Articles by Quinten Plummer
Ocho, a startup Vine in the making, draws Mark Cuban support
Mark Cuban gets behind a new video messaging app. The iOS exclusive Ocho promises a more robust social experience than its rivals.
Microsoft creating 'Skype for Business' communications, kicking Lync brand to the curb
As it moves to put the Nokia smartphone brand to bed forever, Microsoft's rebranding campaign is also focusing on Lync. Come 2015, the enterprise communication tool will be renamed Skype for Business.
US postal service hit by hackers, 800K employee data sets at risk
Hackers deliver a devastating blow to U.S. postal workers, though the USPS says its operations haven't been affected by the mid-September intrusion. Analysts believe the Chinese government is behind the attack, which compromised the personal information of roughly 800,000 former and current USPS employees.
Raspberry Pi Foundation proves cheaper, smaller can coexist in computing
Roughly four months after promising a smaller and cheaper model of its credit card-sized computer, the Raspberry Pi Foundation reveals the Model A+. The Model A+ is available for just $20 and consumes less power than the Model A.
Fitbit disappears from online Apple store following HealthKit snub
Fitbit has no plans to support Apple's iOS 8 HealthKit platform, which may have led to the fitness device maker's products being pulled from Apple's online store. Fitbit health trackers are still being sold at Apple's brick-and-mortar stores, but there's no indication of how long that will last.
Obama net neutrality strategy not winning everyone over, especially the FCC
The FCC wastes no time in responding to President Barack Obama's call for regulators to salvage the Common Carrier law and build new rules for a free and open Internet. A day before Obama released his statement on the controversial issue, a former FCC chairman penned a lengthy rebuff.
Darkhotel hackers target traveling executives on motel Wi-Fi networks
Known as Darkhotel, a ring of hackers is targeting business executives and political leaders via hotel Wi-Fi networks. The attacks have been going on for years and are increasing in frequency.
Apple debuts iMessage routing flaw fix in quiet fashion
Apple finally releases an official fix in the case of the missing iMessage communications. Former Apple users can now deregister phone numbers from iMessage.
Apple iOS flaw is an open door to hackers
Installing apps outside of the App Store just got a lot more dangerous for iOS users. Masque attacks leverage an iOS flaw to replace legitimate apps with malware that looks identical to the originals.
Elon Musk wants to connect the world by launching 700 Internet satellites into space
Elon Musk partners with a former Google executive to launch 700 Internet-giving satellites. The pair are rumored to be in talks with officials in Florida and Colorado about building a production facility for the satellites.
Google Inbox app promises to make Gmail management easier, but does it get the job done?
Google's new Inbox looks sleeker and could make for a more intuitive experience when navigating through emails. On the other hand, the app's focus on categorization may add more work for those who rely on email the most.
Microphone-fitted cyborg cockroaches may help emergency personnel find and rescue disaster survivors
NC State researchers wire cockroaches with electronics capable of sending the insect toward disaster survivors. There's even an invisible fence that will ensure the biorobotic cockroaches stay within the search perimeter.
Twitter is going WAM to curb online harrassment against women
A women's advocacy group launches an initiative to combat the harassment of women on social media, the platform where online abuses are most likely to happen, a recent study says. Women, Action and the Media (WAM) has creating a harassment report specifically for Twitter users.
'Binding of Isaac: Rebirth' one of six free PS 4, PS Plus games out this month
The roguelike 'Binding of Isaac' is reborn and added to PS Plus' November collection of free games. 'Driveclub' won't be added to the IGC until at least February 2015.
UFO sightings, alien life forms found on Earth: Can Boyd Bushman Area 51 claims be believed? [Video]
There are people working on alien spaceships around the clock, each day, claims Lockheed Martin scientist. Boyd Bushman, now deceased, says aliens are here they operate under a "cattle ranch" structure of governance.
Home Depot hackers grab up 53M email addresses via third-party vendor access
The massive attack that exposed the financial details of tens of millions of Home Depot customers is worse than the company initially thought. Approximately 53 million email accounts also were left vulnerable as a result of the attack.
Amazon Echo begs the question, can devices be too multifaceted?
The Amazon Echo seeks bring its smarts into the living rooms and kitchens of consumers. Time will tell if consumers are ready for a shared voice assistant and if it will be as helpful as advertised.
Microsoft Lumia minus Nokia brand arriving Nov. 11
Microsoft teases another look at the first Lumia smartphone to bear its branding. The company will offer a full look at the Microsoft Lumia on Nov. 11.
'Monument Valley' expanding its shores, 1.4M apps sold
UsTwo prepares to release an expansion for 'Monument Valley' that will bring eight more chapters to the mobile game. It should be all killer and no filler, if the team's development philosophy shines through.
Facebook streamlines News Feed to boost follow capability
Facebook tunes up its News Feed with several new controls. Giving users more control over what shows up in their news feeds makes for a better experience for everyone, says Facebook.
Vsenn prepping rival to Project Ara smartphone. Google can't be thrilled
Though Google has teamed up with other innovators in the nascent field of modular smartphones, a newly launched startup is going it alone at this point. Vsenn promises a device that can take on new processing units, cameras and batteries.
Amazon Echo speaker gadget features Alexa, a Siri-like home presence
Amazon wants consumers to welcome Alexa into their homes and their daily routines. The digital voice assistant lives inside Amazon's new cloud-connected speaker unit.
Motorola 360 smart watch boasts slew of stylish bands, enhanced wellness app
Motorola reveals an incoming collection of slimmer bands for thinner wrists that wear its Moto 360 smart watches. The company also revealed new features and watch faces for Moto Connect.
Internet Arcade is every gamer's dream: A free 900-game archive collection
Porting 900 games over to a web-based emulator and preserving them in the Internet Arcade was said to be easier than expected. Deciding what to play may be a lot harder.
Runtastic Sleep Better app tracks snooze habits, dreams and keeps count of those drinks
A sleep-tracking app joins Runtastic's suite of fitness software. The Sleep Better app will even help you track the amount of alcohol and coffee consumed.
Michael Dell clearly not a big fan of HP business split
Dell's criticism of HP's impending split continues. This time, the jabs come from the very top of the company.
Crowd-fueled Kickstarter Thursday: Password wristband and teaching turtles how to fly, no joke
Crowds get behind products that could charge mobile devices and help users with password management. Meanwhile, a turtle's dream of taking flight is running out of time as 'scientists' try to teach it to fly for a day.
Apple Watch gold selling for $5K, but it will never be viewed as a Rolex contender
Gold versions of the Apple Watch are rumored to be priced between $4,000 and $5,000. High-end horologists still don't see the smart watch as a threat to their core business.
Verizon, AT&T tap supercookies to track users and there's no opt-out feature
Verizon and AT&T are hiding tracers in subscribers' data plans, allow advertisers to assemble a browsing history and send out targeted ads. Though it's just now coming to light, Verizon has been using the supercookies since 2012.
Nuance Swype keyboard boasts 21 languages, suggests emojis
The iOS 8 version of Swype learns 16 new tongues. The keyboard app will also recommend emojis based on the words users input.
