Most major automakers are developing more automated driving systems. Some of the features, such as cruise control that adjusts to the speeds of surrounding cars, blind spot radar and other collision avoidance systems, are already available. The push to deliver automated cars reflects the differences of automakers and Silicon Valley tech companies. Established car companies typically take a more incremental tactic than Silicon Valley, taking into account decades of manufacturing experience. Continue reading Google Drives Past Auto Manufacturers in Vehicle Automation

As consumers buy less personal computers and more tablets and mobile devices, China’s Lenovo has overtaken HP, becoming the largest seller of PCs. On Wednesday, research firms Gartner and IDC estimated that worldwide PC shipments have fallen 11 percent in Q2 2013. The two firms say that sales have decreased for the past five quarters, the industry’s longest decline. But they have hope that new PC hardware will provide some recovery. Continue reading Lenovo Becomes the Top PC Seller as Industry Sales Decline

New embedded technologies may replace mobile devices as personal computers are being killed off by smartphones and tablets. The “post-mobile” device could change the way humans interact with their computers, removing the need for keyboards and allowing users to simply touch or speak with their devices. Wearable devices will be an early example of new technologies that will incorporate radical ways in which users and devices interact. Continue reading Embedded Technologies to Drive Future Post-Mobile Devices

Intel’s leadership promised on Friday to place their chip processors in position to enter the mobile and other non-computer markets. Despite their planned release of a TV set-top box, Intel is entering the new field with caution. In contrast, it is focusing much effort on its chip making. Intel will attempt to bring their Atom chips to a more equal level with their Core line of computer chips, and compete directly with ARM processors. Continue reading Intel Emphasizes Mobile Focus, More Attention on Atom Chip

Humans and machines have evolved together over time. Within the past 200 years, technology, and human use of it, has significantly improved beyond most expectations. But the Internet, digital technologies and the mass number of mobile devices, offers massive amounts of data that require new ways of analyzing it. Irving Wladawsky-Berger suggests that cognitive systems can perform the task, and help make new determinations on a much larger scale. Continue reading Advancement of Human Intelligence and Cognitive Systems

Microsoft recently released a free preview version of Windows 8.1, an update to the previously redesigned Windows 8. The preview version reveals some significant improvements and enhancements to navigation, performance, overall usability, and addresses issues from version 8. Perhaps one of the most important is the return of the “Start Button.” Any current Windows 8 user can upgrade to Window 8.1, once the full version is released. Continue reading Review: Microsoft Responds to Critics with New Windows 8.1

Microsoft and Best Buy announced yesterday that they are teaming up to convert the computing sections of 600 Best Buy locations into new in-store retail shops called Windows Stores. The 1,500-2,200 square feet mini-stores plan to feature an array of Microsoft products including computers, phones and Xbox video game machines. Windows Stores will be distinctly designed featuring prominent Microsoft colors and logos, and plan to start opening this summer. Continue reading Windows Stores: Microsoft and Best Buy Team on Retail Space

Microsoft announced last week that it has sold 100 million licenses for Windows 8 since the software’s release six months ago, approximately the same number it sold for Windows 7 in the same time range at its release. The company made bold changes to its software, which included replacing the traditional interface with a screen of tiles. However, there has a been a negative reaction from some customers and the company admits the moves may have been too aggressive. A soon-to-come update may help those who are disappointed. Continue reading Will Windows Blue Help Customers with Learning Curve?

Many were perplexed when Intel revealed it would launch a TV service. But the company, along with other giants such as Apple, Google and Microsoft have wrestled for years with how to become TV providers amidst a market ripe for disruption. And as the pay TV landscape continues to shift, with new emerging social and mobile opportunities, tech companies are well-positioned to step in and exploit. Continue reading Slumping PC Sales: Will TV Service be the Answer for Intel?

Eye-tracking technology is on the rise. Previously found mostly in the healthcare industry as aids for those with impaired mobility, it is now being incorporated into mass market consumer electronics for gaming and everyday tasks. While touchscreens have helped curb the need for some clunky hardware extras, eye-tracking technology could be the next step in finally weaning the PC off the keyboard and mouse. Continue reading Eye-Tracking Technology Coming to Mobile Devices and PCs

A new computer now operating at University College London mimics the randomness found in nature and can instantly recover from crashes by repairing its own corrupted data. Such a machine could be instrumental in keeping mission-critical systems working at all times in the face of technological breakdowns. For example, it could allow drones to reprogram themselves in the face of combat damage. Continue reading Computer Mimics Randomness in Nature to Repair Itself

The Raspberry Pi was initially intended to help schoolchildren tinker with an inexpensive computer ($35 for new models and $25 for older versions). Nearly a million units later, the Raspberry Pi has become a huge success with hobbyists who customize their miniature computers. The Pi is only 3 inches by 2 inches and is less than an inch in height, but its inexpensive nature allows hobbyists to tinker with the device. Continue reading Raspberry Pi: Mini Computer Attracts Hoards of Hobbyists