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TMCNet: AP Technology NewsBrief at 8:51 a.m. EDT

[September 03, 2010]

AP Technology NewsBrief at 8:51 a.m. EDT

(Associated Press Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Dubai police chief calls BlackBerry a spy toolDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) _ Worries about spying by the U.S. and Israel spurred plans to sharply limit BlackBerry services in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai's police chief said in comments that suggest a tough line in talks with the smart phone maker. The UAE says it will block BlackBerry e-mail, messaging and Web services Oct. 11 unless authorities can gain access to the encrypted data traffic _ a demand by other countries warning of possible bans including India.


Dell's enterprise challenge remains after 3ParSEATTLE (AP) _ Dell Inc. doesn't have to start over in its quest to become a significant purveyor of technology for businesses after losing a multibillion dollar bidding contest for an obscure data-storage maker. But it won't be easy, either, for Dell to shake its "Dude, you're getting a Dell" image and move into the more profitable business of selling powerful behind-the-scenes technology to other companies.

Dell cedes data-storage maker 3Par to HPSEATTLE (AP) _ Dell Inc. is walking away from a bidding contest with rival Hewlett-Packard Co. for data-storage maker 3Par Inc. Dell said Thursday it won't match HP's offer to pay $33 per share for 3Par, or about $2.07 billion. Dell's decision came barely an hour after 3Par announced it had received Dell's revised offer of $32 per share and then the even stronger bid from HP.

Google, Skype targeted in India security crackdownMUMBAI, India (AP) _ India has widened its security crackdown, asking all companies that provide encrypted communications _ not just BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion _ to install servers in the country to make it easier for the government to obtain users' data. That would likely affect digital giants like Google and Skype. "People who operate communication services in India should (install a) server in India as well as make available access to law enforcement agencies," Home Secretary G.K. Pillai told reporters. "That has been made clear to RIM of BlackBerry but also to other companies." HP vs Dell: the showdown that ended in spectacleSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ The showdown over 3Par Inc. that ended Thursday was a puzzling spectacle. It pitted two of the world's biggest technology companies against each other for control of a company that was obscure outside of technology circles and flat-out unloved on Wall Street, with a stock that was stuck around $10 for a year and a half.

Facebook's new security feature: remote logoutsNEW YORK (AP) _ Facebook is rolling out a new security feature that lets users log out of their accounts remotely from another computer. To do this, go to "account settings" on your Facebook page and click on "change" next to "account security." There, you'll see where else your Facebook account is logged in, including the type of device and the city it's in or near. To log out of any of them, click "end activity." New AOL search deal with Google includes mobileNEW YORK (AP) _ Google Inc. will continue to provide the search results on AOL Inc.'s websites under a new, five-year deal the companies signed this week. The agreement largely extends an arrangement that has been in place between the two companies since 2005. But the new contract, announced Thursday, also expands their cooperation onto AOL sites for cell phones and other mobile gadgets. And it will put AOL video content on Google's YouTube site for the first time.

Verizon to sell smart phones for prepaid serviceNEW YORK (AP) _ Verizon Wireless on Thursday announced it's opening up access to smart phones for customers who prepay for service, such as people with poor credit and those who don't want to be tied down by long-term contracts. Prepaid service has long been the domain of low-end phones, but such companies as Sprint Nextel Corp. and Leap Wireless International Inc. have recently introduced smart phones for their Boost, Virgin Mobile and Cricket brands.

Samsung unveils iPad competitor GalaxyBERLIN (AP) _ Samsung Electronics Co. on Thursday unveiled a new tablet PC named Galaxy Tab as the latest device meant to rival Apple Inc.'s popular iPad. The device offers users "a new galaxy of possibilities" with features such as mobile video conferencing and a video chat function, Samsung Europe telecom executive Thomas Richter said at Berlin's IFA consumer electronics fair.

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.

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