This was something that should have happened a long time ago. When five of the largest book publishers in America settled with the the Feds for price fixing e-books, Apple refused to go along. The settlement by Apple’s co-conspirators all-but-proved Apple’s guilt, but they would not settle.
They vowed to fight on, but with the trial set to begin next month, they settled. The company had been accused of colluding with publishers to artificially inflate e-book prices in the iBookstore and, by proxy, other outlets like Amazon, in a class-action suit brought on behalf of US consumers in 2012.
When the publishers settled, the government tripled their damages amount to $840 million. The settlement terms were not announced. I and many others could not believe that Apple wanted to continue the fight. In fact, they are still appealing the original court ruling.
So that is just a taste of today’s tech blog. Lots more good things here so read on and learn. - JRC
Tech News and Opinions
Apple settles state AGs' e-book antitrust lawsuit
The settlement comes less than a month before the scheduled beginning of the trial, in which $840 million in damages was sought from Apple.
Internet “fast lanes” would be banned by newly proposed legislation
Democratic bill could force FCC to treat broadband as a utility. The bill would help prevent the creation of a two-tiered Internet system, as currently proposed by the FCC.
A Rare Peek Inside Amazon’s Massive Wish-Fulfilling Machine
The Amazon warehouse–known in company jargon as a “fulfillment center,” or FC–is a uniquely 21st-century creation, a vast, networked, intelligent engine for sating consumer desire.
Starbucks starts rolling out wireless phone chargers nationwide
Starbucks plans to install Powermat's wireless charging stations at its coffee stores across the US. After a small pilot run with these "Powermat Spots" — small circles that are seamlessly implanted in tables and counters.
Facebook turns user tracking 'bug' into data mining 'feature' for advertisers
Facebook announced changes to its privacy and advertising policies on its company blog, extending Facebook's ability to track users outside of Facebook. This counters 2011's position that [we] "do not track users across the web."
Computer Tips and Tricks
Six clicks: OneNote tricks to make you an instant expert
OneNote is a completely cross-platform app now, which means it can go with you anywhere. In this gallery, I present six of my favorite OneNote productivity secrets to help you get your personal and work projects organized.
KORO File Shredder
KORO File Shredder enables you to securely delete your sensitive files by using one of 3 different deletion algorithms.
Browser bonanza: What's new in Firefox 30, IE11, Chrome 35, and Safari 8
A steady stream of often small but useful enhancements and tweaks may have escaped your notice.
How To Remove Google+ From Your Gmail Account
Got Gmail and don't want Google +? It can be particularly irritating if you are annoyed by the Google+ links, buttons etc that have started to clutter your account in the past year or 2.Stopping it can be very easy.
Google Adds Step-By-Step Instructions to Search Results
Google got a little smarter once again this week. Now, if you search for something that Google knows has a step-by-step answer, it will give those steps to you above the search results.
Mobile Computing
Create Quick Notes in OneNote using only your voice
Have you ever wished you could speak your thoughts to your phone, and they’re automatically filled into OneNote? Now you can, and it’s quick and easy to get started! Check out how to add Quick Notes on 3 different platforms: Windows Phone, iOS, and Android.
Five Best Android Keyboards
Finding the perfect Android keyboard is no easy task—there are so many to choose from, and most of them are great, depending on the type of typist you are. This week, we're looking at five of the best.
Get the most out of the Chrome browser on your mobile device
Google's Chrome browser is full of nifty features -- especially on mobile devices. But some of the stuff this little app can do might not be so obvious. Here you'll find plenty of guides to show you you get more out of Google Chrome on whatever mobile device you choose. "
Listen to Amazon Prime Music on your mobile device
Amazon's new music-streaming service has arrived. Here's how to take it with you on Android and iOS, complete with offline listening.
Best Android Apps for Kids
Anyone that has kids, or is around kids a lot, will know how interested they are in whatever phone or tablet you have.
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