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AP Technology NewsBrief at 2:56 p.m. EDT(Associated Press Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Judge overturns $1.3B penalty against SAPSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ A federal judge has overturned a $1.3 billion penalty against SAP in an intellectual property theft case filed by Oracle. Judge Phyllis Hamilton called the penalty "grossly excessive" and "contrary to the weight of the evidence" in the high-profile case. Exposed: Uncensored WikiLeaks cables posted to WebLONDON (AP) _ Uncensored copies of WikiLeaks' massive tome of U.S. State Department cables circulated freely Thursday across the Internet, leaving a whole new batch of U.S. sources vulnerable to embarrassment and potential retribution. The United States, meanwhile, denied ever cooperating with the anti-secrecy group, and blasted Wikileaks for allegedly threatening national security and the safety of confidential informants. Mobile shopping: More buzz than buy so farNEW YORK (AP) _ When it comes to mobile shopping, so far there's more buzz than buy. As the number of people who use iPhones and other smartphones grows, companies selling everything from hardware to high fashion are touting all the new applications they're rolling out that enable shoppers to do anything from check a store's inventory while in the dressing room to order prescriptions. Apple blasted for alleged pollution by suppliersSHANGHAI (AP) _ Apple is defending itself against a fresh barrage of criticism from Chinese environmental activists over alleged pollution by the manufacturers who make its iconic iPhones, iPads and other products. In a report issued Wednesday, a group of nongovernmental organizations accused the technology giant of violating its own corporate responsibility standards by using suppliers it said its investigations found are violating the law and endangering public health by discharging heavy metals and other toxins. AT&T gearing up for rare antitrust fight with DOJSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ The Justice Department's rejection of AT&T's proposed purchase of T-Mobile USA will test new federal guidelines on challenging mergers and the companies' resolve in forming the nation's largest wireless carrier. A courtroom battle is likely and could wring out information that the companies would prefer to keep private. Still, AT&T Inc. has a big incentive to fight: If the deal is called off, the company has to pay a $3 billion breakup fee and surrender some of its unused spectrum for wireless communications. Government sues to block AT&T, T-Mobile mergerWASHINGTON (AP) _ The Justice Department took the unusual step Wednesday to try to block AT&T's $39 billion purchase of T-Mobile USA, arguing that the proposed merger would lead to higher wireless prices, less innovation and fewer choices for consumers. Now AT&T, the nation's No. 2 wireless carrier, and No. 4 T-Mobile are plotting a legal response to challenge federal regulators. Even with low prices, T-Mobile customers fleeNEW YORK (AP) _ The Justice Department's move to block AT&T Inc. from buying T-Mobile USA is motivated by the desire to keep a low-priced competitor in the game. But that's a game T-Mobile is losing. Despite low prices and a peppy pitchwoman in a polka-dot dress, T-Mobile customers have been fleeing to other carriers in the last year and a half. Redbox's golden opportunity: higher Netflix pricesSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Netflix is giving Redbox a golden opportunity to gain some ground. Beginning Thursday, Netflix, the largest U.S. video subscription service, will hit its nearly 25 million U.S subscribers with rate increases of as much as 60 percent. The sticker shock is expected to make Redbox, which rents DVDs for $1 per day through kiosks, even more enticing to movie lovers. Netflix subscribers face dilemma as prices climbSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ The toughest choice most Netflix customers usually face is figuring out which movie to put at the top of their queues. But millions of Netflix subscribers will be wrestling with a new dilemma as they decide how to respond to price changes that will hit the video service's existing customers beginning Thursday. Video game console case offers gaming on the goATLANTA (AP) _ Console gaming on the go just got easier thanks to a mobile gaming kit that comes with a built-in high-definition display screen to connect to your Xbox 360 or Sony PlayStation system. The GAEMS G155, short for Gaming and Entertainment Mobile Systems, is essentially a heavy-duty briefcase with the display neatly fixed to the inner lid. Your game console is positioned inside and held in place tightly by two wide fabric fasteners straps. (c) 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |