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Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Updated 9:35 PM CST; 03:35 GMT
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TechNN'sTop Stories
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Computer Industry

"HP patches 'critical' flaw in 100 laptop models: HP has released a patch which disables its Info Center shortcut tool, used in 100 different HP laptop models, in an attempt to work around a design flaw." ZDNet Australia 10:30 AM
"Toshiba to join IBM, others on chip development" Reuters 9:53 AM
"Toshiba joins IBM's 'fab club'" EE Times 12:32 PM
"Toshiba borgs into IBM's 32nm alliance: Intel stays outside the tent" The Register 11:53 AM
"IBM demos 'On Demand Workplace'; Will Web 2.0 deliver productivity gains?" ZDNet 11:07 AM
"'Atlas' tools extend Lotus Connections: IBM on Tuesday released Atlas, a software toolset that provides advanced search and analysis functions for its enterprise social networking product, Lotus Connections." IDG News Service 2:12 PM
"Microsoft lets everyone try Windows XP SP3: Release candidate code posted on Microsoft's site for download today" Computerworld 7:29 PM
"MS to bundle 'broken' random number tool in Vista SP1: Developers urged to avoid built-in backdoor" The Register 11:53 AM
"Microsoft unveils 'Titan' CRM update: Dynamics CRM 4.0 released to manufacturing" vnunet.com 11:44 AM
"Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Ready for Download" InternetNews.com 2:37 PM
"How Dell Is (Far Too Much) Like Starbucks" InformationWeek 3:24 PM
"Take heed on AMD's pledges/Commentary: Wall Street doubters may be right to be dubious" MarketWatch 9:51 AM
"Intel to Sell Division Assets to Emcore: Emcore Agrees to Buy Telecom Assets of Intel's Optical Platform Division for $85M" Associated Press 9:55 AM
"Emcore to buy telecom assets of Intel's optical platform unit" Reuters 9:54 AM
"Intel readies 16GB SSD for UMPCs" Reg Hardware 11:50 AM
"Intel introduces ultra-small SSD for handheld devices" DigiTimes 3:54 PM
"Intel goes open source with 'Fibre Channel over Ethernet' package" Network World 2:09 PM
"Intel-Backed Group to Ein Japan WiMax License" IDG News Service 1:25 PM
"Suite Life For Larry Ellison" Forbes.com 9:58 AM
"IT giants celebrate birth of the transistor: Industry reflects on 60th anniversary of invention" vnunet.com 11:43 AM
"U.S. R&D funding faces shortfall: The U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) blasted the U.S. government over the lack of action taken to enhance America's competitiveness in the global economy." EE Times 12:33 PM
"Year End: Congress slow on tech issues in '07: Despite some successes, the past 12 months have been 'a record of neglect' Virginia Representative Bob Goodlatte says" IDG News Service 3:17 PM
"Tech Trends to Watch in 2008" TheStreet.com 9:56 AM
"Top Issues For IT Pros: The War, Terrorism, Internet Regulation, Privacy: Most of the IT workers polled support free trade, a hands-off approach to the Internet, individual responsibility for privacy, and stronger intellectual property protections." InformationWeek 3:01 PM

General Interest

"App support could be the party pooper that spoils the virtualization bash: Virtual server users face a lack of formal support commitments by application developers" Computerworld 9:20 PM
"What's in Store for EBay? Outlook Hazy" Wired 8:56 PM
"Reports: Japan display alliance mulled" Associated Press 8:54 PM
"Best Buy Plugs In To Consumer Desires As Profit Jumps" WSJ.com [Paid Membership Required] 7:46 PM
"IE, Gmail bugs allow hijacking of accounts on public PCs: A bug in Internet Explorer working in conjunction with a flaw in Gmail could allow a malicious user to hijack Gmail accounts" InfoWorld 7:31 PM
"Blade Runner: The Final Cut Arrives" Wired 6:49 PM
"Sun Table Brings Solar Power To Laptops, TVs" Gizmodo 5:29 PM
"Why Nobody Likes a Smart Machine: At a Best Buy store in Midtown Manhattan, Donald Norman was previewing a scene about to be re-enacted in living rooms around the world." New York Times [Free Registration Required] 4:25 PM
"Google plans new Internet encyclopedia" Associated Press 3:57 PM
"Optical zoom to become a standard feature of 5-megapixel camera handsets" DigiTimes 3:54 PM
"Motorola to introduce next-generation Linux-based Ming handsets in 2Q08" DigiTimes 3:54 PM
"'Smart' tires can warn of impending flat" Reuters 2:50 PM
"BGP bug bites Juniper software: Bug lends itself to remote exploitation, could open way for denial-of-service attacks" Network World 2:08 PM
"PC Games Crysis and UT3 Flop: Neither Crysis or UT3 sold more than 100,000 units in their November debut--sign of a PC gaming trend?" GamePro 1:25 PM
"Tech firms call San Jose start-up to get rid of excess inventory" San Jose Mercury News 12:37 PM
"Asus Eee PC as 'hard to get your hands on as a Wii'" Reg Hardware 11:52 AM
"Holiday hit: HD stands for, 'Hot dog!'" USA Today 11:46 AM
"Sony posts PS3 DivX firmware update" Reg Hardware 11:49 AM
"Sony targets iTunes with free downloads" vnunet.com 11:44 AM
"New Lara Croft is 'pure woman': Tomb Raider Underworld to bring greater realism, claims developer" vnunet.com 11:43 AM
"Big Fish, Shrinking Pond: Matsushita Rules Plasma-TV Field, But LCD Gains" WSJ.com [Paid Membership Required] 11:35 AM
"Bloglines Beta: New Features for RSS Power Users" Wired Blogs 11:13 AM
"Browser-based OpenOffice.org released" ZDNet UK 10:29 AM
"Open Source Spring For Java Developers Gets Integration Add-On" InformationWeek 10:18 AM
"Going Public Caps Dream for a Maker of Software" New York Times [Free Registration Required] 10:08 AM
"Nintendo sees strong DS sales, frowns on Wii bundles" Reuters 10:06 AM
"Zipit Wi-Fi Device Adds Text Messaging" Associated Press 10:04 AM
"Best Buy Blows Past Estimates" TheStreet.com 9:45 AM
"Best Buy's profit, sales top views: No. 1 electronics retailer posts much better-than-expected numbers, aided by extra shopping days in November, new store openings." CNNMoney 9:39 AM
"Sprint Hires Telecom Vet Dan Hesse As CEO: Hesse faces a host of challenges, including whether to proceed with Sprint's scheduled $5 billion rollout of WiMax and how to stop customers from defecting." InformationWeek 10:19 AM
"Sprint Nextel Finds CEO" TheStreet.com 9:45 AM
"Sprint Nextel names new CEO: Wireless firm taps Embarq's Daniel Hesse as new president and chief executive, ending a two-month search." Associated Press 9:39 AM

Press Releases

"Cisco Issues Inaugural Report on Global Security Landscape: 2007 Edition Provides Threat Intelligence in Seven Risk Categories, Predictions for Next Year, and Guidance From Company's Top Security Experts" Market Wire 9:51 AM
"Reminder - Cisco to Provide Update on Technology Innovation and Market Drivers for Enterprise Mobility, Including 802.11n" Market Wire 9:51 AM
"Toshiba and IBM Extend Semiconductor Research and Development Collaboration" Market Wire 9:53 AM
"EMCORE to Acquire Telecom Assets of Intel's Optical Platform Division" Business Wire 9:54 AM

Microsoft

"The Year of Office 2007" Microsoft Watch 3:48 PM
"Get stuck in to Visual Studio 2008: LINQ big, better teamwork needed" Reg Developer 11:49 AM
"Microsoft rewards top ISVs: UK vendor among winners of Ingenuity Point competition" vnunet.com 11:44 AM

Government/Law/Politics

"Studios Win in Web Copyright Case" WSJ.com [Paid Membership Required] 8:55 PM
"FCC Votes To Ease Media Ownership Restrictions: The FCC voted Tuesday to loosen media ownership restrictions in the 20 biggest U.S. cities, despite objections from consumer groups and a threat by some U.S. senators to revoke the action." InformationWeek 4:25 PM
"F.C.C. Eases Media Ownership Rule: By the narrowest of margins, the Federal Communications Commission adopted proposals by its chairman to tighten the reins on the cable television industry while loosening 32-year-old restrictions that have prevented a company from owning both a newspaper and a television or radio station in the same city." New York Times [Free Registration Required] 4:25 PM
"It's second round for Nacchio: The defense team for the former Qwest chief executive is expected to zero in on jury instructions." Denver Post 4:02 PM
"Former Qwest CEO's attorney has made winning a habit" Denver Rocky Mountain News 4:00 PM
"Nacchio appeal hearing begins" Denver Post 4:02 PM
"Nacchio appeal in court" Denver Rocky Mountain News 3:59 PM
"Big day for ex-Qwest boss Nacchio" Denver Rocky Mountain News 3:59 PM
"Group focuses on camera phone image quality" EE Times Europe 3:51 PM
"Senate Pulls Telco Immunity Vote: Dodd leads the opposition to legislation that would grant amnesty for telecoms in warrantless wiretapping program." eWeek 3:49 PM
"Microprocessor giants settle with Patriot Scientific: NEC, Panasonic, and Toshiba settle patent case, while AMD and Intel still in court on unfair business practices suit" InfoWorld 3:15 PM
"Turn In A Software Pirate, Collect $500: Anyone who unwittingly buys fake software from an online fraudster can receive up to $500 if they report the scam to the Software & Information Industry Association." InformationWeek 3:00 PM
"Open Source Developers Settle GPL Lawsuit: Networking device manufacturer Xterasys agreed to pay developers an undisclosed sum and comply with the terms of the GNU General Public License." InformationWeek 2:59 PM
"IRobot Gets $286M Army Robotics Contract" Associated Press 2:44 PM
"Brother's Affordable Wireless Laser Printer: The HL-2100 printer series provides wired or wireless monochrome laser printing for the home and home office." Washington Post [Free Registration Required] 1:44 PM
"FTC Settles With Seller of Phone Records: The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has settled a complaint with an online company it says was illegally selling telephone records." IDG News Service 1:24 PM
"Europe urges Google scrutiny: Regulators are pressed to look at privacy issues in deal for DoubleClick." Associated Press 2:16 PM
"Privacy groups: FTC has obligation in Google deal" IDG News Service 2:10 PM
"Google-DoubleClick merger opponents threaten legal action: Coalition says FTC chair has conflict of interest" San Jose Mercury News 12:38 PM
"Brussels mandates Energy Star for green procurement" Channel Register 11:51 AM
"BBFC fights to uphold Manhunt 2 ban: Watchdog seeks judicial review" vnunet.com 11:43 AM
"Industry Seethes As FCC's Martin Sets New Curbs" WSJ.com [Paid Membership Required] 11:33 AM
"iPlayer for Linux wins approval of open sourcers: The Open Source Consortium has welcomed the BBC's move to make its iPlayer online on-demand TV service available for streaming on operating systems other than Microsoft Windows." Silicon.com 10:29 AM

Analysis/Editorial/Help/Opinion

"Gadgets With the Blind in Mind" New York Times: Pogue's Posts [Free Registration Required] 9:23 PM
"Palm Stinks Up Q2: Destroyed By iPhone, RIM" Silicon Alley Insider 7:14 PM
"15 must-have Firefox tricks" Computerworld 2:13 PM
"Study Highlights Realites of Reputation 2.0: More powerful search engines have made it easier to find a match for a personal name search, and the increasing popularity of blogs, YouTube, Flickr, and other similar sites has increased the size of people's digital footprint online, but the new Pew study found that few adults have made identity management a routine part of their online lives." CIO Today 1:45 PM
"Brother's Affordable Wireless Laser Printer: The HL-2100 printer series provides wired or wireless monochrome laser printing for the home and home office." PC Magazine 1:33 PM
"Webcam Nation: Five new webcams promise to capture your smiling mug for all the world (or at least your friends and family) to see." PC Magazine 1:31 PM
"High-Def Players for the Holidays: Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD? Regardless of your choice, you have lots of high-definition player options this holiday season." PC World 1:26 PM
"Catching Hold of Computers Set Free: Businesses Devise Ways to Guard, Manage Laptops That Have Left the Office" WSJ.com [Paid Membership Required] 11:33 AM
"Top 10 Games of 2007" Wired 11:13 AM
"Household cell spending to top land lines: In 2007, U.S. households are likely to have spent more money on cell phones than on traditional land lines for the first time, analysts say." Associated Press 9:38 AM

Acquisitions/Deals/Investments/Mergers

"VCs: Cleantech up but semis down in '08" EE Times 3:51 PM
"Will investors go ga ga over Yangaroo?" The Globe and Mail 3:36 PM
"Google's Wireless Head Departs to Launch Venture Fund: Chris Sacca has served as the public face for many of Google's wireless initiatives." InformationWeek 3:00 PM
"Qualcomm Buys Noise-Reduction Company" IDG News Service 1:25 PM
"300 million on fiber: Expanding high-speed Internet one of Qwest's top goals, CEO Mueller says" Denver Rocky Mountain News 3:59 PM
"Qwest to stay out of television, focus on boosting its network" Bloomberg News 1:12 PM
"Vivendi in Talks to Buy Neuf Cegetel" WSJ.com [Paid Membership Required] 11:33 AM
"NetSuite ready for IPO: Ellison-backed software provider backed is a rival to Salesforce.com" San Jose Mercury News 12:39 PM
"NetSuite raises its target IPO price range: NetSuite Inc. raised the estimated price range of its much-anticipated initial public offering to $16 to $19 from $13 to $16 on Tuesday, in a bullish move ahead of what is viewed as the most notable IPO since VMWare Inc." MarketWatch 9:58 AM
"Software Maker NetSuite Raises Expected Price Range of IPO in a Sign of Strong Demand" Associated Press 9:58 AM
"NetSuite IPO price range raised to $16-$19/shr" Reuters 9:58 AM

Tech Stocks

"Stocks End Rocky Day Higher: Stocks waffled between positive and negative territory Tuesday before closing higher as investors weighed central bank interventions and strong earnings against more fears about the extent of the credit crunch." TheStreet.com 4:28 PM
"Stocks muster gains: Wall Street closes higher in a choppy session as investors weigh earnings from Goldman and Adobe amid worries about the economy." CNNMoney 4:28 PM
"Nasdaq Rebounds Near End of Volatile Day" WSJ.com [Paid Membership Required] 4:28 PM
"Adobe earnings lead early tech sector advance" MarketWatch 9:52 AM
"Asia Markets: Buyers hunt bargains as Asia ends mixed/Sun Hung Kai's shares firm; Centro Properties plunges further" MarketWatch 9:43 AM
"Europe Markets: Banks, autos spark recovery in Europe/UBS, Porsche gain ground; European Central Bank provides short-term funds" MarketWatch 9:43 AM

SectorWatch

BioTech

Broadcasting and Cable

CAD/CAM

Chips

Communication

Communications Equipment

Communications Services

Computers

Computer Services

Consultants and Integrators

Productivity Software

Telecommunication-Cellular

Telecom Equipment

Wireless

Wireless Communications

TechNN Information

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Check out MacSurfer's Headline News for the latest Apple Computer headlines...

Associated Press (Updated 9:35 PM CST)

"Reports: Japan Display Alliance Mulled"
"Apple in Talks to Launch IPhone in Japan"
"On - Demand Video Service MovieBeam Closes"
"Palm Swings to Fiscal 2Q Loss"
"Facebook Settles Text-Messaging Suit"
"Best Buy Profit Soars 52%"
"Tradus Agrees to Be Bought by Naspers"
"IQ Tester Complains About Offers on EBay"
"IRobot Gets $286M Army Robotics Contract"
"Swiss, EBay Stop Sale of Iraqi Treasure"
"Sprint Nextel Names Chief Executive"
"Zipit Wi-Fi Device Adds Text Messaging"
"Cell Phone Spending Surpasses Land Lines" ...

CNET News.com (Updated 9:35 PM CST)

"Earnings alert: Palm losses continue"
"Toshiba to join IBM, others on chip development"
"U.K. government loses data on driving-test candidates"
"Apple plays DoCoMo against Softbank over iPhone launch"
"Take-Two loss shrinks, but outlook falls short"
"Sony Reader felled by the classics" ...
"Singing her way from obscurity to fame on the Net"
"Dad's sale of pot-smoking son's game sparks Web debate"
"Intel: Fewer European start-ups getting funded"

New York Times (Checked 9:35 PM; no changes since 4:25 PM CST)

"F.C.C. Eases Media Ownership Rule"
"Palm Swings to Fiscal 2Q Loss"
"Sprint Nextel Names Chief Executive"
"Facebook Settles Text-Messaging Suit"
"Why Nobody Likes a Smart Machine"
"Best Buy Profit Soars 52%"
"Object-Oriented Objects at N.Y.U."
"Phishers Pinch Billions From Consumers' Pockets"
"Ticketmaster and N.F.L. Ink Ticket Resale Deal"
"Going Public Caps Dream for a Maker of Software" ...

Reuters (Checked 9:35 PM; no changes since 2:50 PM CST)

"Apple plays DoCoMo against Softbank over iPhone"
"Nintendo says Wii shortages hurt planning"
"Toshiba to join IBM, others on chip development"
"'Smart' tires can warn of impending flat"
"Sprint names Embarq chief as new CEO"
"Army Knife innovates to stay Swiss-made"
"Nanosolar starts sales of cheaper solar panels"
"TomTom says map customers' trade secrets protected"
"Bankinter and KPN in mobile, banking services deal"

TechWeb (Checked 9:35 PM; no changes since 4:25 PM CST)

"Leopard Sets Operating System Sales Records For Apple"
"FCC Votes To Ease Media Ownership Restrictions"
"Apple Patches Safari and Core Mac OS X Components"
"Mobile Messaging Traffic Grows Faster Than Revenue"
"Top Issues For IT Pros: The War, Terrorism, Internet Regulation, Privacy"
"Retirees Seldom Move Assets"
"Quickoffice Supports Office 2007 Files On Symbian Smartphones"
"Google's Wireless Head Departs to Launch Venture Fund"
"Turn In A Software Pirate, Collect $500"
"Hyperic Expands Open-Source SOA And Java Management" ...

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