New Posts to BBC News - Technology on Sep 27, 2013:
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1) Valve reveals haptic game controller
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24304272#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
27 September 2013 Last updated at 13:35 ET
The controller has two trackpads that provide haptic feedback
Games developer and publisher Valve has shown off its Steam Controller, the final part of its strategy to bring its PC-based platform to the living room.
The controller offers two trackpads which provide "haptic" feedback capable of delivering various physical sensations to the player.
Valve said it offers a better way to play games that have traditionally been controlled with a keyboard and mouse.
Gamers have been invited test the device before it goes on sale in 2014.
"Traditional gamepads force us to accept compromises," the company said via its announcement page.
"We've made it a goal to improve upon the resolution and fidelity of input that's possible with those devices.
"The Steam controller offers a new and, we believe, vastly superior control scheme, all while enabling you [...]
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2) Microsoft boss cries at send-off
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24301733#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
27 September 2013 Last updated at 09:54 ET
Mr Ballmer will retire within the next year
Departing Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer has hosted his last company meeting - bidding a tearful farewell to employees he has worked with for 33 years.
The 57-year-old danced to Michael Jackson's Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', and declared that the company would "change the world again".
More than 13,000 Microsoft employees had queued to be a part of the annual company-wide event.
The firm has not yet announced a replacement chief executive.
Mr Ballmer will retire within the next year and will leave the company in a strategically precarious position as it looks to claw back lost ground in the mobile sector.
While at the helm, he became known for his vigorous and enthusiastic presentations in which he would routinely declare his love for Microsoft and its products.
Dirty Dancing
Microsoft staff took to [...]
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3) Yelp says quarter of reviews 'fake'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24299742#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
27 September 2013 Last updated at 10:35 ET
Directory and review site Yelp was founded in 2004
Yelp, the online directory and consumer review site, has confirmed that a quarter of the reviews it receives are fake, as evidence grows of widespread attempts to skew consumers' opinions.
Yelp says its automated review filter now "suppresses around 25%" of "suspicious" reviews it receives.
"Any that are fake will be swiftly filtered out," a Yelp spokesman said.
Last week New York authorities fined 19 firms a total of $350,000 (£218,500) for posting fake reviews on websites.
In a year-long sting operation, the city's attorney-general's office set up a fake yogurt shop in Brooklyn and asked for help from firms offering search engine optimisation (SEO) services that can help boost companies' online presence.
Some of these firms created online profiles and then paid for reviews from freelance [...]
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4) Electronic Arts cans football game
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24297615#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
27 September 2013 Last updated at 06:42 ET
EA says the decision to stop producing the game was "profoundly disappointing"
Electronic Arts, the US games maker, says it is cancelling its college football game next year amid legal disputes over players' image rights.
The company said it was "evaluating our plan for the future of the franchise".
Student players have been seeking a share of National Collegiate Athletic Association revenues after their likenesses were used in the game.
In May, a court upheld the right of Ryan Hart, a former college player, to sue.
Mr Hart has sued for damages, saying EA should have sought his permission before using his likeness in three versions of the popular game published between 2004 and 2006.
The appeal court decided EA did not do enough to "sufficiently transform" the virtual version of the player.
Compensation
Samuel Keller, another former college [...]
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5) Miss Teen USA webcam hacker charged
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/24303512#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
A 19-year-old student has been charged with hacking Miss Teen USA's webcam.
Jader James Abrahams is charged with trying to blackmail Cassidy Wolf into sending him nude photos.
He surrendered to FBI agents and faces up to two years in prison, said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.
Last month, Ms Wolf told NBC's Today show that she had received an anonymous email in which the sender claimed to have stolen images from the beauty queen's computer camera.
The sender of the email threatened to make the images public unless she would provide nude pictures of herself, Eimiller said.
Ms Wolf, 19, was crowned Miss Teen USA in August.
Abrahams is accused of using malicious software to remotely operate webcams to get nude photos and videos of at least seven women as they changed clothes.
Some of these women he knew personally and others he found by hacking Facebook pages.
Continue reading the main [...]
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Self storage facilities are cash cows!
http://hasslefreehouses.com/selfstorage
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Blog Alert for BBC News - Technology, Sep 24, 2013
New Posts to BBC News - Technology on Sep 24, 2013:
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1) Ebay and Argos in retail tie-up
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24209788#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
24 September 2013 Last updated at 05:02 ET
EBay is hoping the Argos tie-up will help it compete with Amazon
EBay, the e-commerce giant, has announced a "click-and-collect" tie-up with retail chain Argos, part of Home Retail Group.
The pilot scheme will allow shoppers to buy goods online from eBay and then pick them up from one of Argos's 150 participating stores.
At least 50 eBay merchants, including urban clothing retailer Superdry.com, will take part in the scheme.
The move may help eBay challenge Amazon's Locker delivery.
The Amazon scheme lets people order online then pick up their package from a growing number of secure passcode-protected lockers situated in local shops or other public venues.
Both Amazon, eBay and other online retailers are also involved in the separate Collect+ scheme, which allows parcels to be collected from participating corner shops, avoiding the risk of [...]
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2) F-16 jet takes off with empty cockpit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24231077#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
24 September 2013 Last updated at 12:58 ET
By Leo Kelion Technology reporter
The pilotless jet flew over the Gulf of Mexico on the test carried out on 19 September
Boeing has revealed that it has retrofitted retired fighter jets to turn them into drones.
It said that one of the Lockheed Martin F-16 made a first flight with an empty cockpit last week.
Two US Air Force pilots controlled the plane from the ground as it flew from a Florida base to the Gulf of Mexico.
Boeing suggested that the innovation could ultimately be used to help train pilots, providing an adversary they could practise firing on.
The jet - which had previously sat mothballed at an Arizona site for 15 years - flew at an altitude of 40,000ft (12.2km) and a speed of Mach 1.47 (1,119mph/1,800km/h).
It carried out a series of manoeuvres including a barrel roll and a "split S" - a move in which the aircraft turns upside [...]
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3) US law lets teens delete web posts
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24227095#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
24 September 2013 Last updated at 12:12 ET
Teenagers often post first and think later
California has passed a law that will enable under-18s to make websites delete their personal information.
The law, which will take effect in 2015, only covers content, including photos, generated by the individual.
Companies will not have to remove content posted, or reposted, by others. Nor will they have to remove the information from their servers.
The legislation has been welcomed by Common Sense Media, a charity that promotes children's digital privacy.
"Teens often self-reveal before they self-reflect and may post sensitive personal information about themselves - and about others - without realising the consequences," said chief executive James Steyer in a blog post.
A Pew survey indicated 59% of US youngsters with a social-media profile had deleted or edited something they had posted, and 19% [...]
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4) Google apologises for Gmail outage
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24218408#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
24 September 2013 Last updated at 06:07 ET
There has been no word about what caused the problem
Google has apologised for a temporary fault that affected millions of users of its Gmail service.
Up to half of users were affected, over 12 hours from 15:00 BST on Monday, with many taking to Twitter to complain.
Google said the delivery of some messages had been halted for a few seconds while others were "more severely delayed".
On Gmail's status dashboard, it said: "We're aware that prompt delivery is an important part of the Gmail experience.
"And today's experience fell far short of our standards."
Last month, Google experienced blackouts across all of its services.
And although they only lasted a few minutes, it saw worldwide internet traffic plunge by about 40%.
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5) Apple to give Breaking Bad refunds
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24225386#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
24 September 2013 Last updated at 07:09 ET
Breaking Bad is about teacher Walter White (left)becoming a meth dealer
Apple is refunding fans of TV show Breaking Bad after a mix-up over the number of episodes in its final season.
The confusion meant many people effectively paid twice for the final 16 episodes of the hugely popular show.
This was because Apple charged people who bought a "season pass" twice - once for each eight-show chunk as they were billed as separate seasons.
Apple has sent out emails giving people an iTunes voucher for the extra cash they spent.
Breaking Bad's fifth season was split into two halves by cable channel AMC with each eight-episode section being shown a year apart. The second half of this season, which sees the show reach a conclusion, was first broadcast and made available online on 11 August.
The split caused problems on iTunes where many people had paid [...]
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You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive Blog Alerts (email notifications of new posts) for BBC News - Technology. If you no longer wish to receive Blog Alerts for BBC News - Technology, go to this link:
http://shootthebreeze.net/blogalert/index.php?action=leave&r=50834&k=WRKUEXGCXE6V8U9K
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Self storage facilities are cash cows!
http://hasslefreehouses.com/selfstorage
------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Ebay and Argos in retail tie-up
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24209788#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
24 September 2013 Last updated at 05:02 ET
EBay is hoping the Argos tie-up will help it compete with Amazon
EBay, the e-commerce giant, has announced a "click-and-collect" tie-up with retail chain Argos, part of Home Retail Group.
The pilot scheme will allow shoppers to buy goods online from eBay and then pick them up from one of Argos's 150 participating stores.
At least 50 eBay merchants, including urban clothing retailer Superdry.com, will take part in the scheme.
The move may help eBay challenge Amazon's Locker delivery.
The Amazon scheme lets people order online then pick up their package from a growing number of secure passcode-protected lockers situated in local shops or other public venues.
Both Amazon, eBay and other online retailers are also involved in the separate Collect+ scheme, which allows parcels to be collected from participating corner shops, avoiding the risk of [...]
------------------------------------------------------------------
2) F-16 jet takes off with empty cockpit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24231077#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
24 September 2013 Last updated at 12:58 ET
By Leo Kelion Technology reporter
The pilotless jet flew over the Gulf of Mexico on the test carried out on 19 September
Boeing has revealed that it has retrofitted retired fighter jets to turn them into drones.
It said that one of the Lockheed Martin F-16 made a first flight with an empty cockpit last week.
Two US Air Force pilots controlled the plane from the ground as it flew from a Florida base to the Gulf of Mexico.
Boeing suggested that the innovation could ultimately be used to help train pilots, providing an adversary they could practise firing on.
The jet - which had previously sat mothballed at an Arizona site for 15 years - flew at an altitude of 40,000ft (12.2km) and a speed of Mach 1.47 (1,119mph/1,800km/h).
It carried out a series of manoeuvres including a barrel roll and a "split S" - a move in which the aircraft turns upside [...]
------------------------------------------------------------------
3) US law lets teens delete web posts
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24227095#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
24 September 2013 Last updated at 12:12 ET
Teenagers often post first and think later
California has passed a law that will enable under-18s to make websites delete their personal information.
The law, which will take effect in 2015, only covers content, including photos, generated by the individual.
Companies will not have to remove content posted, or reposted, by others. Nor will they have to remove the information from their servers.
The legislation has been welcomed by Common Sense Media, a charity that promotes children's digital privacy.
"Teens often self-reveal before they self-reflect and may post sensitive personal information about themselves - and about others - without realising the consequences," said chief executive James Steyer in a blog post.
A Pew survey indicated 59% of US youngsters with a social-media profile had deleted or edited something they had posted, and 19% [...]
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4) Google apologises for Gmail outage
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24218408#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
24 September 2013 Last updated at 06:07 ET
There has been no word about what caused the problem
Google has apologised for a temporary fault that affected millions of users of its Gmail service.
Up to half of users were affected, over 12 hours from 15:00 BST on Monday, with many taking to Twitter to complain.
Google said the delivery of some messages had been halted for a few seconds while others were "more severely delayed".
On Gmail's status dashboard, it said: "We're aware that prompt delivery is an important part of the Gmail experience.
"And today's experience fell far short of our standards."
Last month, Google experienced blackouts across all of its services.
And although they only lasted a few minutes, it saw worldwide internet traffic plunge by about 40%.
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5) Apple to give Breaking Bad refunds
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24225386#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
24 September 2013 Last updated at 07:09 ET
Breaking Bad is about teacher Walter White (left)becoming a meth dealer
Apple is refunding fans of TV show Breaking Bad after a mix-up over the number of episodes in its final season.
The confusion meant many people effectively paid twice for the final 16 episodes of the hugely popular show.
This was because Apple charged people who bought a "season pass" twice - once for each eight-show chunk as they were billed as separate seasons.
Apple has sent out emails giving people an iTunes voucher for the extra cash they spent.
Breaking Bad's fifth season was split into two halves by cable channel AMC with each eight-episode section being shown a year apart. The second half of this season, which sees the show reach a conclusion, was first broadcast and made available online on 11 August.
The split caused problems on iTunes where many people had paid [...]
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You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive Blog Alerts (email notifications of new posts) for BBC News - Technology. If you no longer wish to receive Blog Alerts for BBC News - Technology, go to this link:
http://shootthebreeze.net/blogalert/index.php?action=leave&r=50834&k=WRKUEXGCXE6V8U9K
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Self storage facilities are cash cows!
http://hasslefreehouses.com/selfstorage
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Blog Alert for BBC News - Technology, Sep 23, 2013
New Posts to BBC News - Technology on Sep 23, 2013:
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1) Minecraft adds OS GB terrain data
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24177844#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
23 September 2013 Last updated at 18:25 ET
By Matthew Wall Technology reporter, BBC News
Minecraft players can now build on this geographically accurate map of Snowdonia
Minecraft, the highly popular building and monsters video game, can now incorporate accurate Ordnance Survey terrain data of Great Britain in its blockwork virtual world.
The game's 33 million players can build worlds atop of geographically accurate landscapes representing 224,000 sq km (86,000 sq miles) of Britain.
The GB Minecraft world was created in two weeks by intern Joseph Braybrook working with OS's Innovation Labs team.
It uses free OS OpenData products.
"We think we may have created the largest Minecraft world ever built based on real-world data," said Graham Dunlop, OS Innovation Lab Manager.
"The resulting map shows the massive potential not just for using Minecraft for computer technology and geography [...]
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You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive Blog Alerts (email notifications of new posts) for BBC News - Technology. If you no longer wish to receive Blog Alerts for BBC News - Technology, go to this link:
http://shootthebreeze.net/blogalert/index.php?action=leave&r=50834&k=WRKUEXGCXE6V8U9K
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Self storage facilities are cash cows!
http://hasslefreehouses.com/selfstorage
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1) Minecraft adds OS GB terrain data
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24177844#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
23 September 2013 Last updated at 18:25 ET
By Matthew Wall Technology reporter, BBC News
Minecraft players can now build on this geographically accurate map of Snowdonia
Minecraft, the highly popular building and monsters video game, can now incorporate accurate Ordnance Survey terrain data of Great Britain in its blockwork virtual world.
The game's 33 million players can build worlds atop of geographically accurate landscapes representing 224,000 sq km (86,000 sq miles) of Britain.
The GB Minecraft world was created in two weeks by intern Joseph Braybrook working with OS's Innovation Labs team.
It uses free OS OpenData products.
"We think we may have created the largest Minecraft world ever built based on real-world data," said Graham Dunlop, OS Innovation Lab Manager.
"The resulting map shows the massive potential not just for using Minecraft for computer technology and geography [...]
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You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive Blog Alerts (email notifications of new posts) for BBC News - Technology. If you no longer wish to receive Blog Alerts for BBC News - Technology, go to this link:
http://shootthebreeze.net/blogalert/index.php?action=leave&r=50834&k=WRKUEXGCXE6V8U9K
==================================================================
Self storage facilities are cash cows!
http://hasslefreehouses.com/selfstorage
Monday, September 23, 2013
Planned Downtime on September 25 and 26
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