Woman in Hewlett-Packard scandal reveals identity, says she’s “saddened” by CEO’s ouster

Woman in HP scandal “saddened” by CEO’s ouster

SAN FRANCISCO – The woman at the center of the sexual harassment claim that forced the resignation of Hewlett-Packard Co. CEO Mark Hurd revealed her identity Sunday and said she is “surprised and saddened” that Hurd lost his job.
Jodie Fisher, 50, knew Hurd through her contract jobs with … Read more : Woman in Hewlett-Packard scandal reveals identity, says she’s “saddened” by CEO’s ouster.

Bahrain’s top diplomat says BlackBerry security fears don’t warrant ban in Gulf island state

Bahrain says no plans to ban BlackBerry services

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Bahrain’s foreign minister says the country has no plans to follow its Persian Gulf neighbors in banning some BlackBerry services because security fears do not outweigh the technological benefits.
Sheik Khaled bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told The Associated Press the devices raise legitimate security …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bahrain’s top diplomat says BlackBerry security fears don’t warrant ban in Gulf island state.

Ten Different Ways You can Look After the Safety of Your Socially Networked Kids Without Using Spy Software

Usually, concerned parents install spy-on-your-kids software on the kids’ computer and monitor remotely as the kids interact on Facebook, Twitter and other sites to make sure that they do not practice any irresponsible behavior. Unfortunately, these type of software doesn’t address real life scenario. There is also valid reason behind that rationale. Suppose, they …. Original article  : Ten Different Ways You can Look After the Safety of Your Socially Networked Kids Without Using Spy Software.

Saudi Arabia says phone companies have until Monday to test BlackBerry compliance, avert ban

Saudi gives firms time to test BlackBerry system

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Saudi Arabia’s telecom regulator is giving mobile operators more time to finalize a deal to allow BlackBerry messaging to continue, staving off a ban of the service in the Arab world’s largest economy.
Officials have told The Associated Press that device maker Research in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Saudi Arabia says phone companies have until Monday to test BlackBerry compliance, avert ban.

Saudi regulator, citing “positive developments,” says BlackBerry Messenger service to continue

Saudi to continue BlackBerry service
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications regulator on Tuesday said it would allow BlackBerry services to continue in the kingdom, citing “positive developments” with the device’s Canadian manufacturer.
The Communications and Information Technology Commission’s announcement staves off, at least temporarily, a potential ban of Research in Motion Ltd.’s … Read more : Saudi regulator, citing “positive developments,” says BlackBerry Messenger service to continue.

Browns coach Eric Mangini warns players about dangers of social media sites after vulgar Tweet

Mangini cautions Browns about social networking
BEREA, Ohio – The only loud tweets Browns coach Eric Mangini wants to hear about are the ones coming out of his whistle.
Mangini talked to Cleveland’s players on Monday about the pitfalls of social media sites after Browns cornerback Brandon McDonald recently posted a vulgar message directed at … Read more >>.

Novell cuts fiscal 3rd-quarter outlook, now expects up to $199 million in revenue

Novell lowers fiscal 3rd-quarter outlook
WALTHAM, Mass. – Networking software maker Novell Inc. on Monday cut its fiscal third-quarter revenue outlook, saying customer jitters over the company’s possible sale are hurting sales.

Novell now expects revenue of $197 million to $199 million for the three months that ended July 31. The company previously predicted revenue of $205 … Read more »».

Tax preparer H&R Block names former eBay executive William Cobb to board

H&R Block names former eBay executive to board

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – H&R Block on Monday said it had elected a former eBay Inc. executive to its board.
William R. Cobb served as president of the online auctioneer’s U.S. marketplaces division. He also worked as general manager of eBay International, and prior to that was head of …. Read the original article  : here.

Symantec closes $1.28 billion acquisition of VeriSign unit

Symantec closes purchase of VeriSign unit
DULLES, Va. – Computer security company Symantec Corp. has closed its $1.28 billion acquisition of a unit of VeriSign Inc. that sells security technology to websites, the companies said on Monday.

The deal was first announced on May 19.
The unit division Symantec is buying sells “certificates” to websites that want protection …. Source article  : Symantec closes $1.28 billion acquisition of VeriSign unit.

Verizon, Google outline vision on Internet traffic; extra charges OK for premium services

Verizon, Google outline vision on Internet traffic
WASHINGTON – Phone and cable TV companies that provide Internet access should be barred from slowing down, blocking or charging to prioritize Internet traffic flowing over their regular broadband lines, Verizon Communications Inc. and Google Inc. said in a policy statement released Monday.
But the companies … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Verizon, Google outline vision on Internet traffic; extra charges OK for premium services.

Hewlett-Packard shares tumble in first trading day after CEO Mark Hurd’s sudden departure

Hewlett-Packard shares tumble after CEO shakeup

NEW YORK – Shares of Hewlett-Packard Co. tumbled in heavy trading Monday following CEO Mark Hurd’s sudden forced resignation from the world’s largest technology company.
Hurd stepped down from the post Friday following allegations that he falsified expense reports to conceal a relationship with a former contractor.
HP’s shares fell $3.70, or … Read more : Hewlett-Packard shares tumble in first trading day after CEO Mark Hurd’s sudden departure.

Smoothies, frappes offer McDonald’s sales jolt in hot July; shares touch all-time high

Summary Box: McDonald’s summer of smoothies
SMOOTHIES AND JAVA: McDonald’s rode the launch of its new fruit smoothies and strong sales of its coffee drinks to its best monthly U.S. sales performance in more than a year in July. Around the world, sales at restaurants open at least 13 months rose 7 percent.
BEATING THE …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Smoothies, frappes offer McDonald’s sales jolt in hot July; shares touch all-time high.

MediaMind expects to raise about $73 million in initial public offering

MediaMind expects to raise about $73M in IPO

NEW YORK – Digital advertising company MediaMind Technologies Inc. plans to plans to raise about $73 million in an initial public offering this week.
The New York City-based company, previously called Eyeblaster, plans to offer 5 million shares for $14 to $16 each, according to a regulatory filing. Underwriters … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : MediaMind expects to raise about $73 million in initial public offering.

MetroPCS shares slip after Bernstein downgrade, analyst warns going gets tougher

MetroPCS shares slide after downgrade
NEW YORK – Shares of MetroPCS Communications Inc. slipped Monday after Bernstein Research analyst Craig Moffett downgraded the pre-paid wireless service provider.

THE SPARK: Moffett said MetroPCS has done very well recently, with its shares performing better than its rivals’ thanks to the solid execution of its strategy of providing low-cost services, … Read : MetroPCS shares slip after Bernstein downgrade, analyst warns going gets tougher.

FDA issues advisory about devices meant to trap deadly blood clots; 900 problems reported

FDA clot device advisory tells of patients’ risks

CHICAGO – Medical filters that stop blood clots from reaching the lungs can move or break and cause life-threatening problems for patients, the government and a medical journal report said Monday.
In an advisory to doctors and patients, the Food and Drug Administration said it has received more than …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : FDA issues advisory about devices meant to trap deadly blood clots; 900 problems reported.

How to Improve the Security of Your Mobile Banking

Mobile banking helps consumers better conveniences and offers efficient way to monitor the account activity. However, there are widespread consumer fraud globally in the area of mobile banking. as per Technology Credit Union, a Silicon Valley credit union who are the leader in online and mobile banking technology. The IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) …. Original source  : How to Improve the Security of Your Mobile Banking.

Cisco fiscal 4th-qtr results take time machine back to before recession

Earnings Preview: Cisco results back to 2008’s

NEW YORK – Cisco Systems Inc., the world’s largest maker of computer networking equipment, reports its fiscal fourth-quarter results after the stock market closes Wednesday.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: As a maker of big-ticket capital equipment, Cisco’s sales were hit hard by the recession. It has seen business come roaring …. Read the original article  : Cisco fiscal 4th-qtr results take time machine back to before recession.

L-3 Communications acquires Airborne Technologies for undisclosed sum

L-3 Communications acquires Airborne Technologies

NEW YORK – Defense contractor L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. said Monday that it has acquired Airborne Technologies, which helps make unmanned aircraft, for an undisclosed sum.
L-3 said the deal was structured as an asset purchase for income tax purposes. Airborne Technologies is expected to generate $20 million of sales for 2010.
The …. Original source  : L-3 Communications acquires Airborne Technologies for undisclosed sum.

P != NP Proved By Vinay Deolalikar

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — One of the most complex problems of computer science and technology gets solved. Vinay Deolalikar has produced a paper that claims to prove P does not equal NP. He is a well known researcher in networks and complexity theory from HP Labs.

What is more interesting is that there is …. Read the original article  : P != NP Proved By Vinay Deolalikar.

Analysts express some optimism about Hewlett-Packard after CEO Hurd’s surprise resignation

Ahead of the Bell: Hewlett-Packard
NEW YORK – “Still a ‘Buy’” is how one analyst summed up his sentiment on Hewlett-Packard Co. following CEO Mark Hurd’s stunning resignation Friday following allegations that he falsified expense reports to conceal a relationship with a former contractor.

Investors seemed to agree, pushing shares of the world’s largest technology company up … Read more : Analysts express some optimism about Hewlett-Packard after CEO Hurd’s surprise resignation.

The Security Concern of Smartphone is on the Rise

Computer security firms like Symantec and different Government agencies from Germany and France reported that potential hackers can use the vulnerabilities in Apple’s software used in the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch to embed a??malicious code through a specific PDF file so that they will be able to spy on users’ … Read more >>.

MTV selects its first-ever Twitter jockey: 23-year-old Chicago fashion blogger Gabi Gregg

MTV selects its first-ever Twitter jockey
NEW YORK – MTV has named 23-year-old Gabi Gregg its first “Twitter Jockey.”
Gregg won the position Sunday night after a nationwide vote.
The TJ position is the updated version of the network’s VJ job, and Gregg will report on pop culture news using Twitter, Facebook, blogs and MTV’s website.
Gregg …. Source  : MTV selects its first-ever Twitter jockey: 23-year-old Chicago fashion blogger Gabi Gregg.

Antivirus Software Launched By Kaspersky Lab

MOSCOW, RUSSIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Those who are looking for an affordable ye effective protection for their PC and laptops in India have something to look forward to. Kaspersky Lab has launched its latest version of anti virus and internet security software for the Indian users. The 2011 versions of Kaspersky Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security … Read more >>.

Avago Technologies to sell 26.8 million shares in secondary offering by existing shareholders

Avago Technologies holders to offer 26.8M shares

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Avago Technologies Ltd. on Tuesday said it plans to sell 24.8 million shares in a secondary offering.
All of the shares are being sold by existing stockholders, the chipmaker said.
The underwriters will have a 30-day option to purchase up to 3.7 million more shares from existing … Read more »»».

Avago Technologies narrows fiscal 3rd-qtr outlook; now expects $550M revenue, tops Street view

Avago Technologies narrows fiscal 3Q revenue view

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Chip maker Avago Technologies Ltd. on Tuesday narrowed its guidance for fiscal third quarter revenue, but the new forecast remains above Wall Street expectations.
Avago said it now expects revenue for the three months ended Aug. 1 to be about $550 million.
Previously, the company said it …. Original article  : Avago Technologies narrows fiscal 3rd-qtr outlook; now expects $550M revenue, tops Street view.

Ambac Financial, Intel, Fossil, Grand Canyon Education among big market movers Tuesday

Ambac Financial, Intel, Fossil big market movers

NEW YORK – Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market:
NYSE
Gartner Inc., up $2.67 at $28.23
The information technology research firm posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit and raised its forecast for the year.
Ambac Financial Group Inc., down 20 cents to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ambac Financial, Intel, Fossil, Grand Canyon Education among big market movers Tuesday.

Marquee deal: Netflix to pay nearly $1 billion to stream movies from Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM

Netflix to stream Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM movies
LOS ANGELES – Netflix Inc. will pay nearly $1 billion during the next five years for the online streaming rights to movies from Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM in a deal that could help Netflix attract even more subscribers.
The agreement announced Tuesday marks another breakthrough in Netflix’s bid …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Marquee deal: Netflix to pay nearly $1 billion to stream movies from Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM.

Worries about weak back-to-school PC demand hurts shares of chipmakers Intel, AMD, Nvidia

Intel, other chip makers suffer on PC sales fears
SAN FRANCISCO – Shares of chipmakers Intel Corp., Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and Nvidia Corp. dropped Tuesday as analysts said demand for computers looks shaky heading into the all-important back-to-school season.
The stocks tumbled as J.P. Morgan analyst Christopher Danely warned investors that personal computer orders … Read more »».

Almost Half of the Student Notebook Buyers Go for Mac

According to the new survey by Student Monitor this weekend, almost half of the college students are planning to buy Macs as their notebook purchase plan. Out of the 87 percent of prospective buyers, 47 percent are keen to get some type of MacBook. This is an all-time high number for [..] Read the original article: here.

Goldman Sachs upgrades Akamai, downgrades Nuance after disappointing quarter

Goldman Sachs upgrades Akamai in place of Nuance

NEW YORK – Shares of Nuance Communications Inc. took a hit Tuesday after the speech-recognition and digital imaging software maker posted disappointing results for its fiscal third quarter and was downgraded by Goldman Sachs.
Meanwhile, analyst Derek R. Bingham upgraded Akamai Technologies Inc. to “Buy” from “Neutral” and said … Read more »».

IT research firm Gartner says it will repurchase up to $500 million outstanding shares

Gartner plans to buy back up to $500M in shares

STAMFORD, Conn. – Information technology research firm Gartner Inc. plans to buy back up to $500 million of its common stock under a newly authorized repurchase plan.
The company said Tuesday it will use cash and possibly debt to pay for the stock. The buyback will boost …. Original source  : IT research firm Gartner says it will repurchase up to $500 million outstanding shares.

Gartner hits high after firm posts strong 2nd-qtr results, raises forecast, announces buyback

Gartner shares hit high on strong 2Q, buyback plan

STAMFORD, Conn. – Shares of Gartner Inc. hit a year-high on Tuesday after the information technology research firm posted better-than-expected second-quarter profit.
The company also raised its earnings and revenue forecast for the year, and said it will buy back $500 million in shares.
The stock reached $28.58 before … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gartner hits high after firm posts strong 2nd-qtr results, raises forecast, announces buyback.

As Saudi and UAE cite BlackBerry security threat, efforts to clamp down on flow of data seen

Info freedom at center of Gulf’s BlackBerry debate
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The militants who carried out the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, India, used mobile phones and other handheld gadgets to coordinate an assault that left 166 dead.
Cell phones with video cameras helped bring the world the iconic footage of a young … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : As Saudi and UAE cite BlackBerry security threat, efforts to clamp down on flow of data seen.

SAIC will provide IT services to Agriculture Dept. under deal worth up to $52M over 5 years

SAIC gets USDA contract worth up to $52M
McLEAN, Va. – Government contractor Science Applications International Corp. said Tuesday it will provide information technology services to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency under a contract worth about $52 million over five years.

SAIC said the contract is for one year with options to renew in [..] Read the original article: here.

Human rights groups ask WikiLeaks to censor files, remove names of Afghans put at risk

Human rights groups ask WikiLeaks to censor files

LONDON – Human rights groups said Tuesday they’ve asked WikiLeaks to censor secret files on the Afghanistan war to protect civilians who’ve worked alongside the U.S. and other foreign forces from reprisals.
The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International and three other groups have sent a series of … Original article on : Human rights groups ask WikiLeaks to censor files, remove names of Afghans put at risk.

Enterprise 2.0 Overshadows Web 2.0 as the Latest Buzz

When Enterprise tools 2.0 first hit the arena, the social networking tools usher a different flavor of collaborative behavior across the enterprises. According to a report by Ovum, the social collaborative tools like profiles, wikis, blogs, microblogs, tagging are widely available in Enterprise 2.0 products and embedded in office productivity and they have made … Read more »»».

Google and Verizon Join Hands for Net Neutrality: Implications Behind Openness

The net neutrality deal by Google and Verizon has created ripples over the future of Internet Services. Google has been the promoter of open standards all through and the new proposal is just another extension. With the proposal, both the companies would be trying to influence regulators and lawmakers in the debate over the …. Read the original article  : Google and Verizon Join Hands for Net Neutrality: Implications Behind Openness.

Google to introduce ‘Street View’ in 20 German cities this year despite privacy concerns

Google to introduce ‘Street View’ in Germany
BERLIN – Google will introduce its “Street View” mapping feature for 20 of Germany’s largest cities before the end of the year, the company announced Tuesday, launching a new debate over privacy in Germany.
German officials have been one of the harshest critics of the “Street View” program, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Yahoo gets a bump with patent infringement verdict

Yahoo heartened by patent verdict
NEW YORK – Yahoo Inc. said it is pleased with a jury verdict that found it did not infringe a patent held by Bright Response LLC.
A U.S. District Court jury in Texas found that Yahoo and Google Inc. did not infringe Bright Response’s patent covering the routing of electronic … Read more : Yahoo gets a bump with patent infringement verdict.

SKorean police raid Google Korea on suspicion of violating communications and privacy laws

SKorea police raid Google over Street View service
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean police investigators raided Google’s Seoul offices on Tuesday on suspicion the Internet search company was illegally gathering personal information for its street mapping service.
Police official Ahn Chang-soo says a cybercrime unit is investigating Google Korea for possibly violating South Korean …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

What would Mom say? NY-based website takes wagers from students on their own grades

Website sponsors gambling on grades at 36 colleges

LAS VEGAS – Think you’re going to ace freshman year? Want to put money on that?
A website called Ultrinsic is taking wagers on grades from students at 36 colleges nationwide starting this term.
Just as Las Vegas sports books set odds on football games, Ultrinsic will pay you top … Read : What would Mom say? NY-based website takes wagers from students on their own grades.

Cox to offer subscribers its video-on-demand content through TiVo Premiere DVR boxes

Cox to offer video-on-demand content through TiVo

SAN FRANCISCO – Digital video recording pioneer TiVo Inc. and cable television provider Cox Communications Inc. are making it easier for Cox subscribers who use TiVo’s DVR boxes to watch Cox’s on-demand video content.
The companies said Thursday that Cox’s video-on-demand library will become accessible on TiVo’s latest DVR, the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cox to offer subscribers its video-on-demand content through TiVo Premiere DVR boxes.

Australia’s Telstra sees 4.7 percent drop in annual profit as more customers switch to mobiles

Australia’s Telstra sees 4.7 pct drop in profits

SYDNEY – Telstra Corp., Australia’s largest telecommunications company, reported a 4.7 percent fall in full-year net profit on Thursday, as Australians continued to drop home telephone lines in favor of mobiles.
The Melbourne-based company’s net profit for the year through June 30 was 3.88 billion Australian dollars ($3.5 billion), … Read : Australia’s Telstra sees 4.7 percent drop in annual profit as more customers switch to mobiles.

Energy Department hands out $21.3M to 15 facilities in 12 states to develop storage technology

DOE awards $21.3M to study CO2 underground storage

LUBBOCK, Texas – U.S. Department of Energy officials on Wednesday announced $21.3 million in funding for facilities to create safe and economical technologies nationwide for storing carbon dioxide in geologic formations.
Assistant Energy Secretary James Markowsky said in a conference call with reporters that the money will develop projects …. Read the original article  : Energy Department hands out $21.3M to 15 facilities in 12 states to develop storage technology.

Minnesota running back Ryan Moats has hand in Madden video game design, his second passion

Minnesota backup Moats has hand in Madden design

MANKATO, Minn. – The video game makers at EA Sports, naturally, hear from plenty of people with ideas and an eagerness to help develop their products.
The offer from Ryan Moats, though, was too good to refuse.
Moats has started his sixth year in the NFL, now with Minnesota after … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Minnesota running back Ryan Moats has hand in Madden video game design, his second passion.

Summary Box: Cisco revenue misses expectations, CEO sees economic uncertainty ahead

Summary Box: Cisco revenue misses expectations

ON THE MEND: Cisco Systems Inc., the world’s largest maker of computer networking gear, said revenue rose 27 percent from a year ago, and net income jumped 79 percent, as business bounced back from the recession.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Analysts had expected even higher revenue after a couple of strong quarters. But …. Original article  : Summary Box: Cisco revenue misses expectations, CEO sees economic uncertainty ahead.

GSI Commerce names new chief technology officer

GSI Commerce hires new chief technology officer

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. – Retail website operator GSI Commerce said Wednesday that it has hired a new chief technology officer.
The company said Scott Proctor will also be head of quality for its global marketing services division.
Proctor was previously an executive at Integrated Services.
… Read more »».

Summary Box: MySpace revamps site in aim to simplify as it prepares for big overhaul

Summary Box: MySpace revamps home page
THE REDESIGN: In simplifying its user home page, MySpace is making users’ stream – the flow of content and updates that’s the center of social networking – wider and more prominent. It is also streamlining other parts of the page, such as recommendations.
THE AIM: The changes are part …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Macy’s, Disney, Kelly Services, Computer Sciences among big market movers Wednesday

Macy’s, Disney, Kelly Services big market movers

NEW YORK – Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market:
NYSE
Macy’s Inc., up $1.14 at $20.52
Macy’s net income surged in the second quarter as the department store chain saw a payoff from its focus on exclusive moderate-price fashions and …. Read the original article  : Macy’s, Disney, Kelly Services, Computer Sciences among big market movers Wednesday.

MySpace takes cue from Facebook, simplifies users’ pages as it prepares for broader overhaul

MySpace to revamp site in aim to simplify
NEW YORK – The once-dominant social network MySpace is revamping its home page. It’s looking a little more like its more popular and populous rival, Facebook, even as it attempts to set itself apart.
In simplifying its user home page, MySpace is making users’ stream wider and …. Original source  : MySpace takes cue from Facebook, simplifies users’ pages as it prepares for broader overhaul.

Cisco income up, but stock down as revenue misses analyst estimate; signs of slowing recovery

Cisco income up, but signs of slowing recovery

NEW YORK – Cisco Systems Inc. reported stronger earnings in the latest quarter as its customers continued to catch up on delayed purchases of networking gear, but its CEO said the company was seeing signs of the economic recovery slowing down.
Shares in the world’s largest maker of computer … Read more : Cisco income up, but stock down as revenue misses analyst estimate; signs of slowing recovery.

Summary Box: Plastic Logic kills Que e-reader before it ships

Summary Box: Plastic Logic yanks Que e-reader

NO MORE: Plastic Logic Ltd. is killing its first e-reader, Que ProReader, before it even ships. It was supposed to be a large, thin, touch-screen-enabled device geared toward business users.
WHAT HAPPENED: The device faced delays, and Plastic Logic says it no longer makes sense to bring the Que to …. Original article  : Summary Box: Plastic Logic kills Que e-reader before it ships.

Trade deficit jumps to highest level in 20 months, feeding fears of slower economic growth

Trade gap likely points to slower economic growth

WASHINGTON – The United States is selling fewer products around the world and spending more on cheap imported goods, an imbalance that hurts the job market at home and means the economy is even weaker than previously thought.
The trade deficit of nearly $50 billion for June is the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Trade deficit jumps to highest level in 20 months, feeding fears of slower economic growth.

John Madden misses broadcasting football, but his video game still thrives

Madden misses TV, but his video game still thrives

WASHINGTON – John Madden misses the broadcast booth.
“I haven’t gotten used to it yet,” he says. It’s been a little over a year since he retired from a 30-year career as a color commentator on NFL games.
“Last year, there was an emptiness,” Madden acknowledges. “When you love … Read : John Madden misses broadcasting football, but his video game still thrives.

Cisco earnings up 79 percent in fourth quarter, stock down as revenue misses analyst estimate

Cisco income up 79 pct, stock down on revenue miss

NEW YORK – Cisco Systems Inc. reported stronger earnings in the latest quarter as its customers continued to catch up on delayed purchases of networking gear, but its CEO said the company was seeing signs of the economic recovery slowing down.
Shares in the world’s largest maker … Read more »»».

Plastic Logic kills Que e-reader before it ships, concentrates on ‘next generation’ e-reader

Plastic Logic yanks Que e-reader from its queue
SAN FRANCISCO – Back in January, a startup called Plastic Logic Ltd. excitedly showed off its Que ProReader: a large, thin, touch-screen-enabled e-reader geared toward business users. The plan was to ship it this year.
But this week, the company said it was killing that device in …. Original source  : Plastic Logic kills Que e-reader before it ships, concentrates on ‘next generation’ e-reader.

Cisco earnings up 79 percent in fourth quarter, revenue misses analyst estimate

Cisco earnings up 79 percent in 4Q
NEW YORK – Cisco Systems Inc. reported revenue for its latest quarter that missed Wall Street expectations, and its stock fell.

The world’s largest maker of computer networking gear said both net income and revenue bounced back from last year’s recession levels, but analysts were expecting even stronger results after … Read more : Cisco earnings up 79 percent in fourth quarter, revenue misses analyst estimate.

Summary Box: Apple takes gulp of Liquidmetal, a strong, glossy new material

Summary Box: Apple takes gulp of glossy material
NEW YORK – THE DEAL: Liquidmetal Technologies Inc., a Caltech spinoff, has granted Apple Inc. a perpetual, exclusive license to use its technology in consumer electronics.
STRONG AND GLOSSY: Liquidmetal can be cast precisely for a glossy finish and resists denting, scratching and scuffing. Although Apple isn’t … Original source on Gaea Times at : Summary Box: Apple takes gulp of Liquidmetal, a strong, glossy new material.

EBay rolling out eBay Bucks shopping reward program to all US users following test phase

EBay rolling out shopping rewards program
SAN FRANCISCO – EBay Inc. is rolling out its eBay Bucks shopping reward program to all U.S. users of its online marketplace.

The program, which had been in a limited “beta” test, gives participants a 2 percent reward on certain items they buy through eBay.com and pay for using eBay’s online …. Original article  : EBay rolling out eBay Bucks shopping reward program to all US users following test phase.

Agency reveals cell phone use by Coast Guard crews during collisions, urges policy

Agency urges Coast Guard policy on cell phone use

LOS ANGELES – A federal agency says crew members on two Coast Guard boats involved in separate collisions last December were using cell phones or similar wireless devices.
The National Transportation Safety Board stressed Wednesday it has not determined the causes of the collisions in San Diego Bay … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Agency reveals cell phone use by Coast Guard crews during collisions, urges policy.

Illinois judge testifies he felt threatened by NJ blogger accused of Internet threats

Judge testifies he felt threatened by NJ blogger

NEW YORK – A federal appeals court judge from Illinois testified Wednesday that he felt threatened by a New Jersey blogger’s inflammatory Internet tirades over a ruling supporting gun control.
The rant against a three-judge panel in Chicago “was a threat of violence,” Judge William Bauer told jurors at … Original source on Gaea Times at : Illinois judge testifies he felt threatened by NJ blogger accused of Internet threats.

PayPal hopes to make it easier to purchase low-cost digital goods on the Web

PayPal hopes to make micropayments easier online
SAN FRANCISCO – PayPal wants to make it easier to buy low-cost digital goods online, whether it’s a single article on a news website or virtual items in a video game.
Scott Thompson, the online payment service’s president, said Thursday that PayPal plans to roll out a payment …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Telestone shares fall after 2nd-quarter results show net income falling

Telestone shares fall on 2Q earnings
NEW YORK – Shares were pummeled in Chinese wireless network gear-maker Telestone Technologies Corp., which on Thursday reported lower second-quarter profits as rising costs for training its sales staff offset higher revenue.

Net income in the three months to June 30 fell 13 percent to $1.7 million, or 16 cents per …. Source  : Telestone shares fall after 2nd-quarter results show net income falling.

CA Technologies acquires cloud computing, virtualization group 4Base for undisclosed amount

CA acquires 4Base for undisclosed amount
ISLANDIA, N.Y. – Business management software company CA Technologies, formerly known as CA Inc., said Thursday it acquired a privately held virtualization and cloud computing consultancy for an undisclosed amount.

CA said it acquired 4Base Technology, a Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company that helps corporate and public-sector clients shift from buying and maintaining …. Original article  : CA Technologies acquires cloud computing, virtualization group 4Base for undisclosed amount.

L-3 Communications gets $255.3 million US Army contract for night vision goggles technology

L-3 Communications gets $255.3M US Army contract

SEATTLE – Defense contractor L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. received a $255.3 million Army contract for 220 enhanced night vision goggles test articles and associated contracts date requirement lists.
The Defense Department said Thursday that L-3’s Insight Technology, which it acquired in February, will perform the work in Londonderry, N.H.
Work is … Read more >>.

Oracle sues Google, says Android infringes on Java patents

Oracle sues Google for patent infringement
REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. – Oracle Corp. has filed a patent-infringement lawsuit against Google Inc.
Oracle says Google’s Android system for mobile phones infringes on its patented Java technology.
Google says it can’t comment because it hasn’t reviewed the lawsuit.
Oracle makes database software and other technology. Java is a computer programming … Read more »»».

NPD: US video game retail sales slide 1 percent to $846.5 million

July video game retail sales inch 1 percent lower
NEW YORK – U.S. retail sales of video game systems, software and accessories slipped 1 percent in July according to market researcher NPD Group. A lackluster summer game launch schedule partly offset strong sales of the Xbox 360.
Total industry sales slid to $846.5 … Read more : NPD: US video game retail sales slide 1 percent to $846.5 million.

Kan. GOP congressional candidate apologizes for linking to racist blog attacking Dem. opponent

Kan. GOP candidate’s campaign links to racist blog
WICHITA, Kan. – Republican congressional candidate Mike Pompeo apologized Thursday after his campaign posted on its Twitter feed and Facebook page a link to a blog that uses a racial slur to refer to his Democratic opponent and calls President Barack … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kan. GOP congressional candidate apologizes for linking to racist blog attacking Dem. opponent.

Google adds more voice commands to make Android-powered phones even smarter, more convenient

Google amplifies voice commands for Android phones
SAN FRANCISCO – Just because mobile phones are becoming more like small computers doesn’t mean you should have to do a lot of typing on them.
That’s the thinking behind the latest update to Google Inc.’s popular Android software for mobile phones.
The latest version of Android 2.2, released … Read : Google adds more voice commands to make Android-powered phones even smarter, more convenient.

Bally Technologies says CFO Caller to retire, will be replaced by accounting chief Davidson

Bally Technologies names accounting chief new CFO

LAS VEGAS – Gaming equipment maker Bally Technologies Inc. said Thursday that Chief Financial Officer Robert Caller is retiring and will be succeeded by Chief Accounting Officer Neil Davidson.
Caller will continue to assist the company under a long-term consulting agreement.
Davidson, 39, joined Bally in 2006. He worked directly for …. Read the original article  : Bally Technologies says CFO Caller to retire, will be replaced by accounting chief Davidson.

Bally Technologies 4th-quarter net income jumps 54 percent, boosted by sale of Miss. casino

Bally Technologies 4Q net income jumps 54 percent

LAS VEGAS – Gaming equipment maker Bally Technologies Inc. said Thursday its fiscal fourth-quarter net income jumped 54 percent, helped by a gain on the sale of a casino.
But excluding the gain, Bally’s results missed analysts’ expectations as did its 2011 profit outlook. Investors sent shares lower after … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bally Technologies 4th-quarter net income jumps 54 percent, boosted by sale of Miss. casino.

Next up from creators of original ‘BioShock’ is ‘Infinite,’ but not until 2012

Next from Irrational Games: ‘BioShock: Infinite’
NEW YORK – The game studio behind the original “BioShock” is coming out with another follow-up to the award-winning, wildly popular 2007 horror shooter – but not until 2012.
While Irrational Games’ original “BioShock” was set in an underwater metropolis called Rapture, “BioShock: Infinite” takes place in Columbia, a … Read more : Next up from creators of original ‘BioShock’ is ‘Infinite,’ but not until 2012.

Reporters Without Borders slams WikiLeaks, says group showed ‘incredible irresponsibility’

Reporters Without Borders: WikiLeaks was reckless

LONDON – Reporters Without Borders has criticized WikiLeaks, saying the group showed “incredible irresponsibility” in publishing the secret Afghan war documents.
The international media watchdog said Thursday that while the whistleblower group had often played a useful role, revealing the identity of Afghan informants “is highly dangerous.”
WikiLeaks has come under pressure …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Reporters Without Borders slams WikiLeaks, says group showed ‘incredible irresponsibility’.

Sprint loses Packingham, its product development leader at front of the 4G smart phone wave

Sprint executive leading 4G phone charge to leave
SEATTLE – Wireless carrier Sprint Nextel Corp. said Thursday that one of its top product development veterans is leaving the company.
Kevin Packingham, senior vice president of product and technology development, has been with Sprint since 1999. His last day will be Aug. 16, according to …. Source  : Sprint loses Packingham, its product development leader at front of the 4G smart phone wave.

MySpace Music unwraps ‘Romeo’ video app with slider control to capture your mood

MySpace Music unveils ‘Romeo’ video app
LOS ANGELES – MySpace is further defining itself as a place to find music rather than a catchall social networking site as it launched on Thursday a music video player that plays random videos to match users’ mood.
The MySpace Music Romeo application lets users select from 15 genres … Read more »».

Cisco shares sink as tech bellwether sees slowdown; sales forecast falls short

Cisco shares sink as tech bellwether sees slowdown

NEW YORK – Shares of Cisco Systems Inc. slid Thursday after the world’s biggest provider of networking gear warned of a slowdown in technology spending.
Cisco CEO John Chambers told analysts Wednesday that the company is getting “mixed signals” from customers. The company’s sales forecast for the quarter ending …. Source article  : Cisco shares sink as tech bellwether sees slowdown; sales forecast falls short.

WikiLeaks spokesman: We’re preparing to release the 15,000 remaining Afghan intelligence files

WikiLeaks preparing to release more Afghan files
LONDON – WikiLeaks spokesman Julian Assange said Thursday his organization is preparing to release the rest of the secret Afghan war documents it has on file. The Pentagon warned that would be even more damaging than the organization’s initial release of some 76,000 war files.
That extraordinary disclosure, …. Read the original article  : here.

Ebay shares up after analyst upgrades on strong PayPal results, stabilization in marketplaces

Ebay shares up, analyst sees ecommerce steadying

SEATTLE – Shares of eBay Inc. rose Thursday with one analyst upgrading the stock, citing strong profits from eBay’s PayPal division and signs that its online shopping business is improving.
THE SPARK: Ebay’s sales stabilized in July, compared with a year ago, Citigroup analyst Mark Mahaney said in a research … Read more »».

IG review says FAA computer systems vulnerable to cyberattacks; upgrades planned

FAA computers still vulnerable to cyberattack

WASHINGTON – Federal Aviation Administration computer systems remain vulnerable to cyber attacks despite improvements at a number of key radar facilities in the past year, according to a new government review.
The Department of Transportation’s Inspector General said while the FAA has taken steps to install more sophisticated systems to detect …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Twitter tries make it easier to share Web links with new tool that tweets with press of button

Twitter hoping people will press its tweet button
SAN FRANCISCO – Tweeting your favorite stories may be getting a little easier.
Twitter introduced Thursday a “tweet” button that websites can place alongside their content. The button serves as an invitation to Twitter’s legion of users to share what they’re reading without having to copy and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Twitter tries make it easier to share Web links with new tool that tweets with press of button.

Kohl’s net income rises on better revenue; company trims top end of yearly outlook

Kohl’s 2Q net income rises, but outlook less rosy

NEW YORK – Kohl’s Corp. second-quarter net income rose nearly 14 percent as the moderate-price department store chain continued to draw more shoppers from rivals for its exclusive fashions, but job worries are making customers spend less per visit.
Kohl’s trimmed the top end of its yearly outlook … Original article on : Kohl’s net income rises on better revenue; company trims top end of yearly outlook.

Pokemon trading card and video game world championship held on Hawaii’s Big Island

Pokemon championships being held in Hawaii

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – The Pokemon World Championships are being held on Hawaii’s Big Island this weekend.
Hundreds of players from around the world qualified to play in the Kona championship, which includes competitions in both its trading card and video game versions.
The game originally gained popularity after its creation in 1996.
Since … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pokemon trading card and video game world championship held on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Judge revokes government’s approval of genetically altered sugar beets until further review

Judge’s ruling uproots use of biotechnology beets

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge has revoked the government’s approval of genetically altered sugar beets until regulators complete a more thorough review of how the scientifically engineered crops affect other food.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White Friday means sugar beet growers won’t be able to … Read more : Judge revokes government’s approval of genetically altered sugar beets until further review.

WikiLeaks founder says group ‘will not be threatened’ by Pentagon over Afghan war documents

WikiLeaks says it won’t be threatened by Pentagon

STOCKHOLM – WikiLeaks will publish its remaining 15,000 Afghan war documents within a month, despite warnings from the U.S. government, the organization’s founder said Saturday.
The Pentagon has said that secret information will be even more damaging to security and risk more lives than WikiLeaks’ initial release of some … Read more >>>.

Corrlinks Website currently down for Maintenance

NEW YORK (Gaeatimes.com) — CorrLinks is a website, where friends and families of inmates are allowed to email or communicate with the prisoners. For the past few hours, the website Corrlinks was down and its services were unavailable, possibly due to maintenance. People have been searching for Corrlinks for the past few hours as … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Corrlinks Website currently down for Maintenance.

Allscripts and Eclipsys say their shareholders approve Allscripts’ $1.3B purchase of Eclipsys

Allscripts and Eclipsys shareholders approve deal

NEW YORK – Shareholders of Allscripts-Misys Healthcare Solutions Inc. and Eclipsys Corp. have approved Allscripts’ $1.3 billion acquisition of Eclipsys, the companies said Friday.
The health care information technology companies said 99 percent of Allscripts shares voted were in favor of the deal, as were 99 percent of Eclipsys shares voted, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Allscripts and Eclipsys say their shareholders approve Allscripts’ $1.3B purchase of Eclipsys.

J.C. Penney, Dynegy, Nordstrom, Eli Lilly among big market movers Friday

J.C. Penney, Dynegy, Nordstrom big market movers
NEW YORK – Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Friday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market:
NYSE
J.C. Penney Co., down 98 cents at $19.82
The department store posted a quarterly profit as it controlled inventory well, but cut its outlook for the year as … Original article on : J.C. Penney, Dynegy, Nordstrom, Eli Lilly among big market movers Friday.

Summary Box: Company behind magicJack banishes calling costs

Summary Box: Free calls from co. behind magicJack
THE PRODUCT: Software from VocalTec Communications Ltd. that provides free phone calls from computers, smart phones and iPads.
WHAT’S NEW: Other programs allow free calling between computers. Some allow free, but short calls to regular phone numbers. Google Voice provides free calls but uses up your minutes …. Source article  : Summary Box: Company behind magicJack banishes calling costs.

Company behind magicJack banishes calling costs with new software

Company behind magicJack to banish calling costs
NEW YORK – The company behind the magicJack, the Internet phone gadget heavily advertised on television, has another trick up its sleeve: free phone calls from computers, smart phones and iPads.
The cost of phone calls routed over the Internet has been on a …. Original source  : Company behind magicJack banishes calling costs with new software.

Autodesk shares jump after 2nd-quarter results show rebound in sales

Autodesk shares jump after 2Q results
NEW YORK – Shares of Autodesk Inc., an engineering software maker, rose Friday after the company reported a surge in second-quarter earnings.

THE SPARK: An improving economy helped Autodesk book earnings of 36 cents per share, excluding items. That came in well ahead of the 27 cents that analysts expected, according … Read : Autodesk shares jump after 2nd-quarter results show rebound in sales.

Questions, answers on governments’ BlackBerry objections and what BlackBerry’s maker can do

Questions and answers about BlackBerry objections
NEW YORK – Some questions and answers about foreign countries planning to ban the use of BlackBerry’s messaging and Web services:
Q: Which countries are involved?
A: India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have threatened to shut down some BlackBerry services in their respective countries. Lebanon and Indonesia … Read more : Questions, answers on governments’ BlackBerry objections and what BlackBerry’s maker can do.

Avago secondary offering of 14.9 million shares priced at $20.40 per share

Avago secondary offering priced at $20.40 a share

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Semiconductor maker Avago Technologies Ltd. said a secondary offering of 14.9 million shares has been priced at $20.40 per share.
The company said all of the shares are being sold by existing shareholders and it will not receive any proceeds other than proceeds from options …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Avago secondary offering of 14.9 million shares priced at $20.40 per share.

IBM to buy marketing services company Unica for $480 million as it expands ad measuring tools

IBM to buy Unica for $480M, gets ad measuring
NEW YORK – IBM Corp. said Friday that it has agreed to buy the marketing services company Unica Corp. in a $480 million deal that would give IBM more tools to meet its customers’ growing demand for targeted advertising.
The all-cash acquisition brings IBM deeper [..] Read the original article: here.

PDL Biopharma dives after Genentech disputes Europe patents of 4 drugs, including Herceptin

PDL BioPharma plunges on dispute with Genentech

NEW YORK – Shares of PDL BioPharma Inc. plunged Friday on word of a royalty dispute between PDL and its collaborator Genentech.
Genentech has informed PDL that it does not believe four Genentech drugs infringe on patents held by PDL in Europe, PDL said. PDL receives royalties on sales of … Original source on Gaea Times at : PDL Biopharma dives after Genentech disputes Europe patents of 4 drugs, including Herceptin.

Google Adds Voice Action Features on Android Phones

If Apple phone’s mesmerized the smartphone market with their touchiness, Google’s Android phones are looking to take an upper-hand with their Voice Actions technology. However, Apple offers voice control features in iPhone, while Google has improved upon the already existing Voice Actions feature, adding more speed and accuracy to it. This is no new technology, [..] Read the original article: here.

Dutch girls groomed, forced into prostitution by ‘Loverboy’ pimps

LONDON – A charity has claimed that thousands of young Dutch girls are being groomed on social networking sites and forced into prostitution by pimps dubbed “Loverboys”.

The youngsters are bombarded with promises of love before being threatened with violence and bullied into a life of sexual slavery, it is claimed.

Anita De Witt has set up … Read more >>>.

Bioshock Infinite Creates Sensation

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- The fans of the Bioshock franchisee have reasons to feel elated about. The Bioshock 2 failed to live up to the expectation of the gamers and from the first looks it seems that Bioshock Infinite is the proper sequel to the hit game of 2007. Irrational Games is going to release … Read more : Bioshock Infinite Creates Sensation.

Why Hackers Love iPhone and iPad?

The good part of using Mac is that you don’t have to deal with viruses, adware, trojans and malware that hackers may be injecting using windows operating system. That doesn’t mean that Mac is not vulnerable. Hackers usually go for those devices that are used by most of the people or where their chances …. Read the original article  : Why Hackers Love iPhone and iPad?.

Foreign Minister: Australia working with US on WikiLeaks Afghan files

Australia working with US on WikiLeaks files

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia is working with the United States to investigate WikiLeak’s publication of thousands of secret Afghan war documents but has not been asked to act against the website’s Australian founder, the foreign minister said Thursday.
Australia, which has some 1,550 troops in Afghanistan, launched its own investigation …. Read the original article  : Foreign Minister: Australia working with US on WikiLeaks Afghan files.

Indian government sets Aug 31. deadline for BlackBerry to address security concerns

India sets Aug. 31 deadline for BlackBerry info
NEW DELHI – India’s Home Ministry threatened Thursday to block BlackBerry corporate e-mail and messaging services unless the device’s manufacturer makes them accessible to its security agencies by Aug. 31.
The ministry said that if no technical solution is provided by then, it will …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian government sets Aug 31. deadline for BlackBerry to address security concerns.

Delta launches ‘Ticket Window’ on Facebook letting passengers buy tickets directly from site

Delta to allow passengers to book through Facebook
ATLANTA – Delta Air Lines Inc. said Thursday it’s launched a new “Ticket Window” on Facebook that will allow passengers to book directly on the social media site.
It’s the first time an airline has allowed customers to reserve flights on Facebook, although nearly all major U.S. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delta launches ‘Ticket Window’ on Facebook letting passengers buy tickets directly from site.