More Desktop Apps News

Google argues it had to use proprietary tech in Hangouts

Google is feeling the heat over its decision to build its new Hangouts IM and audio/video chat product with proprietary technology that doesn't support server federation via the XMPP industry standard, but the company is defending its move.

Are we ready for a mobile-first world?

Judging from the number of people poring over their smartphones on the sidewalk, in their cars and in public places, mobile seems to have stolen our attention away from the wired Internet and traditional TV.

Google pursuing broad wireless project for emerging markets, report says

Google has reportedly launched an expansive effort to bring wireless networks and affordable computing to emerging markets such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, moves that could bring the Internet to a further billion people.

Puppet gets a more expressive configuration language

With an update to its namesake configuration tool, Puppet Labs has introduced a programming language designed to give administrators more flexibility in scripting their deployment routines.

Reports: FTC examining Google's display ads

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has reportedly launched an investigation into Google's display ad business amid complaints from rivals that the company is abusing its power in how it sells online-graphical and video ads.

Oracle, managed services provider to settle suit over third-party support

Oracle and managed services provider ServiceKey have come to a proposed settlement of an intellectual-property lawsuit Oracle filed against the company last year.

SAP shakes up development organization

SAP abruptly reorganized its development strategy, with SuccessFactors CEO and cloud strategy chief Lars Dalgaard leaving the company and executive board member Vishal Sikka tapped to lead a single software development unit.

Facebook delays Home in Europe, seeks stronger 'First' impression

Users in the U.K. and France will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the HTC First. The first smartphone to come preinstalled with Facebook Home has been delayed in those countries while Facebook updates the software to address some negative user feedback.

Yahoo acquires gaming infrastructure startup PlayerScale

Yahoo has acquired PlayerScale, a startup developer of infrastructure software for cross-platform gaming, adding to its string of recent acquisitions.

Could the Bitcoin network be used as an ultrasecure notary service?

Manuel Araoz, a 23-year-old developer in Argentina, has an idea for Bitcoin that doesn't focus on money.

Google tests enhanced notifications in Chrome browser

Google has released a beta version of Chrome that introduces what the company describes as "richer" notifications from the browser's apps and extensions.

Lyft gears up for international expansion on anniversary

Lyft, the ridesharing service known for its fleet of pink mustache-festooned cars, is eyeing international expansion supported by its biggest funding round yet.

Java developer says he built, launched basic open source office suite in 30 days

A freelance Java developer claims it took him only 30 days to build and launch a basic open source office suite that runs on multiple OSes.

French police end missing persons searches, suggest using Facebook instead

The latest victim of disruption by Internet technologies is a veteran of World War I: the missing persons search.

Twitter aims to become safer with two-step sign-in

Twitter, in a much-needed move to keep its users safer from cyberattacks, is introducing a more secure login process.

CIOs need to rethink their roles

By now, it's become a tired old tech industry bromide: CIOs need to be business-savvy.

Teens growing cool on Facebook but warming to Twitter, Pew study finds

Some teens are growing tired of the excessive sharing and "drama" on Facebook and more are turning to sites like Twitter and Instagram to express themselves, according to a new study.

Yahoo returns to list of most valuable brands

Yahoo again ranks as one of the world's 100 most valuable brands.

Canadian regulator takes lighter view of Bitcoin

It appears Canada's anti-money laundering regulator will leave Bitcoin exchanges in the country alone for now.

Nokia Siemens unveils tools to boost mobile video performance

Mobile network builder Nokia Siemens Networks unveiled tools to optimize video performance on mobile devices on Monday, just in time for the CTIA Wireless trade show that begins Tuesday in Las Vegas.