Real names not required on Google+
I'm Bridget Carey.
But now on Google Plus, I don't have to be Bridget Carey.
This is your CNET Update.
[MUSIC]
Google is reversing its stance on using real names in Google Plus accounts.
Ever since Google Plus launched in 2011.
It was a requirement to use your real name on the service.
But in a blog post, Google announced that it had a change of heart.
And it now lets you use a pseudonym for a handle, instead of your real name.
In order to compete with Facebook, Google wanted to create a community of real people.
But real names became problematic when Google Plus began integrating with other services, like YouTube.
Or some established accounts don't use real names.
The policy became a divisive issue.
On one hand, real names help cut down on nasty comments and trolling, but lately privacy is a growing concern with Facebook collecting data on us and reports of NSA tracking.
But, whatever your philosophy, Google's doing this to get more users.
Apple's also having a change of philosophy.
It's now working with IBM, a company that was once it biggest rival under Steve Jobs.
Apple wants to work with IBM to help make more business software on the iPhone and iPad.
Of course, many people already use their iPhones and iPads for work, but this would bring Apple to the next level for businesses by creating apps that are just for specific industries.
Like retail, health, banking, and travel.
Now this partnership is another blow to Blackberry, but Blackberry hasn't given up yet.
It's announced that it will have its own voice controlled assistant just like Siri and Cortana.
But it won't have a name.
It's just called BlackBerry Assistant.
And you'll be able to find on the BlackBerry 10.3 operating system update, which will also come loaded in the new square shaped BlackBerry Passport phone.
The Passport has a physical keyboard and it's coming out in September.
Blackberry's assistant can do some typical tricks, like setting reminders about meetings, or reading your email messages allowed.
Which could be helpful when your driving.
We'll have to wait closer to launch to get a demo with more examples of how it works.
And looking ahead we may soon hear something from Amazon about a new ebook subscription service.
Some test pages leaked online Wednesday were quickly removed after it was noticed by some users on Kindle message boards, and soon after, reported by GigaOM.
On the test page, Amazon calls it Kindle unlimited.
And for ten dollars a month, Kindle owners get unlimited access to more than 600 thousand book titles and thousands of audio books.
This would compete with some existing services by [UNKNOWN] and oyster, which are also like a Netflix for books.
That's your tech news update, you can get more details on these stories at cnet.com, and you can always stay updated by following along on Twitter.
From our studios in New York, I'm Bridget Cary.
[MUSIC]
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