bridget carey

Galaxy S4 could have eye-scrolling tech

CNET Update has eye-scrolling superpowers:

Samsung Galaxy S4 reports continue to roll in before the smartphone's big reveal on March 14. The latest report: being able to scroll down just by looking at the bottom of the screen. The New York Times suggests it could be related to Samsung's patent on Eye Scroll and Eye Pause. But this technology isn't far fetched. The Galaxy S3 camera already tracks eye movement to prevent a screen from dimming while users are watching a movie or reading. And at CES, TheEyeTribe demonstrated how easy and affordable it was to install … Read more

Galaxy S4's awkward tween messenger

CNET Update can't keep a secret:

Soon we will know the secrets of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Until the smartphone is unveiled on March 14, the young Jeremy Maxwell must keep the secret smartphone safe. (Wait, what?) Samsung's odd teaser video for the Galaxy S4 might leave you asking, "What was Samsung thinking?"

Other stories mentioned in Monday's tech news roundup:

- An indie film premieres exclusively on Xbox Live

- YouTube's iOS app can send videos to your TV

- The Socialmatic Camera will be made in 2014, with support from Polariod

- … Read more

Facebook is changing the News Feed

CNET Update never did beat Battletoads:

Facebook will unveil a new look for the News Feed on March 7, but we may have a hint at what's to come judging by the new profiles being tested in New Zealand (via The Next Web). And Google is also testing a new look with a navigation grid icon.

Other headlines from Friday's tech news roundup:

- Groupon's CEO was fired, but you should read his farewell memo to staff. He compares the challenges leading Groupon to getting through the difficult Battletoads video game without dying. We hear ya, Andrew. … Read more

Pandora limits free mobile streaming

CNET Update teaches you how to say Ubuntu:

Thursday's tech news roundup has bad news for Pandora addicts. Free music streaming on Pandora apps is limited to 40 hours a month -- but there's no limit for desktop users. Pandora is bringing back limits just as Spotify evolves: it's making changes to be more social, just updated its iOS app, and is going to be available on Ford's Sync AppLink. Another streaming cousin, TuneIn, also updated its site and iPad app to offer live listening recommendations.

And as Mobile World Congress coverage wraps up, we're … Read more

Take a Leap in May with motion control

This is the CNET Update you're looking for:

Get ready to control your computer like a Jedi: Leap Motion's controllers are arriving mid-May for $80. Watch the video above to see how users can navigate programs with the wave of a hand or the wiggle of a finger. Developers like Corel and Disney Interactive are releasing apps that work with Leap.

But that's not the only company taking the "touch" out of touch screen. At Mobile World Congress, STMicroelectronics shows how to control a tablet without making contact.

Also in Wednesday's tech news roundup: … Read more

How the Copyright Alert System works

It's legal to share CNET Update:

If you use a peer-to-peer network like BitTorrent, then pay attention to today's Update video. I offer a quick explanation of what Internet service providers will be doing to discourage customers from sharing copyright-protected music, movies and television shows.

Also in Tuesday's tech roundup:

- Apps and websites are now letting users sign in with a Google+ account, as well as share activity with circles.

- Get ready to be annoyed by hundreds of new Internet domain extensions, like .cadillac, .vegas and .app.

- The Guardian reports that all games on … Read more

Google Glass expected to arrive in 2013

CNET Update is listening to songs for tech reporting:

Before Mobile World Congress bombards us with new smartphone announcements, we take a look at Friday's tech headlines:

- Sources tell CNET that Google Glass will go on sale in 2013

- HTC offers $100 credit for old phones, if you purchase a new HTC One

- To beat the MWC rush, LG announces Optimus F5 and F7 mid-range smartphones

- Nevada becomes the first state to allow online gambling

- Billboard Charts now include YouTube views in song rankings

- Songza finds the music to fit your mood, activity … Read more

Questions remain after PS4 event

Thursday's CNET Update will beat the game for you:

The PlayStation 4 dominates today's tech roundup. Sony hinted at what the new system will be able to do, but held back from actually showing what the console looks like. (It's just a hunch, but I'd say it's a black box.) Also, Google releases its first touch-screen Chromebook, but the price is also a touchy matter.

Google looking for Glass Explorers

Wednesday's CNET Update does a barrel roll:

Google wants you to fall in love with the idea of a computer on your face. It has released another promo video showing what Google Glass could do (even though it's not a real product yet), and launched a contest for a chance to buy a $1,500 prototype. But as Forbes points out, people are using the #ifihadglass hashtag contest to point out the drawbacks of Glass.

Today's tech news roundup also looks at the redesign of Yahoo's home page, and the updated SwiftKey app for Android.

Watch … Read more

HTC One puts ultrapixels over megapixels

There can only be one CNET Update:

Tuesday's tech news roundup looks into the HTC One, the company's new flagship smartphone. To help HTC stand out again, the One has an aluminum body, a redesigned Sense interface, and an animated photo mode called Zoe. Most notable is the rear camera with 4 megapixels -- but HTC uses the term "ultrapixels" because the photos can pick up more light. Most top smartphones boast 8-megapixel cameras, but HTC says megapixels are a misunderstood metric for consumers. The HTC One will be available in March at AT&T, … Read more