Articles by Quinten Plummer
China boots Symantec, Kaspersky off security vendor list
China kicks Kaspersky and Symantec from its list of security software vendors. Only Chinese companies remain on the list, as foreign tech companies fall under more scrutiny in China.
'Tropico 5' outlawed in Thailand for peace and order reasons (Video)
Thailand's military government shuts down aspiring dictators, even when they're in a video game, apparently. The country has banned 'Tropico 5,' a city-building simulator game in which players take on the role of an autocrat.
Original BioShock coming to Apple iPads, iPhones
2K Games takes a bite out of Apple. The original game is headed to iPad 4, iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C.
Apple is selling 'Dreams' in latest iPhone 5s ad
Apple asks iPhone 5s users to dream up ways to put the smartphones to work. 'Dreams' is the next film in Apple's 'You're More Powerful Than You Think' campaign.
BadUSB exploit: Is your USB device spying on you or stealing your data?
Researchers reveal how USB devices can tear apart digital ecosystems, rendering everything from keyboards to computer systems untrustworthy. An infected USB keyboard can be manipulated to do anything you're capable of doing on your computer, says SRLabs.
Facebook outage sparks outrage (but please don't make 911 calls)
As Facebook investigates service disruptions, the LA County Sheriff's Office probes alleged 911 calls about the social networking site's outage. The sergeant who reported the 911 calls on Twitter shortly after the outage wasn't on duty when he did, says a captain from the sheriff's office.
Why did Iliad make $15 billion offer to T-Mobile?
Iliad walks and talks as if it's serious about acquiring T-Mobile. It could be attempting to gain leverage back in France, but Iliad says it and T-Mobile have enough income to produce powerful synergies.
'Flappy Bird Family': Iconic game is back with multiplayer mode (but only on Amazon TV)
The original 'Flappy Bird' was so addicting that its creator de-listed the games from app stores. To help players fully recover from that addiction, Flappy Bird creator Dong Nguyen has released 'Flappy Bird Family.'
Netflix buddies up with AT&T to get speedier service
AT&T subscribers may notice improved buffering and video quality when using Netflix. AT&T and Netflix have struck a deal, but the streaming media company likely remains unhappy about paying for Internet fast lanes.
China interest in Microsoft may go beyond antitrust concerns
Roughly 100 officers with the Chinese government launched a surprise investigation at Microsoft's offices in China. Antitrust allegations may be veiling an attempt to hinder operations of foreign tech firms in favor of Chinese companies, tech analysts say.
Tesla: 100,000 electric cars will ship in next 18 months
Despite operating at a loss, Tesla Motors has inspired investors with its dream of shipping 100,000 electric vehicles annually. The demand for 100,000 cars is there, says the carmaker.
Surface Pro 3 variants popping up on shelves
Microsoft offers a wider range of power options for its Surface Pro 3 series. An i3 and two i7 variants will join a lineup that previously only offered Intel i5 processors.
French telecom makes $15B play for T-Mobile
A carrier from France's struggling wireless market makes a bid for T-Mobile. While it's unclear if Iliad's bid for T-Mobile is serious, it makes things even more complicated for Sprint and SoftBank.
'Watch_Dogs' heading to Jersey Shore? Nope, try Camden
'Watch_Dogs' uses the notoriously violent city of Camden, N.J., as the setting for an expansion pack. The city's extensive surveillance network is a current-day version of the core game's near-future setting in Chicago.
Orbit is more than just a fitness tracker (Video)
Runtastic arrives at its smart wristband after starting with fitness software. Runtastic's Orbit stands out from most other fitness trackers by including a display that stands in for sports watches and smartphone apps.
Windows phone users finally get BBM
BBM for Windows Phone comes out of private beta and is available to all users of Microsoft's mobile platform. The messaging app has been given the look and feel of an app native to Windows Phone.
Oracle aims to close field service holes with TOA
Oracle picks up developer of field service software to compete in the hotly contested sector. TOA and its intelligent CRM software are now in Oracle's fold.
PlayStation 'Now' in open beta,100 titles available
Sony's PS Now moves into open beta. PS4 owners in the US and Canada will have access to more than 100 games through the streaming subscription service.
U.S. warns retailers of malware striking sales systems
The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team warns of a threat to businesses' point-of-sales systems. Known as Backoff, the hard-to-detect family of malware tools has compromised financial details and other sensitive information in three recorded events over the last year.
Xbox One gets its own subscription service
EA's Access subscription service compliments Microsoft's Games with Gold on Xbox One. Sony says it doesn't believe its customers will be interested in the $5-per-month subscription for EA games.
Cortana going global, arriving in UK ahead of Australia
With the release of alpha and beta versions of its voice-assistant software, Microsoft says its not merely tossing things over a wall. The beta versions of Cortana arrive in China and the UK, with alpha versions soon to follow in Australia and other countries.
Nintendo struggling thanks to sluggish game sales
Nintendo investors aren't gassed by 'Mario Kart 8' sales. Wii U's exclusive titles may be too far off into the future to help.
Instagram quietly debuts messaging app Bolt outside the U.S.
After a storm of speculation with leaked ads, Instagram's Bolt quietly hits app stores for users abroad. The ephemeral messaging app is available to users in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
Xbox One heading overseas, landing in China late September
Microsoft and Chinese partner BesTV announce the Sept. 23 launch of Xbox One in China. That country's gamers have had to wait long enough for the Xbox, but they won't have to wait on a solid selection of games.
Fitbit makes an app just for the Windows phone base
Fitbit brings Windows Phone users into the fold, fully. The wearable tech company's fitness trackers now support direct sync with the Windows Phone OS.
Nvidia Shield tablet is a gaming device for sure
The Nvidia Shield proves good for productivity and is great for gaming. The gaming tablet will help shape the future of video game hardware.
Bolt to Facebook/Instagram: Pick another photo-messaging app name
Bolt calls for Facebook to choose another name for the social networking company's upcoming app. 'Bolt' has already been claimed.
Apple MacBook Pro is cheaper, faster and boasts double the memory
MacBook Pros get better Haswell hardware, memory upgrades and price cuts. With IBM's Broadwell processors still out of reach, Apple offers value to feed the back-to-school surge.
Consumer Reports calls for Toyota Camry Hybrid recall
Toyota's efforts to resolve braking issues in Camry Hybrid cars is good, but not enough, says consumer watchdog. Toyota needs to recall the cars to prevent more crashes, Consumer Reports says.
HP bets big on Hadoop by injecting $50 million in Hortonworks
HP invests in $50 million in Hortonworks' Hadoop-based platform. HP seeks to integrate Hortonwork's open-source, big data platform into its own, in an effort to push Hadoop forward.
