Technology news

• A fork in the career path: How Andrew McGee made his choice

  12-01-2015 23:32 via zdnet.com
  
  Hitachi Data Systems' Andrew McGee may only be halfway through his first year as chief technology officer, but he has brought a wealth of experience with him to the role.
  
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• US military's Twitter account hacked

  12-01-2015 23:23 via bbc.co.uk
  
  US Central Command's Twitter and YouTube accounts are suspended after being hacked by a group claiming to be supporters of Islamic State.
  
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• Review: mini review: Harman Infinity One

  12-01-2015 23:15 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  Chances are high that you can find a pretty good Bluetooth speaker for under $200. Whichever option you settle with, it's nearly impossible not to wonder what an extra $100-200 tacked onto the price can get you. At worst, you'd get a speaker with unnecessary flair and a few features tacked on. But if you're lucky, you'll get something like the Harman Infinity One.This thing is expensive at $300 (about £254, AU$368), so it must be good, right? There's never any sense in that logic, but read on t
  
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• After gadgets and gizmos go home, CES exhibits get recycled

  12-01-2015 23:13
  
  As exhibitors at the International CES showcase for consumer electronics packed up their booths last week, workers were just getting started recycling what was left behind. Convention-goer badges become ...
  
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• Spotify clocks 15 million subscribers

  12-01-2015 22:16
  
  (Reuters) - Online music streaming service Spotify said on Monday it had 15 million subscribers and 60 million active users at the end of 2014. (http://bit.ly/1ycvt2M) Stockholm-based Spotify, which sparked speculation related to an IPO after it re-advertised a job for a regulatory filings expert in August, provides free on-demand music or ad-free tunes for paying customers. The company said in November its paying subscriber base had risen to 12.5 million from 10 million in May. Rival Pandora Me
  
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• Hands-on review: Canon Connect Station CS100

  12-01-2015 21:53 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  The Canon Connect Station CS100 finally went from concept to reality at CES 2015. Canon originally showed the prototype device at Canon Expo 2010, a once-every-five-years event that showcases new technologies and upcoming concept designs. Now, nearly four-and-a-half years later, the Connect Station makes its debut. But is it it too little too late?Maybe. And maybe not. While we've seen numerous attempts at media stations and media streaming devices that connect to our televisions, the Connect St
  
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• First Look: Sony Hi-Res Audio with LDAC

  12-01-2015 21:45
  
  The cold, hard truth is that for the last 10 or so years the amount of audio enthusiasts have dwindled. Compared to the amount of consumers looking for high-end TVs, the people who care about great-sounding audio are almost non-existent. That sounds like hyperbole, but here's an experiment you can try that will prove it: Ask someone - a neighbor, a friend, your parents, whoever - what FLAC stands for. Did they get it? No? OK, now ask them what LED means. Or what UHD stands for. Maybe they won't
  
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• U.S. military Twitter feed hacked, apparently by ISIS sympathisers

  12-01-2015 21:41
  
  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Twitter feed and YouTube account for the U.S. military command that oversees operations in the Middle East was hacked on Monday by people claiming to be sympathetic toward the Islamic State militant group being targeted in American bombing raids. Pentagon spokesman Army Colonel Steve Warren said the Defence Department "views this as little more than a prank, or as vandalism." "It's inconvenient, it's an annoyance but in no way is any sensitive
  
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• Obama calls for stronger data privacy

  12-01-2015 21:38 via bbc.co.uk
  
  US President Barack Obama has unveiled new proposals on how consumers' personal data is handled.
  
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• Blip: Newsgathering drones will soon take to US skies

  12-01-2015 21:24
  
  The US Federal Aviation Administration has gone back and forth on its stance regarding commercial drone use, but at least one corporate entity has successfully brokered a deal with the FAA.Global news network CNN announced today that it's entered a "cooperative research and development agreement" with the administration "to advance efforts to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into newsgathering and reporting."In other words, CNN can use drones and you can't! Neener ne
  
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• Updated: Best business tablets: 10 great slates for work

  12-01-2015 21:22
  
  The best business tabletsIf your company's new year's resolution is to cut down on the mass of hardware you're sending your team out with every day, you're probably considering a switch to tablets. While some tablets feature manageable price tags, the market is still dense, and the consumer market winners are still not exactly the best option for CTO's and IT departments to include in their annual budget. In the interest of giving an overview of the market at the moment, here is a roundup of the
  
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• Industry voice: A look at the major changes coming to medical technology this year

  12-01-2015 21:15
  
  Medical technology (MedTech) is one of the world's fastest growing industries, and the latest and most exciting innovations were recently explored at Compamed, the international medical trade show which took place at the close of last year.However, there were a few innovations that really stood out, which we'll focus on in this article, including shrinking devices and biologically responsive materials.1. Power and energy requirements on the rise for portable battery-powered MedTech devices The l
  
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• Obama outlines new cybersecurity initiatives to protect consumers

  12-01-2015 20:54
  
  Student Digital Privacy Act would stop companies from selling student data
  Push for companies to inform customers of data hack within 30 days Obama to push for data breach law requiring companies to report hacks Continue reading...
  
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• Microsoft, Google tangle over Windows security patch

  12-01-2015 20:07
  
  SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp has complained publicly about tech rival Google Inc revealing a security flaw in its Windows 8.1 system just days before Microsoft was scheduled to roll out a fix for the problem, potentially exposing users to hacking. The spat highlights an ever-present tension in the software security sector between those who believe flaws should be revealed sooner rather than later to put pressure on companies to tackle the issues, and developers who sometimes need more time
  
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• Samsung flirting with a Windows Phone 8.1 handset for later this year?

  12-01-2015 20:06
  
  It's been a very long time since Samsung released a smartphone with a Microsoft operating system on it, but that might change soon.The company is reportedly "interested" in Windows Phone 8.1, the current version of Microsoft's mobile OS."Samsung has run pilot programs on the stability of Windows 8.1 software on devices. It is interested in promoting Windows mobiles," someone said to be a "directly involved official" told the Korea Times.If Samsung does get back into
  
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• U.S. military Twitter feed hacked, apparently by ISIS sympathizers

  12-01-2015 19:56
  
  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Twitter feed for the U.S. military command that oversees operations in the Middle East was hacked on Monday by people claiming sympathy to the Islamic State militant group being targeted in American bombing raids. U.S. officials said that the U.S. Central Command Twitter account and its YouTube account were suspended after being compromised. Two U.S. defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the hacking was an embarrassment but did not appear to be a
  
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• Key US military command's Twitter, YouTube sites hacked

  12-01-2015 19:30
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Twitter and YouTube sites of the military's U.S. Central Command were taken over Monday by hackers claiming to be working on behalf of the Islamic State militants. American and coalition fighters have been targeting the group with airstrikes in Iraq and Syria.
  
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• Key military command's Twitter site hacked

  12-01-2015 19:16
  
  The Twitter site of the military's U.S. Central Command was taken over Monday by hackers claiming to be working on behalf of the Islamic State militants. American and coalition fighters are launching airstrikes ...
  
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• 'Play virtual, live real' plea to gamers

  12-01-2015 18:59 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The mother of murdered teenager warns of online threats
  
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• SAP profit holds up in fourth quarter as cloud shift accelerates

  12-01-2015 18:51
  
  By Harro Ten Wolde and Eric Auchard FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany's SAP on Monday reported an accelerating shift by business customers to internet-delivered cloud software, as it eked out a 1 percent rise in operating profit for the fourth quarter thanks to stable demand for its more classic software. SAP reported operating profit, excluding special items, of 2.13 billion euros (1.65 billion pounds), broadly in line with an average forecast of 2.15 billion according to a Reuters poll of ana
  
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• Obama: With tech advances come privacy risks for US

  12-01-2015 18:29
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the age of technology and digital innovation has created enormous vulnerabilities for the U.S.
  
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• What Your Avatar Says About You

  12-01-2015 17:33
  
  Whether I’m bashing orcs with a battle-axe or rallying with a friend in Nintendo Wii tennis, my digital doppelgänger is always a black guy with cool glasses, a big smile, and a curly fro. That’s how I look in real life, and that’s how I design my virtual avatars to appear. Those features key other players into how I look, and according to new research, potentially provide insight into my personality. ...
  
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• New terror data laws needed, says PM

  12-01-2015 17:32 via bbc.co.uk
  
  David Cameron has promised a "comprehensive piece of legislation" to close the "safe spaces" used by suspected terrorists to communicate online with each other.
  
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• Hackers 'disable extremist website'

  12-01-2015 17:23 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Hacking group Anonymous claim responsibility for disabling an extremist website based in France.
  
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• Docker security gets thumbs-up despite containers' rapid rise

  12-01-2015 17:04 via zdnet.com
  
  Although Docker container technology has rocketed in popularity, new research from Gartner suggests its rapid rise hasn't necessarily outstripped its security features.
  
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• SAP fourth-quarter profit holds up as cloud shift accelerates

  12-01-2015 16:55
  
  FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German software maker SAP on Monday reported an accelerating shift by business customers to Internet-based cloud software as it eked out a 1 percent rise in operating profit for the fourth quarter, easing fears of further margin declines. SAP shares extended gains to 5 percent by 1552 GMT following the announcement, leading the European technology index 1.7 percent higher. Europe's largest software firm reported operating profit, excluding special items, of 2.13 billio
  
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• U.S. justices seek Obama administration views on Google-Oracle dispute

  12-01-2015 16:08
  
  By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Supreme Court on Monday asked the U.S. government to weigh in on whether the justices should hear a closely watched copyright dispute between Google Inc and Oracle Corp over software used to design Google’s Android smartphone operating system. Oracle sued Google in 2010, claiming Google had improperly incorporated parts of its Java software into Android. Oracle is seeking roughly $1 billion (0.66 billion pounds) on its copyright claims. The nine
  
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• Has CES got too big to succeed?

  12-01-2015 15:59 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Has CES lost its focus?
  
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• Facebook hanging on to its adult users in the US, claims study

  12-01-2015 15:36
  
  Pew Research survey finds more adults using LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter alongside Facebook, but teens’ app habits aren’t included Continue reading...
  
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• Spotify now has 60m users including 15m paying subscribers

  12-01-2015 15:24
  
  Streaming music service has added 10m new users in two months despite its high-profile dispute over royalties with Taylor Swift Continue reading...
  
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• Hands-on with the AT&T Sonim XP6: Rugged design with old-school keypad

  12-01-2015 15:19 via zdnet.com
  
  It's rare to find an Android smartphone with a traditional hardware phone keypad, but Matthew has spent the last few weeks with one designed for the extreme work environment.
  
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• Obama to push for data breach law requiring companies to report hacks

  12-01-2015 15:13
  
  President to ask Congress to pass law requiring companies to inform customers of data breaches within 30 days after hacks at Target and Home Depot Continue reading...
  
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• Uber NYC closes five offices over data sharing squabble

  12-01-2015 15:03
  
  Information about passenger journeys will not be shared, for now Continue reading...
  
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• How would you react if shopkeepers asked for the same permissions as apps?

  12-01-2015 14:35
  
  Danish Consumer Council’s hidden-camera video aims to highlight the need for smartphone apps to respect their users’ privacy Continue reading...
  
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• Keeping Skynet at bay: How humans can keep AI in check

  12-01-2015 14:32 via zdnet.com
  
  SpaceX founder Elon Musk, the physicist Stephen Hawking and various AI researchers back an open letter calling on societies to prepare for the challenges AI will pose to humanity.
  
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• Why Apache Solr search is on the rise and why it's going solo

  12-01-2015 14:25 via zdnet.com
  
  The idea of using Apache Solr as a standalone primary data store may not be new but it is building momentum, according to Lucidworks' Will Hayes, CEO of the open-source search engine's commercial sponsor.
  
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• AWS debuts Haswell-powered C4 instances for heavy duty computing

  12-01-2015 14:25 via zdnet.com
  
  New instances launched across seven regions deliver the highest level of processor performance on EC2, aimed at high-performance computing applications.
  
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• Flappy Bird lands on arcade machine

  12-01-2015 14:06
  
  The smartphone game that ruffled millions of feathers last year is now roosting on a dedicated gaming coin-op
  Continue reading...
  
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• ​Icelandic datacentre venture Verne Global lands $98m

  12-01-2015 14:05 via zdnet.com
  
  Verne Global, operator of datacentres in the frozen north, has landed more funding to grow its business.
  
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• Microsoft hits out at Google team

  12-01-2015 13:59 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Google has been criticised by Microsoft after the search giant publicised a security flaw in Windows - which some said put users at risk.
  
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• Anonymous target terrorist Twitter accounts after Charlie Hebdo attack

  12-01-2015 13:52
  
  The hacker collective is targeting terrorist Twitter accounts, but #OpCharlieHebdo has been hijacked by infamous marketing hoaxer Rantic
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• Google doodle honours Kenyan pupil

  12-01-2015 13:39 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Google creates a doodle to honour a Kenyan who holds the world record for being the oldest person to have enrolled in primary school.
  
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• Innovation at CES 2015

  12-01-2015 13:12 via zdnet.com
  
  I spent most of my CES time in the emerging company section titled "Eureka," hoping for lightning to strike. It didn't. But this year's CES points to a much brighter and innovative future.
  
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• Experts including Elon Musk call for research to avoid AI 'pitfalls'

  12-01-2015 13:09
  
  An open letter from AI researchers warns of pitfalls ahead, and lays out a plan for avoiding them while improving the quality of artificial intelligenceMore than 150 artificial intelligence researchers have signed an open letter calling for future research in the field to focus on maximising the social benefit of AI, rather than simply making it more capable.The signatories, which include researchers from Oxford, Cambridge, MIT and Harvard as well as staff at Google, Amazon and IBM, celebrate pr
  
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• ​Google stops providing patches for pre-KitKat WebView, abandons 930 million users

  12-01-2015 13:07 via zdnet.com
  
  The next time hackers find a bug in Android WebView, Google will leave it up to the good will of researchers to respond.
  
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• Experts pledge to control AI work

  12-01-2015 13:07 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Scientists including Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk sign a letter pledging to ensure artificial intelligence research benefits mankind.
  
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• Phone interfaces in cars? Drivers don’t need more distractions

  12-01-2015 13:00
  
  Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay both connect mobile phones to in-car touchscreens, but using apps while driving brings risksI don’t often see a YouTube video that truly worries me, but one from the LA Auto show in November still gives me shivers. It was meant to be reassuring and delightful, because it was showing how Google and Apple want to integrate their mobile phone systems – so your phone, basically – into car dashboards.The video is about eight minutes, with Dom Esposito tryin
  
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• VIDEO: Election role for hash tags and tweets?

  12-01-2015 12:59 via bbc.co.uk
  
  A run-down of some of the biggest political hashtags that have made the news, and some that did not.
  
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• Lizard Squad's LizardStresser booter runs on 'hacked home routers'

  12-01-2015 12:46
  
  Security expert Brian Krebs warns that internet users who didn’t change their default passwords may be unknowingly aiding hacking groupHacking group Lizard Squad may have been using “thousands of hacked home Internet routers” to run its LizardStresser service, which helps anyone launch distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks to knock websites offline.The group launched LizardStresser at the end of 2014, shortly after its own attacks took down Sony’s PlayStation Network and Microsoft
  
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• Hotline Miami 2 – listen to Magic Sword's contribution to the soundtrack

  12-01-2015 12:44
  
  The shooter sequel will boast another astonishing score, and synthwave act Magic Sword has provided us with an exclusive taster
  Visceral indie shooter Hotline Miami was one of the most notorious releases of 2012 – a relentless top-down-viewed blast-’em-up, following a masked hitman on a series of hallucinogenic assassination missions. But the title was just as well-known for its astounding soundtrack, a collection of raw glitch-fueled electronica, drawn from a range of underground EDM artis
  
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