Techno-News Blog

September 30, 2012

How can we make devices better? By studying what people actually do

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BY Mathew Ingram, GigaOM

Many new technologies are based on what companies and designers seem to think their users might want to do, or what they envision them wanting to do, but not as many are based on what people actually do, Ellen Isaacs told attendees at GigaOM’s Mobilize conference.

http://gigaom.com/mobile/how-can-we-make-devices-better-by-studying-what-people-actually-do/

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The STEM Jobs Act goes down goes down 257-158 in the House

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by ALEX WILHELM, the Next Web

Today in the House of Representatives, the STEM Jobs Act failed to pass. The final score was 257-158, a vote that included 30 Democrats voting with the Republican majority on the act. How did the bill fail, given that vote? The Hill, take it away: Although Republicans won a majority vote, the bill was voted on under suspension of the rules and failed to secure the two-thirds support needed to pass the House. In a statement following the defeat, Rep. Lamar Smith, the bill’s architect, snipped at the minority party of the House for successfully bringing it down: “Unfortunately, Democrats today voted to send the best and brightest foreign graduates back home to work for our global competitors.” Is that the case? Yes, but it’s a very confused look at what happened. There is a bill quite similar to what Rep. Smith put forward in both the House and Senate, with a single critical change: those twin bills don’t end the green card visa. Rep. Smith’s bill would have.

http://thenextweb.com/us/2012/09/21/the-stem-jobs-act-goes-down-house-minority-calls-continued-work/

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Dell Unveils Its First Windows 8 PCs, Tablet for Business Users

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By: Todd R. Weiss, eWeek

Availability and pricing hasn’t yet been announced by Dell, but the new machines are aimed at filling business user preferences for flexible, mobile devices. Dell unveiled a new laptop, tablet and desktop PC running Windows 8 for business users as the company prepares for the Oct. 26 launch of Microsoft’s newest computer operating system. Pricing for the new machines will likely be unveiled at the time of the Windows 8 debut, when the new machines will become available for purchase. “With these new offerings, we aimed to design innovative products that inject consumer appeal to systems for business users,” Brent McAnally, director of product marketing, planning and strategy for Dell’s Business Client Product Group, wrote in a post on the Direct2Dell Blog. ”

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Desktops-and-Notebooks/Dell-Unveils-Its-First-Windows-8-PCs-Tablet-for-Business-Users-248173/?kc=rss

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September 29, 2012

Replicator maker talks up 3D printing tech

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by the BBC

The gospel about 3D printing is being taken to the streets of New York. MakerBot Industries, best known for its small 3D printers, has opened a shop in Manhattan through which it will aim to sell the joys of home fabrication to the general public. The store opening comes as MakerBot releases the second incarnation of its Replicator 3D printer. The Replicator 2.0 works to much finer resolutions than earlier versions and can fabricate much bigger objects.

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-19665625

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New Apple maps app under fire from users

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by Rory Cellan-Jones, BBC

Inaccuracies and misplaced towns and cities in Apple’s new map software have provoked anger from users. In June Apple announced it would stop using Google Maps in favour of its own system, created using data from navigation firm TomTom and others. Apple is yet to comment on the complaints about the software, which comes already installed on the new iPhone. TomTom said it provided only data and was not responsible for how it worked. The software is packaged with iOS6, the latest version of Apple’s operating system, which runs on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Previously, the system had an app running mapping software from Google.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19659736#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

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Gartner: 5 things a private cloud is NOT

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By Brandon Butler, Network World

The National Institute for Standards in Technology has a definition of what cloud computing is that’s fairly agreed upon within the industry. But research firm Gartner says there’s still a lot of cloud-washing, or market confusion on exactly what the technology is. Today, the firm released a list of five things the cloud is not.

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/091312-gartner-cloud-262433.html

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September 28, 2012

Survey: Despite Budget Cuts, Schools Prioritize Technology

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by Mind/Shift

Despite having to contend with deep budget cuts, schools are able to maintain current levels of technology growth, a surprising find from a recent survey by the Software & Information Industry Association. In its annual Vision K-20 Survey, which included 1,600 responders and comparisons over three years of data, SIIA found that education institutions are maintaining their level of investments in each of the five measures of progress: Enterprise Support, 21st Century Tools, Anytime/Anywhere Access, Differentiated Learning, and Assessment Tools. Although participants say current technology use lags behind their ideal level, schools are continuing to implement technology despite budget cuts. Some likely reasons: they’re using existing technology; they’re turning to free or inexpensive digital content and resources; they’re redirecting funds from things like print materials for digital resources.

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/09/despite-budget-cuts-schools-prioritize-technology/

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iOS and Android update process compared

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by James Kendrick, ZDNet

As I mentioned earlier, I am in no hurry to swap my iPhone 4S for the new iPhone 5. That decision was easy because yesterday Apple rolled out the iOS 6 update for iPhones and iPads. After months of waiting I was surprised to see my Jelly Bean update was available for my Nexus S 4G on the same day iOS 6 was released. Updating both phones at the same time drove home the reality of updates on the two platforms. The update on the iPhone 4S was flawless. It didn’t take very long even though Apple’s servers must have been slammed with everyone updating at the same time. The entire process was straightforward and in short order I was packing what in essence is a new iPhone.

http://www.zdnet.com/ios-and-android-update-process-compared-7000004542/?s_cid=e539

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Microsoft: Google breached your privacy; use Bing

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By Zack Whittaker, ZDNet

Microsoft is taking advantage of Google’s own “do no evil” policy after the search giant was found tracking Safari users in order to display advertisements even when they should have been blocked. Microsoft fired back on all cylinders with a scathing marketing campaign. Safari users are now directed to a page which outlines how Google was given a $22.5 million penalty by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission earlier this year. The page focuses on Google’s recent controversy with tracking users and capitalizes on it by pointing users to boycott Google in favor of Microsoft’s own Bing search engine, as Microsoft clearly wants the privacy-infringing saga to remain at the front of people’s minds when they use the search engine.

http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-google-breached-your-privacy-use-bing-7000004571/

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September 27, 2012

Digital fiction book sales soar, Publishers Association says

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by the BBC

Sales in e-books are booming, while physical books remain largely stable. A “huge increase” in the value of digital book sales in the UK has been announced by trade organisation the Publishers Association. The value of digital fiction sales in the first half of 2012 was up 188% on the same period in 2011. Physical book sales saw a drop in value, dipping 0.4% year on year. Industry experts said that while the figures were healthy, other areas of the industry, such as bookshops, continued to struggle financially. “Certainly the strong e-book growth has taken the tarnish off the otherwise tricky market,” said Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19626076#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

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Malware ‘was not from factories’, Microsoft says

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by the BBC

Microsoft discovered four new PCs that were pre-infected with malware. Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit has said that malware was not being installed in factories, contrary to earlier media reports. Several outlets, including the BBC, reported that harmful software was being pre-installed on PCs at the manufacturing stage. A spokeswoman said the malware was instead likely added by a “distributor, transporter, or reseller”. Microsoft said the criminals behind the malicious program had exploited insecure links in supply chains.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19648859#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

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More malware targeting Iran could yet be discovered

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by the BBC

Fresh analysis of the malware Flame suggests it could be part of a much wider “family”. Flame is believed to have targeted sensitive data in Iran. It has already been linked to Stuxnet, which was aimed at Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Analysis of the server controlling the malware suggests three similar pieces of code are as yet undiscovered. The study also suggests Flame dates back to 2006, much earlier than previously thought. Discovered in May, Flame has already been linked to Stuxnet, a worm that attacked Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, and Duqu, a data-stealing worm that also infected some of Iran’s computer systems.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19637182#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

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September 26, 2012

10 Mobile Products the Enterprise Can Fall in Love With

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By Don Reisinger, eWeek

For years, the enterprise has offered mobile products to employees. In many of those cases, that meant handing over to employees Dell or Lenovo notebooks and BlackBerry smartphones. The “standard issue” for enterprise users was typically just fine by IT decision makers and employees, alike. For the most part, this helped improve productivity and establish a system by which employees would have the tools they needed to get their work done far more efficiently than they had in the past. In recent years, however, the enterprise has changed. Although BlackBerry devices and laptops are still quite popular, IT decision makers have warmed to the idea of allowing more products in the office. In those cases, IT will either bring in some new devices for employees to choose, or employees are allowed to bring in their own products as part of a new trend called bring your own device (BYOD). Whatever the cause, more mobile devices are entering the enterprise than ever. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to weed out the undesirables and find 10 mobile products that will appeal to enterprise users’ every need. From smartphones to Ultrabooks, the following products will scratch the enterprise’s itch for high-quality mobile devices.

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/10-Mobile-Products-the-Enterprise-Can-Fall-in-Love-With-707450/?kc=rss

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Microsoft Urges Users to Patch Internet Explorer Flaw

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By: Robert J. Mullins, eWeek

Microsoft is urging users of its Internet Explorer Web browser to download a temporary patch to prevent hackers from possibly taking control of their PCs. The company posted a security advisory late in the day Sept. 17 advising users to download the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) if their browser is Internet Explorer versions 6 through 9. IE 10, which will be included in the coming Windows 8 operating system, is not affected. Microsoft provides step-by-step instructions on how to download the tool and deploy it. However, a Reuters news report quotes some computer security experts as saying that the patch might be too difficult for the average computer user to configure and that an easier alternative is to simply download another browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera Software’s Opera browser.

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/Microsoft-Urges-Users-to-Patch-Internet-Explorer-Flaw-777448/?kc=rss

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Google Apps Dropping Support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 8

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By: Todd R. Weiss, eWeek

Google Apps users who still use IE8 will soon have to upgrade to a newer version if they want to keep using Google Apps services. Google Apps users who are still using Microsoft’s older Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) browser won’t be able to continue to use Google services starting Nov. 15 until they upgrade to a newer browser. Google detailed the move in a Sept. 14 post on the Google Apps Blog as part of its continuing strategy to keep its products up to date and working seamlessly with the latest evolving features in newer Web browsers. “As we announced last year, we support the latest version of Google Chrome (which automatically updates whenever it detects that a new version of the browser is available) as well as the current and prior major release of Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari on a rolling basis,” Google officials said in the post.

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Search-Engines/Google-Apps-Dropping-Support-for-Microsoft-Internet-Explorer-8-696356/?kc=rss

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September 25, 2012

MakerBot unveils Replicator 2, 2X and launches retail store, we go eyes-on

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By Terrence O’Brien, engadget

This is a big boy version of its previous devices that were aimed more at tinkerers than serious designers, and that’s reflected in the $2,199 price. The build plate is significantly bigger, with the ability to spit out creations that measure 11.2 x 6.1 x 6.0 inches (410 cubic inches). That’s a full 37 percent larger than the original Replicator, but the machine itself is the same exact size. The frame is no longer assembled from laser-etched wood, instead there’s a powder-coated steel frame with PVC plastic sides to help shield the various moving parts and lend an air of professionalism to the affair. The extruder is designed specifically for use with MakerBot PLA, a new plastic material based on corn, that Bri Pettis claims wont expand when exposed to the heat — which means it wont contract when it cools, leading to smoother printed objects and less cracking. The new printer has a resolution of 100 microns, by comparison, the original Replicator had a layer resolution of 270 microns. Now each layer of plastic is as thin as a sheet of copy paper, resulting in smooth printed prototypes.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/19/makerbot-unveils-replicator-2/

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iOS 6 hands-on: Siri has learned a lot in the last year

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BY Mark Crump, Gigaom

I’m using Siri a lot more frequently. Thanks to a bunch of additions and improvements, here are some of the ways she’s helping out now, and not just in the car. Siri understands sports now, and for someone like me who is a sports stat junky it’s been a bonanza of fun. Ask Siri, “What’s Dustin Pedroia’s batting average?” and she responds that he has a batting average of .293. Where Siri also comes in handy is when I want to know the score of a game. While watching the Patriots choke this Sunday, I was curious about the score of the Red Sox game. I asked Siri, “What’s the score of the Sox game?” and Siri responded that the [censored] Red Sox are losing 3-0 (extra emphasis mine; it’s been a trying year for the Sox).

http://gigaom.com/apple/ios-6-hands-on-siri-has-learned-a-lot-in-the-last-year/

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What’s Facebook’s Next Business?

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by Tom Simonite, Technology Review

Almost a billion people have a direct interest in what that business turns out to be, since the data they’ve volunteered to Facebook will be a part of it (read our feature “What Facebook Knows” for more on how the company uses data from its users). A recent Goldman Sachs report suggested three possible new businesses for Facebook: expanding its existing business into China, using data it holds to target ads that appear on other websites, and launching a Google-style search engine with lucrative ads.

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/429246/whats-facebooks-next-business/

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September 24, 2012

History, As Recorded on Twitter, Is Vanishing From The Web, Say Computer Scientists

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by The Physics arXiv Blog

On 25 January 2011, a popular uprising began in Egypt that led to the overthrow of the country’s brutal president and to the first truly free elections. One of the defining features of this uprising and of others in the Arab Spring was the way people used social media to organise protests and to spread news. Several websites have since begun the task of curating this content, which is an important record of events and how they unfolded. That led Hany SalahEldeen and Michael Nelson at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, to take a deeper look at the material to see how much the shared were still live. What they found has serious implications. SalahEldeen and Nelson say a significant proportion of the websites that this social media points to has disappeared. And the same pattern occurs for other culturally significant events, such as the the H1N1 virus outbreak, Michael Jackson’s death and the Syrian uprising.

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/429274/history-as-recorded-on-twitter-is-vanishing-from/

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This Robot Could Transform Manufacturing

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 by Will Knight, Technology Review

The small manufacturer’s new worker, Baxter, is six feet tall, 300 pounds, and a robot. For a hulking machine, Baxter is remarkably expressive. A pair of eyes on the screen that serves as a face stare down as the robot picks up plastic components, look concerned when it makes a mistake, and direct its glance at its next task when one is finished. It’s cute. But the real point of these expressions is that they let workers nearby know instantly if Baxter is performing appropriately, and they provide clues to what it is about to do next. Even more amazing, when Baxter is done with one task, a fellow worker can simply show the robot how to start another. “Almost anyone, literally, can in very short order be shown how to program it,” says Chris Budnick, president of Vanguard Plastics. “It’s a matter of a couple of minutes.”

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/429248/this-robot-could-transform-manufacturing/

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Stuxnet Tricks Copied by Computer Criminals

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 by Tom Simonite, Technology Review

Malicious code apparently used by governments to spy on, harass, and sabotage one another has grabbed headlines in recent years, yet the highly targeted nature of such attacks have meant ordinary Web users have so far had little to fear. That may now be changing as some experts say the techniques used in sophisticated, state-backed malware are trickling down to less-skilled programmers who target regular Web users and their online accounts or credit card details.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/429173/stuxnet-tricks-copied-by-computer-criminals/

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