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AP Technology NewsBrief at 6:38 p.m. EDT
(Associated Press Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Apple unveils new TV box for renting movies, showsSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Apple Inc. is refining its plans to annex the living room into its entertainment empire. On Wednesday, Apple unveiled a smaller, cheaper version of Apple TV, which connects to a high-definition television and can show rented movies and TV shows from Apple's own service, plus content from Netflix, photos on Flickr, YouTube clips and more.
Apple refreshes iTunes software, updates iPodsSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Users of Apple Inc.'s iTunes software will now be able to see what songs their friends are buying and where their favorite bands are playing next. These social features are part of Ping, a new Apple service akin to Facebook, Twitter and other popular social networks.
Review: News app that lets you choose your editorNEW YORK (AP) _ Most of the articles that show up in your newspaper or magazine are chosen by professional editors. What if they are picked out by a friend from college instead? Or a colleague from work? Or your mom? Anyone you know, really? That's the concept behind Flipboard, a free application for Apple Inc.'s mega-selling iPad.
China requires ID to buy mobile phone numbersBEIJING (AP) _ China wants people who buy new cell phone numbers to register their personal details, joining many European and Asian countries in curbing the anonymous use of mobile technology. Most countries that have such rules say they prevent the use of unregistered phones in terror attacks or drug crimes. In China, authorities say they have their sights on rampant junk messages _ but some believe the move gives the government a new tool for monitoring its citizens.
Touch screen, price hike to cheapest Sony e-readerSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Lately, the electronic-reader market has been a race to the bottom, with major players such as Amazon.com Inc. and Barnes & Noble Inc. tussling over which can offer consumers the best, cheapest e-reader. Competitor Sony Corp. is now trying a different tactic: raising prices.
Greenpeace wants Facebook center off coal fuelAMSTERDAM (AP) _ Greenpeace said about 500,000 Facebook users have urged the world's largest online social network to abandon plans to buy electricity from a coal-based energy company for its new data center in the U.S. Greenpeace International Executive Director Kumi Naidoo sent a letter Wednesday to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg warning that the company risked its reputation and financial health if it ignored the environmental impacts of its actions.
Electronic Arts brings 'Madden' to FacebookNEW YORK (AP) _ Electronic Arts is bringing its popular "Madden" football game to Facebook. "Madden NFL Superstars" launches as a free application Tuesday. The game lets players create fantasy teams featuring more than 1,500 current NFL players from this year's team rosters. The fantasy teams compete with one another on Facebook. Or, they can play against fantasy versions of the season's actual NFL teams.
Sports gamblers getting BlackBerry app in NevadaLAS VEGAS (AP) _ Getting money down on your favorite sports team is getting a little easier in Nevada with the first-ever legal wagering application for smart phones. It won't work in the U.S. outside the Silver State _ the only place where sports gambling is legal _ but its technology is sophisticated enough to let visitors from other states conveniently place bets while they're here, even if they're not inside a casino.
Amazon trying to offer subscription TV, moviesLOS ANGELES (AP) _ Amazon.com Inc. is talking with major media companies about offering unlimited views of older TV shows and movies online, as it struggles to stay relevant to consumers flocking to Apple Inc.'s iTunes a la carte store and Netflix Inc.'s all-you-can-eat subscription plan. Amazon has approached several companies, including Viacom Inc., Time Warner Inc., and Sony Corp., three people familiar with the matter said Tuesday. They requested anonymity because the talks are ongoing.
FCC seeks input on rules for online servicesWASHINGTON (AP) _ Federal regulators are seeking public input on what rules should apply to wireless Internet access and specialized services that aren't part of the Internet but are delivered over wired broadband connections. The move by the Federal Communications Commission marks the next step in the agency's long-running effort to adopt so-called "network neutrality" regulations to prevent broadband providers from discriminating against traffic flowing over their lines. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, as well as many big Internet companies, say these rules are needed to prevent phone and cable companies from abusing their control over high-speed Internet access to become online gatekeepers.
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