Can physicists crack their biggest puzzle?[ Thu, 1 Dec 2011 03:03:27 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: In his new book, "The Infinity Puzzle," physicist Frank Close reviews decades' worth of brain-teasing theories and looks ahead to puzzles yet to be solved.

Apps are coming to Spotify[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:16:40 GMT ]The folks behind Spotify held a press conference on Wednesday to announce that the popular music streaming service will be opening up its doors to developers and new partners. In other words? Apps — and an app store — are coming to Spotify.

Geeky gifts for gamers[ Thu, 1 Dec 2011 01:15:26 GMT ]From soaps made in the shape of video game controllers to a miniature arcade cabinet for your iPad, here's a look at some fun, funky and even downright goofy gift ideas for the gamer geek in your life.

Lenovo passes Dell as No. 2 PC brand worldwide[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:07:16 GMT ]The Chinese PC maker is "capitalizing on strong demand for PCs in its home market," with HP still retaining the top spot, according to a research firm.

How to make an honest profit in politics[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:15:17 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: If you made an "investment" in Newt Gingrich's political prospects six weeks ago, you'd have more than 200 times your money today.

AT&T and T-Mobile: Wireless megamerger (roundup)[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:51:00 PST ]The No. 2 and No. 4 wireless carriers announce a $39 billion merger deal that would create a company with nearly 130 million subscribers, easily leapfrogging Verizon Wireless for the No. 1 spot.

Zynga to go public at $10 billion valuation, reports say[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:00:13 PST ]Game developer expected to go public next month at a value below a resent estimated value of $14 billion.

Micron: Thailand causing demand pick-up for SSDs[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:05:27 PST ]Demand for solid-state drives is increasing in the wake of the flooding in Thailand, which has caused a shortage of hard disk drives.

Samsung's 2GHz chip to drive new tablet displays[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:10:45 PST ]Samsung's newest chip for tablets is built to drive the high-resolution displays coming on future tablets.

iPhone more searched than Kardashian on Yahoo in 2011[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:00:00 PST ]The Web giant lists the most widely searched terms on its site this year, and Apple's iconic phone beat out tabloid celebrities and natural disasters to claim the top spot.

How to handle unwanted friend requests[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:23:25 EST ]Netiquette experts Brenna Ehrlich and Andrea Bartz give you the lowdown on turning down potential Facebook buddies in The Ultimate Guide to the Unwanted Friend Request.

What Facebook IPO could mean for you[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:29:16 EST ]If Facebook and Wall Street become friends, will you like it?

5 great games for people who love a good story[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:52:59 GMT ]Whether it's the history-spanning tale of an assassin or an elaborate narrative about a medieval kingdom plagued by civil war and dragons, some of this year’s best video games feature enthralling stories deftly told. If the gamer in your life loves a good yarn, here are some games that would make great gifts this holiday.

Slideshow: Science meets art[ Thu, 3 Jun 2010 23:36:11 GMT ]Images from Princeton's 2011 Art of Science exhibition focus on scientific subjects ranging from nanodevices to black-hole dynamics.

Researchers: Millions of printers open to hack attack[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:29:22 GMT ]Red Tape: A newly discovered security flaw in some Hewlett-Packard printers could offer hackers a backdoor into computer networks, potentially impacting millions of businesses, consumers, and even government agencies.

Pre-caffeine: Mark Twain doodles, Morrissey's job![ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

Bam! How comic books teach science[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:29:00 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Can you learn relativity from a comic book? The Japanese have been using manga for decades to teach complex subjects, and now Americans are doing it, too.

Remember the Cisco tablet? More are on the way[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:26:08 PST ]Cisco says it is at work on larger and smaller versions of its business-centric Cius tablet, which are expected next year.

Spotify to unveil download deals? Catch our live blog today[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:55:00 PST ]The music service is holding a press event now underway to announce a "new direction" for the company, and the theories abound about what's coming. We'll bring you the news as it happens.

What hump? Personal's private database faces challenges[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 PST ]A nice product for storing personal data could be undone by two big hurdles it has to overcome.

Your custom robot army is here[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 PST ]After a month in beta, My Robot Nation is expanding its custom robot design service worldwide. It has also worked some kinks out of its system. Now it will get ready to take its offerings to a wide variety of other businesses.

Microsoft rolls out public beta for latest Security Essentials[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:08:08 PST ]A beta of the latest version of Microsoft's antivirus product is now available for any user with a Windows Live account.

Monday was biggest online shopping day ever[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:50:58 EST ]Americans' clicking fingers must be sore.

How to handle unwanted friend requests[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:23:25 EST ]Netiquette experts Brenna Ehrlich and Andrea Bartz give you the lowdown on turning down potential Facebook buddies in The Ultimate Guide to the Unwanted Friend Request.

What would Facebook stock sales mean for you?[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:29:16 EST ]If Facebook and Wall Street become friends, will you like it?

5 great games for people who love a good story[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:52:59 GMT ]Whether it's the history-spanning tale of an assassin or an elaborate narrative about a medieval kingdom plagued by civil war and dragons, some of this year’s best video games feature enthralling stories deftly told. If the gamer in your life loves a good yarn, here are some games that would make great gifts this holiday.

Slideshow: Science meets art[ Thu, 3 Jun 2010 23:36:11 GMT ]Images from Princeton's 2011 Art of Science exhibition focus on scientific subjects ranging from nanodevices to black-hole dynamics.

Researchers: Millions of printers open to hack attack[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:29:22 GMT ]Red Tape: A newly discovered security flaw in some Hewlett-Packard printers could offer hackers a backdoor into computer networks, potentially impacting millions of businesses, consumers, and even government agencies.

Pre-caffeine: Mark Twain doodles, Morrissey's job![ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

Bam! How comic books teach science[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:29:00 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Can you learn relativity from a comic book? The Japanese have been using manga for decades to teach complex subjects, and now Americans are doing it, too.

Remember the Cisco tablet? More are on the way[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:26:08 PST ]Cisco says it is at work on larger and smaller versions of its business-centric Cius tablet, which are expected next year.

Spotify to unveil download deals? Catch our live blog today[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:55:00 PST ]The music service is about to start its press event to announce a "new direction" for the company, and the theories abound about what's coming. We'll bring you the news as it happens.

What hump? Personal's private database faces challenges[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 PST ]A nice product for storing personal data could be undone by two big hurdles it has to overcome.

Your custom robot army is here[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 PST ]After a month in beta, My Robot Nation is expanding its custom robot design service worldwide. It has also worked some kinks out of its system. Now it will get ready to take its offerings to a wide variety of other businesses.

Microsoft rolls out public beta for latest Security Essentials[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:08:08 PST ]A beta of the latest version of Microsoft's antivirus product is now available for any user with a Windows Live account.

Monday was biggest online shopping day ever[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:50:58 EST ]Americans' clicking fingers must be sore.

How to handle unwanted friend requests[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:23:25 EST ]Netiquette experts Brenna Ehrlich and Andrea Bartz give you the lowdown on turning down potential Facebook buddies in The Ultimate Guide to the Unwanted Friend Request.

What would Facebook stock sales mean for you?[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:29:16 EST ]If Facebook and Wall Street become friends, will you like it?

Adulterous male birds encourage bad behavior[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:21:39 GMT ]Males that stray from the nest for adulterous adventures may leave an opening for their mates to cheat, new research on great tit birds suggests.

Bam! How comic books teach science[ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:29:00 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Can you learn relativity from a comic book? The Japanese have been using manga for decades to teach complex subjects, and now Americans are doing it, too.

5 great video games for the art lover[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:32:43 GMT ]Not all this holiday's video games are about big explosions and even bigger body counts. We take a look at some of the games that would make great gifts for those who appreciate the arts ... and those who appreciate video games as an art form.

Slideshow: Science meets art[ Thu, 3 Jun 2010 23:36:11 GMT ]Images from Princeton's 2011 Art of Science exhibition focus on scientific subjects ranging from nanodevices to black-hole dynamics.

Researchers: Millions of printers open to hack attack[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:29:22 GMT ]Red Tape: A newly discovered security flaw in some Hewlett-Packard printers could offer hackers a backdoor into computer networks, potentially impacting millions of businesses, consumers, and even government agencies.

Big sales jump for 'Cyber Monday'[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:18:27 EST ]After years of being more hype than highlight, Cyber Monday appears on its way to its biggest outing ever.

Why is Facebook making a phone nobody wants?[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:41:30 EST ]Reports have surfaced again in the past week that Facebook is working on a phone.

Original Apple contract up for auction[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:17:05 EST ]Forgive the pun: Want a slice of early Apple history?

Cool tech gifts under $50[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:38:49 GMT ]From the purple Roku LT for streaming movies to your TV, to earbuds you can wear when you run in the rain, you'll find some nifty picks in the under-$50 category this holiday season.

New RIM software a sign BlackBerry is over?[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:09:24 GMT ]RIM just announced a security platform that covers BlackBerry devices — but also devices running Android and iOS. While it may be a great system, it also indicates that RIM is giving up on competing with its functionally superior rivals.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus review: The one to beat[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:31:42 GMT ]The Samsung Galaxy Nexus has impressive hardware — a 720p Super AMOLED screen, dual-core processor, and lightning-fast camera — but Google is out to prove that it can deliver lots of power without being intimidating.

Slideshow: Science meets art[ Thu, 3 Jun 2010 23:36:11 GMT ]Images from Princeton's 2011 Art of Science exhibition focus on scientific subjects ranging from nanodevices to black-hole dynamics.

Researchers: Millions of printers open to hack attack[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:29:22 GMT ]Red Tape: A newly discovered security flaw in some Hewlett-Packard printers could offer hackers a backdoor into computer networks, potentially impacting millions of businesses, consumers, and even government agencies.

Cyber Monday sales rise 33 percent[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:10:29 PST ]Consumers also spend a little more per order shopping online compared with last year, according to the latest data from IBM.

Little Printer chews your feeds into a bite-size newspaper[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:23:52 PST ]It's not pareidolia, you're actually looking at the face of the Little Printer, a tiny output device coming in 2012 that curates your online subscriptions and spits them out into a bite-size newspaper.

Oil company warms to concentrating-solar startup[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:24:35 PST ]Morgan Solar secures a $9.8 million investment from Canadian oil and gas distributor Enbridge to commercialize its low-profile, lightweight concentrating-photovoltaic solar collector.

WordPress to let bloggers earn money through ads[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:41:03 PST ]The popular blogging platform is introducing a new feature called WordAds that will allow users to make money by allowing ads to appear on their blogs.

Verizon Fios TV app bringing 26 channels to Xbox 360[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:50:09 PST ]The communications company says an application for Xbox Live, designed to enable subscribers to watch live programming, will be available next month.

Big sales jump for 'Cyber Monday'[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:18:27 EST ]After years of being more hype than highlight, Cyber Monday appears on its way to its biggest outing ever.

Original Apple contract up for auction[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:05:07 EST ]Forgive the pun: Want a slice of early Apple history?

Why is Facebook making a phone nobody wants?[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:41:30 EST ]Reports have surfaced again in the past week that Facebook is working on a phone.

Cool tech gifts under $50[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:38:49 GMT ]From the purple Roku LT for streaming movies to your TV, to earbuds you can wear when you run in the rain, you'll find some nifty picks in the under-$50 category this holiday season.

New RIM software a sign BlackBerry is over?[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:09:24 GMT ]RIM just announced a security platform that covers BlackBerry devices — but also devices running Android and iOS. While it may be a great system, it also indicates that RIM is giving up on competing with its functionally superior rivals.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus review: The one to beat[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:31:42 GMT ]The Samsung Galaxy Nexus has impressive hardware — a 720p Super AMOLED screen, dual-core processor, and lightning-fast camera — but Google is out to prove that it can deliver lots of power without being intimidating.

Slideshow: Science meets art[ Thu, 3 Jun 2010 23:36:11 GMT ]Images from Princeton's 2011 Art of Science exhibition focus on scientific subjects ranging from nanodevices to black-hole dynamics.

Researchers: Millions of printers open to hack attack[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:29:22 GMT ]Red Tape: A newly discovered security flaw in some Hewlett-Packard printers could offer hackers a backdoor into computer networks, potentially impacting millions of businesses, consumers, and even government agencies.

Cyber Monday sales rise 33 percent[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:10:29 PST ]Consumers also spend a little more per order shopping online compared with last year, according to the latest data from IBM.

Little Printer chews your feeds into a bite-size newspaper[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:23:52 PST ]It's not pareidolia, you're actually looking at the face of the Little Printer, a tiny output device coming in 2012 that curates your online subscriptions and spits them out into a bite-size newspaper.

Oil company warms to concentrating solar startup[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:24:35 PST ]Morgan Solar secures a $9.8 million investment from Canadian oil and gas distributor Enbridge to commercialize its low-profile, lightweight concentrating photovoltaic solar collector.

WordPress to let bloggers earn money through ads[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:41:03 PST ]The popular blogging platform is introducing a new feature called WordAds that will allow users to make money by allowing ads to appear on their blogs.

Verizon FiOS TV launching with 26 channels for Xbox Live[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:50:09 PST ]The company says that the application to run on the Xbox 360 to watch live programming will be made available next month.

Big sales jump for 'Cyber Monday'[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:18:27 EST ]After years of being more hype than highlight, Cyber Monday appears on its way to its biggest outing ever.

Original Apple contract up for auction[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:05:07 EST ]Forgive the pun: Want a slice of early Apple history?

Why is Facebook making a phone nobody wants?[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:41:30 EST ]Reports have surfaced again in the past week that Facebook is working on a phone.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus review: The one to beat[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:31:42 GMT ]The Samsung Galaxy Nexus has impressive hardware — a 720p Super AMOLED screen, dual-core processor, and lightning-fast camera — but Google is out to prove that it can deliver lots of power without being intimidating.

Bieber fever dominates Bing search in 2011[ Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:37:24 GMT ]Teen singing sensation Justin Bieber was named the most searched person this year on Internet search engine Bing on Monday, edging out reality TV star Kim Kardashian and "Friends" actress Jennifer Aniston.

The best tech deals this Cyber Monday[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:50:45 GMT ]Black Friday may be over, but that doesn't mean that you have to stop shopping. After all, Cyber Monday's here and as are we — with some handpicked tech deals to help guide you through the chaos.

Get into geeky gifts that glow[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:55:24 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Glow-in-the-dark uranium marbles have emerged as the top Science Geek Gift of 2011, but you don't have to go radioactive to get that geeky glow.

Slideshow: Science meets art[ Thu, 3 Jun 2010 23:36:11 GMT ]Images from Princeton's 2011 Art of Science exhibition focus on scientific subjects ranging from nanodevices to black-hole dynamics.

Cell-phone tracking mall operator has second thoughts[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:48:12 PST ]A Cleveland mall owner that started to track shoppers' cell phones in California and Virginia decides that perhaps it wasn't such a good idea.

A Microsoft bid for Yahoo might put Andreessen in top role[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:53:55 PST ]Proposals for a minority piece of Yahoo are expected today, and one offer from Microsoft, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz could make Marc Andreessen the company's executive chairman, according to reports.

Philips Bio-light creates mood lighting with bacteria[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:26:15 PST ]As part of its Microbial Home project, Philips dreams up an energy-efficient lighting system powered by bioluminescent bacteria.

Opt-out of Facebook permissions via new add-on[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:38:33 PST ]A new, rough extension for Google Chrome allows you to toggle Facebook app permissions during installation, providing tighter security when playing with potentially risky apps.

Seagate Momentus XT hybrid drive gets quicker, more storage[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:00:00 PST ]Seagate announces that it's now shipping the second generation of the hybrid Momentus XT drive, which offers 750GB of storage and faster performance.

Future travel could be on 'moving platforms'[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:10:46 EST ]The 'Moving Platforms' concept would see travelers served by a non-stop carousel of trams and high-speed trains taking passengers from their homes to their destinations without them ever having to use a bus, car or taxi.

Big sales jump for 'Cyber Monday'[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:18:27 EST ]After years of being more hype than highlight, Cyber Monday appears on its way to its biggest outing ever.

How to play it safe on Cyber Monday[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:09:07 GMT ]Rather than risk life and limb on Black Friday, millions of us will opt to shop online on Cyber Monday, thinking it's safe. But there too, danger lurks.

Get into geeky gifts that glow[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:55:24 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Glow-in-the-dark uranium marbles have emerged as the top Science Geek Gift of 2011, but you don't have to go radioactive to get that geeky glow.

Video: Zelda falls short of modern games[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:25:38 GMT ]"Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" tries to update the series with more modern game mechanics but fails to compete with recent games. In-Game's Todd Kenreck reports. (In-Game)

Pre-caffeine: Cyber Monday, food coma pugs![ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

Video: Your next TV? It better be 3-D[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:37:40 GMT ]These days it's hard not to buy a 3-D TV, especially since they have the best 2-D picture. Msnbc.com's Wilson Rothman and Todd Kenreck share what you really need to know. (msnbc.com)

'Graphene foam' sensor sniffs out bombs[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:42:48 PST ]This porous material is far more sensitive than the current sensors used by bomb squads to identify gases from nitrogen-based explosives. It also detects leaks of dangerous industrial gases.

Apple readying 15-inch MacBook Air for Q1, report says[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:10:20 PST ]The company will reportedly offer its current 11.6- and 13.3-inch MacBook Air models alongside a new 15-inch option by the end of the first quarter.

Acer Iconia Tab A200 promo video leaks onto Web[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:42:22 PST ]The upcoming Android tablet has been given an online promo that reveals a few facts and specs about it.

Huh? Galaxy Nexus still listed in Best Buy ads as 'Nexus Prime'[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:43:20 PST ]All the confusion over the release of the first Ice Cream Sandwich Android phone does make one thing clear--it's coming very soon.

EU to make final call on Google's Motorola buy in January[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:04:18 PST ]Google has asked the EU to consider its deal and hopes to have the go-ahead by January 10, according to the European Union's Web site.

Future travel could be on 'moving platforms'[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:10:46 EST ]The 'Moving Platforms' concept would see travelers served by a non-stop carousel of trams and high-speed trains taking passengers from their homes to their destinations without them ever having to use a bus, car or taxi.

Cyber Monday outlook: Big deals, record sales[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:49:32 EST ]Did you skip the lines on Black Friday? There's still Cyber Monday -- and analysts are expecting an abundance of deals to bring in record online sales this year.

How to play it safe on Cyber Monday[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:09:07 GMT ]Rather than risk life and limb on Black Friday, millions of us will opt to shop online on Cyber Monday, thinking it's safe. But there too, danger lurks.

Get into geeky gifts that glow[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:55:24 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Glow-in-the-dark uranium marbles have emerged as the top Science Geek Gift of 2011, but you don't have to go radioactive to get that geeky glow.

Video: Zelda falls short of modern games[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:25:38 GMT ]"Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" tries to update the series with more modern game mechanics but fails to compete with recent games. In-Game's Todd Kenreck reports. (In-Game)

Pre-caffeine: Cyber Monday, food coma pugs![ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

Video: Your next TV? It better be 3-D[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:37:40 GMT ]These days it's hard not to buy a 3-D TV, especially since they have the best 2-D picture. Msnbc.com's Wilson Rothman and Todd Kenreck share what you really need to know. (msnbc.com)

'Graphene foam' sensor sniffs out bombs[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:42:48 PST ]This porous material is far more sensitive than the current sensors used by bomb squads to identify gases from nitrogen-based explosives. It also detects leaks of dangerous industrial gases.

Apple readying 15-inch MacBook Air for Q1, report says[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:10:20 PST ]The company will reportedly offer its current 11.6- and 13.3-inch MacBook Air models alongside a new 15-inch option by the end of the first quarter.

Acer Iconia Tab A200 promo video leaks onto Web[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:42:22 PST ]The upcoming Android tablet has been given an online promo that reveals a few facts and specs about it.

Huh? Galaxy Nexus still listed in Best Buy ads as 'Nexus Prime'[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:43:20 PST ]All the confusion over the release of the first Ice Cream Sandwich Android phone does make one thing clear--it's coming very soon.

EU to make final call on Google's Motorola buy in January[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:04:18 PST ]Google asked the EU to consider its deal on Friday, and hopes to have the go-ahead by January 10, according to information on the EU Web site.

Future travel could be on 'moving platforms'[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:10:46 EST ]The 'Moving Platforms' concept would see travelers served by a non-stop carousel of trams and high-speed trains taking passengers from their homes to their destinations without them ever having to use a bus, car or taxi.

Cyber Monday outlook: Big deals, record sales[ Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:49:32 EST ]Did you skip the lines on Black Friday? There's still Cyber Monday -- and analysts are expecting an abundance of deals to bring in record online sales this year.

Black Friday: What they're saying on Twitter[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:25:21 GMT ]While millions flocked to U.S. retailers for Black Friday deals, others preferred to take potshots from the sidelines on Twitter.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russian leader suggests punishing space failures[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:59:41 GMT ]Russian President Dmitry Medvedev raised the prospect of criminal prosecution for space mishaps on Saturday following a series of failed launches that have embarrassed Russia.

Oldest hairy microbe fossils discovered[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:55:22 GMT ]Ancient rock deposits, laid down between two massive ice ages, reveal the oldest known fossils for two types of single-celled creatures: Tube-shelled foraminifera and hairy, vase-shape ciliates.

NASA rover begins long cruise to Mars[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:42:49 GMT ]With a picture-perfect launch behind it, NASA's new Mars rover has begun the long trek to the Red Planet.

Don't try bribing these robot prison guards[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 13:58:58 PST ]Telepresence robots are being deployed to a South Korean prison to help prevent suicides and violence among inmates.

How to turn your iPhone into a microscope eyepiece[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:48:20 PST ]The SkyLight claims to be a revolutionary device that allows your iPhone or other smartphone to take images from even old microscopes and allow them to be instantly shared.

Britney Spears knocks Larry Page off top of Google+?[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:27:44 PST ]In a breath of something akin to life for Google's Facebook-competitor, Britney Spears has come from obscurity to currently lead Google CEO Larry Page as the most followed human.

Viola Labs: America's 'secret' high-end audio brand[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:45:00 PST ]Since Viola Labs' start in 2001, the vast majority of the company's sales have been in Asia and Europe, but Viola is just starting to have a higher profile here in the U.S.

Black Friday online shopping leaps 26 percent[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:08:24 PST ]Amazon was the most popular online retail site, and all told, consumers spent $816 million on Friday, ComScore reports. Now, on to Cyber Monday.

Retailers offering online deals (and duds)[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:34:12 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

Future travel could be on 'moving platforms'[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:10:46 EST ]The 'Moving Platforms' concept would see travelers served by a non-stop carousel of trams and high-speed trains taking passengers from their homes to their destinations without them ever having to use a bus, car or taxi.

Filipino police arrest 4 suspected AT&T hackers[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:07:12 GMT ]Four people have been arrested in the Philippines for allegedly hacking into AT&T's phone systems as part of a plan to funnel money to a Saudi-based terror group, according to police.

Black Friday: What they're saying on Twitter[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:25:21 GMT ]While millions flocked to U.S. retailers for Black Friday deals, others preferred to take potshots from the sidelines on Twitter.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russian leader suggests punishing space failures[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:59:41 GMT ]Russian President Dmitry Medvedev raised the prospect of criminal prosecution for space mishaps on Saturday following a series of failed launches that have embarrassed Russia.

NASA launches $2.5 billion rover to Red Planet[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 02:24:45 GMT ]NASA launches its next Mars rover, kicking off a long-awaited mission to see whether the Red Planet could have hosted microbial life.

Mars rover: The next generation[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:17:00 PST ]roundup Make way for Curiosity, a car-size Mars rover that will pick up where Spirit and Opportunity left off. It launched this month, and will arrive on Red Planet next summer.

$2.5 billion Mars rover departs Earth, heads for Red Planet[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:17:31 PST ]After a flawless launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, NASA's costly Mars Science Laboratory rover is safely on the way to Mars for a bold mission to study the habitability of the Red Planet.

How to shop safely online[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:01:00 PST ]Prevent online fraud and shop online with confidence by authenticating the sites you buy from, opting out of extra "offers," and following a few other smart tips.

Top 10 music Blu-ray discs[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:00:00 PST ]We've got the Blus--the best sounding music Blu-ray discs--that is.

When Black Friday Texans went nuts over video games[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:28:46 PST ]Video of a Wal-Mart in Texas shows just how insane the grab for DVD and video game bargains was on Black Friday. Some might find it difficult to watch.

Retailers offering online deals (and duds)[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:34:12 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

Future travel could be on 'moving platforms'[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:10:46 EST ]The 'Moving Platforms' concept would see travelers served by a non-stop carousel of trams and high-speed trains taking passengers from their homes to their destinations without them ever having to use a bus, car or taxi.

Filipino police arrest 4 suspected AT&T hackers[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:07:12 GMT ]Four people have been arrested in the Philippines for allegedly hacking into AT&T's phone systems as part of a plan to funnel money to a Saudi-based terror group, according to police.

Black Friday: What they're saying on Twitter[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:25:21 GMT ]While millions flocked to U.S. retailers for Black Friday deals, others preferred to take potshots from the sidelines on Twitter.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russian leader suggests punishing space failures[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:59:41 GMT ]Russian President Dmitry Medvedev raised the prospect of criminal prosecution for space mishaps on Saturday following a series of failed launches that have embarrassed Russia.

NASA launches $2.5 billion rover to Red Planet[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 02:24:45 GMT ]NASA launches its next Mars rover, kicking off a long-awaited mission to see whether the Red Planet could have hosted microbial life.

Mars rover: The next generation[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:17:00 PST ]roundup Make way for Curiosity, a car-size Mars rover that will pick up where Spirit and Opportunity left off. It launched this month, and will arrive on Red Planet next summer.

$2.5 billion Mars rover departs Earth, heads for Red Planet[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:17:31 PST ]After a flawless launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, NASA's costly Mars Science Laboratory rover is safely on the way to Mars for a bold mission to study the habitability of the Red Planet.

How to shop safely online[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:01:00 PST ]Prevent online fraud and shop online with confidence by authenticating the sites you buy from, opting out of extra "offers," and following a few other smart tips.

Top 10 music Blu-ray discs[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:00:00 PST ]We've got the Blus--the best sounding music Blu-ray discs--that is.

When Black Friday Texans went nuts over video games[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:28:46 PST ]Video of a Wal-Mart in Texas shows just how insane the grab for DVD and video game bargains was on Black Friday. Some might find it difficult to watch.

Retailers offering online deals (and duds)[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:34:12 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

Future travel could be on 'moving platforms'[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:10:46 EST ]The 'Moving Platforms' concept would see travelers served by a non-stop carousel of trams and high-speed trains taking passengers from their homes to their destinations without them ever having to use a bus, car or taxi.

Filipino police arrest 4 suspected AT&T hackers[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:07:12 GMT ]Four people have been arrested in the Philippines for allegedly hacking into AT&T's phone systems as part of a plan to funnel money to a Saudi-based terror group, according to police.

Black Friday: What they're saying on Twitter[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:25:21 GMT ]While millions flocked to U.S. retailers for Black Friday deals, others preferred to take potshots from the sidelines on Twitter.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russian leader suggests punishing space failures[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:59:41 GMT ]Russian President Dmitry Medvedev raised the prospect of criminal prosecution for space mishaps on Saturday following a series of failed launches that have embarrassed Russia.

NASA launches $2.5 billion rover to Red Planet[ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 02:24:45 GMT ]NASA launches its next Mars rover, kicking off a long-awaited mission to see whether the Red Planet could have hosted microbial life.

E-shoppers go mobile on Thanksgiving, Black Friday[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:14:43 PST ]update Apple's iPhone and iPad helped make mobile devices a key driver of Thanksgiving and Black Friday e-commerce this year, according to a report from IBM Coremetrics.

Man builds girlfriend $125 iPad[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:32:23 PST ]A Chinese student who can't afford to buy the real thing builds his girlfriend an iPad from scratch. It's not entirely identical, given that it's adorned with pretty little rhinestones around the outside.

U.S. executes another round of Web site takedowns[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:26:50 PST ]As Cyber Monday draws near and debate continues about the Stop Online Piracy Act, the U.S. government again seizes a bevy of domain names it says belong to Web sites that deal in counterfeit goods.

Mars rover: The next generation[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:17:00 PST ]roundup Make way for Curiosity, a car-size Mars rover that will pick up where Spirit and Opportunity left off. It launched this month, and will arrive on Red Planet next summer.

$2.5 billion Mars rover departs Earth, heads for Red Planet[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:17:31 PST ]After a flawless launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, NASA's costly Mars Science Laboratory rover is safely on the way to Mars for a bold mission to study the habitability of the Red Planet.

Retailers offering online deals (and duds)[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:34:12 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

Future travel could be on 'moving platforms'[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:10:46 EST ]The 'Moving Platforms' concept would see travelers served by a non-stop carousel of trams and high-speed trains taking passengers from their homes to their destinations without them ever having to use a bus, car or taxi.

Solar eclipse makes Black Friday a bit darker[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:13:11 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: A partial solar eclipse darkened the skies only slightly over areas of New Zealand, Tasmania, South Africa and Antarctica on "Black Friday."

Black Friday: What they're saying on Twitter[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:25:21 GMT ]While millions flocked to U.S. retailers for Black Friday deals, others preferred to take potshots from the sidelines on Twitter.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russian leader suggests punishing space failures[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:59:41 GMT ]Russian President Dmitry Medvedev raised the prospect of criminal prosecution for space mishaps on Saturday following a series of failed launches that have embarrassed Russia.

NASA launches $2.5 billion rover to Red Planet[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:03:38 GMT ]NASA launches its next Mars rover, kicking off a long-awaited mission to see whether the Red Planet could have hosted microbial life.

Google+ wants to usher in the masses. Can it?[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:25:26 PST ]It's going to take more than TV commercials to convince the world that Google+ is a better place to share stuff than Facebook.

AT&T readies a Hail Mary pass on T-Mobile--report[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:59:42 PST ]AT&T could offer to divest as much of 40% of T-Mobile in order to win approval for its beleaguered acquisition, Bloomberg reports.

Best Buy chimes in with MacBook, laptop deals[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:20:01 PST ]Not to be outdone by Apple, Best Buy is offering some enticing deals on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Windows laptops are also on sale.

Apple teases its new NYC store--oh, and what's this about 3D iPads?[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 04:00:00 PST ]Today in Apple Talk Weekly: Apple acknowledges the existence of its Grand Central store, 3D iPad rumors, and more.

Get a Nook Color tablet for $119 shipped[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 07:34:00 PST ]You'll need an eBay account to snag this KILLER DEAL from Barnes & Noble. It's a refurbished Nook, but so what? You still get a one-year warranty.

Retailers offering online deals (and duds)[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:34:12 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

Future travel could be on 'moving platforms'[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:10:46 EST ]The 'Moving Platforms' concept would see travelers served by a non-stop carousel of trams and high-speed trains taking passengers from their homes to their destinations without them ever having to use a bus, car or taxi.

Solar eclipse makes Black Friday a bit darker[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:13:11 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: A partial solar eclipse darkened the skies only slightly over areas of New Zealand, Tasmania, South Africa and Antarctica on "Black Friday."

Black Friday: What they're saying on Twitter[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:25:21 GMT ]While millions flocked to U.S. retailers for Black Friday deals, others preferred to take potshots from the sidelines on Twitter.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russian leader suggests punishing space failures[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:59:41 GMT ]Russian President Dmitry Medvedev raised the prospect of criminal prosecution for space mishaps on Saturday following a series of failed launches that have embarrassed Russia.

NASA launches $2.5 billion rover to Red Planet[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:03:38 GMT ]NASA launches its next Mars rover, kicking off a long-awaited mission to see whether the Red Planet could have hosted microbial life.

Google+ wants to usher in the masses. Can it?[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:25:26 PST ]It's going to take more than TV commercials to convince the world that Google+ is a better place to share stuff than Facebook.

AT&T readies a Hail Mary pass on T-Mobile--report[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:59:42 PST ]AT&T could offer to divest as much of 40% of T-Mobile in order to win approval for its beleaguered acquisition, Bloomberg reports.

Best Buy chimes in with MacBook, laptop deals[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:20:01 PST ]Not to be outdone by Apple, Best Buy is offering some enticing deals on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Windows laptops are also on sale.

Apple teases its new NYC store--oh, and what's this about 3D iPads?[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 04:00:00 PST ]Today in Apple Talk Weekly: Apple acknowledges the existence of its Grand Central store, 3D iPad rumors, and more.

Get a Nook Color tablet for $119 shipped[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 07:34:00 PST ]You'll need an eBay account to snag this KILLER DEAL from Barnes & Noble. It's a refurbished Nook, but so what? You still get a one-year warranty.

Retailers offering online deals (and duds)[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:34:12 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

Future travel could be on 'moving platforms'[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:10:46 EST ]The 'Moving Platforms' concept would see travelers served by a non-stop carousel of trams and high-speed trains taking passengers from their homes to their destinations without them ever having to use a bus, car or taxi.

Five great games to play with the whole family[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:15:05 GMT ]The holidays are upon us. And that means in the coming weeks you and your kinfolk may find yourselves cooped up together in one house for way too long. In these moments, family-friendly video games can be the perfect rescue.

Solar eclipse makes Black Friday a bit darker[ Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:13:11 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: A partial solar eclipse darkened the skies only slightly over areas of New Zealand, Tasmania, South Africa and Antarctica on "Black Friday."

Black Friday: What they're saying on Twitter[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:25:21 GMT ]While millions flocked to U.S. retailers for Black Friday deals, others preferred to take potshots from the sidelines on Twitter.

Mars life? New rover may uncover clues[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:19:11 GMT ]NASA opens a new chapter in the search for extraterrestrial life with an ambitious mission to find life's habitats, and possibly even organics, on Mars.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

AT&T's merger with T-Mobile teeters[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:49:10 PST ]week in review AT&T earmarks $4 billion for merger breakup fee, while Facebook phone rumors resurface. Also: Pepper-spray cop meme.

Pepper-spraying shopper gets to Wal-Mart gadgets first[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:10:12 PST ]Black Friday at a Wal-Mart in Los Angeles turns sour when a shopper, desperate to get to gadgets before her fellow consumers, pepper-sprays them in order to achieve electronic bargain nirvana.

Google+ wants to usher in the masses. Can it?[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:25:26 PST ]It's going to take more than TV commercials to convince the world that Google+ is a better place to share stuff than Facebook.

AT&T readies a Hail Mary pass on T-Mobile--report[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:59:42 PST ]AT&T could offer to divest as much of 40% of T-Mobile in order to win approval for its beleaguered acquisition, Bloomberg reports.

Best Buy chimes in with MacBook, laptop deals[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:20:01 PST ]Not to be outdone by Apple, Best Buy is offering some enticing deals on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Windows laptops are also on sale.

Retailers offering online deals (and duds)[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:34:12 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

Future travel could be on 'moving platforms'[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:10:46 EST ]The 'Moving Platforms' concept would see travelers served by a non-stop carousel of trams and high-speed trains taking passengers from their homes to their destinations without them ever having to use a bus, car or taxi.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russia's Mars probe starts making regular contact[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:38:00 GMT ]The European Space Agency reported Wednesday that a ground station in Australia has made repeated contacts with Russia's Phobos-Grunt probe, two weeks after a mysterious post-launch glitch.

Five great games to play with the whole family[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:15:05 GMT ]The holidays are upon us. And that means in the coming weeks you and your kinfolk may find yourselves cooped up together in one house for way too long. In these moments, family-friendly video games can be the perfect rescue.

Meet the parents behind the best kid apps[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:19:02 GMT ]Why was it that this dirt cheap kid's iPhone app was so rich with humor, language and music? The developers are parents, trying to keep their own kids entertained — and educated.

10 gifts your mobile device fanatic will love[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:18:34 GMT ]Help your loved ones make the most of their mobile devices — and turn some heads, too —when you give them one of these stupendous accessories for their tablets or smartphones.

Five crazy-good Black Friday deals[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:05:21 PST ]Get nearly any smartphone for one penny, a terrific PC/Mac game absolutely free, a 16-inch laptop for $299, and more!

Apple's Black Friday: Discounts for Mac, iPad, and more[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:26:16 PST ]Don't go looking for any bargains on the iPhone, but otherwise, Apple is trimming prices on a range of computer gear and accessories today.

Friday Poll: Biggest tech turkey of 2011?[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:00:00 PST ]It's been a busy year for tech fails ranging from Sony's PlayStation Network hack-a-thon to Netflix forgetting it needs to please customers. What do you think is the biggest tech turkey of the year?

Google's new ad space: Chrome[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:31:19 PST ]The company has begun promoting its own products through Chrome's new-tab page. Don't worry about obnoxious flashing ads, though--at least not so far.

Galaxy Tab ban: 'Not terribly fair to Samsung'[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:07:56 PST ]A judge in Australia questions the temporary injunction banning sales of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the runup to a full patent case between Samsung and Apple.

Retailers offering online deals (and duds)[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:34:12 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

Microsoft cuts Black Friday prices on Kinect[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:46:27 EST ]Microsoft may be a relative newcomer to in-store retailing, but it's getting the hang of this Black Friday thing.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russia's Mars probe starts making regular contact[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:38:00 GMT ]The European Space Agency reported Wednesday that a ground station in Australia has made repeated contacts with Russia's Phobos-Grunt probe, two weeks after a mysterious post-launch glitch.

Five great games to play with the whole family[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:15:05 GMT ]The holidays are upon us. And that means in the coming weeks you and your kinfolk may find yourselves cooped up together in one house for way too long. In these moments, family-friendly video games can be the perfect rescue.

Meet the parents behind the best kid apps[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:19:02 GMT ]Why was it that this dirt cheap kid's iPhone app was so rich with humor, language and music? The developers are parents, trying to keep their own kids entertained — and educated.

10 gifts your mobile device fanatic will love[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:18:34 GMT ]Help your loved ones make the most of their mobile devices — and turn some heads, too —when you give them one of these stupendous accessories for their tablets or smartphones.

Verizon's Galaxy Nexus price: $199.99?[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:44:34 PST ]A holiday ad puts the first Ice Cream Sandwich phone at a penny shy of $200 from Verizon. That could be a promotional price, though.

Five crazy-good Black Friday deals[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:05:21 PST ]Get nearly any smartphone for one penny, a terrific PC/Mac game absolutely free, a 16-inch laptop for $299, and more!

Apple's Black Friday: Discounts for Mac, iPad, and more[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:26:16 PST ]Don't go looking for any bargains on the iPhone, but otherwise, Apple is trimming prices on a range of computer gear and accessories today.

Friday Poll: Biggest tech turkey of 2011?[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:00:00 PST ]It's been a busy year for tech fails ranging from Sony's PlayStation Network hack-a-thon to Netflix forgetting it needs to please customers. What do you think is the biggest tech turkey of the year?

Google's new ad space: Chrome[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:31:19 PST ]The company has begun promoting its own products through Chrome's new-tab page. Don't worry about obnoxious flashing ads, though--at least not so far.

Retailers offering online deals (and duds)[ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:34:12 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

Microsoft cuts Black Friday prices on Kinect[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:46:27 EST ]Microsoft may be a relative newcomer to in-store retailing, but it's getting the hang of this Black Friday thing.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russia's Mars probe starts making regular contact[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:38:00 GMT ]The European Space Agency reported Wednesday that a ground station in Australia has made repeated contacts with Russia's Phobos-Grunt probe, two weeks after a mysterious post-launch glitch.

Five great games to play with the whole family[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:15:05 GMT ]The holidays are upon us. And that means in the coming weeks you and your kinfolk may find yourselves cooped up together in one house for way too long. In these moments, family-friendly video games can be the perfect rescue.

Meet the parents behind the best kid apps[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:19:02 GMT ]Why was it that this dirt cheap kid's iPhone app was so rich with humor, language and music? The developers are parents, trying to keep their own kids entertained — and educated.

10 gifts your mobile device fanatic will love[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:18:34 GMT ]Help your loved ones make the most of their mobile devices — and turn some heads, too —when you give them one of these stupendous accessories for their tablets or smartphones.

At $199, Blackberry Playbook realizes its actual value[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:52:58 PST ]commentary At $199, the BlackBerry PlayBook may have finally found its true value. But it may be too late for RIM's tablet to gain any traction in the market.

Ambitious Mars Science Lab rover set for Saturday launch[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:27:37 PST ]After a break for Thanksgiving, NASA plans to launch a $2.5 billion nuclear-powered rover to Mars for a long-awaited mission to look for evidence of carbon compounds and past or present habitability.

Europe rules ISPs can't be forced to block pirate sites[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:31:29 PST ]European court rules that record labels and film studios can't use the courts to instruct broadband companies to track customers or install filtering systems aimed at preventing piracy.

Sen. Joe Lieberman: Google's Blogger needs 'terrorist' button[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:30:21 PST ]Saying that alleged pipe-bomber Jose Pimentel used a Blogger-based blog to spread hate-filled screeds and links to bomb-making instructions, Lieberman sends letter to Google CEO Larry Page expressing opinion that Blogger should feature a content-flagging button like YouTube's.

Google takes on Facebook with long Google+ TV ad[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:15:07 PST ]During the Packers vs. Lions Thanksgiving Day game, Google airs a 90-second ad that attempts to differentiate Google+ from that other social network. But does it confuse things further?

Five Thanksgiving apps you should gobble up[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:54:19 EST ]When someone says "Thanksgiving and apps," you probably think appetizers, not applications.

Retailers offering more online deals (and duds)[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:39:52 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russia's Mars probe starts making regular contact[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:38:00 GMT ]The European Space Agency reported Wednesday that a ground station in Australia has made repeated contacts with Russia's Phobos-Grunt probe, two weeks after a mysterious post-launch glitch.

Five great games to play with the whole family[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:15:05 GMT ]The holidays are upon us. And that means in the coming weeks you and your kinfolk may find yourselves cooped up together in one house for way too long. In these moments, family-friendly video games can be the perfect rescue.

Meet the parents behind the best kid apps[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:19:02 GMT ]Why was it that this dirt cheap kid's iPhone app was so rich with humor, language and music? The developers are parents, trying to keep their own kids entertained — and educated.

10 gifts your mobile device fanatic will love[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:18:34 GMT ]Help your loved ones make the most of their mobile devices — and turn some heads, too —when you give them one of these stupendous accessories for their tablets or smartphones.

Police procedures leaked for getting into Facebook, other accounts[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:35:40 PST ]Leaked confidential documents telling police under what circumstances they can gain access to Facebook, Microsoft, Blizzard, and AOL accounts appeared online this week.

How 3D TV is going to change the look of 2D shows[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:52:24 PST ]As 3D sets proliferate, TV producers have to tailor the way they film shows -- which may mean subtle but significant changes to 2D versions.

Rafe Recommends: Apps for dumb gadget shoppers[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:56:26 PST ]Get Amazon's Flow and the new Decide.com app to save yourself from spending too much.

Apple yanks 'first' subscription-based game app[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:14:04 PST ]The iPad app that made waves yesterday after claiming to be the first to utilize a subscription-based service has been pulled by Apple.

First-generation phone runs fourth-generation Android[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:48:35 PST ]A programmer shows that 2011's Android 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich, can run on 2008's T-Mobile G1. It's slow, with no Wi-Fi, but the apps work.

Five Thanksgiving apps you should gobble up[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:54:19 EST ]When someone says "Thanksgiving and apps," you probably think appetizers, not applications.

Retailers offering more online deals (and duds)[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:39:52 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russia's Mars probe starts making regular contact[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:38:00 GMT ]The European Space Agency reported Wednesday that a ground station in Australia has made repeated contacts with Russia's Phobos-Grunt probe, two weeks after a mysterious post-launch glitch.

Five great games to play with the whole family[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:15:05 GMT ]The holidays are upon us. And that means in the coming weeks you and your kinfolk may find yourselves cooped up together in one house for way too long. In these moments, family-friendly video games can be the perfect rescue.

Meet the parents behind the best kid apps[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:19:02 GMT ]Why was it that this dirt cheap kid's iPhone app was so rich with humor, language and music? The developers are parents, trying to keep their own kids entertained — and educated.

10 gifts your mobile device fanatic will love[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:18:34 GMT ]Help your loved ones make the most of their mobile devices — and turn some heads, too —when you give them one of these stupendous accessories for their tablets or smartphones.

Police procedures leaked for getting into Facebook, other accounts[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:35:40 PST ]Leaked confidential documents telling police under what circumstances they can gain access to Facebook, Microsoft, Blizzard, and AOL accounts appeared online this week.

How 3D TV is going to change the look of 2D shows[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:52:24 PST ]As 3D sets proliferate, TV producers have to tailor the way they film shows -- which may mean subtle but significant changes to 2D versions.

Rafe Recommends: Apps for dumb gadget shoppers[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:56:26 PST ]Get Amazon's Flow and the new Decide.com app to save yourself from spending too much.

Apple yanks 'first' subscription-based game app[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:14:04 PST ]The iPad app that made waves yesterday after claiming to be the first to utilize a subscription-based service has been pulled by Apple.

First-generation phone runs fourth-generation Android[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:48:35 PST ]A programmer shows that 2011's Android 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich, can run on 2008's T-Mobile G1. It's slow, with no Wi-Fi, but the apps work.

Five Thanksgiving apps you should gobble up[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:54:19 EST ]When someone says "Thanksgiving and apps," you probably think appetizers, not applications.

Retailers offering more online deals (and duds)[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:39:52 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

Scientists working hard to build a better turkey[ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:39:41 GMT ]Turkey researchers are investigating the big bird's genetic heritage and biology as part of an effort to improve several aspects of its cultivation.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Russia's Mars probe starts making regular contact[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:38:00 GMT ]The European Space Agency reported Wednesday that a ground station in Australia has made repeated contacts with Russia's Phobos-Grunt probe, two weeks after a mysterious post-launch glitch.

Meet the parents behind the best kid apps[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:19:02 GMT ]Why was it that this dirt cheap kid's iPhone app was so rich with humor, language and music? The developers are parents, trying to keep their own kids entertained — and educated.

10 gifts your mobile device fanatic will love[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:18:34 GMT ]Help your loved ones make the most of their mobile devices — and turn some heads, too —when you give them one of these stupendous accessories for their tablets or smartphones.

A high-res Earth from 512 miles (photos)[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:22:54 PST ]The Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite will monitor the planet's environment, exposing long-term patterns helpful in assessing the impact of climate change.

Police procedures leaked for getting into Facebook, other accounts[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:35:40 PST ]Leaked confidential documents telling police under what circumstances they can gain access to Facebook, Microsoft, Blizzard, and AOL accounts appeared online this week.

How 3D TV is going to change the look of 2D shows[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:52:24 PST ]As 3D sets proliferate, TV producers have to tailor the way they film shows -- which may mean subtle but significant changes to 2D versions.

Rafe Recommends: Apps for dumb gadget shoppers[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:56:26 PST ]Get Amazon's Flow and the new Decide.com app to save yourself from spending too much.

Apple yanks 'first' subscription-based game app[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:14:04 PST ]The iPad app that made waves yesterday after claiming to be the first to utilize a subscription-based service has been pulled by Apple.

Five Thanksgiving apps you should gobble up[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:54:19 EST ]When someone says "Thanksgiving and apps," you probably think appetizers, not applications.

Retailers offering more online deals (and duds)[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:39:52 EST ]If your post-Thanksgiving shopping plans don't involve leaving the house, you're in increasingly good company. And Web sellers are saying, "Step right in."

How to play it safe on Cyber Monday[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:09:07 GMT ]Rather than risk life and limb on Black Friday, millions of us will opt to shop online on Cyber Monday, thinking it's safe. But there too, danger lurks.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Europeans report contact with Russia's Mars probe[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:11:59 GMT ]The European Space Agency says a ground station in Australia has re-established contact with Russia's Phobos-Grunt probe, two weeks after a mysterious post-launch glitch.

Meet the parents behind the best kid apps[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:19:02 GMT ]Why was it that this dirt cheap kid's iPhone app was so rich with humor, language and music? The developers are parents, trying to keep their own kids entertained — and educated.

10 gifts your mobile device fanatic will love[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:18:34 GMT ]Help your loved ones make the most of their mobile devices — and turn some heads, too —when you give them one of these stupendous accessories for their tablets or smartphones.

Nanoparticles promise bulk storage batteries[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:43:44 PST ]For bulk storage on the grid, Stanford research develop a new chemistry that could lead to durable, fast-charging batteries for storing wind and solar energy.

Groupon falls well below IPO price[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:50:07 PST ]Company has significant question marks as a business and competition from Amazon-backed Living Social will be tough.

How low can Netflix's stock go? Much lower, analysts say[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:21:28 PST ]Netflix's stock hit a 2011 low on Tuesday and is trading lower today. Some analysts say that will only continue in the coming quarters.

Microsoft to beef up SkyDrive following user complaints[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:49:25 PST ]Acknowledging the current constraints and concerns with SkyDrive, Microsoft is planning to further develop the cloud-based file storage service to closer match its own vision.

Spotify paying subscribers jumps to 2.5 million[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:05:20 PST ]The company didn't say how many subscribers are in the U.S. and those that are international, but its growth is notable.

Five Thanksgiving apps you should gobble up[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:54:19 EST ]When someone says "Thanksgiving and apps," you probably think appetizers, not applications.

Facebook: Now 4.74 degrees of separation[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:25:52 EST ]In the Facebook age -- when digital "friends" are just a click away -- the distance between people seems to be shrinking, according to data the social network released on Monday night.

Steve Jobs fielded customer requests[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:51:28 EST ]Among chief executives, Steve Jobs was an outlier. Jobs was directly involved in Apple's customer service, fielding e-mails about broken laptops and intervening on support calls.

Vote for the greatest Science Geek Gift[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:19:45 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Dinosaur skulls? Uranium marbles? Cast your vote and help us crown the geekiest gift for the holiday season.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Europeans report contact with Russia's Mars probe[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:11:59 GMT ]The European Space Agency says a ground station in Australia has re-established contact with Russia's Phobos-Grunt probe, two weeks after a mysterious post-launch glitch.

Meet the parents behind the best kid apps[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:19:02 GMT ]Why was it that this dirt cheap kid's iPhone app was so rich with humor, language and music? The developers are parents, trying to keep their own kids entertained — and educated.

10 gifts your mobile device fanatic will love[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:18:34 GMT ]Help your loved ones make the most of their mobile devices — and turn some heads, too —when you give them one of these stupendous accessories for their tablets or smartphones.

Shaken and stirred by Bob Marley headphones[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:40:00 PST ]Unlike most musician branded headphones, the new House of Marley headphones are the real deal.

Nanoparticles promise bulk storage batteries[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:43:44 PST ]For bulk storage on the grid, Stanford research develop a new chemistry that could lead to durable, fast-charging batteries for storing wind and solar energy.

Groupon falls well below IPO price[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:50:07 PST ]Company has significant question marks as a business and competition from Amazon-backed Living Social will be tough.

How low can Netflix's stock go? Much lower, analysts say[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:21:28 PST ]Netflix's stock hit a 2011 low on Tuesday and is trading lower today. Some analysts say that will only continue in the coming quarters.

Microsoft to beef up SkyDrive following user complaints[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:49:25 PST ]Acknowledging the current constraints and concerns with SkyDrive, Microsoft is planning to further develop the cloud-based file storage service to closer match its own vision.

Five Thanksgiving apps you should gobble up[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:54:19 EST ]When someone says "Thanksgiving and apps," you probably think appetizers, not applications.

Facebook: Now 4.74 degrees of separation[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:25:52 EST ]In the Facebook age -- when digital "friends" are just a click away -- the distance between people seems to be shrinking, according to data the social network released on Monday night.

Steve Jobs fielded customer requests[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:51:28 EST ]Among chief executives, Steve Jobs was an outlier. Jobs was directly involved in Apple's customer service, fielding e-mails about broken laptops and intervening on support calls.

Life and death in the galaxy next door[ Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:40:07 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: The latest picture from the Hubble Space Telescope reveals a glittering star cluster in the Large Magellanic Cloud — and a star system that's going poof.

Facebook: 6 degrees of separation? More like 4[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:30:12 GMT ]Facebook's shaking up the claim that any two individuals in the world are separated by no more than six degrees, by suggesting that there's an average of 4.74 "hops" — or lines — connecting every person to every other person.

Software alliance yanks support for piracy bill[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:16:40 GMT ]In a move that would seem to be against its own interests, the Business Software Alliance — which includes Microsoft, Apple, Intel and Adobe, and focuses heavily on anti-piracy efforts — is pulling its support of federal legislation aimed at stopping Internet piracy.

NASA rover to look deep into Mars' past[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:02:26 GMT ]NASA's Curiosity rover will launch on Saturday toward a frigid and dry Mars, but the robot will likely spend much of its time staring deep into the Red Planet's warmer, wetter past, scientists say.

The best tech deals this Black Friday[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:53:46 GMT ]Whether you're already in line for a Black Friday sale or still figuring out what you'll do with your leftover turkey, check out our handpicked favorite deals for Black Friday.

Apple cult mocked by Samsung in Galaxy S II ad[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:14:08 PST ]In a new ad for its large-screen phone, Samsung decides to deride the cult of Apple, in which fanboys stand in line for days on end in order to buy phones that really aren't that good, in order to preserve their image.

How long will AT&T fight for T-Mobile?[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:25:06 PST ]AT&T's $39 billion deal to buy T-Mobile looks like it's dead. So how long will AT&T hang on?

DHS denies report of water utility hack[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:32:09 PST ]Department of Homeland Security says Illinois utility was not hacked and investigates claims of hack on Texas water utility.

Big update lands for Battlefield 3[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:47:42 PST ]The PC version of Battlefield 3 gets a huge update ahead of the consoles, offering more than 50 fixes, enhancements, and gameplay-balancing measures.

Apple looking for a few good cloud execs?[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:50:06 PST ]Company is looking for senior-level executives with backgrounds in Web-based software, sources tell the Wall Street Journal.

Five Thanksgiving apps you should gobble up[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:17:18 EST ]When someone says "Thanksgiving and apps," you probably think appetizers, not applications.

Facebook: Now 4.74 degrees of separation[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:25:52 EST ]In the Facebook age -- when digital "friends" are just a click away -- the distance between people seems to be shrinking, according to data the social network released on Monday night.

Steve Jobs fielded customer requests[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:25:41 EST ]Among chief executives, Steve Jobs was an outlier. Jobs was directly involved in Apple's customer service, fielding e-mails about broken laptops and intervening on support calls.

Is it legal for your cellphone to track you?[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:22:20 GMT ]GPS navigation and cellular-signal triangulation can help us to find our way around — or to help someone else find us. If you happen to be a lost pet, an Alzheimer's patient or a small child, that's a good thing. But what about the rest of us? Where do we stand legally in terms of being tracked by cellular carriers, smartphone app makers or the government?

Wanted: 'Smart Pot' to purify water instantly, cheaply[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:07:06 GMT ]Future of Tech: Imagine a pot or jar that you could carry to any water source in the world, fill it up and be guaranteed a container full of clean and safe drinking water. Such a pot is the goal of a new a challenge issued to inventors in developing nations.

Scientific tales come alive in ink[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:41:00 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Ready to crack open some inky tales of scientific lore and levity? Check out our holiday science book roundup — and add your own selections to the list.

Russian probe misses out on trip to Mars[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:36:15 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Russia's stranded Phobos-Grunt spacecraft reportedly has lost its main opportunity to go to Mars and land on one of its moons, but efforts to revive it continue.

Pre-caffeine tech: Tiny tablet, 'Skyrim' baby![ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

Get a Zvox 325 single-cabinet surround-sound system for $219.99[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 07:50:29 PST ]If you're not happy with the sound coming from your TV's built-in speakers (and, trust me, you're not), you'll love this compact-yet-powerful solution.

Apple teases Black Friday deals, but what about the iPhone?[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 07:57:52 PST ]The company says that the deals will be available on Friday only, but has yet to say what kind of discounts it will offer on its products.

Mars rover: The next generation[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:35:29 PST ]roundup Make way for Curiosity, a car-size Mars rover that will pick up where Spirit and Opportunity left off next summer.

The secret sauce to Apple's retail success? This man made it[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:37:36 PST ]After having worked with Steve Jobs to create Apple stores, Ron Johnson explains the lessons he learned and why the stores appeal to people in a Harvard Business Review guest post.

3DTV sales rise, but do owners care about the third dimension?[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:12:26 PST ]According to a new study, 3D LCD TV shipments are up compared to previous quarters, and that trend is expected to continue. But buying 3DTVs and playing 3D content are two very different things.

Apple patent would shield against broken glass[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:30:09 EST ]Apple is a powerhouse of ingenuity, patenting ideas as soon as an engineer can scratch them down on paper (or iPad). Around three dozen Apple patents made their way through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week alone.

Steve Jobs fielded customer requests[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:25:41 EST ]Among chief executives, Steve Jobs was an outlier. Jobs was directly involved in Apple's customer service, fielding e-mails about broken laptops and intervening on support calls.

On Facebook, it's now 4.74 degrees of separation[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:25:52 EST ]In the Facebook age -- when digital "friends" are just a click away -- the distance between people seems to be shrinking, according to data the social network released on Monday night.

Is it legal for your cellphone to track you?[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:22:20 GMT ]GPS navigation and cellular-signal triangulation can help us to find our way around — or to help someone else find us. If you happen to be a lost pet, an Alzheimer's patient or a small child, that's a good thing. But what about the rest of us? Where do we stand legally in terms of being tracked by cellular carriers, smartphone app makers or the government?

Wanted: 'Smart Pot' to purify water instantly, cheaply[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:07:06 GMT ]Future of Tech: Imagine a pot or jar that you could carry to any water source in the world, fill it up and be guaranteed a container full of clean and safe drinking water. Such a pot is the goal of a new a challenge issued to inventors in developing nations.

Scientific tales come alive in ink[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:41:00 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Ready to crack open some inky tales of scientific lore and levity? Check out our holiday science book roundup — and add your own selections to the list.

Russian probe misses out on trip to Mars[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:36:15 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Russia's stranded Phobos-Grunt spacecraft reportedly has lost its main opportunity to go to Mars and land on one of its moons, but efforts to revive it continue.

Pre-caffeine tech: Tiny tablet, 'Skyrim' baby![ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

Wanna see Ice Cream Sandwich on a tablet? Look no further[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 07:48:42 PST ]Nvidia has posted a video of Android 4.0 running on Asus' Tegra 3-powered Transformer Prime, boasting of its video playback and videogame performance.

Get a Zvox 325 single-cabinet surround-sound system for $219.99[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 07:50:29 PST ]If you're not happy with the sound coming from your TV's built-in speakers (and, trust me, you're not), you'll love this compact-yet-powerful solution.

Apple teases Black Friday deals, but what about the iPhone?[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 07:57:52 PST ]The company says that the deals will be available on Friday only, but has yet to say what kind of discounts it will offer on its products.

Mars rover: The next generation[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:35:29 PST ]roundup Make way for Curiosity, a car-size rover that will pick up where Spirit and Opportunity left off. It launches this month, and will arrive on Mars next summer.

The secret sauce to Apple's retail success? This man made it[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:37:36 PST ]After having worked with Steve Jobs to create Apple stores, Ron Johnson explains the lessons he learned and why the stores appeal to people in a Harvard Business Review guest post.

Apple patent would shield against broken glass[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:30:09 EST ]Apple is a powerhouse of ingenuity, patenting ideas as soon as an engineer can scratch them down on paper (or iPad). Around three dozen Apple patents made their way through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week alone.

Steve Jobs fielded customer requests[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:25:41 EST ]Among chief executives, Steve Jobs was an outlier. Jobs was directly involved in Apple's customer service, fielding e-mails about broken laptops and intervening on support calls.

On Facebook, it's now 4.74 degrees of separation[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:25:52 EST ]In the Facebook age -- when digital "friends" are just a click away -- the distance between people seems to be shrinking, according to data the social network released on Monday night.

Space station trio makes chilly but safe landing[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:51:23 GMT ]After spending nearly six months aboard the International Space Station, three spacefliers returned home to Earth on Monday.

Is it legal for your cellphone to track you?[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:22:20 GMT ]GPS navigation and cellular-signal triangulation can help us to find our way around — or to help someone else find us. If you happen to be a lost pet, an Alzheimer's patient or a small child, that's a good thing. But what about the rest of us? Where do we stand legally in terms of being tracked by cellular carriers, smartphone app makers or the government?

Wanted: 'Smart Pot' to purify water instantly, cheaply[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:07:06 GMT ]Future of Tech: Imagine a pot or jar that you could carry to any water source in the world, fill it up and be guaranteed a container full of clean and safe drinking water. Such a pot is the goal of a new a challenge issued to inventors in developing nations.

Scientific tales come alive in ink[ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:41:00 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Ready to crack open some inky tales of scientific lore and levity? Check out our holiday science book roundup — and add your own selections to the list.

Russian probe misses out on trip to Mars[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:36:15 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Russia's stranded Phobos-Grunt spacecraft reportedly has lost its main opportunity to go to Mars and land on one of its moons, but efforts to revive it continue.

Mobile app content ratings system to debut next week[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:35:31 PST ]Next week brings the debut of a formal ratings system for mobile applications, a self-regulatory system that may or may not be adopted by companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft in their mobile application stores.

Amazon launches 'Penny Pincher' smartphone sale[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:46:25 PST ]The Internet retailer has put all of its Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T smartphones on sale for just one cent.

Samsung in last-stage Google TV talks, exec says[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:42:33 PST ]Yoon Boo Keun, president of Samsung's TV division, tells reporters to expect a Google TV-based device at an event next year that's not CES.

HP chairman photographed using MacBook Air[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:50:32 PST ]Picture shows Ray Lane using a MacBook Air at home--an odd depiction of someone supposedly leading the charge against Apple.

Forget 'six degrees'--we are actually closer[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:53:30 PST ]Facebook study finds that the average number of people who separate any two individuals in the world is 4.74.

Apple patent would shield against broken glass[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:30:09 EST ]Apple is a powerhouse of ingenuity, patenting ideas as soon as an engineer can scratch them down on paper (or iPad). Around three dozen Apple patents made their way through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week alone.

Facebook adding ads to its Ticker feed[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:58:35 EST ]Facebook's Ticker, the fast-scrolling tote board of pretty much everything your friends are doing, is ready to start selling you stuff.

Launch of huge Mars rover delayed by a day[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:22:52 GMT ]NASA has pushed back the launch of a $2.5 billion Mars rover to Saturday in order to replace a suspect battery on the rover's rocket.

Whale fossil bonanza in desert poses mystery[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:15:02 GMT ]More than 2 million years ago, scores of whales congregating off the Pacific Coast of South America mysteriously met their end.

Put living room to the test before buying a TV[ Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:38:38 GMT ]Unless you assess your home viewing conditions, and optimize them as best as you can, you won't see the extra performance that can justify a top-end HDTV. Before buying, here's how to look over your living-room situation.

Pre-caffeine: Ice Cream and pepper spray![ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

Video: Kids' tech: Creative learning in the iPad age[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:03:52 GMT ]Kids' play has moved to tablets and PCs. In this new age, toy makers and researchers alike are sorting out the benefits — and detriments — of playful educational interaction in virtual space. (msnbc.com)

Bill Gates to testify today in Novell suit against Microsoft[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:21:06 PST ]Gates is expected to testify today in a $1 billion antitrust lawsuit in which Novell has accused Microsoft of intentionally damaging sales of its former WordPerfect software.

Spend $25 at a local business, get $25 back from American Express[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:51:21 PST ]The Small Business Saturday promotion has almost no strings attached. Just use your Amex card to patronize an independent business, then get a $25 credit on your statement.

Amazon may be launching an 8.9-inch Kindle Fire in Q2 2012[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:01:58 PST ]The e-retail giant will reportedly start production of the device in the middle of the quarter to have enough tablets ready for launch.

Spotify to unveil 'what's next' in conference next week[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:32:35 PST ]The music streaming service teases a big announcement, in which founder and CEO Daniel Ek and "special guests" will make an appearance.

Developer coaxes Siri to raise, lower his temperature[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:39:17 PST ]A developer set up a special Siri proxy to run his thermostat and potentially do other tasks Apple won't let her touch.

Anti-piracy bill meets Web-freedom backlash[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:12:40 EST ]A bill moving through Congress is intended, on its surface at least, to do something relatively simple: Crack down on the illegal pirating of movies, music and other copyrighted material.

Apple patent would shield against broken glass[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:30:09 EST ]Apple is a powerhouse of ingenuity, patenting ideas as soon as an engineer can scratch them down on paper (or iPad). Around three dozen Apple patents made their way through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week alone.

Launch of huge Mars rover delayed by a day[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:22:52 GMT ]NASA has pushed back the launch of a $2.5 billion Mars rover to Saturday in order to replace a suspect battery on the rover's rocket.

Whale fossil bonanza in desert poses mystery[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:15:02 GMT ]More than 2 million years ago, scores of whales congregating off the Pacific Coast of South America mysteriously met their end.

Put living room to the test before buying a TV[ Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:38:38 GMT ]Unless you assess your home viewing conditions, and optimize them as best as you can, you won't see the extra performance that can justify a top-end HDTV. Before buying, here's how to look over your living-room situation.

Pre-caffeine: Ice Cream and pepper spray![ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

Video: Kids' tech: Creative learning in the iPad age[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:03:52 GMT ]Kids' play has moved to tablets and PCs. In this new age, toy makers and researchers alike are sorting out the benefits — and detriments — of playful educational interaction in virtual space. (msnbc.com)

Bill Gates to testify today in Novell suit against Microsoft[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:21:06 PST ]Gates is expected to testify today in a $1 billion antitrust lawsuit in which Novell has accused Microsoft of intentionally damaging sales of its former WordPerfect software.

Spend $25 at a local business, get $25 back from American Express[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:51:21 PST ]The Small Business Saturday promotion has almost no strings attached. Just use your Amex card to patronize an independent business, then get a $25 credit on your statement.

Amazon may be launching an 8.9-inch Kindle Fire in Q2 2012[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:01:58 PST ]The e-retail giant will reportedly start production of the device in the middle of the quarter to have enough tablets ready for launch.

Spotify to unveil 'what's next' in conference next week[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:32:35 PST ]The music streaming service teases a big announcement, in which founder and CEO Daniel Ek and "special guests" will make an appearance.

Developer coaxes Siri to control his thermostat by voice[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:39:17 PST ]A developer has set up a special proxy Siri to extend the functionality of the voice assistant beyond what's possible through Apple.

Anti-piracy bill meets Web-freedom backlash[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:12:40 EST ]A bill moving through Congress is intended, on its surface at least, to do something relatively simple: Crack down on the illegal pirating of movies, music and other copyrighted material.

Apple patent would shield against broken glass[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:30:09 EST ]Apple is a powerhouse of ingenuity, patenting ideas as soon as an engineer can scratch them down on paper (or iPad). Around three dozen Apple patents made their way through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week alone.

Police using technology to shield internal communcations[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:49:34 GMT ]Police departments around the country are moving to shield their radio communications from the public as cheap, user-friendly technology has made it easy for anyone to use handheld devices to keep tabs on officers responding to crimes.

Launch of huge Mars rover delayed by a day[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:22:52 GMT ]NASA has pushed back the launch of a $2.5 billion Mars rover to Saturday in order to replace a suspect battery on the rover's rocket.

Whale fossil bonanza in desert poses mystery[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:15:02 GMT ]More than 2 million years ago, scores of whales congregating off the Pacific Coast of South America mysteriously met their end.

Bits of Einstein's brain go to museum[ Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:52:25 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Microscope slides containing thin slices of Albert Einstein's brain will go on display at a Philadelphia museum, thanks to a donation from a neuropathologist.

Steve Jobs responsible for i-i-i Generation, says chief rabbi[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:33:14 PST ]Britain's chief rabbi says Apple's co-founder helped create a selfish culture. He says that Jobs "came down from the mountain with two tablets."

Pakistan bans rude text messages[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 10:54:15 PST ]Words like "flatulence" and "quickie," as well as 17 phrases involving the word "butt," are banned by Pakistan's telecoms watchdog.

Put living room to the test before buying a TV[ Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:38:38 GMT ]Unless you assess your home viewing conditions, and optimize them as best as you can, you won't see the extra performance that can justify a top-end HDTV. Before buying, here's how to look over your living-room situation.

Boom times for surveillance tech[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:57:35 PST ]Vendors at secretive confab tout tools aplenty that can hack cell phones and computers, plus gear that can record all Internet communications in a given country, documents published by The Wall Street Journal show.

Tool tracks hard disk price increases[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:56:26 PST ]Curious about hard disk drive price increases in the wake of flooding in Thailand? Newegg's price tracker shows that prices are spiking dramatically in many cases.

Galaxy Nexus outdoes iPhone in browsing, but not graphics[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:47:05 PST ]The upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich Google phone renders Web pages faster, but can't keep up with Apple's GPU.

Google Music: Is it more than iTunes for Android?[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:07:35 EST ]Google Music, an online music store and "free locker" for digital music, was rolled out to the public on Wednesday.

Review: Kindle Fire a worthwhile bargain[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:38:16 EST ]If you view a tablet as a guilty pleasure, like I do, then buying the Kindle Fire should make you feel a little less guilty.

Anti-piracy bill meets Web-freedom backlash[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:12:40 EST ]A bill moving through Congress is intended, on its surface at least, to do something relatively simple: Crack down on the illegal pirating of movies, music and other copyrighted material.

Nook Tablet review: Great hardware, stiff competition[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:28 GMT ]The Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is a terrific tablet, with a vibrant screen, a speedy CPU and a nice offering of books and other media. But it's not enough to beat Amazon.

New bee or not new bee? 11 species added[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:08:01 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: One researcher has identified 11 new species of bees in the eastern U.S. that were probably under our noses for decades without us knowing it.

Guide us to the top Science Geek Gifts[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:32:57 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Send in your suggestions for the 10th annual Science Geek Gift contest ... you might just win a geeky prize.

10 gifts for people tied to their computer[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:10:14 GMT ]Whether it's getting more comfortable, avoiding eyestrain, or just staying entertained, here are gifts and gadgets for your favorite code monkey from Nerd Approved.

Whales in the desert: Fossil bonanza poses mystery[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:15:02 GMT ]More than 2 million years ago, scores of whales congregating off the Pacific Coast of South America mysteriously met their end.

Oracle: Reports of Itanium's life greatly exaggerated[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:29:57 PST ]"HP has secretly contracted with Intel to keep churning out Itaniums so that HP can maintain the appearance that a dead microprocessor is still alive," Oracle says in a recent court filing.

'Charlie Brown Christmas' pops up on iPad[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:52:10 PST ]Developer Loud Crow has crafted a digital pop-up book based on the classic TV holiday special. Available at the App Store, the Android Market, and the Amazon Appstore, it features narration by Peter Robbins, the original TV voice of good old Chuck.

Still plugging new nuclear power tech post-Fukushima[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 04:00:00 PST ]Despite the worst nuclear disaster in decades and other roadblocks, young nuclear power companies NuScale Power and TerraPower still see strong interest in getting alternative reactor designs built.

Beacon Power to sell assets for DOE loan[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 06:52:33 PST ]Energy storage company Beacon Power, which received an Energy Department loan guarantee and went bankrupt, says it will sell its plant in an effort to repay $39.1 million owed on loan.

TouchFire makes the iPad keyboard tactile[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:47:12 PST ]A Kickstarter project aims to provide real-keyboard feel without the real keyboard.

Google Music: Is it more than iTunes for Android?[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:07:35 EST ]Google Music, an online music store and "free locker" for digital music, was rolled out to the public on Wednesday.

Review: Kindle Fire a worthwhile bargain[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:38:16 EST ]If you view a tablet as a guilty pleasure, like I do, then buying the Kindle Fire should make you feel a little less guilty.

Anti-piracy bill meets Web-freedom backlash[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:12:40 EST ]A bill moving through Congress is intended, on its surface at least, to do something relatively simple: Crack down on the illegal pirating of movies, music and other copyrighted material.

Hackers modify iPhone 4S to run on T-Mobile[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:34:55 GMT ]If you want an iPhone 4S but don't want to give up your T-Mobile contract and switch to Verizon, AT&T or Sprint, you're not entirely out of luck. All you have to do is follow two hackers' directions.

Nook Tablet review: Great hardware, stiff competition[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:28 GMT ]The Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is a terrific tablet, with a vibrant screen, a speedy CPU and a nice offering of books and other media. But it's not enough to beat Amazon.

New bee or not new bee? 11 species added[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:08:01 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: One researcher has identified 11 new species of bees in the eastern U.S. that were probably under our noses for decades without us knowing it.

10 gifts for people tied to their computer[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:10:14 GMT ]Whether it's getting more comfortable, avoiding eyestrain, or just staying entertained, here are gifts and gadgets for your favorite code monkey from Nerd Approved.

Guide us to the top Science Geek Gifts[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:32:57 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Send in your suggestions for the 10th annual Science Geek Gift contest ... you might just win a geeky prize.

Oracle: Reports of Itanium's life greatly exaggerated[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:29:57 PST ]"HP has secretly contracted with Intel to keep churning out Itaniums so that HP can maintain the appearance that a dead microprocessor is still alive," Oracle says in a recent court filing.

'Charlie Brown Christmas' pops up on iPad[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:52:10 PST ]Developer Loud Crow has crafted a digital pop-up book based on the classic TV holiday special. Available at the App Store, the Android Market, and the Amazon Appstore, it features narration by Peter Robbins, the original TV voice of good old Chuck.

TouchFire makes the iPad keyboard tactile[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:47:12 PST ]A Kickstarter project aims to provide real-keyboard feel without the real keyboard.

Still plugging new nuclear power tech post-Fukushima[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 04:00:00 PST ]Despite the worst nuclear disaster in decades and other roadblocks, young nuclear power companies NuScale Power and TerraPower still see strong interest in getting alternative reactor designs built.

Beacon Power to sell assets for DOE loan[ Sun, 20 Nov 2011 06:52:33 PST ]Energy storage company Beacon Power, which received an Energy Department loan guarantee and went bankrupt, says it will sell its plant in an effort to repay $39.1 million owed on loan.

Google Music: Is it more than iTunes for Android?[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:07:35 EST ]Google Music, an online music store and "free locker" for digital music, was rolled out to the public on Wednesday.

Review: Kindle Fire a worthwhile bargain[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:38:16 EST ]If you view a tablet as a guilty pleasure, like I do, then buying the Kindle Fire should make you feel a little less guilty.

Anti-piracy bill meets Web-freedom backlash[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:12:40 EST ]A bill moving through Congress is intended, on its surface at least, to do something relatively simple: Crack down on the illegal pirating of movies, music and other copyrighted material.

Hackers modify iPhone 4S to run on T-Mobile[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:34:55 GMT ]If you want an iPhone 4S but don't want to give up your T-Mobile contract and switch to Verizon, AT&T or Sprint, you're not entirely out of luck. All you have to do is follow two hackers' directions.

Nook Tablet review: Great hardware, stiff competition[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:28 GMT ]The Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is a terrific tablet, with a vibrant screen, a speedy CPU and a nice offering of books and other media. But it's not enough to beat Amazon.

New bee or not new bee? 11 species added[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:08:01 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: One researcher has identified 11 new species of bees in the eastern U.S. that were probably under our noses for decades without us knowing it.

10 gifts for people tied to their computer[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:10:14 GMT ]Whether it's getting more comfortable, avoiding eyestrain, or just staying entertained, here are gifts and gadgets for your favorite code monkey from Nerd Approved.

Guide us to the top Science Geek Gifts[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:32:57 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Send in your suggestions for the 10th annual Science Geek Gift contest ... you might just win a geeky prize.

Stephen Hawking: Colonize space, or else[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:05:27 PST ]The astrophysicist says we're in an increasingly dangerous part of our history and have to gain control of what's out there.

Yes, Leia, there is a Yoda Santa--made of Legos (photos)[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:30:00 PST ]This weekend, the public is invited to visit San Francisco's Union Square and lend a hand as Lego's master model builders take thousands of the iconic bricks and shape them into a 12-foot-tall, 10-foot-wide Santa Yoda.

MacBook Air, Ultrabook spell doom for optical drive[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:31:25 PST ]The MacBook Air and the Ultrabook come without a piece of hardware that's been a mainstay in laptops for a long time--the optical drive. Maybe because they really aren't that necessary anymore.

Oracle: Reports of Itanium's life greatly exaggerated[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:29:57 PST ]"HP has secretly contracted with Intel to keep churning out Itaniums so that HP can maintain the appearance that a dead microprocessor is still alive," Oracle says in a recent court filing.

'Charlie Brown Christmas' pops up on iPad[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:52:10 PST ]Developer Loud Crow has crafted a digital pop-up book based on the classic TV special. Available at the App Store, the Android Market, and the Amazon Appstore, it features narration by Peter Robbins, the original TV voice of good old Chuck.

Google Music: Is it more than iTunes for Android?[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:07:35 EST ]Google Music, an online music store and "free locker" for digital music, was rolled out to the public on Wednesday.

Review: Kindle Fire a worthwhile bargain[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:38:16 EST ]If you view a tablet as a guilty pleasure, like I do, then buying the Kindle Fire should make you feel a little less guilty.

Anti-piracy bill meets Web-freedom backlash[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:12:40 EST ]A bill moving through Congress is intended, on its surface at least, to do something relatively simple: Crack down on the illegal pirating of movies, music and other copyrighted material.

Hackers modify iPhone 4S to run on T-Mobile[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:34:55 GMT ]If you want an iPhone 4S but don't want to give up your T-Mobile contract and switch to Verizon, AT&T or Sprint, you're not entirely out of luck. All you have to do is follow two hackers' directions.

Nook Tablet review: Great hardware, stiff competition[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:28 GMT ]The Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is a terrific tablet, with a vibrant screen, a speedy CPU and a nice offering of books and other media. But it's not enough to beat Amazon.

New bee or not new bee? 11 species added[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:08:01 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: One researcher has identified 11 new species of bees in the eastern U.S. that were probably under our noses for decades without us knowing it.

10 gifts for people tied to their computer[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:10:14 GMT ]Whether it's getting more comfortable, avoiding eyestrain, or just staying entertained, here are gifts and gadgets for your favorite code monkey from Nerd Approved.

Guide us to the top Science Geek Gifts[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:32:57 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Send in your suggestions for the 10th annual Science Geek Gift contest ... you might just win a geeky prize.

SOPA's latest threat: IP blocking, privacy-busting packet inspection[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:56:19 PST ]A little-noticed section of the Stop Online Piracy Act could require deep-packet inspection and blocking IP addresses of copyright-infringing Web sites, a significant change from earlier versions.

Your Galaxy Nexus, Ice Cream Sandwich questions answered[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:02:12 PST ]faq When is Google's Ice Cream Sandwich OS update coming to your phone? How does the Samsung Galaxy Nexus compare to the competition? You asked, and we answered.

Which music service should you use?[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:09:26 PST ]Google Music is the latest audio service for music lovers. But with plenty of competing services already available--Spotify, Rdio, Rhapsody, Mog, Pandora, and the like--what's the best one to choose?

Amazon Kindle Fire shipments upped to 6 million in quarter[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:09:26 PST ]The Kindle Fire is turning out to be one of the hottest consumer devices of the season. And a market research firm has just boosted its projected shipment numbers for this quarter.

iTunes Match arrives, as does a new Apple board member[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:00:00 PST ]This week brought iTunes Match, along with a new member of Apple's board. Find out about that, and other top news and rumors, in this week's edition of Apple Talk Weekly.

Google Music: Is it more than iTunes for Android?[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:07:35 EST ]Google Music, an online music store and "free locker" for digital music, was rolled out to the public on Wednesday.

Review: Kindle Fire a worthwhile bargain[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:38:16 EST ]If you view a tablet as a guilty pleasure, like I do, then buying the Kindle Fire should make you feel a little less guilty.

Anti-piracy bill meets Web-freedom backlash[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:12:40 EST ]A bill moving through Congress is intended, on its surface at least, to do something relatively simple: Crack down on the illegal pirating of movies, music and other copyrighted material.

Hackers modify iPhone 4S to run on T-Mobile[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:34:55 GMT ]If you want an iPhone 4S but don't want to give up your T-Mobile contract and switch to Verizon, AT&T or Sprint, you're not entirely out of luck. All you have to do is follow two hackers' directions.

Nook Tablet review: Great hardware, stiff competition[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:28 GMT ]The Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is a terrific tablet, with a vibrant screen, a speedy CPU and a nice offering of books and other media. But it's not enough to beat Amazon.

New bee or not new bee? 11 species added[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:08:01 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: One researcher has identified 11 new species of bees in the eastern U.S. that were probably under our noses for decades without us knowing it.

10 gifts for people tied to their computer[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:10:14 GMT ]Whether it's getting more comfortable, avoiding eyestrain, or just staying entertained, here are gifts and gadgets for your favorite code monkey from Nerd Approved.

Guide us to the top Science Geek Gifts[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:32:57 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Send in your suggestions for the 10th annual Science Geek Gift contest ... you might just win a geeky prize.

SOPA's latest threat: IP blocking, privacy-busting packet inspection[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:56:19 PST ]A little-noticed section of the Stop Online Piracy Act could require deep-packet inspection and blocking IP addresses of copyright-infringing Web sites, a significant change from earlier versions.

Your Galaxy Nexus, Ice Cream Sandwich questions answered[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:02:12 PST ]faq When is Google's Ice Cream Sandwich OS update coming to your phone? How does the Samsung Galaxy Nexus compare to the competition? You asked, and we answered.

Which music service should you use?[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:09:26 PST ]Google Music is the latest audio service for music lovers. But with plenty of competing services already available--Spotify, Rdio, Rhapsody, Mog, Pandora, and the like--what's the best one to choose?

Amazon Kindle Fire shipments upped to 6 million in quarter[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:09:26 PST ]The Kindle Fire is turning out to be one of the hottest consumer devices of the season. And a market research firm has just boosted its projected shipment numbers for this quarter.

iTunes Match arrives, as does a new Apple board member[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:00:00 PST ]This week brought iTunes Match, along with a new member of Apple's board. Find out about that, and other top news and rumors, in this week's edition of Apple Talk Weekly.

Google Music: Is it more than iTunes for Android?[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:07:35 EST ]Google Music, an online music store and "free locker" for digital music, was rolled out to the public on Wednesday.

Review: Kindle Fire a worthwhile bargain[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:38:16 EST ]If you view a tablet as a guilty pleasure, like I do, then buying the Kindle Fire should make you feel a little less guilty.

Anti-piracy bill meets Web-freedom backlash[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:12:40 EST ]A bill moving through Congress is intended, on its surface at least, to do something relatively simple: Crack down on the illegal pirating of movies, music and other copyrighted material.

Hackers modify iPhone 4S to run on T-Mobile[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:34:55 GMT ]If you want an iPhone 4S but don't want to give up your T-Mobile contract and switch to Verizon, AT&T or Sprint, you're not entirely out of luck. All you have to do is follow two hackers' directions.

Nook Tablet review: Great hardware, stiff competition[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:28 GMT ]The Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is a terrific tablet, with a vibrant screen, a speedy CPU and a nice offering of books and other media. But it's not enough to beat Amazon.

New bee or not new bee? 11 species added[ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:08:01 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: One researcher has identified 11 new species of bees in the eastern U.S. that were probably under our noses for decades without us knowing it.

10 gifts for people tied to their computer[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:10:14 GMT ]Whether it's getting more comfortable, avoiding eyestrain, or just staying entertained, here are gifts and gadgets for your favorite code monkey from Nerd Approved.

Guide us to the top Science Geek Gifts[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:32:57 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Send in your suggestions for the 10th annual Science Geek Gift contest ... you might just win a geeky prize.

SOPA copyright bill draws fire[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:56:00 PST ]roundup The Stop Online Piracy Act is intended to target "rogue" Web sites, but critics say it'll knock the stuffing out of legitimate sites as well.

SOPA's latest threat: IP blocking, privacy-busting packet inspection[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:56:19 PST ]A little-noticed section of the Stop Online Piracy Act could require deep-packet inspection and blocking IP addresses of copyright-infringing Web sites, a significant change from earlier versions.

Your Galaxy Nexus, Ice Cream Sandwich questions answered[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:02:12 PST ]faq When is Google's Ice Cream Sandwich OS update coming to your phone? How does the Samsung Galaxy Nexus compare to the competition? You asked, and we answered.

Which music service should you use?[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:09:26 PST ]Google Music is the latest audio service for music lovers. But with plenty of competing services already available--Spotify, Rdio, Rhapsody, Mog, Pandora, and the like--what's the best one to choose?

Amazon Kindle Fire shipments upped to 6 million in quarter[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:09:26 PST ]The Kindle Fire is turning out to be one of the hottest consumer devices of the season. And a market research firm has just boosted its projected shipment numbers for this quarter.

Google Music: Is it more than iTunes for Android?[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:07:35 EST ]Google Music, an online music store and "free locker" for digital music, was rolled out to the public on Wednesday.

Review: Kindle Fire a worthwhile bargain[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:38:16 EST ]If you view a tablet as a guilty pleasure, like I do, then buying the Kindle Fire should make you feel a little less guilty.

Anti-piracy bill meets Web-freedom backlash[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:12:40 EST ]A bill moving through Congress is intended, on its surface at least, to do something relatively simple: Crack down on the illegal pirating of movies, music and other copyrighted material.

Google adds music store to cloud service[ Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:39:31 GMT ]Google rolled its cloud service out to the whole U.S. today, fee-free, and added a music store that will feature free tracks and Google+ integration.

Nook Tablet review: Great hardware, stiff competition[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:28 GMT ]The Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is a terrific tablet, with a vibrant screen, a speedy CPU and a nice offering of books and other media. But it's not enough to beat Amazon.

Researchers crown new lightweight champion[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:45:55 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Researchers make a metallic "microlattice" that rates as the world's lightest material and just might show up in future batteries and shock absorbers.

10 gifts for people tied to their computer[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:10:14 GMT ]Whether it's getting more comfortable, avoiding eyestrain, or just staying entertained, here are gifts and gadgets for your favorite code monkey from Nerd Approved.

Pre-caffeine: Venn diagrams, 'Community'[ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

iPhone, iPad to drive GameStop's business?[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:52:43 PST ]Apple's iPhone and iPad could become key revenue engines for the games retailer, which as it happens is also now selling Android tablets.

Get a Samsung Blu-ray player with Netflix for $49.99[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:53:45 PST ]HDMI cable: included! But there are a couple caveats, most notably the 90-day warranty. Still, this price is hard to beat.

Wolfram Alpha launches the coolest flight tracker ever[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:57:34 PST ]Service lets people find out which planes are flying overhead, where they took off from, and where they're headed.

Hit iPhone video-app maker Klip nets $8M funding[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 PST ]The company, founded by original Mac team member Alain Rossmann, will use the money on tech infrastructure and international expansion.

BlackBerry 7 sales sputter after strong start[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:20:00 PST ]With the iPhone 4S and a wave of Android smartphones out in the market, and the delayed launch of its next-generation BBX smartphones, one analyst sees catalyst for a recovery over the next year.

Review: Kindle Fire a worthwhile bargain[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:43:00 EST ]If you view a tablet as a guilty pleasure, like I do, then buying the Kindle Fire should make you feel a little less guilty.

Google Music: Is it more than iTunes for Android?[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:07:35 EST ]Google Music, an online music store and "free locker" for digital music, was rolled out to the public on Wednesday.

Google adds music store to cloud service[ Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:39:31 GMT ]Google rolled its cloud service out to the whole U.S. today, fee-free, and added a music store that will feature free tracks and Google+ integration.

Nook Tablet review: Great hardware, stiff competition[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:28 GMT ]The Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is a terrific tablet, with a vibrant screen, a speedy CPU and a nice offering of books and other media. But it's not enough to beat Amazon.

Researchers crown new lightweight champion[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:45:55 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Researchers make a metallic "microlattice" that rates as the world's lightest material and just might show up in future batteries and shock absorbers.

10 gifts for people tied to their computer[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:10:14 GMT ]Whether it's getting more comfortable, avoiding eyestrain, or just staying entertained, here are gifts and gadgets for your favorite code monkey from Nerd Approved.

Pre-caffeine: Venn diagrams, 'Community'[ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

iPhone, iPad to drive GameStop's business?[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:52:43 PST ]Apple's iPhone and iPad could become key revenue engines for the games retailer, which as it happens is also now selling Android tablets.

Get a Samsung Blu-ray player with Netflix for $49.99[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:53:45 PST ]HDMI cable: included! But there are a couple caveats, most notably the 90-day warranty. Still, this price is hard to beat.

Wolfram Alpha launches the coolest flight tracker ever[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:57:34 PST ]Service lets people find out which planes are flying overhead, where they took off from, and where they're headed.

Hit iPhone video-app maker Klip nets $8M funding[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 PST ]The company, founded by original Mac team member Alain Rossmann, will use the money on tech infrastructure and international expansion.

BlackBerry 7 sales sputter after strong start[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:20:00 PST ]With the iPhone 4S and a wave of Android smartphones out in the market, and the delayed launch of its next-generation BBX smartphones, one analyst sees catalyst for a recovery over the next year.

Review: Kindle Fire a worthwhile bargain[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:43:00 EST ]If you view a tablet as a guilty pleasure, like I do, then buying the Kindle Fire should make you feel a little less guilty.

Google Music: Is it more than iTunes for Android?[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:07:35 EST ]Google Music, an online music store and "free locker" for digital music, was rolled out to the public on Wednesday.

Facebook user or not, you're being tracked[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:52:44 GMT ]If you’ve ever even clicked on a Facebook profile or page — you know just to see what the big whoop is or whatever — Facebook follows you around the Internet.

Faster-than-light neutrinos confirmed[ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:35:36 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Physicists say new tests have confirmed their earlier findings that neutrinos can travel faster than light, but not everyone is convinced.

Google adds music store to cloud service[ Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:39:31 GMT ]Google rolled its cloud service out to the whole U.S. today, fee-free, and added a music store that will feature free tracks and Google+ integration.

Nook Tablet review: Great hardware, stiff competition[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:28 GMT ]The Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is a terrific tablet, with a vibrant screen, a speedy CPU and a nice offering of books and other media. But it's not enough to beat Amazon.

Researchers crown new lightweight champion[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:45:55 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Researchers make a metallic "microlattice" that rates as the world's lightest material and just might show up in future batteries and shock absorbers.

Motorola Mobility shareholders approve Google merger[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:23:21 PST ]More than 99 percent of the shares voting at a special stockholders meeting approve the $12.5 acquisition.

Crowdsourcing the 'most challenging puzzle ever'[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:49:43 PST ]Bored? Check out this brain-bending contest from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. You could solve it with help from an ambitious UCSD Web site.

San Francisco to lose beloved Yahoo billboard[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:55:34 PST ]According to a report, the famous billboard, which boasted neon lights and oft-changing funny messages, will be taken down after a decade. It may be one of the most loved advertisements in the country.

Ocean-faring robots set sail on Guinness record attempt[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:30:00 PST ]Four Wave Gliders from Liquid Robotics launch from outside the Golden Gate Bridge. The goal? To go further than any other surface robots in history, and to show new ways of collecting massive amounts of oceanic data.

U.S. water utility reportedly hacked last week, expert says[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:40:49 PST ]Unconfirmed report says pump was destroyed in attack on a water utility system.

Technology and concerts: What not to do[ Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:36:34 EST ]Going to see live music has always been wrought with frustrations -- and now, along with the ogre who appears in front of you as soon as the band takes the stage, mosh pits and the dreaded "all ages" show -- you've got smartphones. Yup, it's society's technological crack pipe, without which we'd all be fiending freaks, tapping vaguely at the air in agonizing fits of withdrawal.

Facebook and the fight against spammers[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:01:48 EST ]The wave of pornographic and violent images that flooded Facebook over the past few days has drawn attention to a side of the social networking mega-site most of its users don't' think about:

Google Music: Is it more than iTunes for Android?[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:07:35 EST ]Google Music, an online music store and "free locker" for digital music, was rolled out to the public on Wednesday.

Asteroid debate rises to the next level[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:01:41 GMT ]Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Experts debate how they'll deal with the uncertainties, misunderstandings and political wrangling that will be sparked by future asteroid alerts.

Pre-caffeine tech: Six seasons and a movie![ Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:20:24 GMT ]A collection of the hottest, strangest, and most amusing stories of the morning.

Facebook's porn and gore attack: Who gets the blame?[ Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:17:13 GMT ]The bloody dead dog and decapitated corpses were also among the shocking fare Facebook users found themselves subjected to when the week began and the world's largest social network battled "a coordinated spam attack that exploited a browser vulnerability."

Google adds music store to cloud service[ Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:39:31 GMT ]Google rolled its cloud service out to the whole U.S. today, fee-free, and added a music store that will feature free tracks and Google+ integration.

Nook Tablet review: Great hardware, stiff competition[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:28 GMT ]The Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is a terrific tablet, with a vibrant screen, a speedy CPU and a nice offering of books and other media. But it's not enough to beat Amazon.

Dear Nokia: Time to step it up in the U.S.[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:23:26 PST ]CNET's Roger Cheng offers some unsolicited advice on what Nokia needs to do to succeed in the fickle U.S. market. Hint: It involves a lot of kowtowing to the carriers' wishes, something Nokia isn't used to.

Modern Warfare 3 breaks 5-day record with $775M[ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:26:25 PST ]The new Call of Duty game easily beats the previous five-day record holder: last year's Call of Duty: Black Ops, which pulled in $650 million.