Author Archives: Drew Gannon

About 747 days ago Blogging and Social Media | Telecom and Wireless

Google, Facebook Consider Buying Skype

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Still flirting with the idea of an IPO, Skype may enter courtships with two of the technology world’s biggest suitors, Facebook and Google. Reuters broke the story yesterday that both Facebook and Google are considering deals with the web video-conferencing service based on two unnamed sources. One source confirmed the two companies’ discussions of a joint venture with Skype; the other confirmed that Facebook’s Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has been involved in internal conversations about such a deal. READ MORE »

About 748 days ago Blogging and Social Media | Video

Google Chrome a Vehicle for Hope

In response to an alarming number of bully-inspired suicides, columnist Dan Savage started the It Gets Better Project last September and encouraged others to create videos imploring America’s LGBT youth to persevere through the most difficult period of their life. Thousands of individuals, companies, and universities have now contributed to the viral campaign, and it’s still going strong. Last week, Apple shared a video of inspirational employee testimonials. This week, Google Chrome threw its hat in the ring as well. READ MORE »

About 749 days ago Tablets and eReaders

Amazon Starts Building Tablet PC

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Not to be left behind by other technology giants, Amazon is jumping on the tablet bandwagon. Sources confirmed to DigiTimes today that Quanta Computer, a Taiwan-based notebook maker, has received OEM orders from Amazon for their own tablet PC. Set to start shipping as soon as the second half of 2011, this device’s peak season monthly orders are expected to reach between 700,000 and 800,000 orders. READ MORE »

About 750 days ago Blogging and Social Media | Location-based services

The Role of Location-Based Services in the 2012 Elections

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No one “checked in” when Obama won the presidential election and gave his acceptance speech in Chicago’s Grant Park. That’s because in 2008, Foursquare didn’t exist. The frontrunner of location-based apps wasn’t introduced until 2009 and didn’t gain major recognition for another year. Now, despite the newness of the technology, Mashable‘s Todd Wasserman predicts that location-based apps will change the face of the 2012 election, primarily by inspiring (and peer pressuring) more voters to hit the polls. Whether checking in will actually boost voting numbers is unclear. READ MORE »

About 750 days ago PCs, Laptops, and Notebooks

Apple to Upgrade iMacs

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An updated model of iMac computers are expected to go on sale tomorrow, predicts AppleInsider, based on recent activity in Cupertino. Apple is currently updating various operating segments most likely to ensure a smooth product roll out. On the retail side, sources also confirm a “visual night” at Apple stores tonight, in which Apple employees work after hours to prepare a new product for sale. READ MORE »

About 753 days ago Blogging and Social Media | Web Hosting

Record Numbers Stream Royal Wedding

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While guests were not allowed to tweet at the royal nuptials, Windsor enthusiasts and curious fans around the world used other technological advances to watch Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding ceremony live this morning. Mashable reported that at 6 a.m. the ceremony drew a record-breaking 300,000 concurrent viewers on Livestream. READ MORE »

About 754 days ago Internet and Online Business

LetsLunch Takes on New York

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Gone are the days when lunch breaks were a hour relief from the strains and pains of the nine to five workday. Thanks to LetsLunch, a business networking service that links compatible people for lunch dates, so you can continue working on your rolodex even while you eat. LetsLunch launched in February and TechCrunch reports that the company hits the mean street of New York today. READ MORE »

About 754 days ago Cloud Computing

Apple Rumored to Buy iCloud Domain

Is iTunes moving to the cloud? In rumors today Apple has purchased the domain iCloud.com, a move most likely tied to their plans for a cloud-based music service. GigaOM’s Om Malik broke the story this morning, after receiving a tip that Apple purchased the domain for $4.5 million. While no evidence has confirmed the deal actually occurred, TechCrunch posted an email from the former iCloud (now CloudMe) evasive enough to say nothing substantial, while still fueling the fire for continued speculation. Still, if the rumors are true, Apple will have yet another iProduct to add to its collection. Read more from GigaOM.

About 755 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks | Tablets and eReaders

Chained Down by Your Desktop?

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With the invention of smartphones and tablets, workers are no longer chained to their desks. Unfortunately, their desktops still are. With a touch of a button, the iPad’s remote desktop apps allow you to view and use your computer’s files and applications whether you are abroad, at home, or anywhere in between. “It’s a window,” says Bill French, founder of iPad CTO, an online adviser of Apple’s tablet for c-level executives. “Your iPad is a window to your desktop.” READ MORE »

About 755 days ago Data Security | Smartphones and PDAs

Apple Sets the Record Straight on iPhone Location Tracking

This morning, Apple responded to the recent controversy surrounding iPhones storing location data by issuing a question and answer-based statement. Apple declares it has never nor will ever track the location of its customers’ iOS devices. READ MORE »