Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Google follows Apple in pursuit of in-car entertainment systems

The technology giants are set to go head-to-head in the auto industry.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Android in-car initiative with Audi, Nvidia tipped for CES

The competition between Google and Apple hits the road: Google will reportedly team with Audi to offer Android-powered in-car information and entertainment.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Saturday, December 28, 2013

There's no Here there: Nokia pulls map app off iOS

Nokia says iOS 7 has harmed the user experience of its mapping app, but the company has show little appetite for keeping Here Maps up to date since its iOS debut more than a year ago.

Friday, December 27, 2013

The Internet Archive rekindles early video game consoles with emulation

No need to dig through that dusty closet and find your Atari 2600. Play Pacman, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong and more, all from the comfort of your browser.

8 must-have mobile games for your new smartphone

With these games on your phone, you can easily ignore your obnoxious in-laws!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

11 must-have apps for your new Android phone

Because killer apps like these are the gift that keeps giving all year long.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Mobile data use nearly doubled in the past year

You're using way more data now than you used to. What's that mean for data caps?

The first CyanogenMod phone, the Oppo N1 CyanogenMod Edition, is shipping now

The CyanogenMod Edition Oppo N1 costs a cool $600, but it's unlocked and comes preloaded with everybody's favorite custom Android ROM.

Mac Pro (Late 2013) review: Apple's new Mac Pro really is for pros

Apple's new Mac Pro is finally here, but is it for you? That all depends on the apps you use and what expansion options you need.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Sony to sell Gracenote to Tribune for $170M

Tribune will combine the music database company with its own video information unit

Snapchat's Replay gives snaps a second viewing

An iOS update to America's favorite disappearing message app added a few new features.

T-Mobile's budget subsidiary is offering free Facebook access--without a data plan

GoSmart users will be able to access Facebook and Facebook messenger without any monthly data plan.

Piracy problems plague first iOS 7 jailbreak

The first iOS 7 jailbreak is here, but it arrived with some app piracy issues for Chinese users and no support for the Cydia app store.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Beyond fingerprints: FBI enlists biometrics to solve crimes

Palm prints, iris images, and mug shots are joining fingerprints in the FBI's database, which now relies on many biometric elements in investigations.

Smart devices get smarter, but are still short on security

While many smart devices are coming with more cool features, improved security isn't one of them.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Google cheers contestants at Robotics Challenge

Now the owner of Boston Dynamics, Google rolls in to watch events at the DARPA Robotics Challenge.

Friday, December 20, 2013

The 12 streaming movies of Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, because they were all sacked out watching these festive films.

T-Mobile teases CES plans, might pay you to switch

T-Mobile could start paying early-termination fees for people who switch from other carriers.

Ergotron WorkFit-A review: Have a seat or stand at attention with your Mac

Designed for Apple iMacs or Apple displays, this kit lets you sit or stand at your desk, but it comes with a case of the jiggles.

These overhyped tech gifts shouldn't excite you

Some of our best friends are tech bloggers, but they are an excitable bunch that can make some bad gift recommendations.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Upcoming BMW X1 will have apps for music, social media and vehicle status

The new Online Entertainment system will integrate with major streaming music providers. BMW's own ConnectedDrive app can read Facebook and Twitter updates as well as provide car status. You'll be able to use either your phone or the car's own connectivity to download the data.

Order your Mac Pro today, get it in February 2014

You won't be able to get your hands on Apple's high-end workstation for several weeks.

Second season of Netflix's House of Cards will stream in 4K... sometimes

You're going to need a new TV to see Kevin Spacey scheme in glorious pixel-packed 4K resolution.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Intel signs tech partnership for 49ers' Silicon Valley stadium

The team will work to include Intel-based gear at Levi's Stadium and Intel will show off products there

Clockwise Podcast: 2014 anticipation, 2013 favorites, and a blue Power Mac

As the year ends, our podcast panel looks forward to the tech of 2014 and imagines our 2003 selves reacting to 2013 tech. Plus Apple's new Mac Pro, Facebook's video ads, and where we'll be celebrating New Year's Eve.

And here's Google's inevitable Christmas-themed Easter egg: Karaoke carols on demand

This year's offering will turn your (non Windows Phone) smartphone into a seasonal karaoke machine!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Netflix nabs Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul

Better Call Saul's Netflix distribution will mirror Breaking Bad's to a T.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Amazon promises original series in the 4K format in 2014

Prices are falling for 4K HDTVs and now some 4K content is starting to be produced. It's still early days for 4K, though.

Smile! Nokia's bringing its high-end camera app to cheaper Lumia phones

Cheaper Lumias are getting the same Camera app as Nokia's high-end smartphones

Amazon rolls out interest-free payment plans for Kindle Fire HDX tablets

Amazon really, REALLY wants to get a Kindle Fire tablet in your hands, and it's no wonder why: Kindle owners spend gobs of cash on Amazon.com.

Challenger SRT's dashboard apps divulge your deepest driving data

The SRT Performance Pages built into this Dodge's dash tell you precisely why you deserve that ticket.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Robots compete to mimic common human tasks

An upcoming DARPA robot challenge is focused on developing robots to use tools, climb stairs, and drive cars.

20% of browsing is now mobile, research finds

Traditional PCs are continuing to give up ground to smartphones and tablets.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

3D printed gifts you can buy or make

If you have a 3D printer, you can make a lot of really great gifts yourself, and there are plenty of services that will print them for you as well.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Touchless Control update for Moto X lets you shout your PIN to unlock the phone

Just make sure that the PIN numbers don't match the ones to your bank account.

Samsung's merges its smartphone and camera divisions

The two groups will band together to form a super hybrid division that smartphone cameras, camera smartphones, and everything in between.

Survey: Amazon sees more spending from Kindle owners

Now we know why Amazon isn't too worried about profiting from Kindle hardware sales. Turns out owners of those devices are spending big bucks with the online retailer.

Blocked! User outrage spurs Twitter to reverse policy change

Twitter on Thursday faced a wave of backlash after it changed its blocking policies. The company quickly backtracked.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

All five major US carriers agree to let you unlock your phone anytime you want

You'll still have to call your carrier if you want to free your phone, however.

Spiked with LIDAR sensors, Ford research car tracks objects and creates 3D maps

Ford tricked out its Automated Fusion Hybrid Research Vehicle with enough sensors to see more than a driver ever could—so the car can help the human drive better.

Clockwise Podcast: Airing our grievances

Have we reached peak social media? Are serial entrepreneurs creepy? Will people on the Internet pay for anything? And what's on our tech holiday shopping lists? These questions may or may not be answered by Dan Moren, Jason Snell, Philip Michaels, and Susie Ochs.

Airbnb hosts take to Twitter to lobby New York lawmakers

A nonprofit group of Airbnb hosts and users is stepping up its awareness campaign about New York’s laws against short-term rentals.

Giving the gift of digital downloads

Whether it's a last-minute gift or something you've been planning to give for a while, online stores are a great source for digital presents during the holidays -- if you know where to look.

Take that, Snapchat: Instagram Direct’s private messages stick around

Instagram Direct lets users privately send photos and videos in what is widely considered a shot at trendy messaging app Snapchat.

Activity-tracking wristbands: Why, how, and what to buy

We love the Jawbone UP24, Fitbit Force, and Basis B1 Band. But each tracker presents its own unique pluses and minuses.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Spotify launches free on-demand listening on tablets, free playlist shuffles on phones

Spotify's free service is now available a la carte on tablets, with a shuffle function across playlists for smartphones

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Google Chromecast gets 10 new apps but app floodgates stay closed

It's still unclear when Google will open the door to more third-party apps for Chromecast by releasing public software-developer tools.

Microsoft’s Socl network hits the app store(s)

Socl is still under-the-radar, but apps for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone prime the network to go mainstream.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Encrypted text messages may soon be on the way to some Android phones

CyanogenMod wants to roll out a encrypted text-message feature for Android phones to ensure that no one's peeking in on conversations.

Early report: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class can stop and go automatically in traffic jams

The luxury sedan, to be announced officially next week, will be able to stop, go, and maintain its lane automatically in slow traffic, as well as read traffic signs.

Facebook takes a look back at 2013's biggest moments

From Nelson Mandela to the Harlem Shake, Facebook recaps the year's most-discussed topics around the world.

Short on holiday music? Slip into the stream

If your tree isn't trimmed or egg fully nogged until it's accompanied by oceans of holiday music, we can help you find the stuff by the stockingful.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Saturday, December 7, 2013