Articles by Doug Olenick
30,000-volt-plasma stream powers new Kickstarter loudspeaker project
ExcelPhysics' Kickstarter project brings something new to the audio world - a speaker that manipulates a stream of plasma to create sound. The campaign has generated a large following on the crowdfunding site and it expects to ship kits and complete speakers this summer.
Hackers demonstrate IE, Safari and Chrome vulnerabilities at Pwn2Own contest
The attacks took place during the annual hacking contest held during Pwn2Own. Teams and individuals from security research groups quickly ripped into the IE, Safari, Firefox and Chrome browsers, but all ended well as the exploits will be used to make the browsers more secure.
Xbox One, PS4 sales fly high, Titanfall poised to become top game seller?
Microsoft and Sony basically shared top honors in the game console wars in February with the PS4 selling more units, while the Xbox brought in more money due to its higher price. Titanfall's March 11 drop could give that title the legs to take a run as the top selling game for this month.
Target credit card data breach: Retailer not alone in making disastrous Intenet security decisions
Target's decision to ignore a threat warning from its own security system may seem particularly ignorant, but the retailer is in good company. Many corporations fail to act when told their system is vulnerable to hackers.
ShopRunner sees opportunity in Amazon Prime price increase
E-commerce-delivery site ShopRunner hopes to entice angry Amazon customers, who do not want to pay an additional $20 for their Amazon Prime membership, to make the switch. Shoprunner is offering a free year of service to any Prime member who switches sides.
Google fans weigh in on search page changes in Facebook-like fashion
Google's Jon Wiley received a dose of user input normally seen when Facebook unexpectedly updates its site, after the search engine giant released an updated version of its Google Search page. While some people barely noticed the difference others were loud with their complaints.
Amazon Prime subscription price bumped to $99
Amazon held its Amazon Prime Membership fee steady at $79 for nine years, but that changed today when the company announced a $20 increase. Higher transportation costs was the primary reason cited for the change.
Thanks, Mt. Gox - N.Y. to offer BitLicense to help regulate virtual currency exchanges
Specifically citing the Mt. Gox Bitcoin disaster, New York State later this year will implement a regulatory framework for virtual currency exchanges operating within the state. These companies will have to apply for a "BitLicense" to legally operate in N.Y.
Tesla and NJ tussle over dealer licensing law
Electric car maker Tesla is in a literal struggle for its life in the State of New Jersey as a new proposal could put its direct-to-customer business model six-feet under. Tesla and the governor's office are engaged in a war of words over what was originally promised.
Candy Crush Saga IPO possibly not that sweet a deal for investors
King Digital Entertainment's Initial Public Offering has dredged up some nasty memories of Zynga's IPO three years ago, which did not go at all as planned. Whether or not King can parlay its few very successful games into long-term profits remains the question of the day.
Starbucks sweetens its iOS app by adding digital tipping for baristas
The next time you order a Cinnamon Dolce Creme Frappuccino at Starbucks, but don't have enough for a tip never fear, just pull out your iPhone and use the new Starbucks tip app to make your barista happy.
Candy Crush Saga maker King asking friends for a new life with IPO
Ever wonder what the deal is behind all those Candy Crush Saga requests for help on Facebook? King Digital Entertainment believes they could all add up to the tune of $7.6 billion if its IPO goes as planned.
Makerbot's Replicator Z18 3D printer now on pre-order for $6,499
Makerbot thinks its new Replicator Z18 3D printer is revolutionary enough in price and constuction capacity to act as a disruptive force in the 3D market. Although more for industrial use than consumers, the $6,499 device can bring Star Trek level tech into any office.
Titanfall for Xbox One and PC gamers suffers initial glitches, but gets back on track
Titanfall went live at midnight on March 11 for Xbox One and PC users, but endured a few server-related problems. Luckily, game developer Respawn Entertainment was quick with the fixes. Xbox 360 and PlayStation users will have to wait until March 25 for their chance to play.
Malaysia Airlines MH370 disappearance bizarre and getting more complicated
Figuring out what happened with the tragic case of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 is proving extremely difficult to break, but the world is bringing its technological weight to bear to find the wreckage.
Twitter outage gives stock a knock, both back up shortly thereafter
Twitter was down for barely a few minutes before the outage was noticed by Wall Street and the stock started tumbling Tuesday. The outage lasted less than an hour, but it does remind us the damage even a minor problem can cause to a web-based business.
Microsoft adds combo keyboard/battery cover to Surface tablet line
Microsoft fleshed out its Surface tablet accessory line by placing the Surface Power Cover on pre-order for $199. The cover contains a built-in battery for recharging the tablet and a full-size keyboard.
Carl Icahn-eBay battle heats up, PayPal's future hangs in the balance
The animosity between activist investor Carl Icahn and eBay was cranked up again yesterday, as Icahn issued another statement to company shareholders, stating that those running eBay are incompetent. Board member Marc Andreessen said in a blog post that Icahn is making up these issues out of thin air.
SXSW News: Google looks to boost Android's presence in wearable market
Google will make a software developers kit available in the next few weeks to make it easier for developers interested in using Android to run their wearable devices to make apps. The news was released at the South by Southwest conference.
Mt. Gox Bitcoin exchange files for bankruptcy in the U.S., hackers reveal more inside info
Troubled Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy in the U.S. over the weekend. The move will allow the company to use American courts to work through its litany of financial problems.
Cyber attacks hit all time high, mobile devices major target
Cyber criminals picked up their game in 2013 attacking retailers and mobile devices in unprecedented numbers. Internet security company McAfee said 196 million pieces of malware were noted last year and it stressed the need for consumers to use mobile security software.
Yahoo's ID demand not welcome, users pan upcoming change
If the comments appearing online concerning Yahoo's policy change are an indication on how the majority of its users feel, the company could find itself shedding people instead of firming up its base. Particularly in light of how upset users were over changes to Yahoo Mail and Finance.
Snowden, Assange virtually flout U.S. law by appearing at SXSW
Edward Snowden and Julian Assange have several things in common - they are bold and won't think twice before leaking any information that would embarrass the U.S. government or bring it down on its knees. Most importantly, they're both wanted men in the U.S. but they don't fear courting arrest even as they headline the SXSW event. Why?
Google Barge finds a home in Stockton, exact purpose still a mystery
Google may be able to keep tight-lipped about what its barge is for, but the company could not hide the fact that it was moved late this week to its new home in Stockton, Calif.
Bitcoin soap opera continues: Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto denying ownership, Singapore Bitcoin CEO dies
Bitcoin had just about every aspect of its short career as a digital currency scrutinized this week as the story again went viral with new information regarding a possible founder and the death of a Bitcoin exchange CEO.
Windows 8.1 Update leaks onto web, fixes seem geared toward non-touch functions
For a very brief window, Microsoft inadvertently made its upcoming Windows 8.1 update available online. If what was seen proves true, the update should make keyboard and mouse Windows 8.1 users quite happy when the update is officially released on April 8.
Staples closing 225 stores, aims to cut $500 million in costs
Staples joined the growing list of retailers downsizing their store count today when it announced 225 locations would be shuttered by the end of 2015. The number of layoffs associated with the draw down was not noted, but the company said it would be "optimizing" its labor force.
Space X CEO Elon Musk uses Made In America speech to drum up U.S. Defense business
Space X founder Elon Musk wants the rockets used to launch Defense Department satellites to carry a Made In The USA stamp. He argued before a Senate committee that his firm should be allowed to compete for this business as it would be cheaper and possibly more reliable than United Launch Alliance.
Facebook users unite, an updated News Feed with bigger photos is on the way
Facebook announced today that each users' News Feed would receive a refresh. In an attempt to make its users happy, instead of reaching for their virtual pitchforks, the company noted the change was limited to enlarging News Feed photos.
Yikes. Another day another asteroid zips past Earth
For the second day in a row an asteroid will narrowly miss Earth, however, NASA does have a plan in place that may some day give a level of protection against the massive destruction that could be caused by a direct hit..
