos of breastfeeding babies from some of its member pages.
Wed, 31 Dec 08
E-Cinema, Part 2: Step Into the Projection Booth
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65657.html
3-D has been given a really big job -- coax audiences young and old alike away from their big screen home TVs, their PCs and their video games and back into movie theaters. On Dec. 4, 3ality Digital joined forces with Beverly Hills-based RealD and the National Football League to test a 3-D broadcast experience designed to immerse viewers in the game as never before. The first-ever live broadcast of an NFL game in full-digital 3-D format was made available to select movie theater audiences in three U.S. cities.
Wed, 31 Dec 08
Virtual World Research, Part 1: A Place to Experiment
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65656.html
Universities and government agencies are conducting all kinds of research, both scientific and sociological, in virtual worlds -- but is this merely a newfangled boondoggle or is the research really real? "My general perspective is that virtual worlds are at least as real as many parts of the so-called real world," William Sims Bainbridge, program director in human-centered computing at the National Science Foundation, told LinuxInsider.
Wed, 31 Dec 08
Drunk Dialing: iPhone Apps to Tally Your Tipsiness
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65644.html
Am iDrunk? It's a question that rains down during the holiday party season, especially with New Year's Eve just a couple of days away. Checking your sobriety is now just a reach away to an iPhone. A number of downloadable iPhone applications, or "apps," are ready to test your sobriety through blood-alcohol calculators and balance tests. How effective are these in gauging your potentially drunken self, and how easy are they to use? To find out, I volunteered my liver and sipping skills to test four iPhone sobriety apps.
Wed, 31 Dec 08
Netizens Want Obama's CTO to Push Net Neutrality
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65663.html
President-elect Barack Obama's pledge to name the nation's first chief technology officer has triggered a flood of wishes, hopes and demands from tech enthusiasts who'd like the job to have the same stature and reach as, say, the White House national security adviser. The new officer should be an "Internet evangelist" involved in every practical and policy aspect of government, said Andrew Rasiej, a founder of two Web sites about politics and technology. "Technology is not a slice of the pie. It's the pan," he said.
Wed, 31 Dec 08
Aussie Lawmakers, Critics Clash Over Web Filtering
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65661.html
A proposed Internet filter dubbed the "Great Aussie Firewall" is promising to make Australia one of the strictest Internet regulators among democratic countries. Consumers, civil-rights activists, engineers, Internet providers and politicians from opposition parties are among the critics of a mandatory Internet filter that would block at least 1,300 Web sites prohibited by the government -- mostly child pornography, excessive violence, instructions in crime or drug use and advocacy of terrorism. Hundreds protested in state capitals earlier this month.
Wed, 31 Dec 08
New Lincolns Boast Self-Parking Technology
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65662.html
Sit back, relax and let your car parallel park itself -- without a single scratch or ding to your bumper. That's what Ford said Tuesday about its new self-parking technology, which it announced will debut as an option on the 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan and the new seven-passenger Lincoln MKT luxury crossover vehicle. The technology uses ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle, combined with electric power steering to angle and guide it into a snug parking space -- all with the push of a button.
Tue, 30 Dec 08
HP Makes PC-Mac Peace, but at a Cost
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65651.html
Picture yet another Windows vs. Mac ad, with the dweeby PC guy and the ultracool Mac dude engaging in their usual schtick. Now picture a Jimmy Carter-esque peacemaker parachuting into the shot, getting the two to shake hands, and you'll understand the rationale behind HP's new class of MediaSmart home servers. HP is touting the Windows and Mac compatibility aspects of its EX485 and EX487 models, scheduled to debut in January; Apple Time Machine automatic data backup can now be set directly from the server.
Tue, 30 Dec 08
Devs Get Early Taste of Windows 7 Beta Via File-Sharing Leak
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65646.html
The first beta version of Windows 7 has made a surprise public appearance. The operating system appears to be available on the Internet via file-sharing utilities like BitTorrent -- apparently without the approval of Microsoft. Microsoft released pre-beta code of the OS to developers at its recent Professional Developers Conference held at the end of October. A final version of Windows 7 is expected to roll out at the end of 2009. The first beta release is officially scheduled to become available in early 2009, according to a Microsoft spokesperson.
Tue, 30 Dec 08
AT&T Hawks Refurbished iPhones on the Cheap
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65650.html
In AT&T's end-of-the-year online refurbished phone sale, the wireless service provider is offering reconditioned iPhone 3Gs for just $99 -- roughly half the cost of a new unit. It's not the first time iPhones have dipped below $199. Just this weekend, the much-rumored Walmart iPhone debuted at $197 -- just $2 lower than the standard entry price for the 8 GB iPhone 3G. Of course, the price of entry still comes with the two-year AT&T service contract with the mandatory $30/month data plan in addition to a voice plan.
Tue, 30 Dec 08
E-Cinema, Part 1: 3-D Hits Its Stride
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65626.html
Wanted: Movie theater projectionists with IT experience in network systems and client/server environments to operate digital cinema systems. Qualifications and requirements: systems analysis capabilities, a thorough working knowledge of e-business applications deployment, including implementation of a variety of IT systems in a computing and business environment. Please, no calls from people with obsolete traditional projectionist skills like "building" movies by physically splicing ads, trailers, PSAs and print reels into one large band of celluloid film stock.
Tue, 30 Dec 08
2009: What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us Stronger
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65627.html
People don't like to change; particularly as we get older, we take comfort in the status quo and start avoiding things that are new and different. As we get older we gain more power and this generally places the most conservative people in positions of authority. Let's look at four companies this week and how they are likely to change in 2009/2010. I'm betting Friedrich Nietzche was right and "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger," or at least I sincerely hope that this is the case. The companies we'll look at are Apple, Microsoft, Google and HP.
Tue, 30 Dec 08
'I'm Linux' and Other Dreams for 2009
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65636.html
As 2008 draws to a close, the time for dreaming of White Christmases, sugar plum fairies and Ubuntu-loaded netbooks is over for another year. Here's hoping everyone got their heart's desire! Now it's time to move on and turn our thoughts to the promise of the upcoming year. It's a time to dream of change, of what might be -- and of how to make that happen. That, it appears, is at least a rough approximation of what was going on in the thoughts of those over at the Linux Foundation.
Tue, 30 Dec 08
How to Build a Mac Home Network
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65622.html
Most home networks are cobbled together without a lot of forethought about which devices are used to create it. For most, the decision is basically to use whatever their service provider shipped in a cardboard box. Whether they're going for wireless or wired, homeowners often haven't thought through their options. For Mac-using homes, however, the options for a home network are pretty easy, though not exactly always straightforward. So what if someone wanted to build an all-Apple home wireless network from the ground up?
Mon, 29 Dec 08
Where Have All the Pinball Wizards Gone?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65628.html
If pinball is going to come back, to regain rock-opera level cultural primacy rather than more pizza-parlor corner dust, it probably starts with scenes such as this. In the foreground there is a father, petroleum engineer Mark Henderson. "My son's Joshua," he says. "He is 11 years old. He's a pinball wizard out of Plainfield, Ill." In the background there is Josh, a tall, bespectacled boy, leaning into a pinball game with a NASCAR theme. His look is intent, his chest touching the table's end, his eyes over the top of the flippers.
Mon, 29 Dec 08
iPods, Chicken Wire and the Future of Memory
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65633.html
Many consumers take it for granted that the next generation of iPod, cell phone or flash drive will contain ever more memory to store music, photos and videos. That's because scientists and engineers have continually devised ways to shrink the components on flash memory chips to cram more data into small devices. But eventually -- within a couple of years, perhaps, and almost certainly within a decade -- flash memory will run into fundamental limits on how small its circuitry can be built. That has led a number of research groups and companies to begin searching for alternatives.
Sun, 28 Dec 08
2008: The Year of the Hulu
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65619.html
In the Wild West that is online video, Hulu.com has proven to be a trailblazing answer to how professional content can thrive on the Web. It's this year's pick for Web site of the year. "This is period of great experimentation in regard to media, in regard to online video," said Hulu chief executive officer Jason Kilar in a recent interview. "You've seen a lot, you're probably going to see even more in terms of various business models, various interface designs. I personally love to operate in moments of time like that."
Sun, 28 Dec 08
Rethinking Zero iPod Tolerance in the Classroom
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65624.html
When the 11:45 a.m. bell signals lunch at Whitefish Bay High School, students burst through doors like executives out of a meeting, their phones and personal electronics shimmering into view. Sleek iPods appear and ear buds pop into place as students share songs or listen to podcasts or books over the lunch hour. With personal electronics and ever-popular iPods reaching critical mass among teenagers, some high schools have begun modifying their prohibitive policies.
Sat, 27 Dec 08
Pacemaker: A Pocket Music Mixer and Masher
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65605.html
One day, when I go on to the "Great Reward," my hope is that my epitaph will include something about how much I love music. I'm a music fan, but not a stodgy one who will only listen to my tunes on the finest of equipment. Rather, I've always wanted to create my own music. A permissive childhood left me with a smattering of music lessons on various instruments and a well-developed singing voice, but without the deep knowledge needed to compose my own songs. As a result, every time I hear about a new device or bit of technology that can help me create music, I'm there.
Thu, 25 Dec 08
Zooming In on Digital Camera Trends
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65641.html
Unlike computers, software and other gadgetry, the hot brand names in digital photography never seem to change. However, what they offer continues to evolve, both in terms of features and price range. "Cameras are following the silicon curve in many ways," said Jack Gold, principal analyst with J.Gold Associates. "The CCD sensors keep getting bigger and better." Also, as with each new generation of computers, data storage capacity in new lines of cameras continues to grow.
Thu, 25 Dec 08
Open Source Integration Challenges and Solutions
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65629.html
Linux has proven that the open source model works -- it addresses two of the biggest challenges for IT professionals: the high cost of infrastructure software and the limitations a closed stack imposes on the enterprise. Open source is particularly appealing for cost savings, vendor neutrality, access to source code and innovation.
Using Linux is one thing -- it is a widely used and contained piece of software -- but using open source software higher up the stack can be unnerving. Unlike the operating system, middleware components are often integrated with other components.
Thu, 25 Dec 08
'SimCity' on iPhone: A Little Big for Its Britches
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65615.html
I'm not usually a big spender when it comes to iPhone games. Due possibly to past experiences on other phones, I'm often doubtful that any game playable on a cell phone would be worth $10. However, Electronic Arts' release of "SimCity" on the iPhone was enough to make me take a chance. I've played "SimCity" games on the PC since the first installment back in the '80s, and I half expected the iPhone version to be extremely trimmed down in terms of both features and appearance. However, the game surprised me with its depth and detail. It also left me feeling a little restrained.
Wed, 24 Dec 08
Small Screen Blues: Cutting Mobile Video Down to Size
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65597.html
The real estate crisis in this country is felt in the workplace. It's impacting our leisure time. It's affecting the way we look at everything. Actually ... make that how we look at everything that's in the video we watch on our smartphone screens. The 2.5 to 3.5-inch screen real estate on our iPhones, Storms, Dares and G1s is training a generation of users to consume their video on a very small scale. The picture quality may be impressive, and it can be the height of coolness and convenience to watch "The Dark Knight" on a device that wouldn't look out of place on Batman's utility belt.
Wed, 24 Dec 08
HP Adds iPrint Photo to App Store Inventory
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65635.html
HP has introduced a new application for the iPhone and iPod touch that leverages its diverse product line of inkjet printers. HP iPrint Photo is available for free at the
App Store. As the name suggests, it allows users to print photos from their Apple devices using a local WiFi network and a nearby printer. The application, which is compatible with Apple's Bonjour technology, will be exhibited in January at both the Macworld Conference & Expo and the Consumer Electronics Show.
Wed, 24 Dec 08
A Dream Home for the True Blue Apple Fan
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65614.html
Way back in 1950, science fiction giant Ray Bradbury wrote a short story, "There Will Come Soft Rains," about a smart house that did just about everything for its resident family -- including cooking breakfast and keeping track of the bills. Unfortunately, all members of that family, along with all inhabitants of the town, were obliterated by a nuclear explosion. The house, though, kept right on going, complete with robotic mice cleaning the floor. Apocalyptic foreshadowing aside, who hasn't fantasized about a house that makes day-to-day life easier?
Tue, 23 Dec 08
EA Titles to Get Steamy
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65600.html
PC gamers will now be able to buy and download titles from Electronic Arts via Steam, an online game distribution platform that delivers games straight to the buyer's computer. EA's putting some of its top-shelf content up for availability on the platform, including titles like "Spore," "Spore Creepy & Cute Parts Pack," "Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning," "Mass Effect," "Need for Speed Undercover," and "EA Sports FIFA Manager 2009." In addition, the games are being offered without any type of digital rights management protection.
Tue, 23 Dec 08
Game Consoles, Part 4: A Window on the Wii
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65583.html
The success of Nintendo's Wii gaming system came as something a surprise to almost everyone. Hardcore gamers wrote it off as a lightweight contender, best suited for small children, and without any true HD graphics capability, how could it compete? But compete it has, despite a list of hurdles. Despite Microsoft's Xbox 360 one-year head start, despite Sony's PlayStation experience, and despite a slowly growing list of game titles, the Nintendo Wii has taken the world by storm, selling more than 18 million units in the United States and more than 40 million worldwide.
Tue, 23 Dec 08
Android G2 Has Rumor Mill Buzzing
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65599.html
There's no leap of imagination needed to expect the arrival one day of a T-Mobile "G2" Android-based smartphone, an expected though still hypothetical follow-up to T-Mobile's popular G1. At this point, however, one does need some imagination to guess on a delivery date and describe a possible feature list. A variety of rumors have been swirling around the Web, citing anonymous sources in reports that have, for the most part, been appropriately labeled "rumors." Cell Phone Signals credits an anonymous tipster with a Jan. 26 announcement date.
Tue, 23 Dec 08
The Most Magical, Excellent, Almost Perfect Products of 2008
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65564.html
This year was likely the last of an era where vendors could afford to shotgun out products and services and hope that buyers would take them. 2009 will be much harsher on practices like this, as funding will be very short and misses will be career limiting, severely for some. Looking back, there were a number of products we covered that stood out as being amazing, and one I can't picture living without at the moment. Let's take a look back at the products of 2008 that I think stand above the rest.
Tue, 23 Dec 08
Last-Minute Gifts for the Linuxy at Heart
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65589.html
It was a relatively quiet week on the Linux blogs last week, as the world counted down the final stretch before the holidays. On Digg, the biggest discussion to follow the now-famous Teacher's Letter Controversy -- which we covered last week -- revolved around an Okii Living blog post titled "Is Linux ready for the average user? My wife thinks so." Almost 350 comments had been made on Digg by Friday, in addition to the more than 50 on the blog itself.
Tue, 23 Dec 08
Closing the Sale With Live Video Chat
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65588.html
The Internet provides opportunities for businesses to interact with customers in new ways. As innovations in social media appear, enterprises slowly adopt those same trends to offer alternatives for making the sale online. Some companies are attracting potential new clients through live video streaming or open chat channels. Sometimes these cutting-edge approaches are combined to engage visitors into a unique one-on-one discourse with an office worker. Many businesses are looking at how they can use social networking to get in touch with their consumers.
Tue, 23 Dec 08
Dream Homes: Mac Apps for Architectural and Interior Design
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65587.html
A wall here, a door there. A sunroom stretching out from the back of the house, just so. Recessed lighting in the kitchen. A custom-designed fireplace in the living room. And outside, a deck, a curving walkway, and a strategic planting of a few yews and Japanese maples. If playing with such details of home, interior and landscape design sounds like a good time to you, you're not alone. Mac users with an urge to design have plenty of programs, both beginning and advanced, from which to choose.
Mon, 22 Dec 08
The Stuff That Made Tech Tick This Year
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65565.html
There was no landslide winner as the most important tech product of 2008. But amidst the most challenging economic storm in decades, you could make a case for viable candidates. Smartphones, especially Apple's iPhone 3G, got smarter, buoyed by the brand-new iTunes App Store. Portable and inexpensive laptops, dubbed "netbooks," got smaller, cheaper and more ubiquitous. There were innovative, if imperfect, new Web browsers from Microsoft, Mozilla and, most notably, Google.
Mon, 22 Dec 08
Two Sides of the Collaboration Coin
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65581.html
The eternal dilemma of the educational technologist is how to approach the advent of any new innovation. On the one hand, any innovation offers seemingly unlimited potential in how it may change education for the better and address specific problems currently being encountered. On the other hand, there is a long history of the abuse, misuse and just plain non-use of innovative technologies despite their potential. Although these should be lessons already learned, proponents continue to describe how technologies can be used for positive change with little regard for their weaknesses.
Sun, 21 Dec 08
Online Criminal Records: Useful Tool or High-Tech Scarlet Letter?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65523.html
Worried your daughter's new boyfriend might have a nefarious past? Want to know whether the job applicant in front of you has a rap sheet? Finding out can be a mouse click away, thanks to the growing crop of searchable online databases run directly by states. Vermont launched its service Monday, and now about 20 states have some form of them. The Web sites provide a valuable and timesaving service to would-be employers and businesses by allowing them to look up criminal convictions without having to submit written requests and wait for the responses.
Sat, 20 Dec 08
YouTube Shines Spotlight on New High-Def Content
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65586.html
YouTube continues to bring its high-definition video strategy into sharper focus with the announcement late this week of more support for HD videos. And while the new development may not make it any easier to know just where the hell Matt is -- regarding the globetrotting dancer in one of YouTube's most popular videos -- his scenic backgrounds will indeed look much clearer. The Web site has made it easier to find content uploaded in high-definition with an HD link in the Videos section.
Sat, 20 Dec 08
US Tech Firms Team to Juice Up Electric Car Batteries
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65580.html
Fourteen tech firms have banded together to form a new industry alliance and cooperatively seek $1 billion to $2 billion in federal funding to create a center for the development and manufacture of domestic lithium ion batteries for transportation applications in the United States. The National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Battery Cell Manufacture is currently being advised by the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory, a national research lab and a leading developer of new battery technologies.
Sat, 20 Dec 08
Redmond Grinch Steals Cybercrooks' Christmas, Straight-Talk Express Breaks Down in Cupertino
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65577.html
Looks like Santa visits cybercrooks too. Their present this year was a big, fat security hole in many widely used versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer. The critical vulnerability allowed remote code execution if an Explorer user visited a specially crafted, malicious Web page. That translated into the potential for big-time credit card fraud and identity theft. Considering the high volume of online retail going on this time of year, and the fact that Explorer happens the world's most widely used browser, it amounted to a serious problem.
Sat, 20 Dec 08
My Wish List for a Beleaguered Profession
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65561.html
Like Tiny Tim, Cindy Lou Who, George Bailey and Hermey the Misfit Elf, I too have some Christmas wishes as this Year from Hell for journalists comes to a merciful end. It is my Christmas wish that media company managers stop laying off the most experienced of their news gatherers, whether they work in print, TV, radio or the Web. This nasty economy is turning into some very handy camouflage for dumping big salaries that not so long ago were viewed as investments.
Sat, 20 Dec 08
Mac Bloggers Muse on a Macworld Without a Mac Maker
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65567.html
It's been a wild ride this week in the Apple-focused blogging world, thanks to Apple's bombshell statement that CEO Steve Jobs would not be giving his usual wildly anticipated keynote address at Macworld in January. In addition, after 2009's show, Apple itself will make no more appearances. All Apple did was put out a dinky little press release, and boom, the blog traffic erupted in a hot rain of speculation. But that's hardly all the news of interest this week.
Sat, 20 Dec 08
The Search for an Open Source Killer App for Web 2.0
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65562.html
A quiet battle of sorts is taking place behind the scenes in the software industry. Software as a Service and cloud computing have evolved, placing much more attention on Web-based applications. This greater focus has also raised expectations for the services delivered via Web 2.0. The open source software community has responded to this growing demand for a software-driven Internet by building some of the leading Web apps available. "I'm seeing more innovation in open source in this area," Aaron Fulkerson, cofounder and CEO of MindTouch, told LinuxInsider.
Sat, 20 Dec 08
Review: Map Mashups Make Good Jogging Buddies
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65573.html
The search company responsible for countless hours of sitting by a computer screen can help you burn calories, too. To plan jogging routes and track mileage, running enthusiasts are turning to independently produced sites that tap online mapping services from Google and its rivals. As someone who has logged every mile on a spreadsheet since December 2000 (10,146.7 and counting) -- these free tools help fuel my obsession with how far I've run. After trying several of the Web services during a recent West Coast trip, I found there's no substitute for simplicity.
Sat, 20 Dec 08
Probe Spies What May Have Been Livable Martian Valley
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65574.html
An orbiting spacecraft has discovered a key mineral in bedrock on the Martian surface that suggests the planet might once have had an environment hospitable to life, scientists reported Thursday. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter detected carbonate mineral in rock outcrops in Nili Fossae, a region of valleys that have cut into the planet's ancient crust, suggesting the area was not as harsh as other places on Mars. The mineral, which forms in the presence of water, had previously been detected in trace amounts in Martian dust and soil.
Sat, 20 Dec 08
Officials May Keep Lips Zipped on Wikipedia Edits, Judge Rules
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65576.html
A judge declined Thursday to order Arkansas officials to reveal which state computers were used to edit Wikipedia entries about Gov. Mike Beebe, former Gov. Mike Huckabee and another former elected official. Circuit Judge Marion Humphrey declined "for reasons of security" to order the disclosure of the physical locations of five computers used to edit profiles about the politicians. Two Associated Press employees had sued to get the information. They are considering an appeal.
Fri, 19 Dec 08
Microsoft Stitches Up IE's Gaping Wound
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65553.html
Microsoft released a fix Wednesday that should protect Internet Explorer users from a zero-day exploit that emerged last week and rapidly evolved into a major attack vector for cybercriminals and hackers. The vulnerability, rated "critical," affects Internet Explorer 5.01, Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 6 SP 1 and Internet Explorer 7. The software maker's latest release, Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2, is also affected, and Microsoft recommends that beta users also download and apply the update.
Fri, 19 Dec 08
Is Firefox Fit for Enterprise Duty?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65569.html
Enterprise application whitelisting company Bit9 launched an attention-getting press release last week, a document which merely bubbled for a few days until the recent Internet Explorer flaw took center stage and Mozilla pushed out a few Firefox updates. Eventually, the heat under the issue boiled over, prompting Mozilla to tackle the Bit9 report on its Mozilla Security Blog. Backing up the truck, Bit9 revealed its annual ranking of threats in plain sight -- "The Dirty Dozen" of 2008's most popular applications with critical security vulnerabilities.
Fri, 19 Dec 08
Adobe Gives Linux Devs a Blast of Fresh AIR
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65566.html
Adobe announced Thursday the official launch of its Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) 1.5 for Linux operating systems. AIR, a component of Adobe's Flash platform, enables Web developers to use HTML, JavaScript, ActionScript and Flex, a free open source framework, to create Web applications outside of the browser. Rolled out as an alpha offering in March 2008, the release of the software from beta means that now Linux developers have the same tools as Windows and Mac developers, whose final versions of AIR were released in November.
Fri, 19 Dec 08
How to Build a Small-Business Web Site, Part 2: Design Basics
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65539.html
With all the free online Web building and design tools, a lot of time-strapped business owners might think that with a few strategic drags and drops into templates, they're good to go. While that might get you online in a matter of hours, if you haven't paid close attention to a few design basics, that site could do more damage than not having a Web site at all. In the online world, first impressions are everything, said Frank Loeffler, director of product marketing for Intuit Web sites. "If you don't have a professional appearance online, visitors will leave in a split second."
Fri, 19 Dec 08
SnapTell Delivers the Dossier on That CD, DVD or Book You're Holding
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65543.html
Shopping online for DVDs, CDs, books or video games makes it easy to do a fair amount of research before you click "buy." Reviews, Wikipedia entries and price comparisons are all within arm's reach, so if you stumble upon something completely new, you can find out a lot about it before deciding whether or not to pay for it. Doing that in a brick-and-mortar store is still possible if you have a smartphone on you, but you'll be standing there at the shelf for a while if you want to search out all that info manually.
Fri, 19 Dec 08
The Flying Penguin: Linux In-Flight Entertainment Systems
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65541.html
If you've used an in-flight entertainment system, known in the airline industry as an "IFE," to watch movies, listen to music, or order food lately, chances are it used Linux as an operating system. You might not know that Linux is the operating system behind what you see on your screen, but it probably is. United, Delta, Qantas, Emirates, Virgin America, Aeromexico, Air New Zealand and many other airlines all use versions of Linux-based IFE software.
Fri, 19 Dec 08
Consortium Aims for Wireless Battery-Charging Standard
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65555.html
A consortium of eight companies has launched an initiative to develop a wireless power standard aimed at driving development and convenience in electronics charging. The drive was announced at the first Wireless Power Consortium conference at the Hong Kong Science Park yesterday by the consortium's eight members: ConvenientPower, Fulton Innovation, Logitech, National Semiconductor, Philips, Sanyo, Shenzhen Sang Fei Consumer Communications and Texas Instruments. Some wire-free and wireless power transfer technologies exist today, the group said.
Fri, 19 Dec 08
Wanted: Good Homes for Used Shuttles, Still Sharp Despite Mileage
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65552.html
NASA's soon-to-be-retired space shuttles are up for grabs. The space agency said Wednesday it's looking for ideas on where and how best to display its space shuttles once they stop flying in a few years. It's put out a call to schools, science museums and "other appropriate organizations" that might be interested in showcasing one of the three remaining shuttles. Beware: NASA estimates it will cost about $42 million to get each shuttle ready and get it where it needs to go, and the final tab could end up much more.
Fri, 19 Dec 08
Film Legend Kirk Douglas Now Draws Crowds on MySpace
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65556.html
Kirk Douglas, the square-jawed hero famed for saving the world, getting the girl and in moments of toga-clad inspiration declaring "I am Spartacus!" has a new string to his bow -- as MySpace's oldest celebrity blogger. The 92-year-old actor, who retired from the screen five years ago, is cutting a fresh swath through Hollywood with a page on the social networking Web site that reflects on his "years of living, loving and learning" and records the genteel details of his life.
Fri, 19 Dec 08
Scientists Create Sea of Sounds for the Blind
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65554.html
As brightly colored fish dart in and out of the rocks scattered in a small aquarium, a bewildering melody follows each of their movements. The eerie symphony comes from an "audio aquarium," a contraption dreamed up by Georgia Tech scientists as a way to let blind people experience sea life. The researchers say they wanted to help people with disabilities do something that's more fun than functional. "Many of the things we do help them solve basic problems -- shopping, working, brushing their teeth," says Bruce Walker, an associate professor who works with the school's Center for Music Technology.
Thu, 18 Dec 08
Yahoo Pledges to Forget You Sooner
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65545.html
Yahoo announced Wednesday that it is enacting a new global data retention policy. In most instances, the Internet search engine and portal will now anonymize user log data within 90 days. After a three-month time period has elapsed, Yahoo will scrub out any data -- such as IP addresses, cookies and other information -- that would potentially enable someone to identify a given user. The change shaves 10 months off of Yahoo's previous policy and expands the amount of data on users' online behavior that will be anonymized, including information on their Internet searches.
Thu, 18 Dec 08
Read My Lips: No New Shelfware
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65522.html
Right after the collapse of the dot-com bubble, I bought a used Netra T1. I got it for a song on eBay from a hosting provider that was going under, and for the price, how could I pass it up? Sure, it was unnecessary -- but it was so cheap! I had to have it. At the time that I bought it, I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do with it. But boy, was I excited. Predictably, when it did arrive, it quickly turned into an expensive paperweight. That's not to say that I didn't toy around with it for a while; but over time, it got less and less use.
Thu, 18 Dec 08
iPod Ear and the 'Huh? Wha?' Generation
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65527.html
They're called the "iPod Generation" -- all those kids wired to earbuds and MP3 players this holiday season as they hunker down to endure long road trips or relatives that visit even longer. But they're at risk of becoming the "Huh? What?" Generation. You've heard of BlackBerry Thumb? Now there's iPod Ear. With the increasing popularity of MP3 players -- and the loud, long listening habits of today's youth -- millions of children and teens are at a newfound risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
Thu, 18 Dec 08
Future of Web: Friendlier Interfaces, Fiercer Interactions
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65537.html
The Futurama exhibit at the 1939 World's Fair. The Tomorrowland pavilion at Disneyland. The Jetsons' push-button home. When people once imagined the future of technology, the promise was all bright and sparkly, mostly comfort and convenience. Smarter machines would make a better mankind. But when the Pew Internet and American Life Project, a Washington think tank, surveyed hundreds of developers and futurists about their expectations for the Internet in the year 2020, their visions were both fascinating and foreboding.
Thu, 18 Dec 08
New Sprint Modem Bridges Wireless Generation Gap
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65534.html
Sprint Nextel on Wednesday unveiled a new laptop modem that will allow users to switch between the company's normal cellular network and the new high-speed WiMax network. The Overland Park, Kan.-based wireless carrier said the USB Modem U300 will go on sale Sunday in Baltimore, the only market where Sprint is currently offering the so-called fourth-generation wireless service under the Xohm brand. WiMax, similar to the WiFi broadband services found in airports and coffee shops, can cover an entire city.
Thu, 18 Dec 08
Themis Sats Detect Major Tear in Earth's Magnetic Field
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65533.html
Recent satellite observations have revealed the largest breach yet seen in the magnetic field that protects Earth from most of the sun's violent blasts, researchers reported Tuesday. The discovery was made last summer by Themis, a fleet of five small NASA satellites. Scientists have long known that the Earth's magnetic field, which guards against severe space weather, is similar to a drafty old house that sometimes lets in violent eruptions of charged particles from the sun. Such a breach can cause brilliant auroras or disrupt satellite and ground communications.
Wed, 17 Dec 08
Palm Opens Storefront in Mobile App Strip Mall
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65530.html
Palm has joined the mobile application shop bandwagon, launching its own app store for Palm handsets running the Palm OS as well as those running Windows Mobile. The launch means owners of Palm devices now have access to more than 5,000 applications, including over 2,000 games and more than 1,000 free apps. Applications include a Facebook app for the Centro, "Pac-Man," "Scrabble," "Astaware Sudoku," "Fish Tycoon," and "Pocket Quicken." Dubbed the "Software Store," Palm's new app center is powered by PocketGear.
Wed, 17 Dec 08
Yahoo Opens In-Box Doors and Windows
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65524.html
Yahoo has launched an enhanced version of its Mail service. The changes to Yahoo Mail offer users a "smarter in-box" experience that the company said it will roll out gradually to its users during the coming months. The move is part of its ongoing Yahoo Open Strategy initiative. As the change expands across all regions, Yahoo Mail users will find a new "Welcome Page" that will include messages, information and activity updates from people users have identified as important as well as an updated in-box and folder view that filters messages from personal connections.
Wed, 17 Dec 08
Internet Love: Intel Shows How to Sex Up a Tech Survey
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65525.html
Sure, it's a survey commissioned by a major tech company, which should trigger "Star Trek"-style alarms in most newsrooms. The headline, though, might draw some journalistic interest considering recent Dow Jones gyrations: "Most Adults Find Internet Access Essential to Daily Life in Today's Economy: Intel Survey." But just to make sure that the world's top microprocessor company had us hooked, Intel threw us this subhead: "Majority of Women Would Choose Internet Access over TV, Some Over Sex."
Wed, 17 Dec 08
Apple Update Swats Bugs Large and Small
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65526.html
Apple has released its latest update for Mac OS X, bringing the version numbers up to 10.5.6. Depending on a user's destination Mac, the update ranges from 190 MB or so up to a staggering 668 MB "combo" update, which tends to be used in organizations that plan to update multiple different Macs. The update includes dozens of general operating system fixes that enhance stability, compatibility and security. With the update, Apple is warning that users should back up their Mac before proceeding.
Wed, 17 Dec 08
Wireless Technology: Worlds Apart
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65510.html
The Asian cellular phone market is something of a paradox. Countries such as Japan and South Korea have invested the equivalent of billions of dollars to develop sophisticated, high-bandwidth wireless services, such as mobile video and mobile commerce technologies. One reason for doing this was so they could lead the world in deployment of such services; however, other countries have been slow to follow that lead. In terms of sophisticated cellular data services, Japan and South Korea are well ahead of their European and North American counterparts.
Wed, 17 Dec 08
Note to Obama: Consider the Open Source Way
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65502.html
The advantages of open source, standards and methodologies have been working their way to the surface for the past few years. Whereas in the past, open source projects were more likely to be described as fledgling efforts that lagged far behind proprietary counterparts, "open source" has become a buzzword with more positive than negative connotations. While we in the software business have complex and nuanced definitions and understandings of the term, the media, politicians and other offline audiences have tend to have a less sophisticated interpretation.
Wed, 17 Dec 08
Who Will Use North Korea's 3G Network?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65519.html
An Egyptian telecoms giant launched an advanced mobile phone network in North Korea on Monday, the latest attempt to introduce a global symbol of personal freedom into one of the world's most tightly controlled societies. But analysts cautioned against reading too much into the widely publicized $400 million deal, first announced in January, for a third generation mobile network built by Orascom Telecom. Orascom Telecom Chief Executive Naguib Sawiris said the company's aim was for a "network that will accommodate the 22 million people" in North Korea.
Wed, 17 Dec 08
Mac Protection for 'Just in Case' Types
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65501.html
There was a slight kerfuffle in Mac-land as December began, when Apple released -- and then withdrew -- a technical note suggesting that Macintosh owners should get and use multiple versions of anti-virus software to protect their systems. The "KnowledgeBase" article was removed from Apple's online services within 24 hours of its gaining media attention. The hubbub erupted because Macs traditionally have been viewed as relatively removed from the clutches of virus spreaders.
Wed, 17 Dec 08
From Parkour to Post-Apocalypse: The 10 Best Video Games of 2008
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65516.html
It's been another spectacular year for video games, with more than enough compelling adventures to satisfy even the most demanding player. It's been a particularly gratifying year for Xbox 360 owners, who have benefited from a consistent flow of first-rate software from Microsoft and other publishers. Nintendo, on the other hand, has been a huge disappointment. While the low-priced Wii continues to outsell the competition, new releases for the console have been, for the most part, uninspired.
Wed, 17 Dec 08
Aussie Couple Evades Painful Facebook Poke
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65513.html
You've been "superpoked" -- and served. A court in Australia has approved the use of Facebook, a popular social networking Web site, to notify a couple that they lost their home after defaulting on a loan. The Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court last Friday approved lawyer Mark McCormack's application to use Facebook to serve the legally binding documents after several failed attempts to contact the couple at the house and by e-mail. Australian courts have given permission for people to be served via e-mail and text messages when it was not possible to serve them in person.
Tue, 16 Dec 08
Report: Hackers Will Be Bolder, Smarter, Craftier in 2009
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65500.html
As malware writers and Internet attackers become more sophisticated, 2009 looks to be a year of more focused attacks by profit-driven criminals bent on stealing data from businesses, employees and consumers. Networking firm Cisco released its annual Threat Report Monday, citing a nearly 12 percent increase in the number of disclosed vulnerabilities over 2007 and a tripling of vulnerabilities in virtualization technology since last year. Targeted attacks and blended, cross-vector assaults top this year's list of the most worrisome new trends.
Tue, 16 Dec 08
Bluetooth Device Gags Phone When User Hits the Road
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65508.html
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new device designed to prevent drivers from talking on their cell phones or sending text messages while operating a car. The Key2SafeDriving technology, for which provisional patents and licensing have been granted, is a device that's coupled with the car's ignition key. Once the car's engine has been started, K2SD sends a signal that blocks the driver from dialing out or texting using his or her cell phone. It also blocks incoming phone calls and text messages.
Tue, 16 Dec 08
Game Consoles, Part 3: A Peek at the PS3
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65466.html
In the United States, there are approximately twice as many Xbox 360s in play as Sony's PlayStation 3 -- 14 million for the Xbox compared to almost 7 million for the PS3. This figure, however, doesn't tell the whole story: If you look worldwide, both consoles gain about 10 million units sold, which results in a closer gap of 24 million to nearly 18 million. Plus, Microsoft rushed its Xbox 360 out the door a year faster than Sony's November 2006 launch of the PS3 ... and Microsoft may still be paying for its haste via an extended warranty program.
Tue, 16 Dec 08
Microsoft Shows Up at the iPhone App Store Party
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65503.html
Microsoft has released its first application for the Apple iPhone. While this news may be somewhat surprising on its own, there's an even bigger surprise: The app has been made available for the iPhone before it's been made available for Microsoft Windows Mobile-based devices. The app is Seadragon Mobile, and it lets iPhone users browse super-large giga-pixel images on an iPhone screen. Users can zoom way out or zoom way in -- similar to how users already can zoom into Google Maps or Google Earth on the iPhone.
Tue, 16 Dec 08
Obama's Mac and Fixing the 'OMG Budget'
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65488.html
The new president-elect for the U.S. isn't even in office yet and he is already wrapped in scandal. Fortunately we can live with this one as it had to do with whether he carried a Zune or an iPod, but given some were calling this -- and I'm not kidding -- "Zunegate," I thought the event was interesting. But it did showcase how closely we are watching the guy and probably did more for Zune, significantly more, than every penny Microsoft has spent marketing the platform.
Tue, 16 Dec 08
A Teacher's Misguided Linux Rant and the Equally Misguided Response
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65494.html
A variety of interesting topics are usually discussed on the Linux blogs in an average week, which is why it's often so hard for us here at LinuxInsider to choose a select few to focus on in this column. Luckily for us this time around, last week was no average week. No, it became immediately obvious last week that there was really no choice as to what to focus this column on, because the same, shocking topic was the center of conversation after conversation.
Tue, 16 Dec 08
Zune or iPod? Picking the Right Player
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65465.html
With the holiday season suddenly upon us, consumers are searching for the right digital media devices to suit their loved ones. Apple has led and continues to lead the market with its iPod series, posting sales figures as high as 11 million units sold in Q3 of the current financial year. Although these figures are just less than half of Q1 sales numbers, a single quarter of iPod sales still equals more than five times the collective number of Zunes that Microsoft has sold since the brand's inception.
Mon, 15 Dec 08
In Dark Times, Buyers Seek Out Colorful Tech
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65447.html
It doesn't really matter that Margie Leigh's granddaughter, Laura, got the pink iPod she so desperately wanted last Christmas -- at age 4. For the now 5-year-old, pink is out this holiday, and purple is in. Grandma in Kentucky will be buying her granddaughter in Virginia a purple iPod this Christmas for one reason -- its color. "I know it sounds crazy," says Leigh, who is retired, "but that's what she wants." In the most economically depressing holiday season in decades, there's one buzzword -- besides cheap -- that's still got game at retail: color.
Mon, 15 Dec 08
iTunes Podcasts: To the Moon and Beyond
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65495.html
I remember watching video from the Lunar Module as it approached the Moon's surface back in 1969. I was awestruck. There, on my mother's huge 15-inch black and white TV, I was watching real footage of a real spacecraft from Earth, piloted by real men, land on another world. You have to understand that up until that time everything NASA and the astronauts were doing had existed only in the realm of science fiction. Spacecraft were sleek, spacious things, like a small passenger jet, not this spidery-looking thing covered with foil.
Sun, 14 Dec 08
The Dirt on Digicams: Gifts for the Image-Conscious
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65487.html
The holiday season brings good tidings for shutterbugs. Whether you're shopping for someone new to digital cameras or a seasoned hobbyist, you'll find megapixels priced extremely favorably this year. The best products continue to come from trusted names in the business, Canon and Nikon. Other companies offer lower prices and fun features, but for optimal optics you'll want to stick with the leaders in photography. Improved video quality continues to be a hot selling point for digital cameras.
Sun, 14 Dec 08
An App Store Shopping Spree
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65483.html
The killer app for the iPhone is -- drum roll, please -- the iTunes App Store. Five months after Apple launched its online emporium, I believe it even more, having downloaded a gaggle of programs, including some that transform my iPhone 3G into a harmonica, metric system converter and level. There are now more than 10,000 of these applications for the original iPhone, its 3G successor and, in most cases, for the iPod touch. Many are free. I encounter buggy programs from time to time, but there are frequent updates to fix such snags.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
Hackers Having Field Day With IE Zero Day Attacks
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65496.html
Microsoft and the Internet security community are trying to get a handle on a vulnerability that exposes Internet Explorer to the threat of zero day attacks. When the problem was first discovered -- only a few days after December's Patch Tuesday -- there was confusion about how the exploit worked, as well as which versions of IE were impacted. By setting the exploit loose just days after Microsoft released its Patch Tuesday fixes, the hackers gave themselves time to wreak maximum damage.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
YouTube Aims to Curb Abuse With Safety Center
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65491.html
Recent headlines focusing on the Web's dark side and its impact on young people can be enough to frighten parents into shutting down their child's Internet service accounts. The world's top user-generated video Web site has another idea: Give teens and parents more information about the kinds of cyber-behavior they should report when they do bump into it on the Web. During this week's Family Online Safety Institute conference in Washington D.C., YouTube unveiled its Abuse and Safety Center, a clearinghouse of sorts for families concerned about issues like cyberbullying, suicide and child exploitation.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
Major Media Ignore Science, Tech at Own Risk
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65464.html
Here are just a handful of the big stories that CNN and other news organizations won't be able to fully cover over the next two to three years: An economic rebound spurred by renewed investments and new developments in technology. An Internet available to more people in more far-flung parts of the U.S. -- for free. The digital revolution's continuing impact on movies and TV shows. The battle over green technology leadership between America and China. The battle in cyberspace between Russian criminals/Islamic terrorists vs. Western intelligence agencies.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
Android Emancipation and the Sweet Smell of WiFi: The Week in Tech
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65481.html
If you want a G1 Android phone but you can't bear the thought of using a carrier with pink logo, help is on the way. You can now get a version of the HTC handset that's both SIM-unlocked and hardware-unlocked. But in order to get one -- and, yes, they really are limiting quantities to one per customer -- you have to jump through some hoops. First hoop: Cough up 400 bucks. Second hoop: Become a certified Android developer. Don't worry, this does not require an advanced degree. It's sort of like becoming a priest online.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
Note to Obama: The FCC Needs Transparency
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65475.html
This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee released a report accusing Kevin Martin, the chairman of the FCC, of being deceptive and opaque in his management of the agency's affairs. That a politician would pull such moves is no surprise, but the report should send a strong signal to the incoming Obama administration. "Chairman Martin withheld important and relevant data from the other Commissioners ... in an apparent attempt to enable the Commission to regulate cable television companies," the report states.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
Mac Bloggers Debate App Store, Decry Missing Movies, Discuss Wal-Mart
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65470.html
There's been a lot of interesting Apple-focused blogging news this week, much of which focuses on what might be happening soon -- like a final Mac OS X 10.5.6 update, a MacBook firmware update, and the unleashing of Snow Leopard in early 2009. Still, there are three questions that speak to a broader world and are worth a closer look: Are low-cost apps cheapening the iPhone experience? Will iPhones really make it into Wal-Mart? And what happened to the missing iTunes movies? iPhone developer Craig Hockenberry kicked off controversy when he posted an open letter to Steve Jobs.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
You Can Give Linux a Test Drive Before You Commit
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65469.html
I recently promised you a strategy for a long-term exploration and transition to Linux and open source. This plan is for home use; organizational Linux is another issue. You also can follow this strategy to get some idea of how well a netbook will work before shelling out big bucks. You can decide whether open source applications work for you without installing Linux. Why? Most come in Mac and PC-compatible versions as well. Start by downloading and trying out the big-ticket items -- OpenOffice, Firefox and the Thunderbird e-mail client -- on your PC.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
NASA's Griffin Denies Stonewalling Obama Team
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65476.html
NASA Administrator Mike Griffin said Thursday that he was fully cooperating with the incoming Barack Obama administration and was "appalled" by a report that he was obstructing efforts by the president-elect's transition team to get information about the agency. In a statement, Griffin called the report in Thursday's Orlando Sentinel "simply wrong." "I would like to reiterate what I have stated in a previous e-mail to all NASA officials: We must make every effort to 'lean forward,' to answer questions promptly, openly and accurately," he said.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
China Gets 3G Ball Rolling
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65482.html
China will issue third-generation mobile phone licenses as early as this month and expects companies to spend about $30 billion on installing equipment, the industry minister said Friday. China has the world's biggest population of mobile phone users, and adoption of 3G -- which has been long delayed -- was eagerly anticipated by equipment suppliers, which are seeing demand elsewhere decline due to the global financial crisis.
"The 3G licenses will be issued either later this year or early next year," Li Yizhong, whose ministry regulates telecoms, said at a news conference.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
Web App Promises iPhoners a Taste of Cut-and-Paste
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65471.html
A new Web service called "Pastebud" is showing off a cut-and-paste feature for Apple's iPhone, but as of yet, the showing off is limited to a YouTube video. Though it's apparently reserved an online domain, Pastebud's site carried no contact information as of Thursday, and details are few and far between. The Pastebud.com site simply says "pastebud is bringing copy and paste to the iPhone tomorrow." There's no date, but a Dec. 9 post to Twitter by "pastebud" says, "Launching this Friday, stay tuned!"
Sat, 13 Dec 08
PS3 Gamers Can Finally Go 'Home'
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65457.html
On Thursday, PlayStation 3 owners will find their new "Home" ready, console maker Sony announced. The company has opened the beta of its much-delayed "PlayStation Home" 3-D virtual gaming community to all PS3 users. The move follows the completion of a closed beta. Announced in March 2007, "Home "is a real-time, networked 3-D community where gamers create their own avatars, interact with others, play games and watch streaming video content. Available as a free download, "Home" lets users chat via voice or text with other inhabitants, go to virtual parties and join tournaments.
Sat, 13 Dec 08
Google Rolls Chrome Out of Beta Garage
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65467.html
Google released the 15th update for its Chrome Web browser and officially ended the beta testing phase for the application Thursday. With some 10 million active users and 14 prior updates under its belt, the browser has improved its stability and performance in just 100 days, according to Google. "Google Chrome is a better browser today thanks to the many users who sent their feedback and the many more who enabled automatic crash reports, helping us rapidly diagnose and fix issues," wrote Sundar Pichai and Linus Upson in a Google blog post.
Thu, 11 Dec 08
New Boston-Power Notebook Batteries Promise Long, Green Life
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65453.html
Lithium-ion battery maker Boston-Power and partner HP announced Wednesday the upcoming availability of Boston-Power's next-generation Sonata battery cell. The environmentally friendly and longer-lasting battery will be available as an upgrade option beginning in early 2009. The first product released by Boston-Power, the Sonata provides "like-new" performance for three years. To back up that claim, the Sonata batteries will come with a three-year warranty -- the longest available from any notebook manufacturer, the company said.
Thu, 11 Dec 08
What's Next for Virtualization: Optimizing the Environment
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65430.html
As the server virtualization market continues to mature and more companies adopt server virtualization as a standard within their environments, the concerns and questions we hear day to day about virtual infrastructures are changing. We are no longer asked why and how we should use and deploy virtualization, but rather, is this new environment working for us as we expected it would? Do we have it configured correctly, and are we meeting our overall goals for the solutions we built?
Thu, 11 Dec 08
Open Handset Alliance Gains New Batch of Android Boosters
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65448.html
Fourteen more companies have joined the Open Handset Alliance, throwing their support behind Android -- the open source mobile platform developed by Google. The most notable new member is Sony Ericsson, which, interestingly, is also a member of the
Symbian Foundation. This surge in membership will have a huge impact on the mobile phone industry in general, and it will be a boon in particular for open source devotees who would like to migrate their mobile phones to this framework.
Thu, 11 Dec 08
Linux, Windows 7 and Netbooks: It's On
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65431.html
The netbook battle is on. Microsoft XP -- and possibly Windows 7 -- are fighting it out with Linux for a place in the tiny netbook configuration. If Linux is going to beat out Microsoft as the OS of choice on netbooks, the Linux community will have to convince consumers that "costs nothing" does not mean "not worth anything." Several vendors -- including Asus, Dell, HP, Acer and MSI -- are selling miniature laptops called "netbooks." These pint-sized wonders, usually measuring about 10 inches, often feature solid-state hard drives and retail for as low as $350 to $500.
Thu, 11 Dec 08
Google Adds Magazine Annex to Online Library
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65444.html
Google has added a magazine rack to its Internet search engine. As part of its quest to corral more content published on paper, Google has made digital copies of more than 1 million articles from magazines that hit the newsstands decades ago. For now, the old magazine articles can be found only through Google's search service for finding digital copies of books. However, the Mountain View, Calif.-based company plans to eventually include magazine articles in its general search results.
Thu, 11 Dec 08
Intel's Tiniest Chip Yet to Hit Market in 2009
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65445.html
For computer chips, as with golf scores, smaller is better. So Intel's Oregon engineers will be smiling Wednesday as they unveil the fruits of their research for a new class of chip that employs smaller circuitry. It will likely be the tiniest ever to reach the market when it goes on sale late next year. The new 32-nanometer chip will have more computing power and better energy management than Intel's current 45-nanometer chips, extending the battery life of laptop computers and handheld devices.
Thu, 11 Dec 08
NRC: Bush Administration Nanotech Risk Plan Falls Short
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65446.html
The government needs a more comprehensive plan for studying the risks of nanotechnology, the National Research Council said Wednesday. While the committee that prepared the report did not evaluate the safety of nanomaterials, it was critical of current research efforts into the health and environmental safety of the technology. Nanomaterials are made of extremely tiny particles -- some thousands of times finer than a human hair -- which have come increasingly into use in recent years, often in products such as skin care and cosmetics.
Wed, 10 Dec 08
MySpaceID Gives Web Wanderers Longer Leash
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65437.html
MySpace has introduced its own version of single sign-on functionality, a move that follows on the heels of a handful of announcements last week from competing social networks. MySpace Open Platform is a suite of products that includes the MySpace Application Platform, MySpaceID -- formerly called "Data Availability" -- and Post-To MySpace. MySpace also announced several partners that will be participating in MySpaceID, which allows users to sign on to participating third-party Web sites from the MySpace platform.
Wed, 10 Dec 08
Hot Pockets: Novatel Unveils Wireless, Wallet-Sized WiFi Router
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65440.html
Novatel Wireless has introduced a new line of devices that essentially creates a mobile WiFi cloud for users. The technology, dubbed "MiFi" will offer users not only broadband-level connectivity but also a rich applications environment for both businesses and consumers. MiFi, unlike traditional router offerings that need an external broadband modem, creates a cloud of high-speed connectivity that can be shared by multiple users and WiFi devices, such as laptops, cameras, gaming devices and multimedia players, said Novatel.
Wed, 10 Dec 08
The Next Generation of Cyber-Threats
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65410.html
With each passing year, hackers come up with new ideas, or variations of past ideas, to combine technology and social engineering to deceive users and attack networks for their financial benefit. The mid-2000s saw the proliferation of botnet attacks used for spam, targeted attacks and worse, while 2007 and 2008 have seen the rise of SQL injection attacks and other Web site exploits as hackers increasingly focus on social networking sites to target millions of users. What's on the threat horizon in 2009?
Wed, 10 Dec 08
Mozilla Boosts Stealth, Speed in New Firefox Beta
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65433.html
Mozilla released the second beta for its Firefox 3.1 Web browser to testers Monday. The latest release comes just seven weeks after the open source software maker launched the first beta of the version currently in the works. "So, even before the release of Firefox 3, we'd already been working on what will become the next release of Firefox and when we took stock a couple of months after the release, we realized that we've done a couple of really, really impressive and incredible things," said Mike Beltzner, director of Firefox development.
Wed, 10 Dec 08
The Linux Codec Conundrum
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65419.html
The Linux operating system owes most of its popularity to the fact that it is open source software and anyone can expand or edit it. But that is proving a double-edged sword for software companies who make a loss when customers switch from commercial operating systems to Linux. So these companies try and make many of their applications incompatible with Linux. After installing Linux, some users then discover that multimedia programs for playing music and movies stop working. This is caused by codecs, or rather, the lack of them.
Wed, 10 Dec 08
Snow Leopard Sharpens Claws on New OpenCL Standard
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65436.html
The Khronos Group has released OpenCL 1.0, a new open, royalty-free specification standard for cross-platform parallel programming for modern processors. To put it more simply, OpenCL is the key that's going to unlock processors and help Apple unleash Snow Leopard, the company's next Mac OS X version. "In plain English, they hope to unleash the considerable power contained in the GPUs and multi-GPUs used for graphics processing in devices ranging from gaming consoles to game-focused PCs to smartphones," Charles King, principal analyst for Pund-IT, told MacNewsWorld.
Wed, 10 Dec 08
Create a 'Voice Cloud' to Reinvent Communications
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65415.html
Voice today is at center stage in the enterprise. Carrier Session Internet Protocol trunks, enterprise SIP trunks, converged IP networks, federating private branch exchanges, unified communications and communication-enabled applications are but a few of the many voice initiatives you'll find underway in any large enterprise today. Regardless of the initiative, voice communications in the enterprise are undergoing a massive transformational process because organizations can no longer justify the costs of different approaches to voice and data.
Wed, 10 Dec 08
Study: Nearly a Quarter of Seniors Are Video Gamers
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65425.html
After a day of dirty diapers and "Dora the Explorer," of laundry and homework time, when her four kids are finally asleep, Sarah Ninesling begins roaming the ruins of a post-apocalyptic Washington, D.C., fighting mutants to help save the survivors of a nuclear war. The 30-year-old stay-at-home mom from New York's Long Island plays "Fallout 3" and other games like "World of Warcraft" and "The Lord of the Rings Online." She plays every day, sometimes past midnight, to escape and relax and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Tue, 9 Dec 08
Policy Wonks Urge US Cybersecurity Overhaul
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65418.html
The report is called "Securing Cyberspace for the 44th Presidency," and one paragraph in its opening section succinctly sets forth the Internet-related challenges awaiting President-elect Barack Obama. "Cybersecurity is now a major security problem for the United States," the Center for Strategic and International Studies commission report begins. "Decisions and actions must respect privacy and civil liberties, and only a comprehensive national security strategy that embraces both the domestic and international aspects of cybersecurity will make us more secure."
Tue, 9 Dec 08
'Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine' Could Use More Spice
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65416.html
I'm a big fan of cooking shows. In particular, The Food Network's "Iron Chef" and "Iron Chef America" are must-view programming for me. As a home cook with chef-esque pretensions, watching Cat Cora, Mario Batali, Masaharu Morimoto and others battle other chefs to make fantastic dishes within 60 minutes is scintillating TV. I have often wondered what it would be like to participate in a head-to-head competition in that pressure cooker known as "Kitchen Stadium."
Tue, 9 Dec 08
Game Consoles, Part 2: An X-Ray of the Xbox
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65365.html
For all but the most dedicated gamers, the decision to buy one of the top three gaming consoles is anything but easy. Sunday morning newspaper advertisements shed little light on the matter, and Web sites are full of fanboy posturing over which platform is best. So which is better, the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3? And what's up with the Wii? The answers are nowhere near clear, and they're entirely dependent on what the user wants out of their living room gaming experience. To help those who are on the fence or shopping for loved ones, here's a closer look at the Xbox 360.
Tue, 9 Dec 08
Google Turns Unshackled Android Loose on Devs
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65414.html
While the Google-backed Android gang is busy building applications and trying to get new phones manufactured, Google itself has ponied up a new unlocked device for developers: the Android Dev Phone 1. Basically, it's a "T-Mobile G1" that's SIM-unlocked and hardware unlocked, which will let users run it with carriers other than T-Mobile. It costs $399. "The device ships with a system image that is fully compatible with Android 1.0, so you can rely on it when developing your applications," notes Google on its Android developer Web site.
Tue, 9 Dec 08
SugarCRM Ups Web 2.0 Ante With New Release
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65413.html
SugarCRM has released Sugar 5.2, which packages some existing Web 2.0 features with new technologies. The company is also introducing Cloud Services -- a framework for developers to build links to third-party data sources such as LinkedIn or JigSaw. SugarCRM is no stranger to Web 2.0. It has made the Sugar platform available through partnerships to create custom internal social networking devices, for example. It has also Ajax-enabled its interface, which allows for easy Web 2.0 integration.
Tue, 9 Dec 08
Apple vs. Dell vs. Lenovo: Got to Love Choices
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65398.html
The economic pressure continues to increase and there is a reasonably good chance that we'll be down to one large car company in the U.S. by this time next year -- Ford, which appears to be the only one that isn't saying it won't survive without a massive cash infusion from the U.S. government. In the PC space, there are three companies being watched closely: Apple and Dell in the U.S. and Lenovo in China. Apple was growing at an incredible rate and has large reserves, but now -- thanks to the economic collapse -- it may have PC products priced out of the market.
Tue, 9 Dec 08
10 Newbie Mistakes, and What's Broken in Linux?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65404.html
There's nothing like the approaching dawn of a new year to make a person sit down and take stock of things. Apparently the folks over at Infoweek were feeling a similar urge last week, if their article titled "Fixing Linux: What's Broken and What To Do About It" is anything to go by. "There's no question that there are key areas where Linux is lacking -- not just missing individual features, but things that are actively dysfunctional and which need immediate attention," charged Serdar Yegulalp, the article's author.
Tue, 9 Dec 08
iPhone Reserves Space on Wal-Mart's Shelves
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65411.html
Apple's red-hot iPhone will soon be available at what might seem an unlikely place: your local Wal-Mart. And you might see it there at one of the store's legendary "Everyday low prices" -- $99. San Francisco Bay Area Wal-Mart Stores will have the iPhone in stock by the last week of December, and maybe before Christmas, said managers and employees at several stores. "It's going to be very soon," said Mark Blome, store manager of the Wal-Mart on Albrae Street in Fremont, Calif. "Originally they were going to release it before Christmas, but they can't get them that fast to us."
Mon, 8 Dec 08
2008's Top 10 Gadgets for Easier, Simpler, Better Living
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65397.html
I've played with dozens of cool gadgets this year, as well as with a bunch of duds. So as I crafted a list of the year's best tech goodies, I had two criteria: Did the product deliver what was promised? Did the product make life easier, work simpler and home life better? These items are fun, family-friendly and have few wires. Here are my Top 10 gadgets of 2008, in random order. For starters, the Slacker G2 plays the songs, artists and genre-based music you select from Internet radio station Slacker.com.
Mon, 8 Dec 08
Can Apple Beat Sony and Nintendo at Their Own Game?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65377.html
Did Apple know what the future held when CEO Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone during his Macworld Expo keynote in January 2007? They probably had some sense of it, but they likely had no idea that games would become such a big part of the platform, especially considering the outsider status of gaming on the Mac. The company is clearly ready to take full advantage of the current situation, however, as evidenced by the recent iPod touch ad that focuses solely on games.
Mon, 8 Dec 08
Cost-Conscious Companies Turn to Open Source Software
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65332.html
After the tech bubble burst, E*Trade's technology chief, Lee Thompson, needed to find a way to do more with less. In 2001 and 2002, the online stock trading company shrank its tech budget by one-third. "We had to go through and figure out every penny that we were spending and make alternatives to reduce those costs," says Thompson, vice-president and chief technologist of E*Trade. So he began using software that can be downloaded at no cost via the Internet. By the end of 2002, he was saving $13 million a year thanks to use of these freely available applications known as open source software.
Sun, 7 Dec 08
When Will Fuel Cells Hit Full Throttle?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65323.html
Laptop, cell phone and iPod owners tired of having their devices run out of charge after a few hours have been patiently waiting for the next portable power source to arrive. Tiny fuel cells, powered by combustible liquids or gases, have long been touted as the eventual solution. Potentially, they could power a laptop for days between refills. But fuel cells have perennially remained a year or two away from reaching the market as companies have worked on making them small, cheap and long-lasting, while making sure they don't overheat.
Sat, 6 Dec 08
Xohm WiMax Service Zooms
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65402.html
When Sprint announced that Baltimore would be the location of the first roll-out for Xohm, a new long-range wireless broadband technology known more lately as "Clear," I could hardly believe it. Baltimore is not particularly known as a hub of technology. Want crabs, we got 'em. Under Armor, we've got that too. But when it comes to releasing new technology, Baltimore is typically toward the bottom of the list. While most of the surrounding Baltimore County has Verizon's FiOS, residents in the city are still waiting.
Sat, 6 Dec 08
Amazon Burns Through Meager Kindle Supply
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65399.html
If last year's runaway success of Amazon.com's Kindle e-book reader didn't surprise anyone, how about this year's continuing momentum? The $359 Kindle is out of stock again, and it won't be back in time to fill anyone's stockings this holiday season. For technology and gadget lovers, the black and white, single-purpose Kindle is an anomaly. It doesn't play games, doesn't show movies or TV shows, and it doesn't even have an app store. It's for one thing: reading electronic text.
Sat, 6 Dec 08
The Mumbai Reports: Will Twittering Masses Supplant Pro Journalists?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65378.html
I'm starting to lose track of which major news event is supposed to be THE turning point for technology-driven citizen journalism. Was it bloggers detailing the horrors of Sept. 11? The surreal graininess of cell phone videos and photos capturing the 2004 London subway bombings? The digital camcorder footage later that same year showing the South Asian tsunami washing away coastlines and lives? What about the eerie muted gunshots of a madman heard on another cell phone video, this one from the Virginia Tech campus in 2007?
Sat, 6 Dec 08
Mac Bloggers Dig Up 4-GB iPhone's Grave, Sling Mud Over Virus Baiting
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65385.html
The biggest news in the Apple-focused blogosphere this week is the rumor that retail powerhouse Wal-Mart might be prepping to sell a $99 iPhone -- that's right, an iPhone for less than 100 bucks. In other hot news, Apple's been flirting with virus-checking recommendations, and finally, after weeks of delay, Apple is almost shipping its new in-ear headphones. The Boy Genius Report first broke the original Wal-Mart rumor -- that the retail behemoth could be selling iPhones in the future.
Sat, 6 Dec 08
NASA Writes Mars a Rain Check
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65387.html
NASA is delaying a mission to Mars that already had been over budget and will get even more costly. The launch of the massive roving robot with a rock-zapping laser was pushed back Thursday from next year until 2011, adding $400 million to the price tag. More than 10 different problems, all solvable with time, forced the postponement, Mars exploration chief Doug McCuistion said. The six-wheeled Mars Science Laboratory is designed as the most powerful spacecraft to explore the Martian surface.
Sat, 6 Dec 08
NFL's 3-D Trial Run: Like Being on the Field
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65388.html
The first NFL game broadcast to theaters live in 3-D fumbled, then recovered Thursday night. Two satellite glitches blacked out the broadcast to theaters in Boston, New York and Los Angeles in the first half of the game between the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers. And on a few occasions, a quick camera movement or a refocusing -- and one ill-advised dissolve -- had viewers pulling off their polarized lenses. But the Los Angeles audience was mostly forgiving, in awe of a spectacle that had depth and in some instances gave the feeling of being on the field, especially for the opening coin toss.
Sat, 6 Dec 08
Obama's Zune Prompts Screams of Betrayal From Apple Fanboy Nation
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65391.html
Here's what we know about President-elect Barack Obama and gadgets: He loves his BlackBerry. He's a Mac, not a PC. He was seen working out with a Zune. Wait ... a Zune? Not an iPod? Is it too late for a recount? Obama's alleged choice of digital music player has sparked so much buzz in the techie blogosphere that all the incoming traffic briefly crashed the Web site of the Philadelphia weekly newspaper that broke the story.
"We didn't anticipate this kind of attention," said Drew Lazor, the online editor for citypaper.net.
Sat, 6 Dec 08
Bahrain Among Worst Malware Hot Spots, Says Microsoft Exec
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65395.html
Computers in Bahrain are among the world's most-infected with malware and potentially unwanted software, according to a top security expert. Bahrain comes second after Afghanistan in a list of the 26 "seriously infected" nations that run computers on such malicious software, said Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa Chief Security Advisor Roger Halbheer. "This is a serious problem, with computer users not apparently realizing they are compromising their own online security as well as that of other users," he said.
Fri, 5 Dec 08
Sun Brews Up Rich JavaFX
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65383.html
Sun Microsystems has launched a new platform in an attempt to gain a foothold in the rapidly growing rich internet applications space, as well as generate solutions for mobile devices and even TVs. The platform, JavaFX 1.0, seeks to let developers build Web apps with high-fidelity audio and video, rich text, vector graphics, animation and Web services for, as Sun notes, "all the screens of life." Sun says JavaFX opens up a vast market for developers and content authors.
Fri, 5 Dec 08
Is YouTube Becoming PrudeTube?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65381.html
In the early days of YouTube, one could find scads of commercial pornography, plenty of amateur pole-dancing and scatological material out the wazoo, but as the world's top user-generated video Web site chases down more revenue, it has also cracked down on the kind of mature content that might make advertising executives a tad nervous when they're deciding where to place their brands -- not to mention moms and dads wondering what uploaded atrocities the kids are viewing now.
Fri, 5 Dec 08
IBM Takes Dead Aim at Microsoft With Virtual Linux Desktop
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65382.html
IBM has teamed with Virtual Bridges and Canonical to offer a new Linux-based virtual desktop solution. The three companies announced the general availability of Virtual Linux Desktop Thursday, calling it a cost-effective alternative to Microsoft's desktop software. VLD runs open standards-based e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, unified communication, social networking and other software to any laptop, browser or mobile device from a virtual desktop login on a Linux-based server configuration.
Fri, 5 Dec 08
How to Build a Small-Business Web Site, Part 1: Nuts and Bolts
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65360.html
When it comes to setting up your Web presence, entrepreneurs are surprisingly lax. Depending on who you talk to, about half of small businesses do not have a Web site. Most of those will tell you that it's just too complicated, time-consuming and expensive a job to take on. With the availability of free and very low-cost drag and drop Web building tools, however, entrepreneurs have no more excuses for being off-screen. It's getting harder than ever for all those entrepreneurial types out there to stay ahead of the game.
Fri, 5 Dec 08
It's Linux - or Else - in Parts of China
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65362.html
Authorities in the southeastern Chinese city of Nanchang are requiring all local Internet cafes to replace their Microsoft Windows XP operating systems with a Chinese-made system, Red Flag Linux, according to officials and Internet cafe owners. An official with the Nanchang Cultural Discipline Team, which oversees the roughly 600 Internet cafes operating in Nanchang city, said the new operating systems were mandatory. "We have already started installing the new software in all Internet cafes. All of them must have this new one," the official said.
Fri, 5 Dec 08
Are Computers Messing With Circuitry of Human Brains?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65372.html
What does a teenage brain on Google look like? Do all those hours spent online rewire the circuitry? Could these kids even relate better to emoticons than to real people? These sound like concerns from worried parents. But they're coming from brain scientists. While violent video games have gotten a lot of public attention, some current concerns go well beyond that. Some scientists think the wired world may be changing the way we read, learn and interact with each other.
Fri, 5 Dec 08
Our Selves but Not Our Bodies
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65375.html
Shaking hands with yourself is an amusing out-of-body experience. The illusion of having your stomach slashed with a kitchen knife, not so much. Both sensations, however, felt real to most participants in a Swedish science project exploring how people can be tricked into the false perception of owning another body. In a study presented Tuesday, neuroscientists at Stockholm's renowned Karolinska Institute show how they got volunteers wearing virtual reality goggles to experience the illusion of swapping bodies with a mannequin and a real person.
Fri, 5 Dec 08
NFL Kicks Off 3-D Broadcast Experiment
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65373.html
In broadcasting the world's first live 3-D football game to theaters in Los Angeles, New York and Boston on Thursday evening, the NFL promises an "up close, personal, visceral" experience that could open a new revenue stream for the league. The screenings for team owners, producers and journalists will use technology developed by 3ality Digital, a Burbank, Calif.-based company whose major investor is the family of Art Modell, owners of the Baltimore Ravens from 1996 to 2004.
Fri, 5 Dec 08
The Rise of the Netbook
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65374.html
You see them on tables in coffee shops, under the arms of college students and on the laps of travelers waiting for a flight. Called "netbooks" or "mini-notebooks," these small, lightweight and relatively affordable computers are one of the hottest tech toys of the year. Popularized by Asus Eee PCs, which start at $269, netbooks are designed for basic tasks -- Web surfing, e-mail and word processing. That's just fine for some folks. These sleek WiFi-enabled computers are usually limited in capacity, and to keep costs down, often ship with the open source Linux operating system.
Fri, 5 Dec 08
Light Echoes Illuminate Nature of Long-Gone Supernova
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65370.html
More than 400 years after Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe challenged established wisdom about the heavens by analyzing a strange new light in the sky, scientists say they've finally nailed down just what he saw. It's no big surprise. Scientists have known the light came from a supernova, a huge star explosion. But what kind of supernova? A new study confirms that, as expected, it was the common kind that involves the thermonuclear explosion of a white dwarf star with a nearby companion.
Thu, 4 Dec 08
Microsoft Metes Out Vista SP2 Beta to Wider Audience
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65367.html
Microsoft will broaden the testing base for the beta version of Windows Vista Service Pack 2, the software maker said Tuesday. Initially announced in October, the pre-release code is currently available to TechNet and MSDN subscribers and will be widely available to the public on Thursday through Microsoft's Customer Preview Program. The operating system's second service pack includes new hardware support for Bluetooth 2.1 and Blu-ray as well as the latest version of Windows Search 4.0 and Hyper-V virtualization technology.
Thu, 4 Dec 08
Expanding Social Horizons, Part 2
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65349.html
Within the last two days, a handful of new platforms have been introduced that are designed to allow social networkers to climb over their clubhouse walls. The latest is
OpenID for Flock, a joint collaboration among MySpace, Flock and Vidoop. On Monday, two other initiatives were announced: Facebook Connect and Power.com. All three applications take slightly different approaches to solving a problem that has been brewing among social networks for some time: the hassle users must go through to port data, content and contacts from one network to another.
Thu, 4 Dec 08
Making the Browser the First Stop
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65348.html
Good OS, developer of the gOS Linux operating system, announced its latest endeavor Monday, dubbed "Cloud." The new operating system, unlike most OSes, actually boots into a browser. From there, the user may surf the Web or go to a traditional Windows or Linux operating system. The new OS integrates a Web browser with its compressed Linux OS kernel for immediate access to the Internet, integration of browser and rich client applications, and full control of the PC from within the browser, Good OS said.
Thu, 4 Dec 08
Hawaii Set to Create First Statewide Electric Car Charging System
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65356.html
Hawaii has unveiled plans to be first in the nation to roll out electric car stations statewide -- a move the governor hailed as a major step toward weaning the islands off oil. Hawaii imports foreign oil for almost 90 percent of its energy needs. One-third of that oil is used to power cars and buses on island streets. Gov. Linda Lingle said Tuesday the program would help Hawaii meet its goal of slashing fossil fuel use 70 percent by 2030. "This is the preferred future," Lingle said at a press conference.
Thu, 4 Dec 08
MySpace Streams Video on the Fly
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65350.html
MySpace users with mobile phones are about to find out if they can walk and watch TV at the same time. On Wednesday, News Corp's online social network will make video clips from its members' pages available for viewing on mobile devices including the BlackBerry Bold, Palm Centro, Motorola Q9, LG Voyager, Nokia N95 and Samsung Instinct. Members will be able to look at video on their own homepages as well as friends' pages. The free service will be supported by advertising.
Thu, 4 Dec 08
'We Didn't Want to See the Future': Q&A With Ex-Sony Lawyer Steve Gordon
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65366.html
In 1999 at a Sony Music corporate meeting, the room was filled with Sony executives and attorneys from across the globe. At one point, one of the Sony attorneys gave a presentation on two music services. One was the Sony music service and the other was a tiny, fledgling service. The Sony service required users to go through multiple layers of Web sites in order to get to the songs they wanted. Then the Sony attorney demonstrated the other service. She typed in "Hey Jude." Not only did the the Beatles version appear, but so did other versions. And -- it was free.
Thu, 4 Dec 08
Deck the Halls With Gaming Gear
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65358.html
In these lean times, cocooning is the new "getaway." People are "investing in their living area and looking for value," says tech analyst Michael Gartenberg at Jupitermedia. Here's a look at a few of the season's best gadgets and game accessories for every budget. Nintendo's "Wii Fit" became an instant hit with its fusion of exercise, yoga and gaming. The key to keeping fit Wii-style is the Wii Balance Board, a wireless peripheral that resembles a white bathroom scale. Players step on the board, and sensors monitor weight, balance and other variables.
Thu, 4 Dec 08
In Hungry Times, Apple Must Avoid Eating Its Partners' Lunch
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65344.html
Apple loves it when its channel partners sell lots of Apple products. Everyone makes money. However, in tough economic times, as each partner seeks to squeeze out a profit on Apple's famous brand, Apple's first reaction could be to grab some of that profit for itself instead. Apple has always had an uneven relationship with its channel partners, in my experience. On the positive side, Apple's retail stores have led the way, set the example, and created a consistent, international sales focal point for Apple's clear advantage.
Wed, 3 Dec 08
Nokia Shows Off Sociable, Spendy Smartphone
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65347.html
Nokia unveiled its latest smartphone in Barcelona, Spain, on Tuesday at the Nokia World 2008 conference. The N97, set for release in the first half of 2009, could challenge high-profile mobile devices such as Apple's iPhone, Research In Motion's Storm and T-Mobile's G1 for a share of the smartphone market. The N97 features a 3.5-inch touch display, personalized homescreen with widgets, and a full Qwerty keyboard. For socially minded users, the handset also sports several social networking features utilizing real-time data.
Wed, 3 Dec 08
Expanding Social Horizons, Part 1
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65334.html
There's been a growing concern among companies operating social networks such as Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn -- as well as the hundreds of niche sites that have sprung up -- that too many of these online hubs could lead to paralysis among users. Inevitably, a user with too many sites to visit and update will abandon some, if not most. Facebook, MySpace and others have been addressing the problem of the so-called "Walled Garden" with initiatives that make it easier for users to toggle back and forth between sites, taking their content with them.
Wed, 3 Dec 08
Zoho Builds SQL Road to Cloud
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65346.html
Zoho has added a new offering to its portfolio of online services: an SQL-based front end for its online reporting and business intelligence service application. Zoho CloudSQL is a middleware service that uses Structured Query Language to connect to business data stored in Zoho Reports, the company's online reporting and business intelligence service. Zoho Reports also has a new HTTP-based application programming interface that lets users interact with their data programmatically.
Wed, 3 Dec 08
Installing Linux on the PlayStation 3
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65329.html
One of the most exciting aspects of the PlayStation 3 is that it allows users to install an alternative operating system. You can't overwrite Sony's GameOS or access privileged resources, but you can run your own applications on the new Cell Broadband Engine processor -- called the "CBE processor" or the "Cell" for short. The Cell is the mighty brain of the PlayStation 3, and this article explains how to access it by installing Linux on the console.
Wed, 3 Dec 08
Hands-Free or Hands-On, Cell Talk More Distracting Than Passengers
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65337.html
If you're conversing behind the wheel, you'll drive more safely if your partner is sitting next to you rather than speaking from the other end of a cell phone. That's because passengers will adjust a conversation in response to traffic conditions and will even break to remind the driver of hazards, according to new research by University of Utah psychologists. "We find that it is actually good for a driver to talk to a passenger, one with driving experience," said Frank Drews, an associate professor of psychology and lead author of the study.
Wed, 3 Dec 08
Update to Apple's 18-Month-Old AV Doc Sparks Uproar
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65342.html
Apple's Mac OS X operating system has long been lauded as virus resistant, if not downright virus and malware free. Over the years that has perhaps changed -- at least a little. If any Mac-focused bugs have popped up, though, none have turned into marauding swarms of locusts. Basically, Mac OS X stands a low risk of infection, partially due to its Unix foundation and partially due to the notion of security through obscurity. However, recent reports about an official support document found on Apple's Web site have reignited the Mac security issue.
Wed, 3 Dec 08
Criminalizing Web Use
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65341.html
Surfing the Internet carries all sorts of minor hazards, including pop-up ads, vitriolic bloggers and time-wasting videos. As of last week, it also carries one that is anything but minor: the threat of criminal prosecution. That's the implication of the jury verdict in the case of Lori Drew in the infamous MySpace case. The Missouri mother was convicted of three federal misdemeanor charges for setting up a MySpace account to masquerade as a 16-year-old boy and exchange messages with Megan Meier, who killed herself after "Josh Evans" spurned her.
Wed, 3 Dec 08
Devs Teach iPhone Some Linuxy Tricks
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65340.html
A group of amateur developers has ported the Linux operating system to Apple's iPhone and iPod touch devices. Members of the iPhone Linux development team revealed in a blog posting that they had installed a working version of the Linux kernel on the handsets. The software must be installed by the user, and exists largely as proof that Linux can be ported to the handset. The researchers noted that several major features, such as sound support, touchscreen capability and wireless networking, had yet to be figured out.
Wed, 3 Dec 08
VMware Spruces Up Virtual Desktop Product
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65339.html
VMware has updated its virtual desktop product with enhancements that make it easier to provision and manage virtual clients, and new capabilities that support mobile workers on laptops. Released Tuesday, VMware View 3 is a rebranding of the firm's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure but with several new features. Key among these is View Composer, which can provision virtual machines by combining a fixed master image with changeable user data stored separately, dramatically cutting the storage required for virtual clients.
Wed, 3 Dec 08
YouTube Orchestra Holds Auditions for Online Virtuosos
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65335.html
There's a new way to get to Carnegie Hall -- YouTube, YouTube, YouTube. Borrowing from "American Idol," the online video site announced plans Monday for a YouTube Symphony Orchestra, featuring a collaboration of wannabe musicians with Carnegie Hall, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, composer Tan Dun and others. Through Jan. 28, musicians can submit entries as they perform two videos: a display of their musical talents and an interpretation of an original work by Tan, who won an Academy Award for 2000's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
Tue, 2 Dec 08
Facebook Aims to be Web's Universal ID
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65328.html
Facebook said it will expand Facebook Connect, its universal log-in service, to integrate functionalities with more third-party Web sites. Originally announced at the social network's f8 conference in July, Facebook Connect is part of the next iteration of Facebook Platform and allows users to bring their Facebook account information, friends and privacy to other third-party sites, desktop applications and devices, according to Dave Morin, Facebook senior platform manager.
Tue, 2 Dec 08
Game Consoles, Part 1: The War for the Living Room
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65303.html
In the contest to dominate the video gaming landscape, there are three powerful players, each with a magic weapon: Microsoft with its Xbox 360, Nintendo with its Wii, and Sony with its PlayStation 3. Like any great heroes, they each have their strengths and weaknesses, though none, it turns out, has a fatal flaw. For those hapless consumers who haven't already made a choice, the differences between the three consoles offers up a wild list of pros and cons, and it's confusing enough to make any gaming newbie give up and start rolling the dice.
Tue, 2 Dec 08
Black Friday Rosier Than Expected
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65326.html
A variety of retail-watching experts are churning out Black Friday sales facts, figures and customer inclinations, and while it wasn't a rip-roaring Black Friday compared to previous years, it wasn't all that bad -- particularly for the hot-selling consumer electronics sector. Comparison shopping site PriceGrabber.com, for instance, is reporting that adverse economic conditions have motivated value-driven customers to boost online traffic 11 percent over last year's Black Friday.
Tue, 2 Dec 08
What If Steve Jobs Ran GM and Mark Hurd Ran Ford?
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65282.html
One of the first jobs I ever held was as an auto mechanic and have had a passion for cars that predates my passion for technology. Watching the U.S. auto industry make mistake after mistake until it was nearly out of business has been particularly painful for any of us who love both cars and our country. I'm in the market for a new car myself, and there isn't a single one from any of the Big Three that excites me at the moment. Based on how well the Japanese and Korean car companies are doing, I'm guessing I'm not alone.
Tue, 2 Dec 08
Touchscreen Phones and Mobile Apps: Fitting Hand in Glove
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65313.html
Touchscreen phone users are discovering that much of the fun in their devices stems from applications -- those little nuggets of convenience, amusement and distraction available for download on the slightest whim. A good example is Google's newly updated Mobile App for Apple's iPhone, which has been generating a lot of buzz for one main reason: voice search. Want to find the nearest pizza place, showtimes for the James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace," or the latest Bruce Springsteen video? Google voice search is uncannily accurate.
Tue, 2 Dec 08
On Holidays, Hot Air and the 7 Horrors of Linux
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65305.html
Well, the holiday season is upon us once again, and that means it's the beginning of what, for many geeks, is a time of unnatural, enforced, repeated and prolonged socialization. Yes, it can be an uncomfortable time for those of us who aren't perky, extroverted cheerleader-types, and we here at LinuxInsider are no exception. So it was with great relief that we came across a few posts in the blogosphere that promised some welcome, Linux-inspired distraction. Another group photo? Sure, we'll be right there! Ha.
Mon, 1 Dec 08
Staying Sane With Web Escapes
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65322.html
When the reality of the world gets to be too much for Jana Ogletree, a waitress from Elgin, Idaho, she turns to -- puppies. Six puppies, to be precise -- romping, rolling, sleeping, yelping and playing. Ogletree doesn't own the six furry shiba inu puppies. And she has never touched them. Instead, the puppies are being raised by an anonymous couple in San Francisco, and Ogletree -- along with about 4 million others around the world -- watches them live, online via video feed on Ustream.tv three to four times a day.
Mon, 1 Dec 08
The iPhone Google Voice Search Dialect Dilemma
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65311.html
They're funny things, vowels. Well, funny until we have to deal with speech recognition technology -- as complaints about a new iPhone application's inability to recognize British accents have highlighted. There's nothing more likely to wipe the smile off your face than sitting in public, trying to communicate with a machine unprepared to meet you even halfway. So you want to know how much money you have in your bank? Well, not until you've convinced everyone within earshot that you're a blathering lunatic who believes she can speak Whale language.
Mon, 1 Dec 08
Old Threats Are New Again: Security Tips for the Holiday Season
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65297.html
Today we have the advantage of staying connected wherever we are, which gives us the convenience of completing our holiday shopping from home or our working space, at any time of day. This convenience, however, comes with a price, which can sometimes present itself literally. Cybercrime is prevalent in our daily news; stories that discuss the lack of security or how some fraudster managed to bypass security barriers in place can cause customers to wonder how secure they are when shopping online.
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