All Technology
- Why did Amazon remove encryption from Fire devices?
The newest update to Amazon’s Fire operating system removes the option for users to encrypt their open files. The decision is one based on customer preference, according to the e-commerce company, but critics fear it will set a bad precedent.
- Facebook set to pay more in UK taxes: a sign of change?
On Friday, the company confirmed it will begin routing ad sales for major brands through the UK rather than its subsidiary in Ireland, a move that could potentially cause the tech firm to pay millions more in taxes. The move comes amid an outcry about American tech firms avoiding taxes overseas.
- Stretchable, glow-in-the dark 'skin' could give robots a sense of touch
Researchers created a thin, flexible electronic 'skin' that glows in the dark – and gives a robot a sense of touch. Here's how the material works, and how could it be used in bendable electronics and mood-sensitive robots.
- First LookFBI decryption pursuit holds global implications, says UN human rights chief
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has voiced his support for Apple in its fight with the Federal Bureau of Investigation over digital privacy and encryption.
- First LookWill quantum computing kick off an encryption revolution?
A quantum computer, made of five atoms, has managed to solve a simple factoring problem. With the potential to expand the principles to solve much more complex problems, this breakthrough is likely to shake the world of encryption to its core.
- First LookAmazon unveils new smart-home products, but are consumers ready?
The Internet of Things is rapidly expanding, but the idea of a fully-connected 'smart home' seems to loom further in the distance for many consumers.
- The ExplainerSelf-driving cars get ready to roll
Studies have shown that 94 percent of driving accidents are the result of driver error.
- With Google Hands Free, you can pay without reaching for your phone
On Wednesday, Google unveiled an experimental system that allows users to pay with their phones in their pockets simply by saying 'I'll pay with Google' and confirming their initials and photo with a cashier.
- Will robots become pets? Maybe, but your dog won't like it.
Robot dog Spot, created by Boston Dynamics, got in a tiff with a real terrier last week. Despite the setback, robot pets could be a new frontier.
- Uncle Sam wants YOU ... to hack the Pentagon
A new Department of Defense initiative will invite hackers to test the vulnerability of the Pentagon's cybersecurity systems.
- As the battle for Mosul approaches, an electronic war is already raging
Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced the US military is launching cyber attacks on ISIS’s communications infrastructure in Mosul, Iraq. The attacks will try to disrupt ISIS’s ability to communicate ahead of a ground battle to retake the city.
- Will Twitter abandon real-time?
Twitter's huge losses are challenging the company to innovate in hopes of broader and deeper user engagement (and advertising). But the changes don't sit well with a news-hound base.
- Facebook faces antitrust probe linked to data privacy in Germany
Facebook is facing a new legal probe in Germany, this time framed around antitrust allegations, but still linked to data privacy violations, which has been a problem for the social network in the EU before.
- Brazil arrests Facebook VP in latest tussle between privacy and security
Facebook's Latin America vice president was arrested in Sao Paulo Tuesday, after police say the company's subsidiary, WhatsApp, refused to comply with court orders. While part of a wider Brazilian context, it is also the latest in a global struggle.
- McDonald's enters virtual-reality race with a Happy Meal box
McDonald's newest iteration of the Happy Meal box folds into a VR headset. Could this be a competitor to Google Cardboard?
- How using a gun emoji can get you arrested
While the use of emojis has been popularly embraced as a nuanced form of expression, new legal issues have followed the use of particular emojis that are deemed threatening.
- 'Creepy' billboard that tracks your movements raises privacy debate
The billboards use data from users' mobile phones to see how they respond to particular ads.
- Is Google at fault for its self-driving car crash?
The technology company's self-driving car program was involved in its first real collision last month, after one of the autonomous vehicles began to change lanes and collided with a municipal bus.
- NY judge: US cannot force Apple to provide iPhone data
A federal judge ruled that Apple cannot be forced to provide the FBI access to locked iPhone data in a routine Brooklyn drug case. How could it affect the San Bernardino terrorism investigation?
- Sweden opens unmanned 24-hour convenience store
The brick-and-mortar shop operates via smartphone: Download the app, swipe a finger to unlock the door, and make purchases through the phone.