L.A. Times - Technology News

LAPD's public database omits nearly 40% of this year's crimes

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The map, touted as a way for residents to monitor the safety of their neighborhoods, doesn't include about 19,000 serious crimes reported in other LAPD data. Officials say they're looking into it.

The Los Angeles Police Department's online crime map intended for public use has failed to include nearly 40% of serious crimes reported in the city, a Times analysis has found.

Web games, ripped from the headlines

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

AddictingGames creates fun from current events. Its latest target: naughty governors.

A few days after South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford returned from Argentina and publicly revealed his adulterous affair with a Buenos Aires businesswoman, a group of five video game creators are gathered in a small conference room in San Francisco to discuss politicians with a wandering eye.

Google sees window of opportunity to launch operating system

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The Internet search giant takes aim at Microsoft's dominant product with Chrome OS, which is targeted at the netbook market.

Google Inc.'s plan to launch its own computer operating system is a direct assault at the heart of Microsoft Corp., and its bold move could fundamentally change the way personal computers are used.

Attack on government computers draws speculation and shrugs

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Some suspect North Korea launched the cyber attack whose targets included the White House and the NYSE. Others scoff at the idea. South Korea was also hit.

Despite a broad and persistent cyber attack whose targets included the White House, the New York Stock Exchange and the Washington Post, government websites were operating normally on Wednesday, officials said.

Google Chrome OS could give a big boost to netbooks

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The free operating system will initially be aimed at the mini laptops. With manufacturers no longer paying for the Microsoft operating system, prices could come down as much as $50.

Suddenly, mini laptop computers are no longer so mini, at least in importance.

Internet radio sites and music industry reach agreement over royalties

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Deal with SoundExchange allows large webcasters such as Pandora to pay lower per-song royalties or 25% of their total revenue.

The music won't stop for Internet radio after a group of webcasters struck an agreement with SoundExchange, the organization that collects royalties for musicians and record companies, over payments for playing music online.

Antitrust review of wireless carriers is urged

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The AT&T-iPhone deal and other exclusive arrangements, as well as price increases, trouble several senators and consumer advocates. Verizon and AT&T have denied any coordinated actions.

Cellphone customers have long complained about exclusive deals between handset makers and wireless carriers -- many, for instance, won't buy the iPhone because it runs only on the AT&T network -- and federal authorities now are being prodded to take action.

Video game players take a shot at being frugal

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Fans are devoting more time to playing, but many are buying used titles or renting them, a study finds. The trend has been a boon to such retailers as GameStop and GameFly.

To video game publishers, Mark Weiner is both a dream come true and a nightmare.

IPhone 3GS owners bemoan its battery life

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Buyers are finding that the device has trouble making it through a workday without a rest stop at the electrical outlet.

The new, high-octane iPhone 3GS is loaded with features that could light up your life -- but its battery isn't one of them.

U.S. launches formal investigation into Google's digital books settlement

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The Justice Department says a proposed agreement with authors and publishers over Google's project to scan millions of books into a digital format raises antitrust concerns.

The Justice Department on Thursday said it had launched a formal antitrust investigation into the proposed settlement over the Google Inc. project to scan millions of books into a digital format.