World marks 20 years of SMS

                                       

It’s now 20 years since the first Short Message Service by Neil Papworth on December 3, 1992 to a mobile phone.

The innovation went almost unnoticed for the next half-decade, theregister.co.uk reports.

The website reports that the SMS took a while to take hold, longer still before network operators realised what a cash cow SMS could be, and longer again before they noticed SMS was proving to be one of the most disruptive technologies ever to hit telecommunications and one whose implications they would live to regret.

61-year-old computer springs back to life

                                  

Of course, if you're a computer historian, you already know that WITCH refers to the Wolverhampton Instrument for Teaching Computation from Harwell.

If not, here's the story: The 2.5-ton machine, first constructed in the 1950s as part of an atomic research program, became the "world's oldest original working digital computer" after a museum in the UK restored and then rebooted it on Tuesday. Unlike today's nearly mute devices, the massive computer clicks, clacks and flashes like something out of an old sci-fi movie.

How four companies took over the Internet

                             




There are four tech companies controlling the industry's direction: Apple, Google, Amazon and Facebook. Will they still be ruling the tech field in a decade?
"At least three have established very deep moats," meaning that it's almost impossible for newer rivals to overtake them, Internet analyst Mark Mahaney (formerly of Citigroup) said Sunday during a panel discussion at the Techonomy conference in Tucson, Ariz. "Probably Apple, too."

Google (GOOG, Fortune 500) and Facebook (FB) have the richest data sets on their users, but Amazon's data graph is probably the most valuable, Mahaney believes, because it tracks where customers are actually spending their money.

Microsoft to Replace Windows Live Messenger with Skype

                                          

Microsoft has announced it intends to "retire" its instant message chat tool and replace it with Skype's messaging tool.

The news comes 18 months after the software giant announced it was paying $8.5bn (£5.3bn) for the communications software developer.

Microsoft said Windows Live Messenger (WLM) would be turned off by March 2013 worldwide, with the exception of China.

5 big tech issues await Obama in second term

                      

Technology policy didn't get much air time in the 2012 presidential election, but the Obama administration will face serious issues over the next four years.

The country is facing a shortage of qualified technology workers. Potential cybersecurity attacks threaten the nation's power and transportation infrastructures.

Privacy advocates fear the seemingly unchecked digital tracking of consumers by private companies and law enforcement agencies. And the online piracy of music, movies and other content remains a thorny issue.

Here's a look at five of the biggest tech issues facing President Barack Obama, and the country, in his second term:

Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 10 browser for Windows 7

                           

The latest version of Microsoft's Web browser is now available to the vast audience connecting to the Internet on personal computers running on the Windows 7 operating system.

The redesigned browser, Internet Explorer 10, made its debut last month when Microsoft released Windows 8, which makes dramatic changes to an operating system that has been powering PCs for decades.

Internet Explorer 10 initially is being introduced Tuesday to Windows 7 users in a "preview," or test, mode. The new browser isn't compatible with XP, Vista and any other older Windows version. 

Blackberry 10 to be launched in January, RIM announces

                               

The next Blackberry smartphone, which manufacturer Research in Motion (RIM) hopes can revive its fortunes, will be introduced on 30 January.

RIM, once a leading name in smartphones, has struggled to keep up with the likes of Apple and Google in recent years.

The new range will run on Blackberry 10, an upgraded operating system.

RIM has not said when the smartphones, which have been set back by multiple delays, will be available to buy.

5 ways to keep your phone charged in a power outage

                                   

In our increasingly digital world, a mobile phone or other portable device is often a one-stop communication device. Phone calls, text messages, social media and even radio and television can all come from the same gadget.

Human edges out robot car on race track

                                

A race between a robot car and a human has ended with a win for the humans.

The race was run on Thunderhill Raceway in California between an Audi TTS that can drive itself and a racing car driver familiar with the circuit.

The human driver completed a lap around the circuit a few seconds faster than the robotic car.

The race was part of research to develop control systems that will help to make domestic cars more autonomous.

10 tips to make your phone's battery last longer

     

'Even hi-tech smartphones can last for days - as long as you follow a few basic procedures to keep the battery at full.'

As smartphones have become more capable -  for playing gaming, watching movies and shooting video -  battery performance has worsened and now most modern smartphones won’t last a full a day before you need to reach for a charger.

Phone manufacturers are working hard to improve battery performance - Motorola in particular with their RAZR i and RAZR MAXX - but if you buy most other smartphones, be ready to charge every evening.
Here are some tips to help conserve your mobile phones battery life:

Google warns Gmail account users of hackers

                                   

Google is issuing a warning similar to one it had sent in June to tens of thousands of Gmail users to inform them that their accounts may be targeted by hackers. “We believe state-sponsored attackers may be attempting to compromise your account or computer," the warning reads in black text on a red banner. "Protect yourself now," a link to Google support page said.

Facebook agrees to pay $10 to each 'Sponsored Stories' victim

                     
Facebook is agreeing to pay up to $10 each to users who appeared in the social-networking site's "Sponsored Stories" advertising program without their permission.