Technology news

• Pluto (and NASA) get into the Christmas spirit

  24-12-2015 23:57
  
  It's Christmas eve, and NASA is helping our galaxy get into the holiday spirit with a special "Christmas Pluto."Looking very green and red, NASA says the New Horizons composition team used infrared wavelength ranges in blue, green and red color channels to create this Christmas portrait of the dwarf planet.The image itself, which you can check out in full size here, was taken from about 67,000 miles away on July 14, which was when New Horizons was closest in its flyby of Pluto.The video that fou
  
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• Apple asks court to make Samsung pay $180 million more in patent dispute

  24-12-2015 23:32
  By Andrew Chung NEW YORK (Reuters) - Just over a week after Samsung paid Apple more than $548 million for infringing the patents and designs of the iPhone, Apple has asked a U.S. court to force its biggest smartphone rival to cough up even more. In court papers filed on Wednesday, Apple Inc said Samsung Electronics Co Ltd owes nearly $180 million in supplemental damages and interest. Representatives for Samsung and Apple could not immediately be reached for comment.
  
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• TechRadar Deals: The best Boxing Day Sales 2015: the best deals on tech and games

  24-12-2015 23:14
  
  Boxing Day SalesLoading Boxing Day Sales quick links...The Boxing Day Sales have arrived and analysts are predicting it will be the biggest Boxing Day ever in terms of spending. Get the deals while they're hot!John Lewis launched its clearance sale at 5pm on Christmas Eve, Amazon, GAME, Currys, BOOTS and more have also pulled the trigger on their Boxing Day Sales. Argos is set to press go on its own sales first thing Christmas morning.And why? Stores and warehouses are stuffed with thousands of
  
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• Updated: CES 2016: All the news before the big show in Las Vegas

  24-12-2015 22:57
  
  CES 2016 latest newsCES 2016, the biggest tech show of next year, is right around the corner. Once we get through the fun (slog) of the holidays, it's off to Vegas for a flurry of gizmos and gadgets.To help you prepare for the show, we've gathered up all the essential information you need for CES 2016, including the latest news and emerging trends over the next two pages. On Page 3, you'll find a complete list of press conferences and keynotes along with dates and times. And on Pages 4 and 5, we
  
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• This hoverboard costs more than some cars, flies for six minutes

  24-12-2015 22:05
  
  The AcraBoard might not take you very far, but it is an actual hoverboard that you can buy today – though it cost $19,900 (about £13,346, AU$27,385).Developed by Acra Space Corporation and launching today, the AcraBoard only lasts for six minutes and costs more than some cars. But hey, it is at least a hoverboard that actually hovers over the ground, unlike the self-balancing scooters that most have started calling "hoverboards".The AcraBoard manages to hover about 1 foot (30cm) abov
  
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• TechRadar Deals: 10 best PS4 deals in the UK - Boxing Day 2015

  24-12-2015 21:00
  
  Looking for the best possible PS4 deal? Want to find an amazing PS4 bundle? You've come to the right place. And it's the perfect time to buy one too, because Sony has just dropped the recommended price of the console from £349 to £299!Online retailers were already discounting towards the £250 mark so you can expect to see some pretty aggressive PS4 deals from the likes of Amazon, GAME, Zavvi and Simply Games between now and Christmas!Boxing Day PS4 deals:PS4: Get the console fo
  
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• TechRadar Deals: 10 best Xbox One Deals in the UK - Boxing Day 2015

  24-12-2015 20:30
  
  It's really not hard to find a great Xbox One deal at the moment. But you've come to the right place if you're looking for the lowest possible prices!Retailers are discounting the console all over the place, offering constantly cheaper prices for standalone consoles while putting together better and better bundle packages with games and services.On this page you'll find our editor's picks for the hottest Xbox One bundle deals of the week, as well as the cheapest overall prices for standalone con
  
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• Fiat Chrysler recalling 570,000 SUVs for fire risks

  24-12-2015 20:15
  By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said on Thursday it will recall 570,000 SUVs for fire risks in two campaigns linked to problems with vanity mirror wiring and a low-pressure hose. Fiat Chrysler made the recalls at a time when its safety efforts are under scrutiny from U.S. regulators. The Italian American automaker said on Thursday it is recalling 477,000 2011-2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Adm
  
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• Boxing Day Sales: iPhone 6S deals for Boxing Day: Save £150 using these voucher codes

  24-12-2015 20:11
  
  If you're looking for a new iPhone 6S, we've got two cracking Boxing Day deals for you. In fact, we've had a look around and we think these are the two best iPhone 6S deals in the UK right now.Both deals come on exactly the same 4G contract from O2: £31 per month for unlimited calls and texts and 3GB data. Then you have to decide which model you want. Pay £75 up front for the 64GB version, saving £100. Or pay £150 up front for the 128GB version, saving £150.The 64GB
  
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• Kiddie tablets 'grow up' as competition grows

  24-12-2015 17:01
  
  Kiddie tablets have grown up. Tablets designed just for kids are getting more sophisticated as they face increased competition from regular tablets. The new products also have better screens, speedier ...
  
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• A look at some of the newest kids' tablets on the market

  24-12-2015 16:59
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Want to get your child a tablet computer? Here's a look at some models designed for kids.
  
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• This is the (Digital) Life video - CNET

  24-12-2015 16:29 via cnet.com
  
  AT&T's pricey security and automation system boasts impressive home integration
  
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• AT&T Digital Life review - CNET

  24-12-2015 16:20 via cnet.com
  
  AT&T's security and automation system makes you and your home both feel smart.
  
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• Runner's routes make Star Wars maps

  24-12-2015 15:02 via bbc.co.uk
  
  A fitness fan proves the Force is strong in Portland, USA, by mapping out Star Wars routes while out jogging.
  
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• Dogs imitate each other just like humans, study says - CNET

  24-12-2015 15:00 via cnet.com
  
  Technically Incorrect: Italian researchers find that dogs mimic each other's expressions, showing signs of empathy.
  
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• Unicorns, ad-wrapped cars and other signs of a coming techpocalypse - CNET

  24-12-2015 14:00 via cnet.com
  
  Investor cash minted a new $1 billion startup every four days this fall. Analysts say that's "bonkers."
  
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• Terror in Paris must not lead to Internet clampdowns - CNET

  24-12-2015 14:00 via cnet.com
  
  Commentary: Heavy-handed attempts at government control will surely backfire, hobbling today's dynamic, unfettered communication and commerce far more than they hinder evil acts.
  
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• Paris perseveres despite terror attacks (pictures) - CNET

  24-12-2015 14:00 via cnet.com
  
  A month after 130 people were killed in attacks in the French capital, people continue to stop by memorials to place flowers and light candles. But activity at cafes and shops is still humming.
  
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• 4 ways to sweeten your foul-smelling garbage disposal - CNET

  24-12-2015 14:00 via cnet.com
  
  You can refresh a smelly disposal with things you have in the kitchen.
  
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• All Mariah Carey wants for Christmas... is a festive streaming payout

  24-12-2015 13:38 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  Star’s All I Want for Christmas Is You hit has now been streamed 100m times on Spotify, generating estimated royalties of $66k in the last weekJustin Bieber may be gracefully trying to bow out of the race for Christmas number one in the UK by encouraging fans to buy the rival NHS Choir song, but further down the chart there’s another notable festive trend.Older Christmas songs by Mariah Carey, The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, Wham, Shakin’ Stevens, Wizzard and Chris Rea are all s
  
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• Who really makes the decisions about IT projects?

  24-12-2015 13:28 via zdnet.com.feedsportal.com
  
  The CIO, the CEO or the humble user? When it comes to making the call on tech developments, who really has the last word?
  
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• 13 things I learned from 'The Force Awakens' - CNET

  24-12-2015 13:14 via cnet.com
  
  Harrison Ford just can't resist a treasure map, can he? Oh, and Star Wars is British now.
  
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• YouTube star Connor Franta to release new music compilation – on CD

  24-12-2015 13:04 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  Popular vlogger to release Common Culture Vol. 4 through his own Heard Well label, which boasts fellow stars Lohanthony and Jc Caylen as curatorsNow that’s what I call a new source for music compilations: YouTube star Connor Franta is releasing his fourth “Common Culture” album through his own label Heard Well.The 17-track album will be available in January, with the millions of fans who watch Franta’s vlogs for free online encouraged to buy Common Culture IV in physical
  
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• How 'The Force Awakens' makes things tough for the next Star Wars films - CNET

  24-12-2015 13:04 via cnet.com
  
  J.J. Abrams left a few headaches for the creators of the next Star Trek film. Could Episode VII cause the same problems for the creators of Episodes VIII and IX?
  
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• Is your oven cooking evenly? Here's how to find out - CNET

  24-12-2015 13:00 via cnet.com
  
  If your oven isn't cooking evenly, there are a few quick tests and fixes you can try before calling a professional.
  
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• Star Wars: The Force Awakens fans send hate mail to critic who gave film bad review

  24-12-2015 12:55 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  Andrew O’Hehir of Salon magazine was told to ‘die and leave us alone’ by one fan after posting a negative review of the much-hyped space fantasyA US critic has penned an open letter to angry Star Wars fans after being hit with a barrage of hatemail over his negative review of new instalment The Force Awakens. Related: Filmgoer named Star Wars marathon champ after watching saga for 46 hours straightContinue reading...
  
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• Detective Dot books aim to encourage kids to code without stereotypes

  24-12-2015 11:50 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  Kickstarter project battles situation where ‘in kids cartoons, 0% of princesses are engineers, 2.9% of characters are black, and Batman doesn’t recycle’A British technology startup is hoping to encourage children to learn programming skills through a series of stories that avoid traditional stereotypes around engineering, science and technology.Bright Little Labs is trying to raise £12.5k on crowdfunding website Kickstarter to make a series of print and digital books aime
  
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• Hyatt hotel visitors hit by malware

  24-12-2015 11:43 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Hotel group Hyatt warns visitors that it suffered a security breach in its customer payment system.
  
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• Japan court gives go-ahead for restart of 2 nuke reactors

  24-12-2015 11:11
  
  TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese court gave the go-ahead for the restart of two nuclear reactors Thursday after its operator said in an appeal they were safe.
  
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• Yahoo to notify its users about 'state-sponsored' hacking attacks

  24-12-2015 11:09 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  Announcement follows similar move by Facebook, as internet companies respond to attacks that can be ‘more advanced and dangerous’Yahoo has become the latest technology company to promise to alert its users if it thinks their accounts have been attacked by “state-sponsored actors” – hackers working on behalf of governments.“Yahoo will now notify you if we strongly suspect that your account may have been targeted by a state-sponsored actor,” said Bob Lord,
  
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• Jamming Bodies: this robotic wall will eat you alive

  24-12-2015 11:00
  
    JB1.0: Jamming Bodies is an interactive laboratory built to explore how mouldable rooms might form part of the future of spaces.By: Michael Rundle, Continue reading...
  
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• Facebook Free Basics service put on ice by India's telecoms regulator

  24-12-2015 10:48 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  Mobile operator Reliance Communications ordered to stop offering social network’s suite of free services on net neutrality groundsIndia’s telecoms regulator has ordered mobile operator Reliance Communications to stop offering Facebook’s “Free Basics” service to its customers, due to concerns over net neutrality.Free Basics is a suite of basic internet tools including news, travel, job listings and health services, offered to people in a number of countries in Asia,
  
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• Nintendo's first mobile game includes in-app purchases... for clothes

  24-12-2015 10:05 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  Miitomo will be mainly focused on communication and customisation, with the potential for mini-games played with Facebook friendsNintendo’s first app developed with mobile games firm DeNA will include in-app purchases for virtual clothing for players’ Mii characters.DeNA president Isao Moriyasu revealed the plans for the social app, which will launch in 2016, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. Continue reading...
  
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• The Climb – the most head-spinning virtual reality experience yet

  24-12-2015 10:00 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  Crytek’s new project for the Oculus Rift shows us exactly where VR gaming is going – towards heady and experiential gameplayAbove you, the craggy face of the cliff seems to stretch up endlessly toward the sky, offering perilously few footholds. In the far distance there’s a small village by a beach, bathed in orange sunshine – an exotic idyll. But below you there is ... nothing. Nothing but a long deadly drop into the crashing sea far below. Your only option is to keep cl
  
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• Pioneer Elite SP-EFS73 review - CNET

  24-12-2015 10:00 via cnet.com
  
  Pioneer's top-end speakers are primed and ready for the latest and greatest surround sound you can throw at them.
  
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• Fear, loathing and gezelligheid: 5 emotions that will dominate 2016

  24-12-2015 10:00
  
  In 2016 the only thing to fear is the prediction of fear itselfBy: Michael Rundle, Continue reading...
  
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• Apple Watch 2 Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

  24-12-2015 10:00 via cnet.com
  
  Will the sequel to the original Apple Watch help move wearables further into the mainstream?
  
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• Chatterbox: Christmas Eve

  24-12-2015 09:40 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  Ho ho ho, let’s talk about video games and ChristmasIt’s Christmas Eve! Continue reading...
  
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• The best iPhone and iPad games of 2015

  24-12-2015 09:00 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  From Her Story and Prune to Lara Croft Go, Alphabear, Alto’s Adventure and Minecraft Story Mode: the 25 best iOS games of the yeariOS gamers were truly spoiled for choice in 2015, with at least two or three excellent new games released every week. Independent developers were fizzing with ideas, even if they often struggled to make their fortune from them.Narrowing down a huge longlist to reach the 25 games featured here involved squeezing out some impressive titles, from Skylanders Superch
  
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• The best Android games of 2015

  24-12-2015 09:00 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  From Vainglory and Prune to Lara Croft Go, Alphabear and Minecraft: Story Mode, the 25 best games for Android of the yearOnce upon a time, Android often played second fiddle to iOS when it came to the latest and greatest games. That’s long gone though: 2014 was an exceptional year for Android gaming, but 2015 was just as good.From platformers and puzzle games to shoot ‘em ups and even hardcore MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) titles, Android owners had plenty to choose from. He
  
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• Last-minute Christmas shopping? A technology gift guide

  24-12-2015 08:00 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  Forgotten someone, or need a gift that can be delivered instantly? Check out these ideas from movies to TV, music, comics and games Continue reading...
  
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• Twitter envisions drones controlled by your tweets - CNET

  24-12-2015 07:00 via cnet.com
  
  Microblogging company granted patent for unmanned aerial vehicle piloted by users' likes, tweets and replies.
  
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• Best iPad games - CNET

  24-12-2015 05:34 via cnet.com
  
  The iPad's a fantastic game machine: here are our favorite picks right now, regardless of your screen size.
  
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• Christmas present to the world: A rare holiday full moon - CNET

  24-12-2015 04:32 via cnet.com
  
  Rudolph will have some help lighting St. Nick's journey from the North Pole this year and you can look out for the big guy right here.
  
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• Arcane geek-food facts guaranteed to make you more interesting - CNET

  24-12-2015 03:49 via cnet.com
  
  These are the tastiest, most addictive bits of information we could find about the tastiest, most addictive geek foods known to man.
  
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• Hyatt Hotels attacked with payment-card stealing malware

  24-12-2015 03:22
  Hyatt Hotels Corp said on Wednesday that its payment processing system was infected with credit-card-stealing malware in an attack discovered three weeks ago, the latest in a series of breaches at hospitality firms. Company spokeswoman Stephanie Sheppard said in an email late on Wednesday that the attack was discovered on Nov. 30. Hyatt, controlled by the billionaire Pritzker family, is the fourth major hotel operator to warn of a breach since October.
  
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• Bahamas man Alonzo Knowles charged with hacking celebrities and taking sex tapes

  24-12-2015 03:04 via feeds.theguardian.com
  
  The 23-year-old illegally accessed movie scripts, social security information and sensitive materials, a New York court has heardA 23-year-old from the Bahamas hacked the email accounts of 130 celebrities, taking unreleased movie scripts, social security numbers and even a few sex tapes, federal prosecutors have alleged.According to the New York Times, the alleged hacking activities of Alonzo Knowles were discovered when he tried to sell some of the material he found for profit. Continue reading
  
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