Articles by Mark Hawver
IBM SoftLayer buy proving to be a winning decision
There's a bigger, more profitable cloud gathering at IBM as the company seeks to leverage its already successful acquisition of SoftLayer. Big Blue is investing into expanding SoftLayer's data centers and services.
Amazon's Zocalo: Is it a Dropbox killer?
Amazon Zocalo is a new, cloud-based storage and file-sharing service for both business and personal use. A potential competitor to the popular Dropbox service and others, Zocalo starts at $5 per month with 200 GB of storage.
FTC files complaint against Amazon for unauthorized in-app purchases by children
The Federal Trade Commission is taking Amazon.com to court over complaints by parents that Amazon doesn't do enough to prevent children from making unauthorized in-app purchases. Amazon says the FTC should go after other app providers.
Chrysler recalling 90K SUVs for vanity mirror short circuit issue
Chrysler is recalling over 900,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durango SUVs for vanity mirrors that may catch fire. Yes, that's right, you may look hot in the mirror, or it may just be the mirror that's hot.
Microsoft CEO's mission statement indicates layoffs may be part of new strategy
In his e-mail to Microsoft employees, CEO Satya Nadella used language that seemed to be code for upcoming layoffs. Employees and industry observers alike are trying to read the tea leaves.
Microsoft chief: We're a productivity and platform player
In an open letter to all Microsoft employees new CEO Satya Nadella indicates the company is headed for changes. Nadella talks about the shift to a "productivity and platform" company and acceptance of change.
EC polls competitors on proposed WhatsApp-Facebook merger
Facebook and WhatsApp are prepared to merge. Now comes the regulatory roundabout, and the European Commission has joined the fray.
Harley-Davidson rides onto the recall bandwagon due to front wheel brake issue
Et tu, Harley-Davidson? Motorcycle company recalls over 66,000 motorcycles for potential brake line problem.
IBM pouring billions into R&D semiconductor design
IBM is significantly boosting its investment in developing new semiconductor chip technologies and materials. At the same time it's pushing the envelope on chip technology, it is rumored to be pushing its chip factories away.
Red Hat releases new OpenStack Platform 5
Red Hat wants to establish a strong bond between its proprietary Enterprise Linux software and the OpenStack open source cloud platform. The release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform 5 continues this effort.
Apple urged to boost accessibility features for deaf, blind
The National Federation of the Blind is pushing Apple to improve the accessibility features of third party apps in the Apple App Store. They would like Apple to establish guidelines for app developers to include the use of Apple technology such as Siri and VoiceOver in their apps.
Samsung readying VR headset that incorporates smartphone
Samsung's Gear VR virtual reality headset is virtually here. The device will couple with Samsung Galaxy smartphones and debut at IFA 2014 in September.
Aiming to resell that phone? Make sure you wipe it good and clean, say security gurus
Be careful when selling your smartphone or tablet, especially you Android people. That's the message from a security software company after it recovered over 40,000 pieces of personal data on devices that were thought to be erased.
Instagram photo of trauma room gets a New York nurse fired
Nurse Katie Duke, a popular figure on the medical reality show 'NY Med,' was fired by New York Presbyterian Hospital for re-posting on Instagram a graphic photo of a trauma room in the hospital. She has since found other work as a nurse.
Volvo's XC90 SUV boasts 400HP twin engine, vroom vroom
The 2015 Volvo XC90 SUV will feature a twin engine system that will output 400HP. The system incorporates a gas engine in the front and an electric motor in the rear.
Ford recalling 100K autos for driveshaft, fuel tank, glass roof issues
Ford is recalling over 100,000 automobiles for defects ranging from driveshafts, glass roofs and fuel tanks. Models included are the Escape, Fiesta, Taurus, Flex, Lincoln MKS and MKT and Edge.
Tesla's quest to enter China market hits speed bump, lawsuit filed over trademark
Tesla Motors thought the road was clear to begin selling into the lucrative Chinese market. But a lawsuit over who owns the Tesla name in China is now a roadblock.
Hookah use increasing, appeals mostly to the wealthier tokers
A hookah lounge, where young people gather to share a water pipe with friends, is a growing alternative to socializing where cigarette smokers are not welcome. But hookah use is reportedly not safe, although it is more socially acceptable than smoking cigarettes.
WiLAN, Nokia ink multi-year license deal
WiLAN has entered into a patent licensing deal with Nokia Networks. Nokia gains multi-year access to a range of wireless technology patents owned by WiLAN.
Google outlaws porn, adult content on its ad network
Google has instituted new policies outlawing sexually explicit graphic and verbal content on ads that are part of its advertising network. The change was announced in March, and put into effect in June.
LG rolls out G Pad 10.1, boasting its biggest tablet screen yet
LG Electronics introduces new LG G Pad 10.1 tablet, with largest screen to date for its G Pad Series. It is powered by Android 4.4.2 KitKat.
China demand drives big sales for Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz experienced its best first-half sales record ever, driven by a surge of demand in China and other Asian markets. Sales of luxury automobiles in general are on the rise worldwide.
Colorado DMV website slammed with driver license requests
Colorado is allowing non-US citizens to apply for driver's licenses. The rush to apply is already straining the state's website and call centers' ability to support the new law.
Subaru recalling 660K vehicles due to brake line rust issue
Subaru announced the recall of 660,000 cars and SUVs for a potential brake line rust issue that could lead to brake failure. Vehicles registered in states that use road salt during the winter are affected by the recall.
Yahoo cans services including Xboni, Shine to re-focus strategy
Yahoo is paring down web and cloud offerings to focus on more profitable products and services. It is also devoting its energy to four core businesses.
Android Wear app arrives at Google Play as do a slew of compatible apps
Android Wear, a mobile and tablet app that will communicate with and control Android-based wearable tech, is now a free download from Google Play. Augmenting that happy fact is that 31 compatible apps are also ready for play.
Office for Android on a tablet may boast optimized touches
Although Microsoft already makes a simplified version of Office for Android, a full-scale, touch screen-optimized version is being prepared for Android tablets.
Microsoft looking for Android Office tablet app beta testers
Microsoft Office for Android tablet is coming. Microsoft is seeking all concerned citizens to come to the aid of their tablets by volunteering as beta testers.
Graco voluntarily recalls 1.9M child car seats due to faulty buckle
Children's car seat maker Graco is issuing a voluntary recall on an infant seat with a defective buckle that could be difficult to release in an emergency. The recall covers 1.9 million seats.
Android Auto: A peek at what Google is up to with vehicle digital ecosystems
Into the fray jumps Android Auto, a competitor to Apple CarPlay that was announced at the Google I/O developer's conference. Many car makers have already committed to offering the suite of apps on their new models.
