Articles by Aaron Mamiit
Amazon ready to face FTC in court for in-app purchases of kids
Amazon is ready to face the FTC in court over policy changes for in-app purchases made by children that could cost their parents hundreds of dollars. The demands are similar to what Apple agreed to earlier this year.
Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 ships out this July
The Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 will start shipping out this July, but the company is behind in its manufacturing targets. Over 45,000 have pre-ordered the unit, which will be the last developmental model before the launch of a consumer version.
Windows 9 preview this autumn? 'Threshold' might bring back Start Menu
Microsoft will look to rectify its mistakes with Windows 8 with the upcoming Windows 9. One of the changes will be bringing back the iconic Start Menu.
FTC sues T-Mobile for bogus premium texting charges
The United States Federal Trade Commission has filed a complaint against T-Mobile USA for cramming practices that charged consumers for monthly subscriptions without their consent. The FTC is seeking refunds for T-Mobile's customers.
Databricks receives $33 million additional capital, deploys Spark cloud
Databricks received $33 million in additional funding, but the company's announcement of the Databricks Cloud has received more attention. It will be similar with Google DataFlow, but will it compete with it?
VAIO computers are back, no longer under Sony umbrella
VAIO, formerly Sony's PC business, is back with a launch event today. The company will be smaller, but it will be retaining the DNA that VAIO is known for.
Apple CarPlay will hop into Audi vehicles in U.S., Europe by 2016
Audi will begin offering Apple CarPlay in new models in Europe by 2015 and in the U.S. by 2016. It joins Hyundai, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Volvo and Honda as companies that will be offering CarPlay support in their vehicles.
U.S., European powerplants under attack by 'Energetic Bear' from Russia
A Russian hacking group has been attacking U.S. and European oil and gas companies, with the purpose of industrial espionage.
Facebook responds to criticism on psychology experiment. Is it legal and ethical?
A member of the Facebook research team responds to the criticisms on an experiment that manipulated the emotions of users without them knowing it.
GM ready to settle with consumers affected by ignition switch defect
The GM Ignition Compensation Fund will be administered by Kenneth Feinberg, who said that the fund will have no cap in its settlements to the people injured or the families of those killed due to the company's faulty ignition switches.
Data roaming prices in EU drop by 50 percent starting today
The European Union slashed data roaming charges by over 50 percent, along with lowering rates on phone calls and text messaging. The price cuts come just in time for the summer holidays.
New iPhone 5s ad shows how Apple's smartphone is a partner in smart parenting
Apple's new "Parenthood" commercial showcases the iPhone 5S as a partner of parents in raising their kids. Several apps are highlighted, including the HomeKit and HealthKit that will be released with the iOS 8.
The Android L will let you take, process pictures like a pro
The upcoming Android L will feature the new Camera 2 API, which will include features devoted to professional photography. Among the new features are full manual control and camera performance improvements.
Android KeyStore crypto key vulnerability affects 86 percent of Android devices
IBM researchers released a warning about a security issue on the Android KeyStore. Using the exploit, hackers can obtain confidential information stored on Android devices.
Motorists see man hanging on speeding vehicle on I-77. A case of domestic violence?
Motorists reported a man hanging on the back of a speeding vehicle on Interstate 77 in North Carolina. Authorities believe that the incident may be a case of domestic violence.
Emotional contagion via Facebook? Yes, it's a reality
A team of researchers have proven that emotions can spread through the users of online social networks. The data use policy of Facebook makes the experiment legal even without the consent of their test subjects.
Amazon gives away 30 apps worth $100. You only have until today to download.
Amazon is giving away free apps worth a total of $100. The offer is available only until today to Android users, but Fire OS users will have an easier time downloading the free apps.
NASA to test Mars-bound flying saucer in Hawaii...if weather permits
NASA is looking to test a flying saucer that will be used to land in Mars off the coast of an island in Hawaii. The test has been delayed for weeks due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Eating more fruits, vegetables has no effect on weight loss
A study revealed that eating more fruits and vegetables will not cause weight loss. It will not cause weight to go up, however, which makes them ideal foods to acquire vitamins and fiber.
New smartwatches of Google only work with 25 percent of existing Android smartphones
Android Wear smartwatches, such as the LG G Watch, are only compatible with smartphone running Android 4.3 or 4.4. Currently, that is less than a quarter of all active Android phones.
World Cup on ISS: U.S. vs. German astronauts on goal celebrations, wagers
The International Space Station has caught World Cup Fever, with U.S. astronauts making a wager with a German astronaut on the recently concluded match between the two countries.
German government drops Verizon contract in fear of U.S. espionage
The government of Germany is transferring all its internal communications needs from Verizon to Deutsche Telekom at the end of next year.
Google complies with EU 'right to be forgotten' rule, wipes off search results
Google has started removing search results as requested under the "right to be forgotten" initiative. The company has hired a team dedicated for this purpose.
Apache Spark fully enabled for YARN, Hadoop: Hortonworks
Hortonworks announced that the high-performance analytics engine Apache Spark is fully enabled for YARN, meaning that it can be deployed with other engines on a single Hadoop cluster.
Opera Mini for iOS gets UI facelift, data-saving modes
Opera Mini 8 has been revamped to match the aesthetics of iOS 7. It is now available for download at the Apple App Store.
This balloon can take tourists to the edge of space... for $75000
World View is one step closer to sending passengers up to the edge of space in a balloon after a successful June 18 testing of a prototype of the service.
Google will introduce Gmail API, says buh-bye to IMAP
Google launched a beta version of the Gmail API, which will make it easier for developers to use information found in user's emails for applications.
You had us at Google Cardboard. Forget high-tech, forget Oculus.
The Google Cardboard project uses a cardboard unit to transform Android phones into virtual reality headsets. Move aside, Oculus.
GM stops sale of Chevrolet Cruze for possible Takata airbag issues
GM stops the sale of Chevrolet Cruze sedans, the company's best-selling car, due to potential issues with air bags produced by Takata.
Google I/O 2014: It's an Android world. What you need to know
One of Google's big announcements in its keynote speech is the Android L, which is the next big update for the operating system.
