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Submission + - Google Testing Smart Appliance, Would Compete with Nest Thermostat

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: Google is currently testing a web-connected thermostat, similar to the popular Nest Thermostat, according to The Information. The device would display energy usage details, and allow user's to control it from a web app. This actually marks the second time Google has ventured into home energy, after their PowerMeter web app that was shut down in 2011. Web connected devices could allow Google access to a treasure trove of data on people's daily habits and routines.

Submission + - Dell Bets $16M on Security Firm Invincea 1

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: Dell has invested $16M in cyber security firm Invincea, according to the Wall Street Journal. Invincea makes the FreeSpace software that is bundled onto Dell's business laptops and tablet offerings. Unlike traditional anti-virus software that seeks to identify and then patch vulnerabilities, FreeSpace creates virtual "containers" on the computer and runs highly-targeted programs like Microsoft Office and web browsers inside of them. If it detects malware, the software then seals it inside the container, where it can't spread (and where it can be analyzed by Invincea). The investment is likely designed to develop Dell's enterprise software offerings.

Submission + - FDA Not Convinced Antibacterial Soaps Stop the Spread of Germs (washingtonpost.com) 5

Submitted by barlevg
barlevg writes: It's long been a concern that the widespread use of antibacterials soaps is contributing towards the evolution of drug-resistant "superbugs," but as the Washington Post reports, the Food and Drug Administration also does not believe that there is any evidence to support that the antibacterial agents in soaps are any more effective at killing germs than simply washing with soap and water. Under the terms of a proposal under consideration, the FDA will require that manufacturers making such claims will have to show proof. If they fail to do so, they will be required to change their marketing or even stop selling the products altogether.

The Washington Post cites concerns that triclosan interferes with hormone production, but it should be noted that is is based on animal studies, and that at least one human study has shown no effect on hormone levels in adults using toothpaste containing triclosan.

Submission + - Google Makes it Harder for Marketers to Collect User Data

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: In a seemingly minor update, Google announced that all Gmail images will now be cached on their own servers, before being displayed to users. This means that users won't have to click to download images in every email now — they'll just automatically be shown. For marketers, however, the change has serious implications. Because each user won't download the images from a third-party server, marketers won't be able to see open-rates, log IP addresses, or gather information on user location and browser type. Google says the changes are intended to enhance user privacy and security.

Submission + - Amazon Uses Robots to Speed Up Human "Pickers" in Fulfillment Centers

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: The WSJ, combing through Amazon's Q3 earnings report, found that the company is currently using 1,400 robots across three of their fulfillment centers. The machines are made by Kiva Systems (a company acquired by Amazon last year), and help to warehouses more efficient by bringing the product shelves to the workers. The workers then select the right item from the shelf, box it, and place it on the conveyor line, while another shelf is brought. The management software that runs the robots can speed or slow down item pacing, reroute valuable orders to more experienced workers, and redistribute workloads to prevent backlogs.

Submission + - Apple Launches Customer Tracking Program in 254 Stores

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: Apple is launching its iBeacon program across all their US stores today, reports Venturebeat. Customers who enter Apple stores — provided they have an iPhone 4S or later — will receive a notification asking if Apple can track them in the store. Some of the messages a customer might receive include notifications about their phone upgrade eligibility, or prompts to purchase accessories, depending on their location. This marks the first wide-scale usage of iBeacon, which is also compatible with Android 4.3 devices.

Submission + - In three years, nearly 45% of all the servers will ship to cloud providers (computerworld.com)

Submitted by dcblogs
dcblogs writes: IDC expects that anywhere from 25% to 30% of all the servers shipped next year will be delivered to cloud services providers. In three years, 2017, nearly 45% of all the servers leaving manufacturers will be bought by cloud providers. The shift is slowing the purchase of server sales to enterprise IT. The increased use of SaaS is a major reason for the market shift, but so is virtualization to increase server capacity. Data center consolidations are eliminating servers as well, along with the purchase of denser servers capable of handling larger loads. The increased use of cloud-based providers is roiling the server market, and is expected to help send server revenue down 3.5% this year, according to IDC.

Submission + - Anti Patent-Troll Legislation Passes US House of Representatives

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: The Innovation Act passed the House this afternoon 325-91, garnering support from a majority of both parties. The legislation is aimed at making it harder for mass patent-infringement lawsuits to be filed by shell companies, often known as patent-trolls. Key features of the bill include a provision that requires all parties who stand to benefit financially from such lawsuits to be named (taking away the anonymity these companies hide behind), and a measure that would require lawsuits to detail exactly how the patent was being infringed upon. The bill will now move to the Senate.

Submission + - Snapchat Steals Instagram Exec, Focuses on Building Business Model

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: Snapchat announced to AllThingsD today that Emily White, the director of business operations at Instagram, will be joining them as Chief Operating Officer. She'll assume the number-two position at the company, and will be tasked with creating a revenue stream for Snapchat using a mix of in-app purchases and advertising. She previously oversaw the recent introduction of advertising to Instagram, and worked on Facebook mobile-partnerships before that.

Submission + - Swarm Mobile Offers Free Wifi In Exchange for Tracking Customers

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: Startup Swarm Mobile intends to help physical retailers counter online shopping habits by collecting data on their customer's actions. Swarm's platform integrates with store's Wifi networks in order to monitor what exactly customers are doing while shopping. In exchange for collecting analytics, shoppers get access to free internet. Swarm then send reports to the store owners, detailing how many customers checked prices online, or compared rival products on their phones. Their platform also allows stores to directly send discount codes or coupons to shopper's phones.

Submission + - Over 20% of Online Black Friday Sales Came From Mobile Devices

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: According to IBM's latest Data Benchmark report, 21.8% of all online Black Friday sales were made from mobile devices. Mobile traffic, meanwhile, accounted for 39.7% of all Black Friday traffic. Interestingly, iOS users accounted for 18.1% of online sales, while Android users accounted for just 3.5%. The data come from IBM's real-time monitoring over 800 U.S. online retailers. The report also notes that tablets generated less traffic than smartphones, but accounted for almost twice the number of sales. Overall, online sales for Black Friday grew 18.9% year-over-year.

Submission + - BlackBerry's CFO, CMO, and COO Leave Company

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: In a pretty major executive shakeup, BlackBerry's Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Operating Officer have all left the company. It's unclear whether the changes were brought about by new interim-CEO John Chen in order to facilitate company change, or represent an abandon-ship style exit after BlackBerry's failed bid to go private. The company announced that the CFO position would be filled by current SVP James Yersch, but gave no word on the other vacancies.

Submission + - Shake Wants to Let Users Create Legal Documents on their Phone

Submitted by cagraham
cagraham writes: Shake, a new mobile startup, just closed a $3M funding round, according to VentureBeat. The company's goal is to democratize legal documents, by letting users create and sign contracts entirely from their smartphones. The app is currently targeted at freelancers and small businesses, although their CEO says they have enterprise plans in the works. Whether or not they can easily expand into other states outside New York, and whether businesses trust their legal bonafides, will likely determine the company's success. Before founding Shakes, CEO Abe Gieger worked at venture capital firm Canaan Partners.

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