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Latest by J. Van Camp

Microsoft exec thinks tablets may be a fad, talks of new laser retina display

Microsoft's chief research and strategy officer, Craig Mundie, spoke about the future he sees for portable devices, mobile devices, and tablets. And he takes time to tell us about a new laser retina display that can make a mobile screen look as big as an HDTV.

Microsoft developing mobile payments system for Windows Phone

According to sources, Microsoft is joining Google and Apple in the race to integrate NFC mobile payments technology into its smartphone platform, Windows Phone.

Europe is the most connected, but mobile phone use is rising around the world

Nokia has created a graphic that shows the penetration rates of mobile phones around the world. Europe leads the pack, but the Americas aren't far behind.
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Amazon Cloud Player and Drive review: Not for music lovers

Amazon Cloud Player and Cloud Drive allow users users stream music and access files directly from the Internet. Unfortunately, the service is gimped by some odd bugs and feature omissions.

Robot ‘quadrocopters’ play a real life game of Pong

Researchers in Switzerland have created flying robot quadrocopters capable of responding fast enough to juggle and bounce a ball back and forth with one another.

Google picks Kansas City for its new gigabit fiber network

Kansas City, Kansas will be the first city to get a full gigabit fiber network installed, Google announced today.

Scientists show off a robot that can rebuild itself

Researchers have designed new robots capable of independently moving and combining to create a larger robot. Video of the moving joints inside.

Desperately need a girlfriend? Buy a ‘cloud girlfriend’ instead

For the lazier geek, a new startup is offering to create an ideal girlfriend for anybody willing to pay. She'll chat with you on Facebook or Twitter, boosting your own chances at scoring a real girl.

Intel announces 600GB solid-state drives, doubling capacity in a year

Today, Intel announced its third generation of SSD, the 320 series, which now goes up to 600GB, doubling the capacity of its models one year ago.

Hands-on: Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 are slick but slow

I spent some time with Samsung's Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1, but came away with mixed feelings. While the redesigned tablets look impressive, using them was not as fun as it could have been.

‘Artificial leaf’ mimics photosynthesis, could power an entire house

Scientists in Massachusetts have developed a working "artificial leaf" that uses solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, producing power.

Your next car will be made of pineapples and bananas

Scientists have developed a new super-strong fiber from the stems and leaves of fruits like pineapples, bananas, and coconuts. The fiber is so strong, it may be integrated into automotive plastics in as little as two years.

Angry Birds movie trailer from visionary director Michael Bay

Rooster Teeth has taken its stab at what an Angry Birds movie might be like. Will you save the eggs and kill the birds, or let the swine win?

Microsoft apologizes for Windows Phone update mess

Microsoft's Windows Phone update mess has gotten so bad that senior members of the team have begun commenting on the developer site. Joe Belfiore apologizes for the problems.

Nintendo 3DS NYC launch attracts a two-dimensional crowd

Nintendo's 3DS launch event in New York City was well planned and executed, but failed to draw big crowds for the Big N's newest handheld. Our pictures and impressions.

Hands-on with the HTC Flyer (Sprint EVO View 4G), a surprisingly useful 7-inch tablet

I spent some time with HTC's new Flyer tablet (also known as the EVO View 4G on Sprint) and walked away impressed. Using a custom version of Android Gingerbread, HTC has brought a compelling, unique tablet experience in a small, 7-inch form factor.

T-Mobile LG G-Slate: Decent tablet, but red & blue 3D is terrible

T-Mobile and LG's new G-Slate tablet has some solid features, but its defining one, 3D, is poorly executed and uses 3D technology out of the 1950s.

T-Mobile G2x: hands-on with LG’s HDMI Mirroring Android phone

The T-Mobile G2x by LG is a solid new dual-core Android phone, but we're very impressed with its HDMI Mirroring, which lets users instantly stream content to an HDTV. CTIA impressions inside.
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Samsung unveils new iPad-thin Galaxy Tab models

At its CTIA "Unpacked" event today, Samsung showed off a refreshed, thinner Galaxy Tab 10.1 and its brand new Galaxy Tab 8.9 as well as pricing/availability for both.

CTIA roundtable: Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T talk data and argue over T-Mobile

This morning, the heads of all three major carriers joined Jim Cramer of CNBC for a live roundtable on the state of the wireless industry and, of course, the purchase of T-Mobile by AT&T.
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Samsung shows iTunes-like social, reading, music, media, business ‘Hubs’ for Galaxy Tabs

In addition to announcing new tablets at CTIA, Samsung also showed off a whole suite of apps, services, and business features for its Galaxy Tab and Galaxy S devices.

iPad 2 problems: What users complain about the most

Whether you're experiencing iPad 2 problems and issues yourself and need solutions, or just want to know what users complain about most before you buy, we've got the rundown on what to look out for.

Anonymous strikes? Teen cancels birthday and calls police after 214,000 guests RSVP on Facebook

After a sweet 16 party went viral on Facebook and resulted in criminal charges, Australian investigators are wondering if internet hacking/pranking group Anonymous is involved.
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Internet Explorer 9 review: Now with more Chrome

Microsoft has released Internet Explorer 9, the most Chrome-like version of IE we can imagine. Luckily, Redmond also copied the best features of Chrome: its flexibility and speed.
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Death of the mouse: How eye-tracking technology could save the PC

First it was the mouse, then touch control, then motion. On Friday, we got our hands on Tobii's new eye-tracking laptop, which could potentially eliminate the need for the mouse by keeping tabs on what you're looking at with astounding accuracy.

NASA photos show flooded coast after Japan tsunami

NASA has released two photographs showing the damage done by the 8.9 magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan last week.

No NFC for iPhone 5, Apple tells carriers

Reports from the UK indicate that the iPhone 5 may not include support for near-field communications technology, a new wireless payment system that could turn your phone into a credit card.

iPad 2 launch attracts thousands in New York City

Apple has upped the game for successful product launches. Due to its 5 p.m. debut time, the iPad 2 drew a crowd of thousands during its launch in NYC.
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Ultimate iPad 2 buyer’s guide: How to buy on launch day

Hoping to score an iPad 2 on launch day? We've got the ultimate buyer's guide to help you figure out which model you want and find the best place to buy it.

Man turns NES into an 8GB flash drive

Done playing Tetris on the NES? Well, why not turn that game into an 8GB flash drive complete with NES port? Sounds good to us!

iPad 2: Verizon & AT&T data prices revealed

Verizon and AT&T have both revealed data pricing for the iPad 2, and there are a few surprises!

Samsung Stealth 4G to hit Verizon April 14

We've got a tentative release date and tech specs for Samsung's Stealth 4G LTE phone. New pictures included.

Wi-Fi is 30 percent slower than wired broadband

A new study shows that Wi-Fi connections are usually about 30 percent weaker than their wired counterparts.

Microsoft delays Windows Phone copy/paste update

Microsoft has quietly announced a short delay for its Windows Phone 7 update. The new update will come before the end of March.