Articles by Christian de Looper
Apple Pay hurdles first big glitch, top online retailer signals support
Apple Pay has been criticized due to an issue involving some users being double-billed. Despite this, it seems as though the new payment system continues to grow, with Amazon suggesting it will be adding Apple Pay support in the near future.
Google Android Wear update is more than music for users' ears
Google's latest Android Wear update includes support for GPS sensors, improved music playback features, and even the ability to play back music straight from the watch itself. It's likely more than music to users' ears.
Nokia hits profit target as handset business reaches final closure point
Nokia has announced a year-on-year increase in its net profits, suggesting the company is finally starting to bounce back after selling its smartphone business to Microsoft. Nokia's Here mapping service is enjoying a robust license business.
Denial of service attacks zoom upward, near 400 percent spike in one year
Reports suggest a massive increase in distributed denial-of-service attacks, with an increase of attack bandwidth of up to 389 percent over the last year. There's a growing DDoS-for-hire industry behind the increase, report says.
Facebook nemesis Ello gets big investment backing, takes legal vow to stay ad-free
The new social media network Ello is cementing its vow to not serve ads by becoming a Public Benefit Corporation, which includes an unchangeable and legally-binding charter. It received $5.5 million in funding.
OS X Yosemite: What does it mean for the future of OS X?
Apple has released OS X 10.10 Yosemite and it features a number of improvements. But what does it mean for the future of operating systems? Read on to find out.
Google debuts new email option, Inbox, but it's invite-only for now
Google has released a new app called Inbox, which blends email and a social media experience. Inbox also adds features like the ability to bundle emails together and rearrange information based on importance.
Samsung, B&N debut bigger e-reader/tablet Nook
Samsung and Barnes & Noble have teamed up to release yet another Nook tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook 10.1. The device is the biggest Nook ever and comes with $200 of free content.
Feds in holding pattern on major telecom merger proposals
The FCC has paused its review of mergers between Comcast and Time Warner and between AT&T and DirecTV. The move suggests that the review process may take longer than previously expected.
Apple chief talks cloud security with Chinese leader in wake of iCloud attacks
Apple CEO Tim Cook has met with Chinese government officials to discuss cybersecurity. The news comes soon after Apple issued a statement saying iCloud users should be careful of man-in-the-middle attacks.
Apple iMac with a 5K display: Is it worth the big bucks?
Apple has introduced the iMac with a Retina 5K display with a starting price of $2,499. While that may sound like a lot of money, read on to find out whether or not it's worth the expense.
Kickstarter suspends Anonabox campaign: The rise and fall of the Tor-enabled router
Kickstarter has suspended the successful Anonabox campaign, which offered users anonymous browsing through Tor. Critics say other hardware manufacturers sell a cheaper version.
Google shores up account security via a USB approach
Google has announced a new feature in its two-step verification method called Security Key. It allows users to access their accounts using a cryptographic USB device.
Tips, tricks for making Apple Pay your favorite payment mode
Apple Pay has finally launched, with many now looking to their phones as their new preferred method of payment. Here are some things to consider before you do the same.
Want a hoverboard? You need $10K and a bit of faith in magnetic tech
A company called Arx Pax has launched a Kickstarter campaign for what it is calling the Hendo Hoverboard, which may well be the world's first real hoverboard. But the technology the company is using goes far beyond the hoverboard.
Google takes big leap of faith in next-gen augmented reality tech
Google is leading a $542 million investment in a virtual reality company called Magic Leap. While the specific goals of Magic Leap are currently unknown, the company promises great advancements in the fields of augmented and virtual reality.
Nexus Player vs. Apple TV: Can the new kid on the block take on a seasoned professional?
Google has just announced the new Nexus Player home entertainment system with the hopes of taking on the likes of Apple TV. But is it up to the challenge?
Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite review roundup: Here's the verdict
Apple has released OS X 10.10 Yosemite to the public, and it boasts a number of great new features as well as a new design. Here is a rundown of some of the biggest changes that Yosemite brings.
Apple SIM for iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3: Definitely buzzing but not quite revolutionary
Apple has unveiled the iPad Air 2, with a slew of great new features. One of the most interesting features, however, is the addition of the Apple SIM card, which can connect users to a number of different carriers with short term contracts, removing a lot of the control that carriers have over consumers.
Snapchat initial ad debut is all about horror, but in a good way
Snapchat has begun serving ads to users with the first advertisement on the service being for the upcoming horror flick Ouija. While some are annoyed the company is serving ads, others applaud the respectable approach Snapchat is taking.
Spotify gets family-friendly with new subscription plan
Spotify has announced a new service called Spotify Family, which allows users to add family members to accounts at half the price of a regular subscription. Family members can even have their own usernames, playlists and social connections.
Amazon Kindle Voyage ignites blast of rave reviews, pricing gets boos
Amazon has released its new Kindle Voyage, which is largely being hailed as the best e-reader on the market. That title, however, comes at a price, as the device starts at $199.
Google Nexus 6 vs. Nexus 5: Is it worth the extra dough?
Google has finally taken the wraps off its Nexus 6 smartphone, but this year it carries the price of a premium phone. Is the Google Nexus 6 worth the $650 price tag?
Zwipe is world's first fingerprint-activated contactless credit card: Will it ever take off?
While Apple Pay is expected to take off in the near future, some consumers are likely to not be ready to pay for things using their phones. For those people, Zwipe and MasterCard have announced a new card that uses both fingerprint scanning and NFC technology.
2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat: Is it worth $63,995? You bet
Dodge has unveiled the pricing for the 2015 Charger, with the Charger SRT Hellcat coming in at a whopping $63,995. But is it worth the price tag?
Snapchat ads hitting this weekend, will it prompt users to shut off Snapchat?
Snapchat will start serving its users ads. Despite this, the company says it will not be targeting users and it will keep its ads fun and informative.
Google mulls melding Chrome, Android and opening up Android Wear, TV, Auto
Reports indicate Google may begin letting manufacturers add their own flavor to Android Wear, TV and Auto in the same way manufacturers do now with the Android smartphone operating system. Google may also begin merging its Chrome OS and the Android OS in the near future.
Zwipe swipes PINs for fingerprint authentication on MasterCard charge cards
For those who aren't yet ready to adopt a system like Apple Pay or Google Wallet but still want an easier way to pay for things, there's another new option. A card called Zwipe offers users NFC payment technology and fingerprint scanning in a traditional-looking MasterCard credit card.
FCC green-lights 5G wireless inquiry, connectivity may ignite new mobile tech era
The FCC will be giving companies the green light to begin looking at 5G Internet speeds, which tap extremely high frequencies previously considered not usable for mobile Internet. It's the first step in what could be a whole new wave of mobile tech.
OS X Yosemite: Don't think twice, upgrade from OS X 10.9 Mavericks now
Apple has released its new operating system, OS X Yosemite, which boasts a number of great new features and an entirely new look. Here is a rundown of those features and why users should upgrade.
