Tradeweb Blog - Free Articles & Ideas http://tradeweb.com.au: December 2012

Quick Note: BlackBerry X10 Smartphone Shown in Higher Resolution Images

Shots aren't as detailed as the L-Series leak, but give us the best glimpse yet at RIM's QWERTY BlackBerry 10 device<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/1868e4fb04_mf.gif" border="0"

Yahoo completes withdrawal from South Korean market

The Web pioneer announced its intention in October to cease operations in the Asian country, where several companies have struggled to compete. <a

Huawei linked to plan to sell restricted equipment to Iran

A major partner of the Chinese telecommunications gear maker offered to sell $1.7 million worth of embargoed HP computer equipment to Iran, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-57561298-92/huawei-linked-to-plan-to-sell-restricted-equipment-to-iran/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore">

YouTube makes brief return to Pakistan after 3-month ban

The video-sharing site returns for anywhere between three minutes and three hours after being blocked for hosting a video that depicts the prophet Muhammad as a buffoon. <a

Predicting the most unlikely tech events that will happen in 2013

Mobile, mobile, mobile. That's where everything is going, so the clever people conclude. But surprises do sometimes happen. Big surprises. <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-57561279-71/predicting-the-most-unlikely-tech-events-that-will-happen-in-2013/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore"> </a><img width="1"

TwitPic snared by Google's malware detector

The popular photo site denies being a security threat and says it's trying to resolve the situation with Google. <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57561283-93/twitpic-snared-by-googles-malware-detector/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore"> </a><img width="1"

Windows 8 wrestles with PC's legacy

On a traditional PC, Windows 8 Metro is a solution looking for a problem. <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33642_7-57560912-292/windows-8-wrestles-with-pcs-legacy/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore"> </a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/26f2b5e2c6_mf.gif" border="0" /><br

Type 'sell' into Google Finance and take a bite out of Apple

It's not clear why, exactly, this is happening, but as of this writing, if you type "sell" into Google Finance, you get Apple's rather sullen stock chart.

Lawsuit alleges that stolen ideas underpin Pinterest

A New Jersey man says that ideas he formulated for a site called RendezVoo wrongly wound up as integral parts of the wildly successful interest-sharing site. <a

Details of proposed sanctions emerge in Apple-Samsung case

Sanctions against Samsung in patent case before U.S. International Trade Commission would involve sales, import ban and posting of bond for 88 percent of value of smartphones at issue while potential bans were under review. <a

The Audiophiliac's speaker of the year: The KEF LS50

The British have a knack for making exceptional-sounding small monitor speakers; the KEF LS50 is the latest example of the breed. <a

Russia's Moon Mission Rocket Creeps Closer to Completion

In Soviet Russia, space travels you<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/73d3f2a694_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

Quick Note: Start Button to Stay Dead in &quot;Windows Blue&quot;

Beloved icon of Windows history appears to be in the rear view for good<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/564c050452_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

EPA Chief Lisa Jackson to Step Down

A list of potential replacements is already circulating<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/042235ca8a_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

Nissan Expands Warranty Coverage on Leaf Battery Packs

Nissan takes steps to address Leaf battery woes<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/33ed9a28b4_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

New iOS app shows NY subway arrival times

For the first time, New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority has release an iOS app that shows train arrival times on seven subway lines. <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-57561212-233/new-ios-app-shows-ny-subway-arrival-times/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore">

Suppliers hint at changes to MacBook Air -- Digitimes

While it's a given that the MacBook Air is coming up for a redesign, it's a question of degree. The industrial design won't change much, according a report from the Taiwanese site. <a

Netflix doubles down on CEO Reed Hastings' pay package

Movie streaming company gives its chief a hefty raise for 2013, a year after slashing his compensation in the wake of a botched plan to split the company. <a

How to quickly set calendar times in OS X

If needed, you can take advantage of the OS X Calendar's ability to identify time frames to enter events faster. <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57561201-263/how-to-quickly-set-calendar-times-in-os-x/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore">

New law strengthens patents on product designs

President Obama signed a bill that some worry could overwhelm the patent system even further. <a

Foxconn Getting Its Act Together on Employee Working Conditions

Its starting with more comfortable seating and new classes<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/da668c832c_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

Study: Human Evolution Forced by Chaotic Landscape

Adversity breeds strength -- and perhaps human intelligence<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/1db2c22b79_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

Gun Store Links Removed from EA's &quot;Medal of Honor&quot; Website

Recent shootings were the cause for removing the links<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/798fb41704_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

12/27/2012 Daily Hardware Reviews

DailyTech's roundup of hardware reviews from around the web for Thursday<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/df4e93aaef_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td

Autonomy founder fires back at HP after news of DOJ inquiry

After HP announced an investigation into its purchase of the software company, Autonomy founder says, "We can confirm that we have as yet had no contact from

Wikipedia's most-viewed articles in 2012 were...

What people searched for on the Web encyclopedia this past year was mostly to be expected -- like actors, musicians, and world events -- but there were

Retail sites see 27 percent traffic jump on Christmas Day

Visits to the top 500 online retail sites are up compared with the same period last year, and Amazon seems to be taking the cake. <a

Could PBS Silicon Valley doc spawn 'Mad Men' for geek set?

OK, it's a documentary for "American Experience," about Robert Noyce, Fairchild Semiconductor, Intel, and the birth of Silicon Valley. But just look at those vintage suits. <a

Leaked images suggest BBM video chat coming to BlackBerry 10

Images posted to CrackBerry forums suggest important upgrades coming to BBM. <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57561050-94/leaked-images-suggest-bbm-video-chat-coming-to-blackberry-10/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore"> </a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/2841ec2e8e_mf.gif" border="0" /><br /><br

Movie Studio Employees Caught Pirating Adult Films and More

From adult films to movies to games, Hollywood employees appear to love to pirate content<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/2287c93a0e_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

Cat Fight: Lockheed Martin Upset Over SpaceX's Air Force Contract

Lockheed said SpaceX is inexperienced and is cutting corners by cutting costs<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/ae90b3ab11_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

Iran Accuses U.S. and Israel of Spreading Holiday Stuxnet &quot;Cheer&quot;

Hostile Middle Eastern power says it successfully defended itself against the supposed cyberattack<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/0759fac8d8_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

12/26/2012 Daily Hardware Reviews

DailyTech's roundup of hardware reviews from around the web for Wednesday<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/a87caab205_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td

What Mac to be 'Made in USA'? Maybe Mini, perhaps Pro?

Dueling reports peg the Mini, on the one hand, and the Pro, on the other, as being the Mac involved in Apple CEO Tim Cook's comments about

Tap Twitter, control a cockroach

Almost as certain as death and taxes is the cockroach. Now one artist has turned the tables on the pesky arthropod by taming it with some tech components

Google extends free calling through Gmail

The company says people can make free calls in the U.S. and Canada through Gmail's Chat function -- using the calling plugin -- throughout the New Year. <a

Convenient iTunes 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

You can optimize how you use iTunes 11 by using various keyboard shortcuts available in the program. <a

Randi Zuckerberg loses control on Facebook (and Twitter)

The Facebook CEO's sister is peeved that a photo she thought she'd posted privately is exposed publicly. It's quite a photo. <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-57560888-71/randi-zuckerberg-loses-control-on-facebook-and-twitter/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore"> </a><img

Stuxnet attacks Iran again, reports say

The worm apparently was aimed at a power plant and other sites in southern Iran but was thwarted. <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57560799-83/stuxnet-attacks-iran-again-reports-say/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore"> </a><img width="1"

Netflix outage mars Christmas Eve

The company's video streaming service went down for an undetermined number of people across the Americas yesterday. The outage continued into Christmas morning for some customers.

LG's 2013 home theater line doubles down on sound bars, Bluetooth speakers

LG has announced its entire 2013 home theater line in advance of CES, including modest updates to its sound bars, Blu-ray players, HTIBs, and Bluetooth speakers. <a href="http://www.cnet.com/8301-34444_1-57560539/lgs-2013-home-theater-line-doubles-down-on-sound-bars-bluetooth-speakers/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore"> </a><img width="1"

Hacker Claims to Have Scooped 3M Verizon Customer Records, Verizon Denies

ISP says no "breach" occurred, but that a small, mostly harmless leak did happen<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/809e844b85_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

Windows 8 Fails to Drive Significant New PC Sales

A turnaround in the PC industry isn't expected to happen anytime soon<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/18df21322e_mf.gif" border="0" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a

China Tries to Fix Solar Panel Problems with Mergers, Reduced Gov. Support

Beijing's solar problems stem from rapid expansion over the past decade and issues with the U.S. and Europe<img width="1" height="1" src="http://tradeweb.com.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/5d7b1a31fa_mf.gif" border="0"

Customer claims Sprint worker said his fingers 'too fat' for iPhone

A customer claims he went to a Sprint store to replace his damaged iPhone 4 and the Sprint salesperson told him his digits were too porky. <a

Christmas surprise for Droid Razr, Razr Maxx

Jelly Bean starts finding its way into the Christmas stockings of Droid Razr and Droid Razr Maxx owners. <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-57560763-251/christmas-surprise-for-droid-razr-razr-maxx/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore"> </a><img width="1" height="1"

Instagram hit with proposed class-action lawsuit

Suit claims that not only is Instagram making a "grab for customer property rights" with tweaks to its terms of service, it's also attempting to cover its tail by prohibiting users

Chrome prepares to axe silent extensions

A coming version of Google Chrome on Windows is going to prevent extensions that don't come from the official Chrome store from quietly installing without your say-so. <a

Old vs. new tech -- and old tech wins by a landslide

A $250,000 3D printer's LP can't match the resolution of a sixty-year-old LP -- and it's not even close! <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57560709-47/old-vs-new-tech-and-old-tech-wins-by-a-landslide/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore"> </a><img width="1" height="1"

Love low-fi? 3D-print your own vinyl records

They may be noisy, but Amanda Ghassaei's resin tracks bring back the joys of physical media. <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57560648-1/love-low-fi-3d-print-your-own-vinyl-records/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=readMore"> </a><img width="1" height="1"

Google's Xmas greeting: We even make robots happy

In a charmingly pointed video to wish Androiders Happy Holidays, Google shows that its Android ecosystem extends to little people from the future. <a

UPS man charged with stealing iPad Mini FedEx

A homeowner knows that FedEx has delivered his iPad Mini. It isn't there when he gets home. So he looks at his home surveillance video. And sees the UPS guy allegedly take it. <a

Best Buy employee asks for receipt, allegedly attacked

A 61-year-old Best Buy employee who asked a couple for their receipt as they left the store, is allegedly beaten to the ground. <a

Revealed: NSA targeting domestic computer systems in secret test

The National Security Agency's Perfect Citizen program hunts for vulnerabilities in "large-scale" utilities, including power grid and gas pipeline controllers, new documents from EPIC show. <a

First day tips and tweaks for new MacBook owners

Get a new holiday MacBook? Here's how to get the most of it right away.

U.S., Russia forge 'action plan' on piracy

The two countries agree on a plan to curtail theft of intellectual property, after President Obama grants Russia "permanent normal trade relations" and the two nations agree to have the WTO's tenets apply between them.

Here comes Microsoft Surface Pro, 64 bits and all

The Windows 8 Pro version of Microsoft's Surface tablet is just around the corner. Here's what to expect.

Flickr offers three months of Pro service for free

The nothing-to-lose offer comes amid the reverberations following Instagram's changes to its terms of service and subsequent backpedaling on the issue.

Offbeat game recasts Xmas tune as 'Little Bummer Boy'

To many, "Little Drummer Boy" is a fun, or at least innocuous, Christmas song. But to many people on Facebook, Twitter, e-mail lists, and blogs, "LDB" is something to avoid at all costs.

Look Out Intel; Samsung Test 14 nm FinFETs

Qualcomm and other Samsung clients could get a boost from novel power-saving gate

RIM Q3 Results: Smaller Loss Than Expected, First Decline in Subscriber Base

An increase in cash shot RIM's shares up 7.6 percent after closing in the U.S. on Thursday to

UK Copyright Reform Will Significantly Affect Fair Use

Reform will make it legal to copy CDs to your

Quick Note: "Gangnam Style" Becomes First YouTube Video to Hit 1 Billion Views

"Oppa Gangnam

Why does my external hard drive only show 2.2TB?

Older hard-drive enclosures may be limited in the size of drive they can present to your system.

Make use of the built-in VPN service in OS X

In addition to client support for VPN, OS X contains a fully fledged VPN server

Five things Windows 8 must do in 2013

Reactions to Windows 8's launch mirrored the operating system's own split personality. Here's what Microsoft needs to do to keep it from getting left on the floor.

Apple classic Karateka reborn for iOS -- and how sweet it is

With a stunning makeover and simplistic but compelling action, this terrific update brings Karateka into the 21st century in style.

Step into NASA's next-generation spacesuit

We take a quick peek at some of the new wear NASA says astronauts will don within a few years.

Quick Note: Steam for Linux Beta Open to Public

For those who want to participate in the Steam for Linux beta program, download the most recent Steam Linux client or

Amazon Making 6 Original Comedy Pilots, Customers to Choose Which Ones They Like

Only Amazon Prime customers can watch the six new original comedy pilots for

Toyota Allows Drivers to Ditch the Charging Cables With Qi in the 2013 Avalon

Wireless charging standard seems right at home in the vehicle

Obama Admin. on Cybersecurity: Sharing is Caring

Plans calls for secure sharing that standardizes inter-agency methodology, while protecting civil

Senate approves Netflix-backed amendment to video privacy law

With president's signature, legislation will make it easier for people to share their video-viewing preferences online.

Roku adds Spotify, Vevo to its streamed channel offerings

Channels for the popular music streaming and video services added to the home set-top box steaming platform.

Facebook begins rolling out new privacy tools

Unveiled last week, the tools are touted as helping users better manage who can see what on the social network.

Apple reportedly pulls plug on project behind portable charger

iPhone maker refuses to license the rights to its Lightning connector for use in a portable charging station, its CEO says in announcing refunds to Kickstarter donors.

Time to send an SOS over Instagram's TOS

More Facebook/Instagram follies raise uneasy questions why a policy change morphed into such a mess.

NHTSA Administrator Pushes Support for Event Data Recorders in Automobiles

David Strickland told The Detroit News that EDRs are "essential" for the safety of

EU Investigates Microsoft for Policy Changes in Hotmail, Bing

Microsoft made the policy changes on October

Kodak Sells $525 Million in Patents, Apple/Google to Benefit

Under the new agreement, Kodak will get $525 million from both Intellectual Ventures and RPX

FTC Frustrates Google With Delay in Antitrust Probe Ruling

Google may not find out its fate until

Australian university to issue 11,000 iPads next year

Initiative is part of a curriculum overall at the University of Western Sydney that will stress a "blended learning model."

Twitter shuffles top execs, names new COO and CFO

As the social network aims to drive revenue, Ali Rowghani is named chief operating officer and Mike Gupta moves into role of chief financial officer.

Google puts businesses' interiors inside search results

Google Business Photos present 360-degree panoramas, allowing users to scope out businesses without actually visiting.

Tumblr rolls out its iPad app

Once relegated to just the iPhone and iPod Touch, the popular blogging platform's iOS app is now available on Apple's iPad.

Twitter temporarily turns out the lights on Anonymous account

After the hacker group allegedly posted a photo of an individual's private information, its Twitter account goes dark and then is later restored.

Researcher: Pesky Microbe May Have Caused the Biggest Extinction in History

Methane-producing bacteria may have leverage nickel from volcanism to flood the atmosphere with

Report: Amazon Smartphone One Step Closer to Production

Foxconn is allegedly working on the device

Judge Koh Gives Apple a Lump of Coal, Denies Samsung Smartphone Ban

Despite willful infringement findings, Judge argues Apple did not prove that it lost its ability to

NVIDIA Tegra 4 Processor Details Leak

Details on the next generation Tegra 4 processor, codenamed "Wayne",

Analyst cryptically notes that iPad Mini gen-2 is 'pulled in'

Fresh speculation arrives about the next iPad Mini and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4 via an analyst's missives from Asia.

Microsoft Surface tiptoes into Verizon store display cases

Microsoft's Surface tablet has an inconspicuous presence at Verizon stores. So inconspicuous that you'll probably miss it. And, oh yeah, it's not for sale anyway.

iOS 6 adoption surges after release of Google Maps app

New data shows that since Google launched its iOS mapping application, there has been a 30 percent bump in people upgrading their devices to Apple's newest mobile operating system.

Silicon Valley Ep. 7: Dressed to the benigns

In the penultimate episode of Silicon Valley's premier reality show, nothing much happened and it took an hour for nothing much to happen. Which made it quite riveting. Oh, there was a health scare. But not much

National Geographic turns off Instagram over new terms

Magazine known for its high-quality images says it's concerned about new photo ownership policy and may abandon the photo-sharing app entirely.

Samsung Scoops up Emerging SSD Caching Software Maker Nvelo

Startup made a compelling pitch for hybrid

Developer Finds Security Hole in Galaxy Note II, S2

Memory permissions raise danger of local

Former Clinton Advisor Masterminding Microsoft's Antitrust Attack on Google in DC

Report in the NYT claims political vet is working to drag Google's name through the

Scareware Writer Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison

He was also ordered to pay $650,000 in

Celebrity hacker gets 10 years prison for e-mail hack

After stealing and posting private information from more than 50 celebrities -- including Mila Kunis, Scarlett Johansson, and Christina Aguilera -- Christopher Chaney is sentenced to prison.

Samsung loses bid for new trial after Apple's $1B verdict

South Korean electronics giant had argued that juror misconduct had tainted Apple's billion-dollar judgment against it and it therefore deserved a new trial.

Apple loses bid for permanent ban on Samsung phones in U.S.

A U.S. judge denied Apple's attempt to get a sales ban on a number of Samsung devices, some four months after a jury found patent infringement.

Apple said to be talking to Foursquare for maps data

Looking to boost its mobile mapping app, the tech giant is rumored to be discussing data-sharing with the location check-in service.

SpongeBob disappears from app store after privacy criticism

An advocacy group calls on the FTC to investigate the children's game for violations of online privacy rights and misleading marketing.

Suspected security hole found in many Samsung devices

Developer finds vulnerability in Exynos 4-powered devices, including the Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note, that bypasses system permissions, allowing data to be extracted from the RAM or a malicious code to be injected.

Facebook cozies up with Walmart for mobile-ad blitz

After collaborating with Walmart on Black Friday, the social network may be looking to partner with other massive retailers on ad campaigns.

iPhone 5 sales in China surpass 2 million in first weekend

With millions of people in China snapping up Apple's latest smartphone, a sales record is set for the Far East country.

Cisco rumored to be putting Linksys up for sale

The networking giant is said to be shedding more of its consumer businesses by asking Barclays to help it sell the home wireless-router company.

U.S. shoppers spent $7B online last week -- busiest 5 days ever

Online spending is up more than 13 percent this holiday shopping season, according to new data from ComScore.

Location Privacy Protection Act Passed by Senate Committee

The act aims to force app companies to receive user consent before collecting mobile location

Google will alter search to end FTC antitrust inquiry, says report

The search giant will alter its use of "snippets" -- bits of text from other sites -- and make it easier for search advertisers to shuttle their campaigns to rival services, according to a report.

Apple rumors never cease

The iPad Mini rumor-machine is just getting started. And don't think for a minute that you'll see fewer stories than before. Apple rumors are an unstoppable force of nature.

ESPN to embed sports instant-replay videos in tweets

The sports network's college football unit is teaming with Ford and Twitter to bring clips of the college bowl games to a tweet near you.

Colbert visits Google, is clueless about Google Play

Interviewed by Eric Schmidt, Colbert is stunned to discover he can buy his own book through the great hydra that is Google.

The PC's past and Intel's future

The leading purveyor of PC chips doesn't really think a lot about the desktop anymore.

New Windows Chief Talks Sinofsky, Windows 8, Surface

Julie Larson-Green is working to fill Sinofsky's

Electric Grid Hum Used to Time-Stamp Digital Recordings, Verify Evidence

UK police are putting tactic to use to fight

Apple's iPhone Guilty of Infringing Three Nokia, Sony Patents Held by Shell Company

Victory gives Windows Phone and Android maker bargaining leverage and possibly a damages

Redbox Video Streaming Service to Launch This Month

Redbox streaming video service enters beta this month and undercuts

Put your phone into 'car mode' with these dashboard apps

With large shortcuts to car-specific functions and, in some cases, voice and gesture controls, these apps can make your phone as safe to use behind the wheel as your car's stereo.

'The Hobbit' 3D tech divides our CNET reviewers

Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is polarizing audiences for several reasons, but mainly because of the new 48-frames-per-second 3D technolology. CNET's TV reviewers just went there and back again, and here's

Walmart selling iPhone 5 for $127 in stores, 4S for $47

Walmart has put Apple's two latest smartphones on sale just ahead of Christmas, trimming $72 off the iPhone 5, and about $41 off the iPhone 4S.

Q&A: MacFixIt Answers

This week readers e-mailed in questions about Target Display mode in iMac systems and RAM purchases for Macs among others.

Crave Ep. 103: Dropping burrito bombs on America

This week on Crave, we check out a Burrito Bomber that drops burritos into geo-tagged locations. Also, your next chauffeur could have four legs and bark.

Researchers Propose New Way to Explain How Life Began on Earth

By looking at information stored in chemistry, says former NASA fellow, life from non-life can be

EU Reportedly in Favor of Amazon in Apple E-Book Investigation

The European Commission is expected to accept an offer from Apple and four major book publishers in the ongoing e-books

Quick Note: TV CALM Act Goes Into Effect Today, Stops Annoyingly Loud Commercials

Any television station or cable provider that doesn't monitor the volume of its advertisements will pay a

Jammie Thomas-Rasset's Lawyers Appeal $222,000 Fine to Supreme Court

The consul argues the defendant's due process rights were

Chinese arbitrators rule against brain-damaged Foxconn worker

Father of injured worker challenged the company's earlier demand that his son be moved or face loss of support for medical costs.

iPad Mini set to eclipse Retina iPad

The iPad Mini could become the iPad standard bearer, according to NPD DisplaySearch.

Apple's iPhone 5 officially goes on sale in China

After overcoming a number of regulatory hurdles, Apple's newest smartphone hits the most populated country on earth.

Threat of mass cyberattacks on U.S. banks is real, McAfee warns

A new security report by McAfee confirms that cybercriminals claiming to hack into hundreds of bank accounts next spring is a "credible threat."

Yahoo considering purchase of news summarizing app Summly

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer eyes the app, according to All Things D. If true, the iPhone app would fit nicely with Mayer's recent mobile-focused purchases.

South Korea Says North Korea Dumped $1.3B USD Into Missile Launch

That would be enough to buy 4.6 million tons of

GE Uses Jet Engine Tech in New Piezoelectric Coolers for Ultrabooks, Tablets

Fanless solution is only 4 mm

Report: Apple Testing Designs for Large-Screen HDTV

Apple's Asian supplier Hon Hai Precision Co. is working with Sharp on the

Republican Spammer Complains Filters Violate Net Neutrality, Asks FCC to Ban Them

Notorious spammer claims net neutrality applies to

Google Maps returns to iOS as an app after Apple's removal

After months-long absence due to Apple's embarrassing removal of the feature from its mobile platform, Google's maps returns as a stand-alone app.

Dropbox acquires music streaming service Audiogalaxy

Service will be shutdown in apparent "acqui-hire," suggesting that the file-sharing service may be getting ready to tune up a music streaming service.

Woman Tasered after trying to buy too many iPhones

A woman trying to buy too many iPhones at a New Hampshire Apple store and ends up being Tasered by police outside the store.

U.N. summit rejects U.S., Europe hands-off-the-Internet plea

Nigeria, Cuba, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia persuade a majority of summit delegates to support giving a United Nations agency a more "active" role in Internet governance.

FCC wants texting apps like iMessage in text-to-911 plan

Proposal would require apps that send text messages to phones to be part of the people to send text messages to authorities in emergencies.

Chinese Scientists Produce Neurons from Urine

The process could help those with neurodegenerative

Intel Spills Details on 3D Transistor Port to Smartphone Chips

Processors can be up to 65 percent faster thanks to novel new

Google CEO: We Have no Real "Competitors", Apple's Fixation is Self-Destructive

Larry Page says that when you're obsessed with the present you're not looking ahead to the

Expanding Foam Stops Internal Bleeding in Soldiers

The foam can reduce blood loss six-fold and boost the rate of survival at three hours post-injury to 72

Facebook reigns as the best place to work

Beating out Google and Apple, the social network is crowned the No. 1 place of employment based on career opportunities, salary, and benefits, as well as work and life balance.

Facebook helps FBI take down $850M botnet crime ring

FBI credits the social-networking giant with helping take down the suspects behind one of the largest cybercrime hauls in history.

Start-Ups Silicon Valley Ep. 6: Booty calls and booted dolls

The sixth episode of Silicon Valley's most valuable reality show reveals that there is no end to drama when a man tries to run more than one company and more than one woman.

FCC approves Dish's plans for high-speed wireless

With its massive satellite spectrum, Dish is given the go-ahead by the U.S. government to put those airwaves to wireless use.

Microsoft unveils more than 40 new apps for Xbox Live

In an effort to increase the amount of nongaming content, software giant announces slew of new apps it expects to release by next spring.

USAF Staff "Appalled" at Wasting $1B USD on Failed Software Upgrade

Project suffered an excess of ambition, irresponsible contractors, and a broken management

IBM Manufactures Nanophotonics on 90 nm CMOS, Demos 25 GBPS Per Channel

New processes push technology to the verge of

Ford's C-Max Hybrid, Fusion Hybrid to Get EPA Review Following Fuel Economy Complaints

Consumer Reports Said Ford's 47 mpg claim is too high for both

Apple's iOS 6 Maps Leads Australian Motorists to Dangerous Areas

Apple Maps is a little confused about where Mildura

Patent trolls now behind most patent infringement lawsuits

Patent assertion entities, which seek licensing fees rather than create products based on the technology, filed about 62 percent of the patent suits this year, according to a new study.

Survey: Adobe discount draws customers to subscription plan

Cutting the Creative Cloud subscription price 40 percent to $30 a month is a big draw -- but what'll happen at full price? Also: Photoshop and Illustrator get Retina support.

People young and old enjoy getting news on mobile devices

A new study shows that all age groups are inclined to read or watch news on a smartphone or tablet. However, men and college-educated users tend to be the most engaged news consumers.

Google Maps lets users explore NASA's 'Black Marble'

Using NASA and NOAA's striking images of the Earth after dark, the Web giant creates an interactive map showing the world's flickering lights on a cloudless night.

IDC device maker ranking shows Apple value, Samsung volume

IDC report shows personal computing market shifting to smartphones and tablets, away from PCs.

IBM pushes silicon photonics with on-chip optics

Big Blue researchers have figured out how to use standard manufacturing processes to make chips with built-in optical links that can transfer 25 gigabits of data per second.

Yahoo, NBC Sports team up to share broadcast sports, news

Alliance to include original video content for both sites, as well as live streaming of events and integration of Yahoo's fantasy sports platform.

White House to debut on Pinterest with holiday social

The venerable residence of the president will soon begin pinning images and information relating to life inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Gasp over hundreds of billions in gold at Bank of England

Unless you work at Fort Knox, you've probably never seen this much gold in one sitting.

Instagram photos disappear from Twitter feeds

Photo-sharing app completely turns off all support for the microblogging site.

Microsoft Surface RT Sales Hurt by Lack of Distribution

Right now, customers can only buy the Surface RT tablet at Microsoft

Handcuffs that give you an electric shock?

A patent for next-generation handcuffs offers a future in which the detained can be shocked and even injected with drugs directly from their restraints.

Three reasons a Windows 8 laptop leads, MacBook lags

While the MacBook Air is a wonderful design, it's not perfect. And HP offers some compelling reasons to consider a Windows 8 laptop.

Apple's U.S. Mac-making plan to create 200 jobs, says report

CEO Tim Cook's remark that Apple will invest $100 million in manufacturing Macs in the states will mean the creation of 200 jobs, some industry watchers say.

Nook Simple Touch e-reader drops to $79

Barnes & Noble reduces the cost of its e-ink device with the holiday shopping season in full swing.

Best Buy sends five iPads in error, says 'keep them'

In an attack of holiday spirit, Best Buy admits it made a mistake in sending a customer five iPads instead of one. The company says the customer should give the extras to people in need.

White House Completes Review for Black Boxes in Automobiles

The NHTSA is now preparing to finalize the

Quick Note: Businesses Must Now Pay $50/Year for 'Google Apps for Business'

It comes with features like 24/7 phone support and a 25GB

DC Republicans Bow to Big Media "Friends", Fire Pro-Copyright Reform Staffer

Termination comes after RIAA and MPAA "went

12/7/2012 Daily Hardware Reviews

DailyTech's roundup of hardware reviews from around the web for

Apple and Google making joint bid for Kodak patents, report says

An Apple-Google joint effort to procure Kodak's patents could auger a somewhat less litigious atmosphere in the future.

Hot new games for iOS

All of the games in this collection are new at the App Store, already well-known titles, and extremely entertaining.

HP to Apple: Hey, we already make PCs in the U.S.

Hewlett-Packard says it's way ahead of Apple in the race to bring more computer assembly back to the U.S.

DoorBot wireless doorbell cam lets you see visitors

This doorbell lets you observe and speak to visitors at your front door through a tablet or smartphone.

Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg sells $26.2M in stock

The COO trimmed her holdings, cashing in some shares at prices not seen since August.

Apple Falls to 6th Place in China's Mobile Market

Apple is expected to rebound with the iPhone 5

Exotic 20 nm "4D" Christmas Tree-Shaped Transistor Could Improve Computing

Researchers see new device as path to sub-10 nm

Princeton: Use Coal, LNG, Non-Food Crop Biofuel Blends as Corn Ethanol Replacement

Princeton says energy-dense slew of renewable and fossil resources could solve the nation's fuel

FCC to Force all Cable TV Providers to Stream HD With "Open" Standard by 2014

Gov't agency tries to placate TiVo, who objected to the plan in

Here comes 'Az' -- one iPad news app closes, another goes live

Murdoch's tablet publication, "The Daily," is closing, but another app rises in Phoenix, combining the power of local media with the creativity of the iPad.

Google ends small business' free ride on Google Apps

Businesses with 10 or fewer employees will now be charged $50 per year for use of the suite of Web-based tools.

U.K. convicts Anonymous member 'Nerdo' for DDoS attack

Following guilty pleas by his comrades, Christopher Weatherhead is convicted for targeted campaigns against MasterCard, Visa, and PayPal for cutting off access to WikiLeaks.

California AG sues Delta over mobile app privacy

Airline was one of 100 app makers and companies warned recently that they were running afoul of a new state law that requires them to post their policies for collection of personal information.

Washington Post said to add paywall for online news

Following suit with other national newspapers, the struggling D.C. paper is said to be looking for additional revenue streams.

Possible iPhone 5S Photos Leak

ETrade Supply claims it has the rear shell of the upcoming iPhone

Tesla CEO Tweets That EV Maker is Finally "Making Bank"

Once against fast-tracked startup is making a

Lumia 620: Filling in Nokia's Windows Phone 8 Low-End

Nokia claims phone is full of "youthful

Touchscreen Windows 8 Devices: Hot or Not?

Different reports say different things about demand for Windows 8 touch

Plaintiff in $2.7B judgment against Yahoo willing to take less

One of the plaintiffs in breach of contract lawsuit against the Web pioneer in Mexico tells Reuters his partners are will to settle for less than the court's judgment.

Apple's patent licensing pact with HTC released -- mostly

Thanks to Apple's legal spat with Samsung, more details are revealed in a heavily-redacted copy of their agreement.

Bask in Earth's nighttime glow as seen from space

NASA and NOAA release a series of images of our planet's dazzling lights at night.

Zynga looks to foray into online gambling in Nevada

The social-gaming giant took its first step in getting a gaming license in Sin City's home state.

Mobile apps outpace the Web and neck-in-neck with TV

New research shows that mobile app use in the U.S. rose 35 percent this year, which means people are now spending nearly as much time in apps as watching the boob tube.

Official Ashton Kutcher Photo Released for Movie "jOBS"

Kutcher will take on the role of Jobs in the new

Nokia Unloads Headquarters for $222.5M USD

Move raises much needed capital, allowing Nokia to continue its Windows Phone 8

Iran Claims to Have Snared Another U.S. UAV, Navy Says It's a Lie

Iran said it was forced to capture the drone after it "invaded" Iranian

Chevrolet Blames Low November Volt Sales on Lack of Inventory

Strong demand for the Volt partly to blame for inventory

Redbox Instant's full launch won't be until spring 2013

The video streaming and DVD rental service aiming to compete with Netflix won't be commercially available until next year, however its public beta should be ready within the next month.

Windows 8 touch PC demand strong

Touch-screen WIndows 8 PCs are in demand. In fact, PC makers can't get enough supply of some models.

Amazon makes kid play with new Kindle subscription service

Kindle FreeTime Unlimited serves up kids books, games, apps, movies and TV shows to Prime members for $2.99 a month -- or $6.99 per family.

Forget about the Mars rover -- how about we build a Death Star?

Petition posted to the White House's We The People platform advocates construction of the universe's ultimate weapon as a way to boost the economy.

AOL snaps up advertising company Buysight

Looking to hone its advertising savvy, the Web giant acquires a startup with know-how on online ad targeting and retargeting.

NASA MESSENGER Adds to Mercury's Water Ice Hypothesis

Scientists have long believed that Mercury has water ice in its polar craters, which are shadowed at all

Apple Computers: Made in the USA?

A "Computer Assembled in USA" sticker made its way onto an iMac purchased this

Troll Group "GNAA" Hacks The Verge, Reuters, and 8,600 Other Tumblr Accounts

The Verge suggests attack may be related to recent guilty verdict for group member; Tumblr promises

Iranian "Porn" App Programmer "Repents", Narrowly Avoids Death Sentence

Canadian government is upset by "unfair" treatment of its

PopSlate case adds second screen to iPhone 5

These days, iPhone 5 cases are a dime a dozen, but this one stands out from the rest by infusing an e-ink display on the back.

Mobile Internet traffic gaining fast on desktop Internet traffic

VC Mary Meeker's year-end Internet trends report shows explosion in all things mobile, especially smartphones and apps.

New Mac malware spreading from Dalai Lama tribute site

"Dockster" takes advantage of the same vulnerability exploited by the "Flashback" malware, which infected more than 600,000 computers.

Facebook wins preliminary OK of 'Sponsored Stories' settlement

Social network agrees to pay $10 to each user who objected to having his or her name and image associated with ads.

LG said to be switching to its own smartphone chip designs

The South Korean electronics giant will unveil its first in-house effort next month at CES, the Korea Times reports.

City of Fremont is Silicon Valley's Hidden Gem

Sandwiched between San Francisco and San Jose, the City of Fremont has been able to find tech and biotech startup

Election, iPhone 5 top Yahoo's list of 2012's popular searches

As for top-searched gadgets, three of the top five on the list are made by Apple -- iPhone 5, iPad 3, and iPad Mini.

How Ford makes its cars smarter

In the fast-evolving world of connected cars, CTO Paul Mascarenas is bringing Detroit and Silicon Valley together to chart Ford's path into the future.

Facebook interested in buying mobile chat app WhatsApp?

The social network has been in talks to acquire the popular cross-platform app, sources tell TechCrunch.

Your smartphone's secret afterlife (Smartphones Unlocked)

You sell, recycle, and donate your old phones, but what happens after that? Some could actually wind up right back in your hands.

Facebook Powerball hoaxer is software engineer, report says

The man who persuaded more than 2 million people to share his photo of a fake winning Powerball ticket is reportedly the co-owner of an Arizona-based medical software company.

AAA Calls on EPA to Put a Stop to E15 Gasoline, Says It's Dangerous to Vehicles

EPA responds "don't worry, we're warning folks, but we're forcing it on them

Microsoft Makes $250M Donation to Education

Microsoft's annual Partners in Learning Global Forum took place this past week in

McAfee nabbed? His blog says maybe, following CNN interview

Not long after a secretive CNN interview with fugitive software pioneer John McAfee, McAfee's own blog posts an item saying he may have been captured. True? Or another twist in an already odd tale?

NFL players tweet prayers, perspective after murder-suicide

Teammates and other players express shock and offer condolences to the families of City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins.

A new use for your power drill: Eating corn

A remarkably inventive and bizarre YouTube video suggests that power drills can help the hungry on the go.

Singer forced to pay promised $1M reward for found laptop

Singer Ryan Leslie makes a YouTube video offering $1 million for the safe return of his stolen laptop and an external hard drive. A German man finds them. Leslie refuses to pay. A court decides he has to.

War-torn Syria sees restoration of Net after two-day outage

The Internet is back online in most of the country after an outage some say was orchestrated by the government to disrupt opposition forces.

Fisker Karma Production Waiting on Sale of A123 Systems Plant

For now, Fisker is using the batteries it currently has to replace those in Karmas with

Report: Specs of Second Generation Microsoft Surface Tablets Leak

If accurate, Microsoft is planning an ambitious upgrade for its colorful

Lockheed Martin Trials Next Generation Laser-Based Missile/UAV Defense System

Using high energy lasers could reduce the cost of shooting down missiles and UAVs, while improving

Google VP Bashes Facebook, Says Ads are Intrusive

He compared Facebook ads to a guy with a sandwich board popping in between a father and his daughter during an important

Android-based Ouya game console shipping soon

Christmas comes twice this year for those who signed up for a developers' console in Ouya's Kickstarter campaign.

Facebook photo a Powerball prank? A million users hedge bets

A Facebook user posts a photo of himself with a "winning" Powerball ticket and asks fellow Facebookers to share it for a chance at a million bucks. Does he get a response? We'll give you one guess.

Top streaming-radio apps for iOS and Android

This week's collection of apps gives you three ways to listen to streaming music on your smartphone. If you want to find new music, this collection is for you.

Apple re-posts 10.8.2 update for Mac Mini and MacBook users

If you own a Mac and have not been able to update to OS X 10.8.2 in the past few weeks, you should now be able to do so.

The Bar10der Ten-in-One bar tool has everything going for it

The Bar10der Ten-in-One Ultimate Bartending Tool features bar tools that fold into the handle.

Tradeweb Blog - Free Articles & Ideas http://tradeweb.com.au

Monday, December 31, 2012

Quick Note: BlackBerry X10 Smartphone Shown in Higher Resolution Images

Yahoo completes withdrawal from South Korean market

Huawei linked to plan to sell restricted equipment to Iran

YouTube makes brief return to Pakistan after 3-month ban

Predicting the most unlikely tech events that will happen in 2013

TwitPic snared by Google&#039;s malware detector

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Windows 8 wrestles with PC&#039;s legacy

Type &#039;sell&#039; into Google Finance and take a bite out of Apple

Lawsuit alleges that stolen ideas underpin Pinterest

Details of proposed sanctions emerge in Apple-Samsung case

The Audiophiliac&#039;s speaker of the year: The KEF LS50

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Russia&#039;s Moon Mission Rocket Creeps Closer to Completion

Quick Note: Start Button to Stay Dead in &amp;quot;Windows Blue&amp;quot;

EPA Chief Lisa Jackson to Step Down

Nissan Expands Warranty Coverage on Leaf Battery Packs

New iOS app shows NY subway arrival times

Suppliers hint at changes to MacBook Air -- Digitimes

Netflix doubles down on CEO Reed Hastings&#039; pay package

How to quickly set calendar times in OS X

New law strengthens patents on product designs

Friday, December 28, 2012

Foxconn Getting Its Act Together on Employee Working Conditions

Study: Human Evolution Forced by Chaotic Landscape

Gun Store Links Removed from EA&#039;s &amp;quot;Medal of Honor&amp;quot; Website

12/27/2012 Daily Hardware Reviews

Autonomy founder fires back at HP after news of DOJ inquiry

Wikipedia&#039;s most-viewed articles in 2012 were...

Retail sites see 27 percent traffic jump on Christmas Day

Could PBS Silicon Valley doc spawn &#039;Mad Men&#039; for geek set?

Leaked images suggest BBM video chat coming to BlackBerry 10

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Movie Studio Employees Caught Pirating Adult Films and More

Cat Fight: Lockheed Martin Upset Over SpaceX&#039;s Air Force Contract

Iran Accuses U.S. and Israel of Spreading Holiday Stuxnet &amp;quot;Cheer&amp;quot;

12/26/2012 Daily Hardware Reviews

What Mac to be &#039;Made in USA&#039;? Maybe Mini, perhaps Pro?

Tap Twitter, control a cockroach

Google extends free calling through Gmail

Convenient iTunes 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

Randi Zuckerberg loses control on Facebook (and Twitter)

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Stuxnet attacks Iran again, reports say

Netflix outage mars Christmas Eve

LG&#039;s 2013 home theater line doubles down on sound bars, Bluetooth speakers

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Hacker Claims to Have Scooped 3M Verizon Customer Records, Verizon Denies

Windows 8 Fails to Drive Significant New PC Sales

China Tries to Fix Solar Panel Problems with Mergers, Reduced Gov. Support

Customer claims Sprint worker said his fingers &#039;too fat&#039; for iPhone

Christmas surprise for Droid Razr, Razr Maxx

Instagram hit with proposed class-action lawsuit

Chrome prepares to axe silent extensions

Old vs. new tech -- and old tech wins by a landslide

Monday, December 24, 2012

Love low-fi? 3D-print your own vinyl records

Google&#039;s Xmas greeting: We even make robots happy

UPS man charged with stealing iPad Mini FedEx

Best Buy employee asks for receipt, allegedly attacked

Revealed: NSA targeting domestic computer systems in secret test

Sunday, December 23, 2012

First day tips and tweaks for new MacBook owners

U.S., Russia forge 'action plan' on piracy

Here comes Microsoft Surface Pro, 64 bits and all

Flickr offers three months of Pro service for free

Offbeat game recasts Xmas tune as 'Little Bummer Boy'

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Look Out Intel; Samsung Test 14 nm FinFETs

RIM Q3 Results: Smaller Loss Than Expected, First Decline in Subscriber Base

UK Copyright Reform Will Significantly Affect Fair Use

Quick Note: &quot;Gangnam Style&quot; Becomes First YouTube Video to Hit 1 Billion Views

Why does my external hard drive only show 2.2TB?

Make use of the built-in VPN service in OS X

Five things Windows 8 must do in 2013

Apple classic Karateka reborn for iOS -- and how sweet it is

Step into NASA's next-generation spacesuit

Friday, December 21, 2012

TwitPic snared by Google's malware detector

Windows 8 wrestles with PC's legacy

Type 'sell' into Google Finance and take a bite out of Apple

The Audiophiliac's speaker of the year: The KEF LS50

Russia's Moon Mission Rocket Creeps Closer to Completion

Quick Note: Start Button to Stay Dead in "Windows Blue"

Netflix doubles down on CEO Reed Hastings' pay package

Gun Store Links Removed from EA's "Medal of Honor" Website

Wikipedia's most-viewed articles in 2012 were...

Could PBS Silicon Valley doc spawn 'Mad Men' for geek set?

Cat Fight: Lockheed Martin Upset Over SpaceX's Air Force Contract

Iran Accuses U.S. and Israel of Spreading Holiday Stuxnet "Cheer"

What Mac to be 'Made in USA'? Maybe Mini, perhaps Pro?

LG's 2013 home theater line doubles down on sound bars, Bluetooth speakers

Customer claims Sprint worker said his fingers 'too fat' for iPhone

Google's Xmas greeting: We even make robots happy

Quick Note: "Gangnam Style" Becomes First YouTube Video to Hit 1 Billion Views

Q&A: MacFixIt Answers