Searching for a back up Chromebook (Toshiba Chromebook vs Pixel LS)

Apple’s faster, pinker new MacBook

Apple MacBook 2016 Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

Apple MacBook 2016 Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

Uber claims US regulators collected data from 11m passengers

"Uber has claimed that transport regulators collect too much data on its passengers and drivers, marking the latest chapter in the ride-hailing giant’s fraught relationship with authorities.

In its transparency report released on Tuesday, Uber showed that state and local agencies – such as public utility and taxi commissions – requested data affecting more than 11m user accounts and half a million drivers between July and December 2015."

Uber claims US regulators collected data from 11m passengers

Bose changed its headphones to satisfy Apple, and everybody wins

"CNET: Did you change from an L-shaped plug to a straight one because you wanted the plug to be more compatible with iPhone cases?

GARRETT: We started with a straight plug, then switched to a 90-degree [L-shaped] plug, thinking that it would provide a more robust and durable solution for customers because it wouldn't have the lever arm on the jack so you wouldn't break the phone or the plug.

Turns out we don't get to dictate the geometry of the connector that goes into the phone. So we're not making design decisions so the connector will fit in cases better; we're making design decisions so they'll meet the specifications that Apple gives us so we can be part of the MFi [Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad] ecosystem just like everybody else.

What we've discovered is that when you go to a 90-degree plug they're getting so small there's not enough room to make all the electrical connections you need -- robustly. And that was always the weak point of our cable; it was always breaking there [at the plug]. We went to a 45-degree plug thinking we'd have more space but instead it's just aggravating because it spins and is never really lined up and gives a bad customer experience."

Bose changed its headphones to satisfy Apple, and everybody wins

Microsoft Sues U.S. Over Orders Barring It From Revealing Surveillance - The New York Times

"Big technology companies have usually played a defensive game with government prosecutors in their legal fight over customer information, fighting or bowing to requests for information one case at a time.

But now Microsoft, in a move that could broaden the debate over the balance between customer privacy and law enforcement needs, is going on the offense.



The software giant is suing the Justice Department, challenging its frequent use of secrecy orders that prevent Microsoft from telling people when the government obtains a warrant to read their emails.



In its suit, filed Thursday morning in Federal District Court in Seattle, Microsoft’s home turf, the company asserts that the gag order statute in the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 — as employed today by federal prosecutors and the courts — is unconstitutional.



Microsoft Sues U.S. Over Orders Barring It From Revealing Surveillance - The New York Times

Trekspertise - Faster Than Light

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ST Experience Borg Invasion

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Amazon Kindle Oasis Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

Amazon Kindle Oasis Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

HTC 10 Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

HTC 10 Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

Can the iPad Pro 9.7" Replace a PC?

Samsung Galaxy TabPro S Review The Verge

The Verge

Voting Matters ! Obama won't support anti-encryption bill, report says - CNET

"It's been a good week for encryption supporters, and Barack Obama is partly to thank.

The White House won't publicly support proposed legislation that would allow judges to compel tech companies to help law enforcement crack open otherwise secret data and communications, Reuters reportedThursday.

It's an about-face for the White House. Obamasaid last month that he had come around to the view that the government must find a way to access locked devices. Even though the White House has reviewed the legislation's text and provided feedback, it is not expected to comment publicly on it. The legislation could be introduced in Congress as early as this week.

Such a stance from the president would be a major victory for tech companies trying hard to defend the encryption that protects people's privacy even as it makes life easier for criminals seeking to hide their communications.

The FBI has pushed hard for the legislation, saying investigations are getting harder because information sources are "going dark" with encryption that scrambles communications and data into unreadable gibberish to outsiders. The debate over encryption has been rumbling for years, but this year's standoff between the FBI and Apple brought it to a head after a judge ordered Apple to unlock an iPhone tied to December's terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California. Two terrorists killed 14 people and injured more than 20 others in the attack."

Obama won't support anti-encryption bill, report says - CNET

Acer Chromebase 24 (CA24I) CES 2016: The screen has a full HD resolution...

Apple's 40th Anniversary| The Verge

Google and Acer built a 24-inch desktop computer for video conferences | The Verge