Technology Review Feed - Communications Top Stories

Attacks on Android Devices Intensify

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

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

New Virtual Helper Challenges Siri

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

An app named Evi uses semantic data to provide a wider range of answers.

Twitter Bots Create Surprising New Social Connections

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Researchers show how simple programs posing as real people can shape interactions on Twitter.

Tabletop Computer Knows You by Your Shoes

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

A system with foot-level cameras aims to cure the problem of multiple people using one touch screen.

At CES, a Preview of Tomorrow's Wearable Computers

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

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

A Hand-Cranked Tablet Unveiled at CES

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:34:00 GMT

The rugged eight-inch tablet comes from the One Laptop Per Child team.

A Smart Phone that Knows You're Angry

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

New system detects emotions based on variables ranging from typing speeds to the weather.

Microsoft Reinvents Wi-Fi for White Spaces

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 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

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

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

Kenya Has Mobile Health App Fever

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 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

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 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

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

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

The Web's Crystal Ball Gets an Upgrade

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

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

Smart Phone Chips Calling for Data Centers

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:10:00 GMT

The processors are slower, but they use much less energy—a huge boon for those who run massive data centers.

Verizon Plans a Fast Lane for Some Apps

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

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

Yahoo Gives the iPad the Power to Understand TV

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:54:00 GMT

An app that knows what you're watching can serve up related Web articles or other information—as well as targeted ads.

A Versatile Touch Sensor

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 GMT

A new system adapted from a technology used for underwater cables could lead to touch sensors in clothes and coffee tables.

Nokia Rolls the Dice with Windows Devices

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:17:00 GMT

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

Review: Apple, By the Book

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:41:00 GMT

The new biography of Steve Jobs offers insights about Apple's future direction.

Kinect Turns Any Surface Into a Touch Screen

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Researchers combine a Kinect sensor with a pico projector to expand the possibilities for interactive screens.