Data loss could affect 650,000 store credit card users
Credit card company GE Money said a computer tape has disappeared which contained personal information of consumers who hold JC Penney credit cards.
In addition to JC Penney, as many as 100 other companies could be affected. GE supplies credit cards to some of the nation's biggest retailers, including Wal-Mart, IKEA, Lowe's, Lord & Taylor, and online payment service PayPal, among others.
Sprint Nextel to cut workforce, close underperforming stores
In response to an increasingly difficult retail environment, Sprint Nextel says about 4,000 employees will be laid off and about one out of every eight retail stores will close.
Expecting a slowdown in both revenue and subscriber growth in 2008 amid an economic downturn, the move could be seen as a preemptive strike in order to keep the carrier profitable.
Wii continues video game dominance in December
The Wii continued to lead video game console sales in December, but the Xbox 360 wasn't far behind. Also, the PS3 showed significant improvement.
Data from NPD showed that overall software sales increased 36 percent over last year. Hardware sales gains were a little more modest at 17 percent, however that is still a significant gain considering consumers pulled back on holiday spending.
Microsoft looks to monetize SEC filings with advertising
The Redmond company announced Thursday that it had penned a deal with financial data provider EDGAR Online to bring the reports to its service.
While EDGAR will supply the actual data to MSN, Microsoft will present those reports in context along with advertisements from its own network. The revenues would likely then be used to balance out any expenses for bringing the content to its users.
TiVo, Jaman in deal to bring indie movies to set-top box
One of the largest distributors of independent films online said Thursday it had struck a deal with the DVR maker to offer thousands of titles from its catalog to subscribers.
The deal would be very much like the Amazon Unbox service that is already available to TiVo customers. Movies from Jaman will be downloadable to the DVR and would be in high definition, the companies said.
Time Warner tests Internet bandwidth caps
There may be limits coming to high-speed Internet from Time Warner Cable, according to details of a memo obtained by Broadband Reports.
While the new policy is expected to affect about one out of every 20 subscribers, it is aimed at collecting revenue from those who apparently "utilize over half of the total network bandwidth."
AT&T to replace U-verse batteries after several explosions
While AT&T was hoping for its U-verse service to catch fire, it was certainly not in this manner.
The communications company is recalling about 17,000 batteries due to a fire hazard. The batteries are housed in outdoor cabinets that are primarily used as a backup power source, which in some occasions either caught fire or exploded. AT&T said it will replace all of them as a safety precaution.
Microsoft, JVC agree to cross-license patents
Exact details of the patents in the agreement were not disclosed, although the two companies say it covers a "broad range" of products either company offers.
Financial terms of the deal were also not disclosed, although the companies say that the agreement results in a net financial benefit for Microsoft. The two companies had already been collaborating on certain technologies in the past.
Office 2008 for Mac hits store shelves
After four years of waiting, Mac users are finally able to get their hands on a new version of Microsoft's productivity suite for the platform.
The suite is a major step forward for those who prefer to use the Redmond company's applications for the Mac platform. Since its last update in 2004, much has changed on the Windows side: this effectively brings Apple customers up to speed.
IBM to add Lotus support for iPhone, iPod Touch
The Microsoft rival plans to announce the software at its Lotusphere conference to be held next week.
The software will either be free for those who hold a Web-access license, or $39 USD for new users. It will essentially complete the business capabilities of the iPhone, which already supports Microsoft Exchange.
Digeo loses its CEO, slashes its workforce and product line
Moxi manufacturer Digeo suddenly changed course Tuesday, canceling two planned products and laying off nearly half of its workforce.
To blame is the company's apparent inability to get its products to market on time, and the current state of the DVR market as a whole. Neither of the products -- its Multi Room HD DMR and Moxi Home Cinema Edition DMR -- reached final production.
Office of Samsung chair raided in slush fund investigation
The office of Lee Kun-hee was searched on Monday, as well as the homes of his aides, in an attempt to gain more evidence against the company in an ongoing inquiry.
It is not quite clear where the investigation may lead, however. With the South Korean economy so dependent on Samsung's successes, it is likely to only lead to sanctions rather than a breakup of the company.
Zune 80 to come in red in time for Valentine's Day
In what it calls a response to the "consumer excitement" for the Zune 80, Microsoft said Tuesday that it will ship a red colored model in time for Valentine's Day.
Along with the debut of the red Zune, Microsoft also has made available 20 different Valentine's Day themed engraving options through its Zune Originals program. The company will also offer special playlists for the holiday through its online store.
MySpace backs AG effort to strengthen online safety
The social networking site and the Attorneys General of 49 states plus the District of Columbia have agreed on key principles for the entire industry to build around.
The joint statement sets guidelines for online safety tools, technology, education, and law enforcement. Texas was the lone state to decline to sign the agreement, but so far no reasoning for their abstention has been given.
New video delivery system for cable promises more HDTV
Cable operators have been fighting bandwidth limits to squeeze in more high definition content. A new system aims to assist in that fight without sacrificing quality.
Imagine debuted its new video delivery system on Monday, saying it will help cable operators deliver up to 50 percent more HDTV and SDTV channels without sacrificing video quality.
Ed's Bio
Ed Oswald is a freelance journalist from the Reading, PA area. Although he has written across a variety of subjects, Ed’s passion and focus has been on technology and gadgets. His work regularly appears on tech news sites BetaNews, PCWorld, and Technologizer, and has been syndicated to eWeek, Time’s Techland blog, VentureBeat and the New York Times.
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