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This Day in Tech: Shuttle launch; LivingSocial closer to IPO

Too busy to keep up with the tech news? Here are some of the more interesting stories from CNET and elsewhere for Friday, July 8.

Boonsri Dickinson
Boonsri Dickinson is a multimedia journalist who covers science, technology, and start-ups. She is a contributing editor at CBS SmartPlanet, and her work has appeared in Wired, New Scientist, Technology Review, and Discover magazine. E-mail Boonsri.
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Boonsri Dickinson
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Too busy to keep up with the tech news? Here are some of the more interesting stories from CNET and elsewhere for Friday, July 8.

The crew of Atlantis, on mission STS-135. From left to right: Rex Walheim, pilot Douglas Hurley, commander Christopher Ferguson, Sandra Magnus NASA

• We are glad the stormy Florida weather didn't get in the way of the historic launch at Cape Canaveral. Atlantis lifted off for its last space shuttle mission today. Four astronauts are on board and are carrying supplies to the International Space Station as we speak. The end of the shuttle program is bittersweet: Now NASA faces the hard reality of layoffs and questions about America's commitment to leadership in space. Just as the Atlantis crew can drink its own urine

• Over in the deal world, LivingSocial seems to be moving closer to IPO filing, tapping the public's interest in Internet companies. It was on track to reach $1 billion in revenue this year. It will join monster group-buying company Groupon, which has already filed for an IPO. The bigger question: how will these young Internet companies fair against dominant ones like Facebook and Google?

• And Internet wars continue. This week has all been about Facebook versus Google+, but there's also a legal battle going on between Oracle and Microsoft and Google. Oracle and Microsoft want Google to pay to use their patents used in the Android operating platform. Oracle and Microsoft are reportedly seeking a licensing fee for Android devices sold--as much as $20 per device. CNET's Jay Greene writes, "Oracle, which acquired the Java patents that it claims Google is infringing when it bought Sun last year, is merely looking to tap that patent portfolio for more income."

• If you think your spouse is cheating, it's okay to use a GPS tracker on their car without a warrant, according to one judge. Discuss. What do you think? The Supreme Court will decide next year. (Forbes)