Technology news

• U.S. military invites pre-approved experts to 'Hack the Pentagon'

  02-03-2016 23:52
  By Andrea Shalal SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The Pentagon said on Wednesday it would invite outside hackers who have been vetted to test the cyber security of some public U.S. Defense Department websites as part of a pilot project next month, the first such program ever by the federal government. "Hack the Pentagon" is modeled after similar competitions known as "bug bounties" conducted by many large U.S. companies, including United Continental Holdings Inc , to discover security gaps in their net
  
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• In Depth: Quantum Break tells a story that other games simply can't

  02-03-2016 23:47
  
  You shouldn't care about Liam Burke. For all you know, he's a lowly henchman in a video game, the muscle for a shadowy organization that's front and center in Quantum Break, set to launch on Xbox One and Windows 10 on April 5.In any other video game, maybe Liam (seen above) would be the first boss, long before the climactic clash between hero Jack Joyce and bad guy Paul Serene. He'd be a pushover, an obstacle.But, after one of what the game calls "Junction Points," times in which you're tasked w
  
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• Defense secretary favors strong encryption, not 'back doors'

  02-03-2016 23:38
  
  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Declaring that strong encryption is essential to the nation's security, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told a tech industry audience Wednesday that he's "not a believer in back doors," or encryption programs that leave openings for outsiders to read coded files.
  
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• Make a pit stop, take a detour with Google Maps for iOS - CNET

  02-03-2016 23:35 via cnet.com
  
  3D Touch support also added.
  
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• Google announces hands-free payments, so you no longer have to lift a finger

  02-03-2016 23:26
  
  Update: Google has announced that it is beginning its limited trial of Hands Free payments in San Francisco. Here's to hoping that it goes well so that it spreads to more locations.They say that money talks, but soon you'll be able to literally speak to pay for things, thanks to Google's upcoming hands-free payment technology.Later this year, Google will be testing a smartphone app that allows users to make purchases at specific stores by simply standing in front of a compatible cash register, a
  
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• Kanye the software pirate? These apps could help his money troubles (CNET Update show notes) - CNET

  02-03-2016 23:24 via cnet.com
  
  Hip-hop star Kanye West is mocked for revealing Pirate Bay downloads in his browser tabs. Can he not afford music editing software? A few new payment apps could be the answer Kanye needs.
  
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• Former Google CEO Schmidt to head new Pentagon innovation board

  02-03-2016 22:56
  By Andrea Shalal SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Eric Schmidt, the former chief executive officer of Google, will head a new Pentagon advisory board aimed at bringing Silicon Valley innovation and best practices to the U.S. military, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Wednesday. Carter unveiled the new Defense Innovation Advisory Board with Schmidt during the annual RSA cyber security conference in San Francisco, saying it would give the Pentagon access to "the brightest technical minds focused on i
  
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• Pentagon taps former Google CEO for Silicon Valley inspiration - CNET

  02-03-2016 22:49 via cnet.com
  
  The FBI might be at war with Apple, but the US military still loves Silicon Valley.
  
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• Google's new payments app means never having to pull out your wallet - CNET

  02-03-2016 22:23 via cnet.com
  
  The Hands Free app lets customers pay for items in stores by simply telling the cashier, "I'll pay with Google." But will customers speak up?
  
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• Online content earns a little respect from Hollywood

  02-03-2016 22:00
  
  The next Emmy Awards ceremony could see your favorite stars from YouTube Red, Maker Studios or Adult Swim take home an Emmy later this year, thanks to changes to the short-form category that make room for digital content.That isn't to say the Emmys have snubbed internet content in the past, as they have included long-form series contenders from providers like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. However, there were only two awards (live entertainment and non-fiction) reserved for the short-form category, w
  
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• Google's former CEO just got a job at the Pentagon

  02-03-2016 21:19
  
  Eric Schmidt, ex-Google CEO and current executive chairman of its parent company Alphabet, has been appointed chair of a new Defense Innovation Advisory Board that will essentially help the US Department of Defense (DoD) act more like a tech company. The board, which will consist of "up to 12 individuals who have successfully led large private and public organizations," will be tasked with advising the Pentagon "on areas that are deeply familiar to Silicon Valley companies." Tasks are as varied
  
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• In Tech: Streaming TV, Super Tuesday searches, Samsung

  02-03-2016 20:56
  
  Sony's streaming-television service is getting a $10-a-month price cut and adding Disney-owned channels such as ABC and ESPN.
  
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• New Hitman trailer teases unplayable segments, angers aspiring assassins

  02-03-2016 20:55
  
  The launch trailer for the upcoming Hitman is upon us, but don't get too excited: just a portion of what you see will be playable when it releases on March 11.While the trailer features massive sandbox renditions of Paris, Sapienzaand Marrakesh for Agent 47 to pursue his contracts in, only Paris willbe available on launch day.YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i4ldqM3mjgOriginally, all three levels were going to be packaged into an "Intro Pack" supplemented with additional levels and oth
  
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• Technically Literate - CNET

  02-03-2016 20:26 via cnet.com
  Original works of short fiction with unique perspectives on technology, published exclusively on CNET.com
  
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• The Koenigsegg Regera is an absolutely bonkers mega-hybrid video - Roadshow

  02-03-2016 20:17 via cnet.com
  
  If you're ready to drop over 2 million greenbacks, you too can have over 1,500 horsepower.
  
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• Frank Underwood would 'take Trump down,' says 'House of Cards' co-star - CNET

  02-03-2016 20:11 via cnet.com
  
  The Donald wouldn't fare well on the hit Netflix series, according to the man behind Frank Underwood's diabolical and conflicted henchman.
  
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• The Oculus-approved Dell XPS 8900 is ready for VR video - CNET

  02-03-2016 20:00 via cnet.com
  
  This $999 VR-ready gaming desktop hits the minimum required specs for Oculus Rift and HTV Vive.
  
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• Make sure your online accounts get deleted when you die - CNET

  02-03-2016 20:00 via cnet.com
  
  How to really protect your digital legacy.
  
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• Dell XPS 8900 Special Edition review - CNET

  02-03-2016 20:00 via cnet.com
  
  Hitting the Oculus Rift minimum required specs means this desktop is ready for VR, at least on paper.
  
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• ACLU: FBI wants to 'commandeer' tech companies to hack users

  02-03-2016 19:59 via zdnet.com.feedsportal.com
  
  The civil liberties group said the government should not force companies into becoming its "spies" or "hackers."
  
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• Crazy gadget melts cold butter sticks into instant spray - CNET

  02-03-2016 19:58 via cnet.com
  
  Believe it's butter. The handheld Biem gadget melts those pesky sticks on demand for your cooking convenience.
  
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• Facebook hit by German antitrust probe over user data - CNET

  02-03-2016 19:51 via cnet.com
  
  Regulators in Germany wonder whether the social network may be abusing market power by not being clear with consumers about how it's using their data.
  
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• Pentagon seeking a few good computer hackers

  02-03-2016 19:44
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is looking for a few good computer hackers.
  
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• Chick-fil-A offers free ice cream if you put down your phone - CNET

  02-03-2016 19:39 via cnet.com
  
  Technically Incorrect: A Chick-fil-A restaurant operator in Georgia says he's tired of people staring into their devices.
  
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• How to prepare for your digital afterlife - CNET

  02-03-2016 19:30 via cnet.com
  
  Make sure your accounts end up in the right hands when you die.
  
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• Police drone 'can be hacked for $40'

  02-03-2016 19:29 via bbc.co.uk
  
  A security researcher explains how he hijacked a drone used by the Dutch police, using equipment costing just $40 (£28).
  
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• Crazy gadget melts cold, hard butter sticks into instant spray - CNET

  02-03-2016 19:26 via cnet.com
  
  Believe it's butter. The handheld Biem gadget melts those pesky sticks on demand for your cooking convenience.
  
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• Apple-FBI drama continues, plus Kanye, Chris Christie make social waves (The 3:59, Ep. 3) - CNET

  02-03-2016 19:24 via cnet.com
  
  What Apple and the FBI told Congress; how your car might pay at the pump for you; and trending social topics Chris Christie and Kanye West. CNET gives you the latest tech news, fast.
  
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• Hacking the Pentagon could earn you some cash - CNET

  02-03-2016 19:20 via cnet.com
  
  A pilot program aims to help the US Defense Department beef up its networks by finding any vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
  
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• 'Not uncomfortable' Lego dress fashioned from 12,000 pieces - CNET

  02-03-2016 19:19 via cnet.com
  
  A clever Lego builder becomes an innovative fashion designer by weaving fabric from Lego pieces.
  
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• Techradar deals: The best Moto X Play deals in March 2016

  02-03-2016 19:00
  Best Moto X Play dealsMotorola released two great handsets late last year in the form of the Moto X Style and Moto X Play. The latter turned out to be the real highlight with its cheaper price, 20MP camera and fun but durable design. We loved it in our review and if you're looking for high end spec without a massive bill, this is probably the Android phone for you. It's one of the best cheaper phones you can buy right now, and networks from around the UK are all offering particularly good deals
  
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• How to memorialize someone's Facebook account - CNET

  02-03-2016 19:00 via cnet.com
  
  Take the reins of your loved one's memorial page.
  
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• The Last Taco Truck in Silicon Valley - CNET

  02-03-2016 18:46 via cnet.com
  Ingenuity, betrayal, and a killer habanero sauce. All these and more in CNET's tech fiction debut.
  
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• Encryption, the FBI's bane, nets top prize for computing pioneers - CNET

  02-03-2016 18:41 via cnet.com
  
  Whitfield Diffie and Martin Hellman's privacy-protecting technology has become both an inextricable part of modern life and a scourge to law enforcement.
  
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• Privacy groups urge U.S. judge to support Apple in iPhone case

  02-03-2016 18:28
  The American Civil Liberties Union, Access Now and the Wickr Foundation laid out arguments in amicus briefs released on Wednesday ahead of a March 22 hearing in which Judge Sheri Pym will review Apple's appeal of a court order demanding it help unlock a phone used by Rizwan Farook. Alphabet Inc's Google, Facebook Inc , Microsoft Corp and Twitter Inc also plan to file similar briefs, Twitter, Microsoft and people familiar with the plans of the other two companies said last week.
  
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• Facebook investigated for 'market abuse'

  02-03-2016 18:28 via bbc.co.uk
  
  German authorities are looking into whether concerns over Facebook's privacy terms also suggest it is abusing its 'dominant" market position.
  
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• Let your boss track your fitness, get an Apple Watch

  02-03-2016 18:15
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — You know you need to exercise more, but there's always next week, or the week after. To entice you to stop procrastinating, your company or insurer might soon reward you for wearing a fitness device to track your steps, heart rate and more.
  
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• See the rarest new cars and concepts at the Geneva auto show (pictures) - Roadshow

  02-03-2016 18:11 via cnet.com
  
  The Geneva auto show plays host to new, rare exotic cars and fascinating design concepts from Europe. See all the sights from the show in our photo gallery.
  
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• Facebook executive released from jail in Brazil

  02-03-2016 18:11
  By Brad Haynes SAO PAULO (Reuters) - A senior Facebook Inc executive was released after nearly 24 hours in a Brazilian jail due to a disputed court order demanding data from the company's WhatsApp messaging service for a confidential drug-trafficking investigation. An appeals court judge handling the case in Sergipe state overturned a lower court decision to arrest Diego Dzodan, Facebook's vice president for Latin America, court officials said on Wednesday. Law enforcement officials withheld fur
  
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• Google Photos bumps up editing options - CNET

  02-03-2016 18:09 via cnet.com
  
  The new tools include shifting between photos during the edit process and changing the aspect ratio of your photos.
  
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• Nasa starts work on super-quiet supersonic jet

  02-03-2016 17:51
  
  Nasa is developing a "low boom" supersonic jet -- making faster aircraft that it says will also be "greener, safer and quieter". By: Emily Reynolds, Continue reading...
  
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• Mathematical models could predict the next terrorist attack

  02-03-2016 17:29
  
  Research from UCL suggests terrorist attacks aren't as random as they seem -- and a mathematical model could help security forces predict when and how an attack is going to happen.By: Emily Reynolds, Continue reading...
  
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• Uber racked up big international losses during 2014 expansion

  02-03-2016 17:14
  The figures, the latest available, were disclosed in an official filing lodged with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce last month. Uber's international headquarters are in Amsterdam. Although the filing excludes the company's U.S. operations, it offers a rare snapshot of Uber's overseas performance as it rolled out its service to big cities around the world -- often meeting resistance from established taxi services.
  
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• Germany takes on Facebook in competition probe

  02-03-2016 17:09
  By Eric Auchard FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany's cartel office is investigating Facebook for suspected abuse of market power over breaches of data protection laws in the first formal probe of the social network for violating competition rules. The watchdog said it suspected Facebook's terms of service regarding how the company makes use of users' data may abuse its possibly dominant position in the social networking market. It planned to examine whether users were properly informed about how thei
  
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• VIDEO: Humans duped by emergency robots

  02-03-2016 16:56 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Research indicates that people trust robots even when they behave unreliably.
  
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• Apple’s top lawyer turns to ring binder when iPad fails during US Congress hearing – video

  02-03-2016 16:53
  
  Apple’s general counsel Bruce Sewell reads from a paper copy of his testimony in front of the US Congress, after his iPad appears to fail. Sewell is giving evidence at the House judiciary committee hearing into the standoff between Apple and the FBI when suddenly he stops reading from his iPad and turns to a hard copy of his testimony. The iPad Pro was unused for the remainder of the lawyer’s remarks Continue reading...
  
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• Finding Dory trailer is as forgetful as its lead

  02-03-2016 16:25
  
      Disney and Pixar have released the full-length trailer for upcoming animated sequel Finding Dory. To anyone who with fond memories of the original Finding Nemo, it will be very, very familar.By: Matt Kamen, Continue reading...
  
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