Articles by Quinten Plummer
3 Men. 240 iPhones. 20-inch Hole. One Incredible Theft in Beijing!
A crew of three men are accused of stealing 240 iPhone 6 devices, secreting the handsets away through a tunnel carved into a warehouse wall. The stolen goods were used to fund gambling, cars and gold, according to police.
Microsoft Striving to Offer Something for Everyone in Windows 10
Microsoft debuts a new web browser and the desktop version of Cortana during its latest media event, which focused on the ongoing development of Windows 10. The new OS will serve as the bonding element for a variety of devices, apps and services, from the desktop to impending flagship phones.
'Kingdom Come: Deliverance' Is Marching Forward in Development
There are dungeons, but no dragons or estus or wizardry in this medieval role-playing game that promises players a witching good time. Tech Times talks with indie studio Warhorse to get a status update on its 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance' game.
Voice App Helps Crew Share Insight on Mars Habitat Experience
Crew members from NASA's HI-Seas project share what it's like to live in a simulated Mars habitat thanks to a voice app tweaked to mesh with the time lapse in space travel. The participants are just about halfway through the eight-month living experience.
5 Innovations Google Dumped Before Google Glass
The success of products like Chrome and Android may outweigh the failures that populate this roundup. But to put Google's speculative approach to innovation into perspective, Tech Times examines some of the more notable bad bets highlighting Google's history of flawed products and missteps.
5 Watershed Moments in PC Gaming
PC Gaming has had its high and low points on its journey to becoming the pastime, the passion and the profession it is today. We take a look at some of the most critical turning points that shaped the way people consume games on laptops and desktops.
Microsoft Windows 10 Event Needs to Reflect More Than an OS Refresh
As Microsoft preps to release deeper insight on its impending Windows 10 OS, industry experts are anxious to hear whether the software company has finally realized it needs to listen and give users what they want. While OS features will be a focal point, Microsoft's strategy reveal will tell if it's learned some tough lessons since Windows 8.
NASA Mars Simulation Study Spurs Unique Voice App Tech
Tech Times takes a look at the voice-messaging app keeping astronauts, family and mission control members in touch as the months slowly melt off NASA's Mars simulation study. It's one of the most unique user cases for Voxer software, acknowledges the technology maker.
Google Glass Explorer Program Shutting Down: Your Last Chance at Buying a Failed Google Product
The shuttering of Basecamps and a dearth of news to end the year indicated that Google Glass was about to evolve or die. Google is now announcing the end of its Glass Explorer program, but the search engine company says it hasn't given up on the smart glasses.
4 Gadgets for Artistic Crowd Seek Funding Support
This week's Kickstarter campaign roundup features emerging products aimed at helping users with creative expression. There is a 3D pen, Wi-Fi relays for guitar players and even a portable soldering iron.
'To Azimuth' Game Developer Talks Lessons Learned, Business Decisions
While the 'To Azimuth' Kickstarter campaign didn't reach its goal, the sci-fi adventure game's following on Steam is vibrant and growing. Game maker Zachery Sanford says he's more determined than ever to bring the game to market.
Smart Tech Triggers Smarter, Nonlethal Weaponry
Smart bullets, dubbed SmartRounds, use kinetic force and blinding agents to take down targets without taking them out permanently. PepperRounds and ShockRounds are being finalized now, with other variants to follow.
'To Azimuth' Game Developer Talks Inspiration, Influences
'To Azimuth' is a game in which two siblings search for a brother allegedly abducted. Find out what inspired developer Zach Sanford, from studio [bracket]games, to create the adventure in this first segment of a two-part series.
Mixed Views on Bitcoin Future, Cryptocurrency Stability
No one argues the validity of the platform beneath bitcoin, but experts are divided on the future of the cryptocurrency. Some are a bit bullish, some bearish and some are staying neutral.
Google Translate App Update Bringing Real Time Speech-to-Text Translation and More
Microsoft's Skype Translator upped the ante and now Google is bringing real-time translations as well, according to reports. Google Translator's update will also improve the software's accuracy.
Urbanspoon Newest Dish on Zomato's Menu as Dining Site Expands
Zomato expands into North America and Australia through its acquisition of Urbanspoon. Zomato CEO says his dining-focused venture will combine the best of both websites to deliver a better and deeper consumer experience.
Wireless Fetal Monitoring System Gets Feds Blessing, Boasts Advanced Features
Philips' wireless Avalon CL has the green light for market, given clearance by the FDA. The mobile fetal monitor builds on the feature set of its wired predecessor.
Buick Tries to Woo Young Drivers with 2016 Cascada Convertible
Buick releases a convertible roughly 25 years after stepping away from the body type. The 2016 Buick Cascada delivers luxury in a topless, 2+2 design -- and it says the top wasn't an afterthought.
4 Good Choices for the Newbie PC Gamer
Explaining the intricacies of games like 'Dota 2' or the masochistic joys of 'Dark Souls' can discourage a new gamer from embracing PC gaming if they've never played. But the games listed in this roundup are some of the most accessible PC games that could awaken a passion for the hobby in those who never thought they'd enjoy PC gaming.
GameStop Taps Microsoft Azure to Bolster Consumer Experience, Marketing Strategy
GameStop gets a cloud lift from Microsoft's Azure servers. The retailer says the servers will help bring products to life, strengthen employee-consumer relationships and help customers make more informed decisions.
AccuWeather App Brings Sunny Skies to iOS Device Users
AccuWeather brings MinuteCast to the iPad and enables users to sync its weather app across all iOS devices. The Android experience has already been unified, but its app version will receive a major refresh this year.
Smart Watch Revenue Forecast to Hit $32.9B by 2020
With revenue forecast to hit $32.9 billion by 2020, smart watches are far from a short-term trend, a new report says. China's world-leading mobile market is expected to drive the growth of the smart watch market, both in production and consumption.
$300 Million: Amount Intel is Investing to Promote Workforce Diversity
Intel pledges $300 million to diversifying its workforce in an effort to push its human capital to mirror the landscape of the technology industry at large. Qualified women and minorities have using their degrees elsewhere.
Consumers Loving Mobile Apps, Especially When it Comes to Shopping
The mobile app shopping sector saw big growth in 2014. Not only are consumers using apps more, they're extremely hungry for e-commerce apps. On the flip side of usage, mobile gaming apps appear to be maturing.
Homemade Sparkling Water Spurs Healthier Drink Choices, Study Says
The introduction of sparkling water machines into homes bolsters water consumption by about 40 percent, states a new study. Easy access was likely a key factor, the study notes, as 78 percent of participants said the machines encouraged them to consume more water.
Patriot Settles HTC Chip Patent Battle, 8 More IP Fights Ahead
Patriot is claiming victory in the first of what may be nine patent battles regarding its microprocessor patent portfolio as HTC has agreed to a settlement regarding intellectual property infringement claims. HTC avoids paying six years worth in damages and Patriot says its claims have been validated, empowering it to go after eight more companies.
Cloud Apps Pose Big Security Challenges in the BYOD Enterprise
Roughly 88 percent of enterprise cloud apps aren't secure and IT security officers are often unaware they even exist. On top of that, about 25 percent of files stored on the cloud are being shared with outsiders. Not such great news.
Crowd-Fueled Kickstarter Thursday: Innovative Mouse-Keyboard, Listening Device, Streaming Hardware
These Kickstarter campaigns peeled out to a strong start at the beginning of 2015, but they'll need to keep their feet on the gas to reach their goals. This week's Crowd-Fueled Kickstarter Thursday features what appears to be the next step in the evolution of the mouse and keyboard, a listening device and hardware to streamline the living room PC.
Is Bitcoin Made from Titanium? Currency on Rebound Despite Hack, Price Plunge
First it was hit by a hack and then a price point crash. But bitcoin isn't letting either negative keep it from forging forward. While its value and full utility remain hard to define, the young currency still appears capable of achieving long-term success in the mainstream.
Gamer Heads Up: 2014 a Busy Year for Valve Steam Updates
Though the hardware remained in Valve's garage all year, the software took some landmark steps toward usurping consoles in living rooms. The Steam client's epic 2014 paves the way for SteamOS and Steam Machines in 2015.
