Latest Technology News

LG's new 18-inch OLED display can be 'rolled up like a newspaper'

There will be lots of boring things on display at CES 2016, but in that sea of new products you should also expect to see some very exciting devices. LG's rollable OLED display obviously falls in the latter category.

There is no name yet for this display, likely because LG may have a long way to go before it can actually bring it to market. The panel is claimed to be the "world's first 30R 18-inch rollable display".

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A home alarm system that could make you less safe

These days almost everything is online thanks to the internet of things. That can, of course, be good since it allows you to control and monitor devices from wherever you are. It can also be a problem as we've seen. Sometimes the security of these devices is a bit lacking. I fully expect that one day one of my colleagues here will turn off my lights just because he can.

A bigger problem arises when the security weakness is actually your home security system. That seems to be the case with Texecom as UK-based security researcher Luca Lo Castro found out when he purchased the system.

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The challenge of managing the cloud in the enterprise [Q&A]

It's an increasingly rare business today that has all of its IT on its own premises. The cloud has led to many systems being moved off site and also contributed to the growth of shadow systems.

How can business manage these challenges and make sure that they're not putting their information at risk? We spoke to John Purrier, cloud visionary and CTO of business automation company Automic Software to find out.

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Lenovo's new ThinkPad 13 gives you the choice between Chrome OS and Windows 10

CES 2016 does not officially start until January 6, but, as we have come to expect, most of the major product announcements will be made right before the big opening day. Case in point, Lenovo has just unveiled its new ThinkPad 13, alongside ThinkPad X1 Tablet and other new gadgets.

Why is ThinkPad 13 newsworthy? Well, Lenovo's choice of operating systems makes it one of the most interesting new products in its refreshed lineup, as the laptop will be offered with either Chrome OS or Windows 10.

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Acer Liquid Jade Primo is a premium Windows 10 Mobile smartphone -- better than Lumia?

Windows 10 Mobile is a curious thing. While the underlying operating system is fine, the lack of apps is just a massive deal-breaker for some. Look, I am not rooting against it -- the more platforms the merrier -- but consumers spend real money on these smartphones and it just isn't the best experience for their buck right now. With that said, the number of quality apps has been increasing, so for some consumers, it could be a valid option.

Today, Acer officially announces a really beautiful Windows 10 Mobile smartphone -- the Liquid Jade Primo. Believe it or not, this is a premium offering, unlike the horrendously cheap Liquid M220. Actually, it is extremely beautiful, with impressive specs too. Has Acer outdone Microsoft? Is it the new top Windows 10 Mobile smartphone?

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Acer Aspire Switch 12 S is a premium Skylake-powered 2-in-1 Windows 10 laptop

Acer is a company that historically makes value-focused computers and accessories. What does this mean? Well, its products offer acceptable performance at affordable prices. While some manufacturers put the emphasis on chassis materials or elegance, Acer often opts for cheap-feeling plastic. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad thing -- it gives consumers a choice as to how they spend their money.

Today, however, Acer announces a premium Skylake Core M-powered Windows 10 laptop -- the Aspire Switch 12 S. On this 2-in-1 notebook, Acer is opting for an anodized aluminum chassis, with integrated 2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi antenna. Even the hinge has been updated from prior "Switch" models, with a more aesthetically pleasing design and zinc-alloy charging connectors. Beauty is more than skin deep here, however, as Acer has packed a whole bunch of awesomeness inside too.

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Acer goes gaga for Google's Linux-based OS with Chromebase 24 and Chromebook 11

Welcome to 2016, dear BetaNews readers. Another year is here, and some trends will continue as before. The most intriguing being Google's push into both education and home with its wonderful Chrome OS. While a bit limited, devices with Google's Linux-based desktop operating system are perfection for many; especially as more and more time is spent in the browser.

Today, Acer announces some new Chrome OS devices that look really impressive. Its new Chromebook 11 and Chromebase 24 should meet the needs for many, and in typical Acer fashion, shouldn't break the bank. The Chromebase is particularly newsworthy, as it is the first-ever such all-in-one "base" device with an Intel Core processor. Quite frankly, it should make an absolutely glorious family PC.

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Canonical goes on the attack, claims over a billion people use Ubuntu

At the end of last year, Michael Larabel of Phoronix wrote an article in which he pointed out that Ubuntu had failed to hit its stated aim of 200 million users by the end of 2015. This figure was a goal that Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth laid out at the Ubuntu Developer Summit (UDS) in May 2011.

"We're just days away from closing out 2015 and it doesn't look like Ubuntu has come close to reaching that goal", Larabel wrote. Clearly his article riled those at Canonical, and the company has come out swinging with a blog post that details exactly how popular, and ubiquitous, Ubuntu is.

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Walmart Pay takes a giant leap into the mobile payment industry

The upcoming launch of Walmart’s mobile payments service, Walmart Pay, is one of many signs that the mobile payments landscape is shifting in a curious direction. As one of the first US retailers to branch out on its own and create a merchant branded payment and loyalty application, Walmart is paving the way for other retailers to simplify payments and provide new ways of enhancing the consumer shopping experience. Following closely in Walmart’s footsteps is Target, with a recent speculation of a similar mobile wallet app in the works.

The introduction of Walmart Pay is significant to the payments market as it sends the message that Walmart is seemingly departing from the Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX) consortium and its pending CurrentC mobile payment platform, which has been plagued by numerous delays and concerns over the underlying technology platform. While Walmart will still continue its partnership with MCX, Walmart Pay will be the company’s main focus. This could mark the beginning of the end for CurrentC, an industry-wide payment system that was created for MCX restaurants and retailers, including Walmart, to utilize as a single payment solution.

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Global eDiscovery market passes $10 billion

The eDiscovery process of extracting data for regulatory or legal purposes is generally seen as a bit of a niche in the IT field.

However, a new study by research specialists IDC forecasts that the market for worldwide eDiscovery services reached $8.2 billion at the end of 2015. This combined with an eDiscovery software market of just over $2 billion means the global eDiscovery market has passed the $10 billion threshold.

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Does this secret tapping tip speed up your iPhone or iPad?

Do you feel the need, the need for speed? If your phone's feeling a little sluggish, you might think it's time to hit the stores and invest in a new one, but if you're an Apple fan, you might want to hold off making a new purchase until you try this little trick.

A sneaky tip is doing the round that purports to speed up iPhone performance after nothing more than a few taps. It is real? Is it an early April Fool? Is it wishful thinking? That's for you to decide. Try out the tip for yourself and see what you think.

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How the Internet has forever changed five major industries

The digital revolution has resulted in disruption to many industries, with whole new business models created, new brands rising to the top of many industries and those companies failing to adapt, falling by the wayside.

The digital age has impacted industries in both goods and service -- from travel and transport, to publishing, retail and music. The switch from physical to digital has revolutionized both the production and distribution of books and music.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet offers customization through clip-on modules

If you've ever searched high and low for a tablet but found yourself unable to track down the perfect device, Lenovo may have the answer. Taking a leaf out of Google's Project Ara design handbook, Lenovo today unveils the new customizable, modular ThinkPad X1 Tablet.

Powered by an Intel Core m7 processor and Windows 10, the tablet boasts up to 10 hours of battery life, but if this isn’t enough, there's a clip-on Productivity Module to ramp this up to 15 hours. This is the ThinkPad X1 Tablet's unique selling point -- a series of modules that can be used to personalize, customize and tailor the device to specific needs.

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Ransom32 is JavaScript-powered ransomware affecting Windows, Mac and Linux

ransomware key

Cross-platform viruses and malware are something of a rarity, but now there's a first-in-its-class JavaScript-based ransomware that can infect Mac, Windows and Linux. Ransom32 uses the Node.js runtime environment running on the NW.js platform to burrow into the target operating system and hold files to ransom.

While on the face of it, this is just another example of ransomware that encrypts files and seeks Bitcoin payments to decrypt them, it is more than that. The NW.js framework not only allows for cross-platform infections, but also means it is harder to detect. Ransom32 bears some resemblance to CryptoLocker and has been dubbed Ransomware-as-a-Service.

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New World Hackers take Trump offline -- but when does hacking vigilantism infringe on free speech?

My colleague Brian Fagioli has referred to the web being rather like the Wild West. I'm inclined to agree, but that's not to say that we have reached the same conclusion for the same reasons. For me, the web -- like the Wild West -- is not a world filled with danger, but one occupied by vigilantes. As a proponent of free speech, I find this concerning. One of the most highly-lauded of vigilantes is the disparate group marching under the ragged banner of Anonymous.

One of its taglines is 'We Are Anonymous', a phrase that can be uttered by anyone as there is no membership process -- if you say you are part of Anonymous, you are part of Anonymous. The group is not, for the most part, organized. Individuals and factions can fight for or against whatever cause they want, just like real-world vigilante groups. But Anonymous is not alone. There are hacking collectives and other online crusaders who see fit to take the law into their own hands. This might sound wonderful, but it's not necessarily a good thing. As New World Hackers demonstrate, attacks can target the wrong people and restrict free speech.

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