Internet and Tech News

Twitter unveils rule change designed to stop spam4/9/2019

The platform has drastically reduced the number of accounts users can follow per day

Get ready for new legislation to raise the level of protection for kids online4/4/2019

If the bill gets all the way through Congress, parents will see stronger enforcement on what children will see on digital devices

Google releases annual Android security report4/3/2019

The number of ‘potentially harmful applications’ downloaded from Google Play has risen since 2017

Mark Zuckerberg says social media needs regulation4/1/2019

The executive is calling for a more active role by private companies and public institutions

FTC launches examination into privacy practices of internet service providers3/27/2019

The agency wants more information on how ISPs collect, retain, use, and disclose information about consumers

New study shows our phones are making us more tired and less productive3/26/2019

Researchers say screen time affects us more than we may realize

Verizon to adopt anti-spoofing technology to combat robocalls3/25/2019

The move follows repeated pleas from the FCC to address the issue

Study finds AT&T’s ‘5G E’ may be slower than T-Mobile and Verizon LTE3/22/2019

A research firm says the service isn’t any faster than current Verizon and T-Mobile 4G offerings

SpaceX aims to test prototype for Mars rocket ship this week3/19/2019

CEO Elon Musk says the initial test flights will be ‘really short’

Apple found guilty of violating Qualcomm patents3/18/2019

The tech giant has been ordered to pay Qualcomm $31 million in damages

More than 200 Android apps were affected by adware before being pulled3/14/2019

The apps were downloaded 150 million times globally

Facebook and Instagram suffered global outages Wednesday3/14/2019

Both platforms came back up early this morning

Verizon to launch 5G network in Minneapolis and Chicago next month3/13/2019

The new network will be available to those with the carrier’s first 5G-capable device

Microsoft adds ability to automatically uninstall problematic Windows 10 updates3/12/2019

Updates that aren't compatible with the installed version of Windows 10 will be automatically removed

Facebook changes face and rolls out plans to move towards messaging and simplicity3/7/2019

The social network’s reputation is in the tank, but it’s not alone according to a new consumer poll

Microsoft working on ‘Lite’ version of Windows operating system3/5/2019

The slimmed down system will be aimed at dual-screen devices and Chromebook competitors

Qualcomm files patent actions against Apple3/4/2019

The chipset manufacturer alleges that Apple is infringing on its patented power savings technology

FTC launching task force dedicated to monitoring competition in the tech sector2/28/2019

Agency officials will be examining deals that could have anticompetitive effects

FCC offers additional funding to expand rural broadband access2/26/2019

The offer applies to carriers that increase internet access and speeds

World Mobile Congress showcasing advances in smartphones2/25/2019

Upgrades to 5G are expected to turn heads at the annual show

Sprint to deploy 5G in four cities in May2/25/2019

The service will launch in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Kansas City

AT&T, Verizon to stop supporting 3G in early 20222/22/2019

Consumers who rely on 3G connectivity will have to upgrade their device

iPhone users are seeing ‘5GE’ when they connect to AT&T’s network2/5/2019

Critics charge Apple with endorsing the telecom’s controversial claim

Facebook may combine its messaging platforms1/25/2019

A report suggests Facebook is in the early stages of unifying its Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp chat services

Facebook to invest $300 million in local newsrooms1/16/2019

The company says it wants to wants to work with publishers to help them succeed

New software could crack down on Netflix account sharing1/14/2019

The technology would flag users that appear to be taking advantage of a family plan

AT&T hasn’t launched ‘real’ 5G, says Sprint President1/14/2019

The carrier’s new ‘5G E’ icon continues to spark criticism from other major carriers

CES draws to a close after displaying wide-ranging technology innovation1/11/2019

One of the show favorites was technology you can eat

Autonomous vehicle developments on display at CES1/10/2019

Technology firms are working to make them safer

AT&T draws criticism for labeling network used by some phones as ‘5G E’1/9/2019

The relabeling is ‘blatantly misleading consumers,’ Sprint says

Roll-up TV and bread-making robot dazzle at CES1/9/2019

A 65-inch screen disappears when not in use

Researchers uncover dozens of adware apps on Google Play store1/8/2019

Malicious apps continue to be an issue on the platform

Sprint to release 5G Samsung smartphone this summer1/8/2019

The upcoming phone will feature ‘dual mode’ connectivity

Home security takes center stage at the Consumer Electronics Show1/8/2019

Smart technology products give consumers more control while away from home

Automakers show their tech prowess at the Consumer Electronics Show1/7/2019

Carmakers will demonstrate everything from autonomous driving to infotainment systems

Apple App Store games found to be communicating with malware1/7/2019

Security researchers found over a dozen apps sending information to the server associated with Android-based malware

Facebook’s Zuckerberg takes heat over over his year-end wrap-up1/2/2019

Despite the pats on his own back, Facebook’s honcho shows some pro-consumer concerns

Intel gives details about its upcoming processors12/13/2018

The company’s new processors have features to patch weaknesses

AT&T’s caller ID performs best in new study12/13/2018

Call Protect did the best job of telling which calls were spam

China court orders sales ban of older iPhone models12/11/2018

Qualcomm says the tech giant violated two of its patents

About half of U.S. consumers lack access to broadband12/6/2018

Researchers say the problem is more serious than FCC estimates suggest

Google Play removes driving apps that installed Android malware11/21/2018

A security researcher discovered that 13 games available for download were actually malware

Elon Musk’s SpaceX gets the all-clear to deploy 7,000 internet-delivery satellites11/16/2018

Internet access in rural America gets another much-needed boost

FCC begins first 5G spectrum auction11/15/2018

It brings revolutionary wireless service a step closer

Smartphones remain consumers' device of choice11/14/2018

A survey shows that the popularity of tablets is lagging

Verizon drops price of unlimited data plan11/7/2018

Customers who set up Auto Pay can get $5 off the price of certain Prepaid plans

iPhone or Android? The answer may reveal who you are11/7/2018

The type of smartphone you own could define you, according to a recent survey

FCC chairman demands solution to robocalls11/6/2018

The agency’s head has ordered telecoms to find a way to stop 'spoofing'

Cell phone radiation linked to brain cancer in rats11/5/2018

Some rats exposed to cell phone radiation developed brain tumors, compared to zero percent in the control group

FCC commissioner blasts publicly owned broadband networks10/30/2018

Commissioner O'Rielly calls them a threat to the first amendment

After Amazon employees warn of mass surveillance, company pitches facial recognition to ICE10/26/2018

Employees and others have said that the software is flawed and invasive

Samsung fined millions for slowing down phones through updates10/25/2018

Apple also received a hefty fine for throttling phone performance last year

Politicians pull out all the stops with robotexts despite complaints10/23/2018

It’s cheap, but has its effectiveness worn off?

Facebook faces another lawsuit -- this time over video ad metrics10/17/2018

With the platform’s billion-sized audience, do advertisers suck it up or look for another place to spend their ad dollars?

Malicious message blamed for Sony’s PlayStation 4 crashes10/15/2018

Sony hasn’t stepped up with a fix, but users report that employing ‘friend-only messaging’ seems to do the trick

Verizon says that its 5G network is ready for home Wi-Fi10/2/2018

The carrier is inviting residents in four U.S. cities to sign up

Sprint sees grim future without merger10/1/2018

The company tells the FCC it hasn't been able to ‘turn the corner'

Fitbit creates health platform to tie its app and virtual care together10/1/2018

Technology continues to lessen the need for in-office doctor visits

AT&T asks court to uphold original approval of Time Warner merger9/21/2018

Attorneys for AT&T say the government’s arguments against the merger are ‘both narrow and fragile’

FCC pauses the clock on T-Mobile-Sprint merger9/12/2018

The agency says the two companies have changed their merger model

AT&T finalizes 5G plan for 20189/10/2018

The company has revealed the final five cities that will receive the technology by the end of the year

Twitter testing ‘unfollow’ recommendations8/30/2018

The company wants to help users clean up their timeline

Poll shows consumers not sure what 'Internet of Things' means8/29/2018

But most consumers own IoT devices

Workers group argues against T-Mobile/Sprint merger8/28/2018

The CWA says that over 28,000 jobs will be lost if the deal goes through

Facebook pushes back on report it told news publishers it would let them die8/13/2018

The social media giant is saying the comments were taken out of context

Snapchat reports decline in daily users8/9/2018

The company lost three million daily active users in the second quarter

FCC now considering how to define a robocall8/6/2018

The decision could determine how many annoying calls you get each day

Lawmakers push for more research on technology's impact on kids7/31/2018

The effects on health and development are still unknown

Technology investments haven't raised customer satisfaction with mortgage companies7/30/2018

A recent study finds industry has room for improvement

Amazon’s facial recognition falsely matched members of Congress with mugshots, ACLU says7/27/2018

Black members of Congress were disproportionately misidentified as criminals

Facebook’s stocks plunge following disappointing earnings report7/26/2018

The company’s revenue and user growth missed expectations, and then company executives warned of slowing growth ahead

Senate Republicans drop effort to block Trump from saving ZTE7/23/2018

In exchange, the Senate will have more authority over deals between foreign investors and U.S. businesses

AT&T announces latest cities to get 5G7/23/2018

Raleigh, Charlotte, and Oklahoma City will get the next generation technology this year

Justice Department asks court to expedite AT&T appeal7/20/2018

There are plans in place for how the Justice Dept will make its case

Google amps up its fight against cyber attacks in the new version of Chrome7/16/2018

The downside for the consumer is that the upgrade will take more computer memory to run

Twitter suspends two accounts linked to Russian intelligence7/16/2018

​The accounts were allegedly used by Russian intelligence officers to spread information stolen from Democrats’ computers and emails during the 2016 election

U.S. lifts ban on China’s ZTE7/13/2018

The telecom equipment maker has reportedly followed through with the terms of a deal it reached with the Trump administration

Microsoft CEO calls on Congress to regulate use of facial recognition7/13/2018

The executive says it’s important that lawmakers create comprehensive standards

Government will appeal AT&T merger with Time Warner7/13/2018

The deal closed a month ago

Samsung building customer care center in South Carolina7/12/2018

The new facility will bring 400 jobs to the area

Facebook acknowledges more data-sharing agreements7/2/2018

The company revealed to Congress that it shared data with 52 hardware and software companies

FTC announces hearings to examine big tech companies6/22/2018

Findings could guide future enforcement actions

Microsoft Office gets a new slimmer, simpler look6/14/2018

At the forefront of the design refresh is customer input, context, and giving people control over their experience

VPNFilter malware affects more devices than initially thought6/7/2018

Researchers say the malware has developed new capabilities

Facebook blamed again for data-sharing, this time with Chinese tech firms6/6/2018

The social media king claims it controls any integration a partner firm can apply

Device makers had access to Facebook user data6/4/2018

The social platform says it has a good explanation

Microsoft buys GitHub to boost its connection with developers6/4/2018

The acquisition gives Microsoft an additional tie-in to 1.5 million companies

FCC Republican asks Amazon and eBay to crack down on pirate TV boxes5/30/2018

Regulators are looking to remove these illegal products from the marketplace

FBI recommends rebooting internet routers to counter Russia-linked malware5/29/2018

The malware is capable of collecting personal information that passes through infected routers

Cybersecurity firm identifies Chrome extension malware5/11/2018

Researchers say the extensions were distributed using Facebook

Google rolls out Chrome changes that stop videos from autoplaying with sound5/3/2018

The company says Chrome blocks ‘about half’ of unwanted autoplays

Windows to release April 2018 Update on Monday4/27/2018

Microsoft is focusing on keeping users productive with its latest patch

Microsoft claims to make Chrome safer with a new browser extension4/19/2018

The plug-in alerts users about malicious links and directs a clear path back to safety

Tech companies sign pledge not to help governments launch cyber attacks4/18/2018

More than 30 major companies have signed on to the Cybersecurity Tech Accord

T-Mobile fined for deceiving consumers calling rural areas4/17/2018

The company inserted ringtones to make callers think the call had gone through when it hadn't

‘Warranty void if removed’ stickers are illegal, FTC says4/12/2018

The agency has asked several companies to amend their warranty statements

Seven people indicted on Backpage.com-related charges4/10/2018

Federal charges include human trafficking and money laundering

Cyberattack on gas pipelines highlights vulnerability of pipeline infrastructure4/5/2018

Cybersecurity experts say having adequate cyber-security defenses is crucial

Intel promises its new chips will fix the Spectre and Meltdown issues3/16/2018

The new processors are expected to ship in the second half of 2018

Smartphone addiction caused by users’ need to be social, study finds3/8/2018

Researchers say overusing devices may signal hyper-social, not anti-social, behavior

Uber’s self-driving truck fleet make its first road trip3/7/2018

The evolution of the transportation industry heads towards job losses and big bucks

Intel ships firmware updates for 7th- and 8th-generation Core chips2/22/2018

The company still faces numerous lawsuits from outraged customers

Google reveals flaw in Microsoft’s Edge browser2/20/2018

Microsoft has promised a fix, but the company hasn’t moved quickly enough to make Google happy

Intel faces 32 class-action lawsuits over Spectre and Meltdown chipset vulnerabilities2/16/2018

Two securities lawsuits and 30 customer lawsuits have been filed

Google to roll out a built-in ad-blocker for its Chrome browser2/14/2018

The new tool will help users avoid some of the web's most intrusive and annoying ads

Winter Olympics, televisions, and 'smart' sex toys may be under cyber attack2/9/2018

Here are the things that were reportedly vulnerable to cyber criminals this week

Former Silicon Valley insiders launch anti-tech campaign2/5/2018

‘Our society is being hijacked by technology,’ the group says

Windows update neutralizes Intel Spectre fix1/29/2018

Microsoft claims the fix could cause data loss

Chip makers find patches for Meltdown and Spectre not so simple1/18/2018

Intel says patch causes newer machines to unexpectedly reboot

Why you may be losing home internet connectivity1/17/2018

Google and Android devices may be overwhelming your router

AT CES, television sets are the star of the show1/11/2018

Latest TV sets feature higher resolution and AI

Microsoft pauses Meltdown and Spectre fixes for AMD chips1/9/2018

Update reportedly puts devices into 'unbootable state'

'Meltdown' and 'Spectre' flaws cause huge security concerns1/5/2018

The vulnerabilities put consumers' personal information at risk, but companies and experts say solutions are being implemented

AT&T to test 5G wireless service in 12 markets this year1/5/2018

Verizon announced a similar plan last month

Intel processors' design flaw may lead to huge computer slowdowns1/3/2018

Fixing the problem could slow devices’ performance by 30 percent

What consumers can expect from the first ‘Always Connected’ PCs12/8/2017

Qualcomm aims to make the PC more like a smartphone

Expert insight on securing your home’s smart devices12/1/2017

Enjoy the benefits of IoT devices without worrying about unwelcome intrusions

Survey shows millennials are Bitcoin early adopters11/17/2017

Here’s how the digital currency works

Walmart deploys robot workers at undisclosed stores, and they haven’t crashed11/16/2017

Don’t get between the robot and the shelf and you’ll be fine, the robot's creator says

Lowe’s launching ‘smart home’ centers in stores across the U.S.11/13/2017

The new stores-within-stores will let shoppers test and learn about smart home products

Smart household devices may be your biggest security blindspot11/8/2017

Strong wifi and device security a critical factor

iPhone X performs poorly in durability tests11/7/2017

Third party reviewers find high-tech features easily compromised, expensive to fix

Which devices are most vulnerable to cyberattack?10/13/2017

Hackers are increasingly targeting smart devices

Sophisticated malware may evade antivirus software10/3/2017

Security expert offers advice to consumers on how to protect themselves

Hackers target CCleaner and infect it with malware9/18/2017

Security experts say millions of users could be affected

Lenovo settles with FTC over adware that exposed users to cyber attacks9/5/2017

The software inserted ads into sites users visited and had serious security vulnerabilities

Hackers find voting machines as secure as a car with the key in the ignition7/31/2017

One machine from Tennessee was sold on eBay with 60,000 registration records

Why millions of PC users are locked out of Microsoft's Creator's Update7/25/2017

The problem may force consumers to either buy a new machine or lose access to security updates

Google steps up protections against phishing attacks7/20/2017

Users will now be notified before installing an app that hasn't been verified

Teens most likely to struggle with technology addiction7/7/2017

A survey finds that younger people have the most trouble putting their devices down

Protection plans for electronic devices -- are they worth it?7/5/2017

There are many ways consumers can cover their devices, but finding the right one is essential

Another ransomware attack threatens systems worldwide6/28/2017

Experts say this one appears to be more dangerous than the one launched in May

Researchers urge makers of wearable devices to keep older consumers in mind6/27/2017

Many devices currently suffer from debilitating design problems, they say

How to protect your personal and financial information online6/21/2017

There are many steps consumers should take to protect themselves and their loved ones

Sharp sues Chinese firm to reclaim its name6/12/2017

Sharp says company it licensed to make its TVs is damaging its brand

Why your personal fitness tracker may not be all that accurate5/25/2017

Calorie measurements can be off by as much as 93%

Consumers are cool to virtual reality gear5/22/2017

Early sales haven't lived up to expectations

How to protect yourself from the WannaCrypt ransomware scheme5/15/2017

Experts say having up-to-date security settings is essential

Huge ransomware attack unfolding worldwide5/12/2017

Make sure your computer's up to date or shut it down ... now

Windows Defender vulnerability allows hackers to take over systems without a fight5/10/2017

Consumers must ensure that their devices are updated to the latest patch

Microsoft joins the AI race with the Invoke5/9/2017

Tower speaker will work with Cortana and take on Amazon Echo and Google Home

Tips for cleaning up digital disorder4/18/2017

Protect your personal information by making sure your digital doors are locked

Tech companies fight government 'gag orders' on search warrant cases3/14/2017

Facebook and Microsoft are bristling at government demands that they cannot disclose search warrants to consumers

Intel to invest $7 billion to create a chip plant in Arizona2/9/2017

The announcement comes on the heels of new proposed regulatory policies under the Trump administration

St. Louis Cardinals to pay $2 million and forfeit top draft picks due to hacking scandal2/1/2017

A former team executive was convicted of hacking into the Houston Astros database

Fraud, cyber attacks called the 'new normal'1/18/2017

Report finds insiders among the usual suspects

Yahoo to change name to 'Altaba' pending a successful acquisition deal1/10/2017

CEO Marissa Mayer and co-founder David Filo will step down as directors

Fitbit reportedly considering an app store1/10/2017

Company may seek to expand its influence with software as well as hardware

D-Link didn't provide adequate security on its internet cameras and routes, feds charge1/9/2017

It's the latest action taken by the FTC to tighten security on the Internet of Things

Polaroid: not your grandfather's instant camera1/6/2017

First instant camera maker is returning to its roots

Samsung hoping for reboot at Consumer Electronics Show1/4/2017

The electronics firm hopes to erase the memory of its Note 7 debacle

Cyberhacks emerge as 2016's biggest online threat12/16/2016

Insurance companies are offering more products to provide protection

What to do before recycling or discarding your computer11/16/2016

Simply deleting files isn't enough

Nintendo to halt production of the Wii-U soon11/10/2016

Releases of the Nintendo Switch and NES Classic Edition should keep fans happy, though

Preserving your pictures and videos for posterity11/2/2016

A new service says it can store them for up to 1,000 years

MacBook has its Touchbar but no ultra-high-def display10/31/2016

The Asus Zenbook UHD display outshines the MacBook Pro

The disappearing PC getting even more rare10/12/2016

Analysts suggest that consumers just don't see the need

USB Killer 2.0 raises concerns over computer protections9/19/2016

The device can permanently disable a computer by electrically frying internal components

Why employees shouldn't respond to work email after-hours7/28/2016

How managers can help employees regain work-family balance

Skoove can teach you how to play the piano from your computer4/13/2016

The program works with the keyboard you already have and adapts to your pace

Facing new market challenges, GoPro gets a reality check2/4/2016

In a disruptive marketplace, it may be hard to remain the "hot product" forever

Wearable tech to be 2016's top fitness trend10/28/2015

Survey predicts popular devices about to get more popular

Video camera uses artificial intelligence to automatically edit footage8/6/2015

Graava says now anyone can turn out finished video content

New USPS program lets you see your junk mail before you get it7/31/2015

“Real Mail Notification” is free to end users. But will marketers think it's worth paying for?

Safari exploit leaves Apple users extra-vulnerable to phishing attacks5/19/2015

Hackers can use this exploit to spoof legitimate websites in Safari browsers

Future PCs may be cooled without fans5/6/2015

Machines would cost less, be cheaper to run and collect less dust

Mumblehard malware turns Linux servers into spam-senders5/1/2015

One server got blacklisted for sending spam its administrator never even knew about

Proposed “right to repair electronics” bill moves forward in New York State3/30/2015

But is it too loopholed to actually be useful?

PlayStation Network accounts hacked; Sony leaves victims holding the bag 3/13/2015

No credit card chargeback, or Sony will cancel your PSN account

Reminder: change the default password on your home router, before a hacker does2/27/2015

This rule applies to any password-protected device you buy

Digitizing slides with the Epson V6002/2/2015

Kodak's quality gets a new lease on life

Lawsuit challenges MacKeeper's "clean computer" claims1/21/2014

The software finds problems on every computer it tests, the suit claims

Scam alert: Microsoft will not call you at home12/23/2013

FTC cracked down 14 months ago, yet scam continues

How public libraries fit into the digital age7/29/2013

We picked out a couple of apps that many libraries are using

Today's inkjet printers give new meaning to 'disappearing ink'7/5/2013

If you seem to run out of ink too quickly, your printer may be wasting it

Anti-Google Glass group warns of dire consequences3/18/2013

The sky really is falling this time, says Stop the Cyborgs. It offers t-shirts to buy a little time.

How to disable McAfee's auto renewal2/25/2013

If you don't disable it, you'll continue to be charged, even if you get a new debit card

Staples Addresses Security Concerns In Used Computer Sales12/19/2011

Many machines still contained old customer data

Sony Recalls Flat-Screen TVs Because of Fire Risk10/13/2011

Recall of 1.6 million Bravia LCD TVs is latest in a long line of Sony blunders

What's Wrong With Flat- Screen TVs?9/9/2011

A TV repairman says today's flat-screen TVs are poorly designed

Cloud Site Dropbox Drops the Ball6/27/2011

Popular data storage site accidentally unlocked users' accounts, suit charges

There Really Is A Difference Between Mac And PC Users4/25/2011

Those stereotypes hold up in research

Nvidia Settles Faulty Processor Suit; Dell, HP, Compaq, Mac Owners Stand to Benefit10/4/2010

Graphics processor used in more than 50 laptop models tended to overheat

Suit: Clearspring Violates Consumer Privacy on Disney, Warner Brothers Sites8/15/2010

Plaintiffs take issue with Flash cookie reactivation

Consumers Frazzled by Samsung LCD TV Problems7/10/2010

Samsung Issues

Second Lifers File Class Action4/24/2010

Plaintiffs accuse Linden Labs of taking back 'land'

Classmates Sued Over Content-Sharing Arrangement3/10/2010

Complaint accuses site of improperly exposing personal information

Gateway Unloaded Warranties on Insolvent Company, Suit Says10/20/2009

Company's actions disproportionately affected students

"Black Screen Of Death" Afflicts Many Flat Screen TVs8/17/2009

Set power supplies appear prone to fail

Buying A Computer With Poor Credit9/18/2008

Financing companies offer low-quality alternatives at higher prices

Feds Offer Vouchers to Cover TV Conversion Cost1/3/2008

Transition to digital TV catches many consumers by surprise

A Visit to the Video Professor's 'Classroom'12/2/2007

We sign up for the 'free' lesson

Kawasaki Power Tools Recalled10/12/2007

Georgia Man's Dell Laptop Bursts into Flames8/24/2007

Latest in a series of laptop fires

Ubuntu: Too Good to be True?5/4/2007

A Curmudgeonly Review by a Very Irritable Webmaster

Planned Obsolesence Comes to Ink Cartridges2/13/2007

Some HP, Lexmark Cartridges Shut Down after a Predetermined time

BlueHippo Funding: The Pitch1/8/2007

An Expensive Way to Buy a Cheap Computer

"Exploding" Dell Laptop Destroys Truck, Imperils Outsdoorsmen8/3/2006

Vintage Truck Burns to Ground, Strands Fishermen in Desert Canyon

The Death of E-Mail?7/27/2006

TV Logos Blamed for Plasma Screen Burn-In1/23/2006

Aussie views complain that those long days of cricket and tennis coverage on Channels 7 and 9 are leaving the stations' logos burned into expensive receivers