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AP Technology NewsBrief at 8:28 p.m. EST(Associated Press Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) AP IMPACT: Framed for child porn _ by a PC virusOf all the sinister things that Internet viruses do, this might be the worst: They can make you an unsuspecting collector of child pornography. Heinous pictures and videos can be deposited on computers by viruses _ the malicious programs better known for swiping your credit card numbers. In this twist, it's your reputation that's stolen. Software cos. eye key patent case in Supreme CourtWASHINGTON (AP) _ With the technology industry looking on, the Supreme Court on Monday will explore what types of inventions should be eligible for a patent in a pivotal case that could undermine such legal protections for software. A ruling that sides with the Patent Office could bar patents on processes and methods of doing business, such as online shopping techniques, medical diagnostic tests and procedures for executing trades on Wall Street. And it might even undercut patents on software. New `Call of Duty' could set entertainment recordNEW YORK (AP) _ This holiday season's biggest entertainment blockbuster likely will be a sequel to a popular franchise, with jarring depictions of war and an intricate story of good versus evil. It could easily rake in more than last year's record $155 million opening weekend for "The Dark Knight." But this blockbuster is not a movie. Sony offers `Cloudy' early to people with its TVsLOS ANGELES (AP) _ In a bid to sell living room electronics and spur buzz for "Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs," Sony Corp. is offering the movie for free to U.S. buyers of its Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players starting Monday. People who buy that equipment will be able to watch the movie in any 24-hour window from Dec. 8 until it is released on DVD and Blu-ray disc on Jan. 5. Deja vu: Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target in DVD price warNEW YORK (AP) _ First it was books. Now it's DVDs. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. started another price war Thursday, trimming the online preorder prices of some upcoming DVDs following its price cut on books last month. And, once again, competitors Amazon.com and Target scrambled to match the prices. EBay settles lawsuit filed by Skype foundersSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ EBay Inc. has settled a legal skirmish with the founders of Skype that threatened to complicate eBay's plans to sell most of the Internet phone service to a group of investors for $2 billion. The online marketplace operator said Friday the settlement gives Skype ownership of critical software that had been licensed from Joltid Ltd., which is a company founded by Skype co-founders Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis. The settlement effectively ends Zennstrom and Friis' litigation against the investor group and eBay. Review: Motorola's Droid is a serious smart phoneSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Since its debut in 2007, millions of people have gravitated toward Apple's iPhone, wooed by its sleek hardware, simple user interface and abundance of applications. Other smart phone makers have been trying since then to dispel the notion that the iPhone is the be-all and end-all of mobile gadgets. The latest push comes from Verizon Wireless and Motorola, whose Droid is a good alternative for those seeking a feature-packed smart phone with a full keyboard and strong wireless service. Activision posts 3Q profit, backs 2009 outlookNEW YORK (AP) _ It's been a rough year for the video game industry, but Activision Blizzard Inc. reported a profit for its third quarter because of lower costs and a good response for games such as "Guitar Hero 5" and "World of Warcraft." It also reaffirmed its guidance for the full year, citing a big expected release next week for "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," which could easily be the most lucrative entertainment launch this holiday season. No Doubt sues video game maker over 'Band Hero'LOS ANGELES (AP) _ No Doubt has sued video game maker Activision for putting words in band members' mouths. The band on Wednesday sued Activision Publishing Inc. over a feature in the new "Band Hero" game that allows players to control virtual band members and have them sing other artists' songs. Google providing better view of personal dataMOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (AP) _ Google is offering a new privacy control that will make it easier for people to see some of the information being collected about them. The "Dashboard" feature unveiled Thursday pulls together all the data that pour into Google's computers whenever Web surfers log in to one of the company' services. (c) 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |