Hear Us Now

AT&T's lawsuit over Verizon ads could backfire, some argue

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:03:32 -0500

AT&T Inc.'s lawsuit against Verizon Wireless over its TV ads could be a public relations mistake, some analysts said today, but at least one said that the company had to bring the lawsuit to protect itself against potential regulatory or legal actions.

Apple seeks new sheriff to lock up iPhones

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:01:47 -0500

Just as a new hack, blacksn0w, promises to unlock iPhones with the latest Apple software from AT&T's wireless network, Apple is looking for a sheriff to lock the smartphones back up again, permanently.

Google Dashboard: Good -- But More Explanation, Please

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:58:00 -0500

Google's Dashboard utility is a great first step toward transparency, but it doesn't go far enough.

Verizon Droid Tethering Will Cost You

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:51:20 -0500

The Droid hits the streets today. After all of the hype around Verizon's marketing efforts, and generally favorable reviews of the Motorola Droid, users that rush out to get the new device may be in for a shock. The Droid does tethering (or at least it will very soon), but the cost will surprise people.

Verizon to Double Early Termination Fees: Statement by Consumers Union

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:39:29 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, November 4, 2009 (WASHINGTON, DC) Verizon, the nation�s largest wireless phone service provider, is doubling its early termination fee to $350 for advanced devices such as smartphones. Joel Kelsey, policy analyst for Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, said Verizon�s move makes it harder for customers to shop around for phones and service plans.

E.U. Leaders Bolster Internet Access Protections

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:34:53 -0500

BERLIN � European lawmakers on Thursday agreed on new protections for Internet users, striking a compromise between national governments seeking to impose tough anti-piracy laws and consumer organizations that wanted to enshrine Internet access as an unassailable right.

Microsoft cuts 800 more jobs

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:29:19 -0500

Microsoft said on Wednesday that it is notifying approximately 800 workers that their jobs are being eliminated as the software giant completes the layoffs it announced earlier this year.

Google Creates Privacy Dashboard

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:26:50 -0500

Google, which has had a bullseye on its back when it comes to Internet privacy, on Thursday launched a Web site that shows people what data Gmail, Google Calendar and more than a dozen other Google products store about them.

Things to Ponder Before You Buy the Motorola-Verizon Droid

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:21:36 -0500

Verizon Wireless stores are opening as early as 7 a.m. local time Nov. 6 to begin selling the Motorola Droid, which is targeting Apple's iPhone.

Verizon To Double Wireless Early Termination Fee

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:59:55 -0500

In a move that could spark industry-wide change, Verizon is doubling its early termination fee--to $350--making it more expensive for customers to bailout on their two-year contracts with the carrier.

Droid vs. Pre vs. iPhone: A Cost of Ownership Reality Check

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:58:22 -0500

Verizon Wireless is launching its Android-based Droid handset on Friday, and already confusion is swirling about how much the new handset will cost you. PC World's sister site, InfoWorld, reported on Tuesday that it will cost an extra $15 to use Droid's built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync feature.

New York antitrust suit accuses Intel of bribery

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:55:55 -0500

New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo filed a federal antitrust lawsuit Wednesday against Intel that accuses it of paying computer makers rebates to illegally maintain its monopoly power, the newest among several such attacks that have dogged the chipmaker in recent years.

AT&T Sues Verizon Over `There's A Map For That' Ads

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:26:04 -0500

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--AT&T Inc. took offense to Verizon Wireless's recent "There's A Map For That" campaign, claiming in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that the commercials falsely suggest the wireless carrier has coverage gaps.

Google�s accidental reveal: Google Voice has 1.4m subs

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:22:30 -0500

Google Voice has 1.4 million subscribers including 570,000 daily users, according to a compromised filing with the US Federal Communications Commission. Google blamed a formatting gaffe for accidentally releasing confidential statistics as a PDF on the regulator�s Web site. �We had intended to keep sensitive information regarding our partners and the number of Google Voice users confidential,� the company said in a statement.

Best Buy plans movie download service with Sonic

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:20:07 -0500

NEW YORK, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Best Buy Co Inc plans to start an online service that allows consumers to buy, rent and download movies and television shows, the electronics retailer said on Tuesday.