John Lister

Sony is launching its own version of the Google Chromecast plug-in stick for televisions. But Sony's 'Smart Stick' will be substantially more expensive than Google's device and may only work with some TVs. Google's Chromecast launched this past ... July. It plugs into an HDMI port on a TV set and lets users play virtually any online videos using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The Chromecast uses WiFi to connect to the Internet and stream the video. Ironically, Sony's device actually uses Google technology -- in this case, features taken from Google TV, a range of set-top boxes that aimed to ... (view more)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has settled a case against a firm accused of sending 42 million bogus text messages. The texts falsely claimed recipients had won gift cards. An example of the texts, published by the FTC, reads "Dear Walmart ... shopper, your purchase last month won a $1000 Walmart Gift Card, go to www.vCardSpot.com within 24 hours to claim. (NO2cancel)." Similar messages mentioned other retailers, including Best Buy and Target. Not only were the claims completely false, but the retailers mentioned had no involvement in or knowledge of the texts. (Source: nbcnews.com ) ... (view more)

Microsoft says it will pay you $200 for your used iPad. Clearly, the firm hopes you will put the money towards buying its own tablet computer, the Surface. The payment comes in the form of a gift card for Microsoft's retail locations, both online ... and off. Although Microsoft suggests you use the money to purchase a Surface, those who take the firm up on its offer could also spend the credit on Windows software or its forthcoming Xbox One video game console. While you can spend the gift card on Microsoft's online store, you'll have to take your old iPad to an actual Microsoft store to get the ... (view more)

A new survey has found that people who regularly download pirated material spend more money on legitimate downloads than individuals who don't download pirated material. The same survey also revealed that about one in every four downloads breaches ... copyright in some way. The survey was carried out by a media company working for Ofcom, the United Kingdom's equivalent of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The researchers spoke to a total of 21,745 Britons over the course of a year. (Source: bbc.co.uk ) The figures are all based on survey responses rather than actual activity data, so ... (view more)

A US federal court has ruled that Google can face charges that it unlawfully collected data through WiFi networks. Google had unsuccessfully argued that what it did was no different than picking up a radio broadcast. The ruling sets a precedent for ... the way WiFi networks are treated under the law. Experts believe it may also make it easier for the authorities to take court action against hackers who intentionally set out to steal data. The case centers on Google's Street View program, which involved taking photos for the company's Google Maps service. Google Mistakenly Collected Personal Data ... (view more)

Nissan has become the latest firm to unveil a 'smartwatch'. In this case, the unique selling point is that the device can track your health, as well as the health of your car. Smartwatches, which use mobile Internet connections to power special ... features, appear to be one of this year's big tech tends. Samsung has already revealed a smartwatch called 'Galaxy Gear,' while Apple is reportedly working on a similar device. Nissan Watch Can Track Your Health Nissan's proposed 'Nismo' smartwatch has two main sets of features. The first is health-based, and uses the watch and strap to measure and ... (view more)

A seller of Internet-based home security cameras and baby monitors has settled with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after private video content was accessed by hackers. TRENDnet sells a range of "SecurView" cameras that allow customers to monitor ... activity in their homes through the Internet. Suggested uses include monitoring a baby or checking a home's security while away on vacation. The company repeatedly used the word "secure" when marketing its products. Unfortunately, the security had three major shortcomings. First, there was a design flaw that allowed hackers to bypass a login ... (view more)

The percentage of Internet users who say they're worried about how much of their personal data is made available to third parties -- often without their permission -- is on the rise. It's also been revealed that the vast majority of Internet users ... have taken some action towards removing their personal information from the web. The figures come from the Pew Internet ... (view more)

Have you ever purchased a physical book from Amazon? Then you may soon be eligible to receive a cheap or even free Kindle version of that same book. The new feature is called 'Matchbook,' and applies to any book that a customer has ever bought on ... Amazon (at any time) that is also available for the company's Kindle e-book reader. So far more than 10,000 books have been enrolled in the scheme, largely because of the involvement of publishing giant Harper Collins. Amazon is hoping to get other publishers on board soon. (Source: bbc.co.uk ) Once the system launches in October, users will be able ... (view more)

Google is reportedly negotiating with the National Football League (NFL) in an effort to take over rights to the NFL's Sunday Ticket package. If the two sides reach a deal it could be a major boost for online broadcasting. The package, currently ... offered by satellite firm DirecTV, allows viewers to watch all Sunday NFL games that aren't available on local television in their area. This includes people who are fans of a team from somewhere else in the country and people who simply want to have access to as many games as possible. Google and the NFL have both confirmed the meetings have taken ... (view more)