All Technology
- Six mobile payment systems and how they’re working so far Here's a look at a few mobile platforms offered by tech companies, retailers, and phone carriers vying to replace consumers' wallets.
- YouTube says T-Mobile is downgrading videos. Does that violate net neutrality?
T-Mobile's 'Binge On' program downgrades video quality for almost everyone, YouTube complained this week. That could violate net neutrality, which forbids Internet providers from throttling traffic except in special circumstances.
- First LookRobotic reindeer raise eyebrows: Will humans ever accept robots as normal?
The Google-owned robotics company released a holiday card on Tuesday showing its Spot robotic dog pulling a sleigh, sparking questions about the robots brisk, unworldly appearance.
- As more Americans go smartphone-only, high-speed Internet becomes a luxury
The number of smartphone-only households has gone up 5 percentage points from two years ago, a new Pew Research Center survey finds. As federal regulators debate on mobile video data caps, many households say Internet access is increasingly important, but high costs are forcing them to cut the cord.
- Can Apple block Britain from forcefully hacking its customers?
The company says that proposed legislation gives too much power to government surveillance, risking the trust businesses like Apple have built with their customers.
- Google, Ford will team up to make self-driving cars: reports
Google and Ford have nearly finalized a partnership to put their software and hardware expertise together to build self-driving cars, according to reports. The partnership could mean that self-driving cars will be widely available within just a few years.
- First LookDo video games need addiction warning labels?
One Russian has claimed the Bethesda Softworks 'Fallout 4' game is so addictive it cost him his job and marriage and should be labeled as such.
- Error 451: How to tell when websites have been censored
A new online error code tells users when a site is unavailable for legal, rather than technical, reasons. Error 451, a nod to Ray Bradbury's novel 'Fahrenheit 451,' indicates that a site has been censored by a government.
- First LookSmartphone-only Internet users increase: Here's why that matters
Smartphone-only Internet users are on the rise, even as more Americans say a lack of high-speed Internet access would prove to be a barrier to a job hunt.
- Looking for a party? Facebook can find one for you.
Facebook is rolling out a new Events feature that will allow users to search events by location, category, and date, fulfilling a niche that has remained surprisingly empty in the age of apps.
- Should driverless vehicles break the law to increase safety?
The cars are twice as likely to get in an accident, in part because they drive the speed limit.
- How Brazil's WhatsApp ban puts spotlight on Facebook's content policies
The messaging service, which is owned by Facebook, was briefly blocked on Thursday after a Brazilian judge said it wasn't complying with a criminal investigation, with another judge reversing the decision. But some observers say the site doesn't always show the same commitment to an open Internet in other countries.
- Google sets aside $1 million to keep Drive safe
Google announced it will make $1 million in research grants available next year to security researchers to examine Drive for vulnerabilities. Google Drive has never been hacked, but the company wants to make sure it stays ahead of the bad guys.
- NASA's 2016 budget sets its sights on Europa
Congress approved a $19.2 billion budget for NASA in 2016, and directed the agency to work on a lander capable of touching down on Saturn's moon Europa. The lander will have to survive punishing temperatures, creaking glaciers, and harsh radiation – but it could confirm the existence of extraterrestrial life.
- How 'Qi' wireless battery charging could help people ditch the cords
The growing Qi standard, which has been adopted by more than 200 companies, can charge more than 55 million electronic devices wirelessly. Adoption is growing, but some devices – such as Apple's iPhone – currently don't support the standard.