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AP Technology NewsBrief at 4:10 p.m. EDT(Associated Press Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Microsoft touching up Windows 8 to address gripesSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Microsoft is retooling the latest version of its Windows operating system to address complaints and confusion that have been blamed for deepening a slump in personal computer sales. The tune up announced Tuesday won't be released to consumers and businesses until later this year. The changes, part of a software package given the codename "Blue," are a tacit acknowledgment of the shortcomings in Windows 8, a radical overhaul of Microsoft Corp.'s ubiquitous operating system. YouTube said set to soon launch pay channelsLOS ANGELES (AP) _ YouTube is set to announce within a few weeks a series of channels that will require payment, a person familiar with the matter said Monday. The content on the new pay channels will be in addition to the millions of videos viewers watch for free on YouTube. It's not clear whether the paid videos will come with advertising. Internet sales tax bill faces tough sell in HouseWASHINGTON (AP) _ Traditional retailers and cash-strapped states face a tough sell in the House as they lobby Congress to limit tax-free shopping on the Internet. The Senate voted 69 to 27 Monday to pass a bill that empowers states to collect sales taxes from Internet purchases. Under the bill, states could require out-of-state retailers to collect sales taxes when they sell products over the Internet, in catalogs, and through radio and TV ads. The sales taxes would be sent to the states where a shopper lives. What will the online sales tax bill mean for you NEW YORK (AP) _ Congress is considering legislation that would give states the ability to require out-of-state retailers to collect sales taxes. If the measure passes, consumers would lose a loophole that has resulted in years of tax-free online shopping. Out-of-state merchants would have to collect statewide sales taxes on Internet, mail-order and other purchases _ as well as any county and local sales taxes. Why is this necessary And what will this mean for your online purchases Here's a guide: NY group buys Tesla property, plans science centerMINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) _ A New York community group that raised $1.3 million in a six-week online fundraising effort has purchased a laboratory once used by visionary scientist Nikola Tesla. "We're feeling very excited and gratified that we've reached this milestone," said Jane Alcorn, president of the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, on New York's Long Island. Her group announced last week that it had finalized the purchase of the Tesla lab and property for $850,000. Microsoft extends search guarantee in Yahoo dealSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Microsoft has extended a guarantee that provides Yahoo with financial protection as part of the two companies' Internet search partnership. An arrangement requiring Microsoft Corp. to pay Yahoo Inc. a minimum amount per search on Yahoo's website expired March 31. That had raised concerns Yahoo might make less money from the Microsoft partnership. Adobe shifts to subscriptions for software packageNEW YORK (AP) _ Adobe says it is moving to an online subscription-based model for the software package it sells to designers, Web developers, video editors and other creative professionals. Adobe Systems Inc. said Monday that it will not release new versions of its Creative Suite software package. Instead, the maker of Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat, is shifting focus to Creative Cloud, which makes its software available through a monthly subscription that starts at $50 for an individual if they sign up for at least a year. Elon Musk's SpaceX signs lease at NM spaceportALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) _ Another space industry heavyweight has signed on to use New Mexico's Spaceport America _ Elon Musk's Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, Gov. Susana Martinez announced Tuesday. It agreed to a three-year lease to do testing of its "Grasshopper" reusable rocket in southern New Mexico. Aruba Networks plunges on revised outlookSUNNYVALE, Calif. (AP) _ Shares of Aruba Networks fell sharply before the opening bell Tuesday after the company nearly halved its third-quarter adjusted profit expectations and cut its outlook for revenue as well, just a week before it reports earnings. Shares of the wireless communications company were halted briefly after tumbling by double digits. BMC Software agrees to be sold for $6.6 billionNEW YORK (AP) _ BMC Software Inc. has agreed to be sold to a private investor group for about $6.6 billion in cash. The Houston-based maker of system management software for businesses said Monday that the deal is for $46.25 per share. That's less than 2 percent above Friday's closing stock price of $45.42. (c) 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |