Articles by Quinten Plummer
Microsoft aims to make your living room the ultimate gaming room
Microsoft's RoomAlive enchants living spaces, turning them into interactive games. Microsoft Research says there are a lot of avenues it wants to explore with the augmented reality's projector array and depth cameras.
OS X malware Mac.BackDoor.iWorm piggybacks Reddit to infect 17,000 Macs: How about yours?
While looking to see what new viruses were threatening Mac OS X, a Russian security firm discovers a virus that has affected at least 17,000 Mac computers. Mac.BackDoor.iWorm connects infected computers' command and control servers. Botnet, anyone?
Best Buy expands GoPro lineup in stores ahead of holiday shopping
GoPro triples its presence in Best Buy stores.The new Hero4 camera will be the star of 500 displays at Best Buy locations.
$600,000: Amount Marriott fined for bullying hotel guests into using its Wi-Fi service
After being accused of blocking guests' Wi-Fi hotspots and charging them up to $1,000 to connect to its own service, Marriott International has settled the matter with the FCC. Marriott International agreed to pay a $600,000 fine and to improve its Wi-Fi monitoring practices.
Redbox Instant will be killed Oct. 7: A failed joint venture
Verizon's Netflix rival folds under weak profits. Redbox Instant is offering refunds as it prepares to shutdown on Oct. 7.
Google going Lego in display innovation
Google wants to piece together displays like Legos, sources say. The biggest challenge, of course, is figuring out how to stitch them together.
Google chief shares on everything from email to hiring to Apple's snarky security claims
Google Chairman Eric Schmidt offers tips on creating a positive email culture. And for recruiters, he recommends the LAX test.
Looking to save bucks while shopping? It's literally now a snap thanks to Groupon
As if taking pictures of meals wasn't cool enough, Groupon encourages consumers to snap images of grocery store receipts. Groupon's new Snap app rewards consumers for buying featured items.
GamerGate pressure prompts Intel to shelve ads early, will controversy ever subside?
Intel gives into the pressures of GamerGate. The chipmaker pulls an ad series from Gamasutra, effectively taking a stance against ideas a freelance writer penned for the gaming news site.
Apple HealthKit has a powerful supporter in Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic reworks its app to leverage Apple's HealthKit platform. Users can view lab results in real time.
EU signs off on Facebook's biggest acquisition ever
The EU approves Facebook's $19 billion acquisition of WhatsApp. While some third parties suggested Facebook and WhatsApp where direct competitors, the European Commission said its months-long investigation found no evidence to support that notion.
Celebrity nude photo hack victims not big Google fans: $100M lawsuit threat in play
Jennifer Lawrence and other celebrity victims of the iCloud nude photo leak are directing their anger at Google. A Hollywood lawyer is heading up a lawsuit that is threatening to seek $100 million from Google for not removing the photos. Ouch!
Feds urge better cybersecurity measures for medical devices to protect health care data
It hasn't pinpointed a current threat, but the FDA wants hardware manufacturers and software developers to be prepared for attacks that could compromise health information of patients. Developers and manufacturers of health products should have plans to rapidly roll out updates and security patches, says the FDA.
Evernote not just for note taking anymore, now it's all about productivity
Evernote offers tools to replace old conventions it says are holding back productivity. Its Context software will even lend a hand with research.
Facebook vows more integrity in user research, but full transparency missing
Facebook says it has improved its guidelines for research and reviews. While it offers details on the changes going on inside, and promises more review, it's unclear whether users will be informed of ongoing studies.
Wireless carriers scramble to outdo each other in data plans, but do users really care?
After fighting to attract the most iPhone customers, top wireless carriers are now warring over data allowances. Verizon and Sprint respond quickly to rival AT&T's double data promotion.
AT&T taps Amazon for network cloud platform for its mobile-first strategy
Like Microsoft, AT&T's strategy consists of adapting to a mobile-first, cloud-first world. AT&T partners with Amazon to attract more businesses to the cloud.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 beats iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in Consumer Reports' bend test
Of the six smartphones Consumer Reports tested in the wake of Bendgate, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is the meanest and toughest of them all. Only the iPhone 5 rivaled the Note 3's endurance in the torture chamber.
Samsung's curved 27-inch monitor is made for the gamer and easy on the eyes
Bravo party, I got what looks like two tangos on the hill to your west. You probably already saw them, because of that curved display you're using. Samsung gives gamers an immersive ride with its curved gaming monitor.
Net neutrality has a pretty humongous fan base, decision making now up to FCC
Another poll shows yet again the public overwhelming support for net neutrality. While not everyone knows what net neutrality is, but most agree the Internet should be free and open.
Sims 4 update promises a swimmingly ghoulish and fashionable experience
Maxis to release the first of three planned patches, with spooky content that may just arrive in time for Halloween. The update also includes swimming pools, apparently.
Hong Kong protesters' iPhones target of malicious spyware, claims security firm
Cybercriminals have released a cross-platform Trojan to attack Chinese protesters. The mobile remote access tool's use could extend beyond the Occupy Central protests.
Glitzy iPad on the way, but will bling style prove to be a golden egg for Apple?
Apple is giving its 9.7-inch iPad a gold coat of paint, sources say. The iPad's gold color could help buoy sales until Apple is ready to release a proper refresh of the tablet.
Microsoft aims to sway Office critics with streamlined presentation tool
Microsoft introduces the newest member of its Office family. Sway adds a coat of professional polish to presentations and simplifies the design process.
HP debuts cheaper, smaller but Office friendly, stream of Windows 8 laptops
Hewlett-Packard offers lower cost, lighter options in its Stream line of laptops and tablets. The 11.6-inch HP Stream costs just $200 and can run Microsoft Office programs.
Feds pretty peeved about Apple, Google smartphone encryption
Attorney General Eric Holder stands behind law enforcement in opposing tougher encryption on smartphones. Law enforcement needs to be able to take every legal step to save an endangered child, says Holder.
Lewis Hilsenteger responds to allegations that Unbox Therapy iPhone 6 Plus 'Bendgate' video may be fake (Video)
'Bendgate' is far from closed. Unbox Therapy's Lewis Hilsenteger bends an iPhone 6 Plus on the streets in front of witnesses, while Consumer Reports attests to the durability of Apple's latest batch of smartphones.
Basis Peak is a smart watch cloaked in fitness tracking tech
Intel subsidiary Basis announces a new fitness watch that promises to get smarter in the future. The $200 watch tracks resting and active hours right now, but it plans to support smartphone notifications soon.
Nvidia Shield Tablet gets a little LTE love, greater stability
Nvidia continues its monthly release of updates for the Shield Tablet. Update 1.2 includes stability improvements and enhancements to the Shield Hub, which lets users browse compatible games.
How mobile is Windows 10? As mobile as Microsoft can be, at least for now
Microsoft isn't ready to give up on mobile platforms yet. With Windows 10, the distinction between mobile and desktop is a lot more pronounced.
