EU regulators softening stance on Oracle-Sun
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — European Union regulators appear to be softening their opposition to Oracle Corp.'s proposed $7.4 billion takeover of Sun Microsystems Inc., a shift that has resurrected some investors' hopes that one of the year's biggest technology deals will go ahead as planned. Oracle and the European Commission both said Monday that they have had "constructive discussions" about the fate of the deal. Its approval has been uncertain since the commission launched a formal antitrust investigation in September over concerns the combination could harm the database software market.
Google tests new phone to profit from mobile Web
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google Inc. is determined to gain more influence over how the Web is used on mobile phones, even if the next step in the quest tramples some of the relationships forged during its two-year expansion into the wireless industry. The focus on Google's mobile ambitions is sharpening now that the Internet search leader is working on a new phone called "Nexus One." The handset is being tested by Google's 20,000 employees, who received the device just before the weekend.
USGS monitoring Twitter for earthquake details
LOS ANGELES (AP) — OMG! Earthquake! The U.S. Geological Survey is scouring the popular microblogging site Twitter soon after a temblor hits to pinpoint regions where shaking occurred.
Hollywood hopes an ensemble cast boosts Blu-ray
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although prices for some Blu-ray players dropped below $100 this holiday season, customers are hesitating to jump into the next-generation video format. Even people who already own Blu-ray players are still buying movies on DVDs. One big reason: Blu-ray discs won't play on standard DVD players found in cars, computers and bedrooms.
Tech blog, Singapore startup feud over tablet PC
SEATTLE (AP) — About 18 months ago, a technology blogger got fed up with the industry and forged an alliance with a startup to make his dream computer. It almost worked. The touch-screen "tablet" device will be available for pre-order Saturday — from the startup. The blogger is out of the picture, back to producing posts rather than PCs.
'Uncharted 2' nabs top prize at VGAs
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The cinematic action adventure "Uncharted 2: Among Thieves" nabbed three prizes including game of the year at the Spike TV Video Game Awards. The PlayStation 3 exclusive was named top game for that console and honored for its graphics at the awards show Saturday night at the LA Live complex in downtown, which featured appearances from Stevie Wonder, Green Day and Jack Black. Snoop Dogg and The Bravery performed.
Fla. judges, lawyers must 'unfriend' on Facebook
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Florida's judges and lawyers should no longer "friend" each other on Facebook, the popular social networking site, according to a ruling from the state's Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee. At least one South Florida judge warned her pals with a Facebook status update that they could be "unfriended," and the ruling has prompted others to do the same. The committee ruled Nov. 17 that online "friendships" could create the impression that lawyers are in a special position to influence their judge friends.
Apple countersues Nokia over phone patents
NEW YORK (AP) — Apple Inc. is suing cell phone maker Nokia Corp. for patent infringement, a countermove to Nokia's earlier suit against technologies used in Apple's iPhone. Apple's lawsuit claims Nokia is infringing on 13 of Apple's patents, and says the Finland-based company chose to "copy the iPhone," especially its user interface, to make up for its declining share of the high-end phone market.
Swedish service performs your last online wishes
STOCKHOLM (AP) — Sunniva Geertinger was devastated when her boyfriend took his life early this year. To make matters worse, his Facebook account proved almost impossible to put to rest, haunting her like a ghost with new wall-posts from network pals and holiday photos from the past.
Globalive to launch mobile phone service in Canada
TORONTO (AP) — The Canadian government said Friday that it has approved a request from Egyptian-backed telecom Globalive Wireless Management Corp. to launch its mobile phone service in Canada. It will be the fourth major wireless company serving Canada, competing with Rogers Communications Inc., BCE Inc. and Telus Corp.
