Technology Review AudioDizer Podcast - Communications Top Stories

Attacks on Android Devices Intensify

David Talbot — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rising security incidents and poorly defended phones suggest 2012 could be a risky year for smart-phone users.

At CES, a Preview of Tomorrow's Wearable Computers

Tom Simonite — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Eyeglasses that overlay data and imagery onto the real world will unlock new kinds of mobile computing.

Microsoft Reinvents Wi-Fi for White Spaces

Christopher Mims — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Researchers show that they can make more efficient use of the airwaves than previously thought. But now Congress has to notice.

Bouncing Data Would Speed Up Data Centers

Duncan Graham-Rowe — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A plan to bounce signals off the ceilings inside data centers could solve a major performance bottleneck.

Kenya Has Mobile Health App Fever

David Talbot — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Nairobi startup's health app surges; Safaricom gives subscribers links to experts for two cents a minute.

SMS Data Link Keeps Tabs on the Lions

Tom Simonite — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A project in Africa illustrates that text messages can provide the benefits of wireless data in places that lack reliable cellular Internet access.

Why Simply Selling Our Airwaves Will Cost Us in the Long Run

Yochai Benkler — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Plans to sell off TV band spectrum could undermine the future of wireless innovation.

The Web's Crystal Ball Gets an Upgrade

Jim Giles — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Bitly's shortened links can forecast the next trend online&mdash;a partnership with Verisign is about to boost that predictive power.

Verizon Plans a Fast Lane for Some Apps

Tom Simonite — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Video calling or movie apps could receive extra bandwidth&mdash;for a price, of course.

Nokia Rolls the Dice with Windows Devices

Nic Fleming — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:17:00 GMT

With modest hardware, Nokia's new phones may struggle to stand out.

One Smart Phone, Two Personalities

Tom Simonite — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Several companies are working on technology that would separate your personal stuff from your work data.

Modified iPhone Can Detect Blood Disorders

Stephen Cass — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:08:00 GMT

The device could mean better and faster diagnoses for patients in poor countries.

Apple's New iPhone Would Like to Talk

Tom Simonite — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:44:00 GMT

An AI personal assistant called Siri is the biggest new feature of the iPhone 4S.

GPS Data on Beijing Cabs Reveals the Cause of Traffic Jams

Erica Naone — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The data could lead to novel urban planning solutions that would work in sprawling cities everywhere.

Will Super Wi-Fi Live Up To Its Name?

Scott Woolley — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The next generation of Wi-Fi was supposed to offer a big boost in capacity and range.

Augmented Reality Meets Gesture Recognition

Tom Simonite — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A new app superimposes imagery over your smart-phone view, and lets you interact with it via hand gestures.

Car-to-Car Communication System to Get a Massive Road Test

Julie Halpert — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A trial involving thousands of cars could pave the way for technology aimed at cutting accidents and traffic jams.

Pakistan May Have to Abandon Cryptography Ban

Robert Lemos — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As other countries have discovered, businesses need encrypted communications.

Social Networking Meets Problem Solving

Tom Simonite — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The website Jig wants to solve your needs&mdash;with a little help from your friends.

A Driving Route Made Just for You

Erica Naone — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A research project provides personalized directions that adapt to weather, traffic conditions, and your own driving habits.