US debates its broadband future
June 13, 2010
Plans for the future of the internet in the US are “under seige” by powerful interests, warns the Federal Communications Commission.
The warning was given by Commissioner Michael Copps as the agency prepares for a vote on its plans for the development of broadband in the US.
Google accused of criminal intent over StreetView data
June 10, 2010
Google is “almost certain” to face prosecution for collecting data from unsecured wi-fi networks, according to Privacy International (PI).
The search giant has been under scrutiny for collecting wi-fi data as part of its StreetView project.
Google has released an independent audit of the rogue code, which it has claimed was included in the StreetView software by mistake.
Bletchley Park WWII archive to go online
June 5, 2010
Millions of documents stored at the World War II code-breaking centre, Bletchley Park, are set to be digitised and made available online.
Electronics company Hewlett-Packard has donated a number of scanners to the centre in Milton Keynes so volunteers can begin the ground-breaking task.
AT&T to end unlimited use mobile data plan
June 3, 2010
(Reuters) - AT&T Inc will stop offering an unlimited pricing plan for new subscribers to its mobile data services, in a move it says will cut prices for as many as 98 percent of its customers.
The exclusive U.S. provider for Apple Inc’s iPhone said the new metered pricing, which takes effect June 7, means the more customers use their phones for web surfing the more they will have to pay.
Facebook “clickjacking” spreads across site
June 3, 2010
Hundreds of thousands of Facebook users are falling victim to so-called “clickjacking” attacks, warn web security labs.
Facebook members see links to subjects such as “World Cup 2010 in HD” or “Justin Bieber’s phone number” that their friends appear to have “liked”.
Apple iPad tablet gathers crowds for UK launch
May 29, 2010
Hundreds of people gathered at Apple’s flagship store in London to be among the first to buy an iPad.
Like many others, the Apple store opened at 0800 BST so eager shoppers could buy one.
The gadget went on sale in the UK, Europe, Japan and Australia, following delays caused by high demand in the US.
Ireland gets tough on net pirates
May 25, 2010
Ireland has begun a piracy crackdown which could see customers cut off from the net for a year.
Ireland’s biggest net firm Eircom has begun sending letters to those identified as illegal file-sharers.
Facebook challenged by ambitious upstarts
May 22, 2010
The controversy over Facebook’s privacy policy is helping those developing alternatives to the social network.
Funding and users are flowing to services that claim to put members in charge of their personal data.
The rivals range from start-ups to more established firms working on the specifications for an ecosystem of open social networks.
Nokia sues Apple for ‘patent infringement’
May 8, 2010
The world’s biggest mobile phone maker, Nokia, has filed a lawsuit against Apple claiming the iPad 3G and iPhone infringe five of its patents.
Nokia claims the infringements involve technology used to enhance speech and data transmission and antenna innovations for compact devices.
Smartphones to get novel memory material
May 4, 2010
Smartphones could have their battery life extended by up to 20% by changing what type of memory they use.
Samsung has announced plans to produce memory modules built of what is known as a phase change material.