27Aug/100
Foursquare Teases Upcoming Mayorships, Over 1 Million Gmail Calls Made
Highlights from this morning's big tech headlines....
- Foursquare mayor wannabes have an extra incentive to return to their pub or hot dog joint of choice. The location-based service will now let you know when you're within a mere 10 check-ins of an elusive mayorship. [From: foursquare blog]
- Google's new Gmail calling functionality has been used over 1 million times in the service's first 24 hours. [From: CNN]
- Best Buy and Target announced yesterday a program offering in store credit for games, DVDs and other electronic media at over 600 stores nationwide. [From: Engadget]
- Google Calendar users will be pleased to find a new event scheduling system incorporated added to the popular webapp. The new event editor makes it easier to add regular events, as well as a streamlined process for finding open times for meeting with your coworkers and friends. [From: The Official Gmail Blog]
- Software and entertainment updates over Wi-Fi are being tested in Ford's in-car SYNC, and the Wall Street Journal suggests future wireless upgrades, ranging from customized seat positions to transmission shifting speed, may not be coming soon. [From: Wall Street Journal]
Foursquare Teases Upcoming Mayorships, Over 1 Million Gmail Calls Made originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
23Aug/100
Apple Looks to Lock Out Jailbreakers, Dish Network Launches Streaming DishOnline
Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
- Apple is reportedly trying to patent technology that would allow it to remotely commandeer stolen iPhones, but its patent application apparently indicates that jailbroken or unlocked devices could also warrant the kill switch. [From: Engadget]
- Dish Network is officially introducing DishOnline tomorrow, and the streaming service will feature content from various networks, including Discovery Channel, HGTV and MTV. [From: The New York Times]
- Gizmodo's editor-in-chief (who played a prominent role in the missing iPhone 4 soap opera) recently received a comical lesson in irony after he left his own device behind after visiting a watering hole. (No, it's not karma.) [From: Daring Fireball]
- Consumer Electronics Association CEO Gary Shapiro has adamantly suggested that, instead of forcing all cell manufacturers to equip devices with FM radio capabilities, "broadcasters should man up, stop whining to Congress and start competing." [From: USA Today]
- In what has to be the most ridiculous movie adaptation announcement since, well, last June's 'Mafia Wars' revelation, developer Rovio is reportedly fielding offers for a potential 'Angry Birds' film. [From: TUAW and Reuters]
- 'Futurama' may have already cemented itself as the most genuinely and awesomely geeky show in the history of television, but it cast its title in bronze when staff writer Ken Keeler crafted a functional mathematical theorem for a recent episode. [From: Engadget]
Apple Looks to Lock Out Jailbreakers, Dish Network Launches Streaming DishOnline originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
17Aug/100
BlackBerry Torch Sparks Apathy, Grooveshark Pulled From the App Store
Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
Based on Goldman Sachs' assessment of "underwhelming" initial sales, the new BlackBerry Torch probably won't help RIM reverse the recent, astronomical ascent of Android. [From: Business Insider]
A licensing dispute with Universal ...
BlackBerry Torch Sparks Apathy, Grooveshark Pulled From the App Store originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
11Aug/100
Rupert Murdoch’s Skype Issues, Droid Gets Android Froyo Update
Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
- Skype has reportedly been embroiled in a lingering legal dispute with BSkyB (part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. family) because "Skype" includes the word "sky," the name of one of Murdoch's networks. There is no word yet, however, if News Corp. plans to go after the Alan Parsons Project in hopes of redubbing its hit to "Eye in the Rupert Murdoch-Owned Property," or force The Temptations to rename their own jam as "Rupert Murdoch's Intellectual Property Is the Limit." From: The Telegraph]
- Froyo has been incrementally rolling out for various Android devices, and it appears Verizon's Droid has become the latest model to receive the 2.2 upgrade. [From: Engadget]
- Last month, the U.N. denounced North Korea for allegedly torpedoing a South Korean ship, so the North is employing YouTube to proclaim its innocence, to praise leader Kim Jong-Il, and to berate its southern neighbor. Or, as most call it, typical North Korean shenanigans. [From: AFP]
- Developers at Amazon's Kindle labs reportedly hope to add new capabilities to the popular e-reader, and -- judging by a slew of new job openings -- could also be pursuing the creation of entirely new gadgets. [From: The New York Times]
- The video game industry suffered its first real recessionary effects during 2009 (although growth remained significantly higher than the rest of the U.S. economy), but the 120,000 workers in the field still earned an alluring average salary of $89,781. [From: Engadget]
- Wikileaks is reportedly under heavy fire from a variety of angry enemies, including human rights groups who condemn the site's practice of publishing civilians' names. The Pentagon is also currently enlisting help from overseas allies in the global hunt for founder Julian Assange. [From: TechCrunch]
Rupert Murdoch's Skype Issues, Droid Gets Android Froyo Update originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
6Aug/100
Saudi Arabia to Enact BlackBerry Ban, The Smoking Gun Redesigns
Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
- Saudi Arabia has apparently executed its planned boycott of BlackBerry messaging services, prompting both U.S. and Canadian governments to intervene. With Turkey, India and the United Arab Emirates all considering similar bans, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly hopes to broker a resolution because residents have "a legitimate right of free use and access." [From: Businessweek and Engadget]
- The Smoking Gun maintains an established presence on the Web, and -- after 13 years -- the site is finally reflecting its venerable reputation with an impressive site redesign. [From: The Smoking Gun]
- According to Google's calculations, the world houses 129,864,880 books, but those numbers are somewhat padded by co(mputer)-dependent "writers" like this guy. [From: Gawker]
- After yet another appearance of its accursed fail whale, Twitter's status blog is beginning to resemble a voluminous documentation of futility. [From: The Huffington Post]
- Foreign plugs and sockets frequently inspire tired jokes and ridicule from U.S. travelers, but, in an exasperating reversal, enviable European consumers will receive universal, "one-size-fits-all" cell phone chargers next year. [From: Wired]
Saudi Arabia to Enact BlackBerry Ban, The Smoking Gun Redesigns originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
22Jul/100
Verizon May End Mobile Data Free-for-All, Blogetry’s Blogs May Be Reinstated
Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
- Verizon may kill its unlimited data plan within the next few weeks, reportedly because of abusive "bandwidth hogs." Coupled with Ma Bell's similar move, the closure apparently represents the demise of a fleeting, two-year trend. [From: The Huffington Post and Engadget]
- The Microsoft and Apple role-reversal continues, as an increasingly cool Microsoft reportedly plans to bestow its 90,000 employees with complimentary Window Phone 7 devices. [From: Engadget]
- In what could be a significant victory for free speech (and blogging), Web host Burst.net may reinstate the Blogetery service and its 70,000 users. Earlier this month, Burst suddenly and universally eliminated the platform after the FBI accused Blogetery of hosting terrorist information and activity. [From: CNET]
- Skype has officially completed an apparently impressive iOS 4 upgrade, and -- although video chat remains unavailable -- there will not be an extra charge for calls over 3G. [From: Engadget]
- The International Computer Science Institute recently discovered a frightening geotagging, social network security issue. The Institute's researchers actually circumvented privacy controls to glean specific geographic information, including addresses, from user photos and videos hosted on sites like YouTube and Craigslist. [From: PSFK]
Verizon May End Mobile Data Free-for-All, Blogetry's Blogs May Be Reinstated originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
21Jul/100
Facebook Lawyer Disputes Ceglia’s Contract Claims, T-Mobile Trumpets 4G Expansion
Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
- Paul Ceglia is claiming Facebook ownership rights based on a 2003 contract, but a lawyer for the site is now questioning the authenticity of Mark Zuckerberg's purported signature. [From: SF Gate]
- T-Mobile believes its HSPA+ network, which now affects a total of 85 million U.S. consumers after incorporating 24 new cities, currently provides "the broadest reach of 4G speeds in the U.S." [From: Ubergizmo and Engadget]
- Apple's recent share slide definitely doesn't reflect its last quarter. Spurred by instant iPad popularity and unprecedented Mac sales, Apple reportedly generated $15.7 billion, a company record for a single quarter. [From: CNN]
- Impudent whelps from 4chan reportedly targeted Gawker Media this week, as a (renounced) throng attacked various sites, and even inundated staffers and their families with spiteful messages. [From: Gawker]
- Verizon and Motorola have officially acknowledged the Droid X's flickering screen problems. In a recent press release, the two companies are assuring customers that Motorola has "resolved the issue," which apparently only affected "a very small number" of devices. [From: Engadget]
- Foursquare, which recently hosted its first "million check-in" days, reportedly achieved another monumental milestone this week, as it welcomed its 100 millionth check-in. [From: Mashable]
Facebook Lawyer Disputes Ceglia's Contract Claims, T-Mobile Trumpets 4G Expansion originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
20Jul/100
Diane Sawyer to Interview Mark Zuckerberg, China and Google Reach Accord
Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
- In what promises to be a highly entertaining (if not uncomfortable) bit of programming, the frequently awkward Mark Zuckerberg will guide Diane Sawyer through Facebook headquarters during an exclusive ABC World News interview tomorrow night. [From: ABC News]
- China and Google have reportedly reached a detente in their contentious censorship battle, as China plans to officially express its satisfaction with Google's recent "compromise" proposal. [From: Engadget]
- The lengthy list of iPhone 4 issues has apparently inspired a downward spike in Apple shares, allowing Microsoft to surge past Jobs & Co. in terms of market worth for the first time since May. [From: The Next Web]
- The U.S. continues to investigate a national broadband plan, but -- according to the FCC -- too many people remain without access because implementation is reportedly not progressing "in a reasonable and timely fashion." [From: Yahoo!]
- Defense contractor Raytheon Company successfully demonstrated the devastating effects of its anti-aircraft Laser Close-In Weapons System this week, and the BBC is providing video of the awesome, incendiary laser action. [From: Neatorama]
Diane Sawyer to Interview Mark Zuckerberg, China and Google Reach Accord originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
16Jul/100
Wii Successor Won’t Be Going 3-D, ‘Chinese Democracy’-Uploader Sticks it to The Man
Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
- Even though its handheld 3DS is making the move extra-dimensional move, Nintendo reportedly plans to bypass 3-D technology with the next Wii incarnation, primarily because of a purported lack of consumer demand. [From: Ubergizmo]
- Facing three years in prison and $250,000 in fines, Kevin Cogill -- the 'Chinese Democracy' uploader -- agreed to instead provide a PSA for the recording industry. Apparently, the man managed to out wait the Man because "the deal is no longer legally binding," even though Cogill did provide an expletive-laden "right in the butt" warning worthy of Andrew Dice Clay. [From: Wired]
- The MyFord Touch technical upgrades, set to appear on Ford's 2011 cars, will reportedly boost SYNC's vocabulary to an impressive 10,000 commands. [From: Engadget]
- According to a recent Marist College survey, half of all social networkers harbor concerns about online privacy issues. So, the survey basically means that half of all social networkers are actually oblivious and need to worry about privacy issues. [From: Reuters]
- The June video game numbers are out, and -- even though most stats maintained a steady decline -- overall hardware sales slightly increased, while the long-awaited 'Red Dead Redemption' became 2010's best selling game. [From: Game Spot]
Wii Successor Won't Be Going 3-D, 'Chinese Democracy'-Uploader Sticks it to The Man originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
8Jul/100
Xbox Live Rakes in $1 Billion a Year, MSFT Employee Sheds Light on Kin’s ‘HUGE Fail’
Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
- Last month, Forbes estimated that Microsoft's Xbox Live marketplace earns the company $1 billion a year, and that has now been echoed by Bloomberg. The $1 billion is thanks to the 12.5 million members who drop $50 on annual subscription fees, just so they can pay still more for various virtual goods like costumes and character attributes. [From: Engadget]
- When Microsoft killed its short-lived Kin social networking phones, a certain reviewer exclaimed "good riddance" to the "sissy," useless mobiles. An unnamed Microsoft employee has reportedly echoed those sentiments, saying he was "embarrassed" by Microsoft's "HUGE fail." Even more damaging to the company, another unnamed insider attested that consumers only purchased a humiliatingly paltry total of 503 units. [From: Daring Fireball]
- According to Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, the Nintendo Mii avatars may soon leave the comfortable confines of their Wii homes to explore new Nintendo territories, including the 3DS. [From: Engadget]
- Despite the obvious dangers inherent to texting while driving and other forms of vehicular cell distractions, a Washington lobbyist group recently formed the Drive Coalition. The Coalition apparently hoped to deflect attention from cellular distractions, and instead focus on activities like eating, but the group has already been dissolved. In typical lobbyist fashion, group spokesman Babak Zafarnia claimed the Coalition was no longer needed, because "the concept has met its goal of expanding dialogue on distracted driving." Even if that dialogue consisted of: "What an incredibly stupid idea?" [From: The New York Times]
- Ford consistently investigates methods of maintaining technological relevance, particularly with its revolutionary Sync program. The company now aims to combat the deadly texting while driving epidemic with a new in-car translation system. The Message Access Profile feature, which Ford is developing with RIM, will first arrive on Blackberry devices, and would conceivably vocalize incoming text messages. Ford's latest Sync upgrades, with MyFord Touch, should appear with 2011 models. [From: Mashable]
Xbox Live Rakes in $1 Billion a Year, MSFT Employee Sheds Light on Kin's 'HUGE Fail' originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.