Join or Sign In
Register for your free ZDNet membership or if you are already a member, sign in using your preferred method below.
The big stories on ZDNet this week: September 27, 2013
We take a look back at some of the major stories that broke September 23-27 — including Apple sales figures, BlackBerry's massive loss, Surface tablets, and Google security woes.
Microsoft launches Surface 2, priced at $449
ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley reported from the New York launch of the Surface 2. The software giant also introduced a new docking station, Power Cover, wireless adapter, and other new peripherals for the Windows-powered tablet.
Read more:
Related: | | CNET: Surface 2 declassified: How Microsoft made Surface into the tablet the world said it wanted
Apple sold nine million iPhone 5s, 5c smartphones in the first weekend
As Apple's chief executive Tim Cook said "initial supply" of the iPhone 5s sold out, many were left to wait for weeks for their new smartphones to arrive. Apple confirmed 200 million devices have upgraded to iOS 7 since it was first released.
Read more:
Related: | | | |
Apple's iPhone fingerprint technology hacked
Less than two days after the iPhone 5s went on sale, German hackers were successful in creating a fake fingerprint that could spoof Apple's "advanced" biometric technology. But as ZDNet's Ed Bott explains, anyone who's been paying attention to biometrics shouldn't be surprised.
Read more:
Related: | | | |
China drops its Great Firewall for Twitter and Facebook
China is looking at easing up and allowing access to previously banned sites and services, such as Facebook and Twitter, so long as users are within a sanctioned Shanghai free-trade zone.
Read more:
Related: | |
Apple unveils iMac refresh
Apple on Tuesday announced an updated iMac range, with new improved processors, graphics, Wi-Fi capabilities and faster flash storage options.
Read more:
Related: | |
HTC faces U.S. Android import ban over patents
HTC faces a possible import ban over several Android devices after finding itself on the wrong end of a preliminary ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) over two Nokia patents. ZDNet's Liam Tung reports.
Read more:
Related: | Nokia sues HTC, RIM, ViewSonic in global patent brawl |
Amazon dishes out new Kindle Fire HDX range
First launched two years ago, the Kindle Fire brand has grown to be one of the best-selling products across Amazon's vast empire. Now, Amazon is dishing out its latest refresh of the popular Android tablet. ZDNet's Rachel King headed to Amazon HQ in Seattle, Wash. to find out more.
Read more:
Related: | |
Nokia's Elop: I'm getting a divorce, so I'll hold on to that $25 million
Reports from Finnish media this week suggested Nokia chief executive Stephen Elop was asked to reconsider taking $25 million from the company he led for two years. He said it's not only up to him: it's also his soon-to-be ex-wife's money.
Read more:
Related: | | ZDNet Special Report: The Microsoft-Nokia Deal
Microsoft's Surface Mini: Not until early 2014?
Microsoft may not get its first "Surface Mini" ARM-based tablet out the door until early 2014, which is looking like the same time when its Windows-based variants may get a refresh, sources tell ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley.
Read more:
Related: | | CNET: Microsoft eyeing smaller Surface tablet
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 may be region locked
Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 is available in Europe, and will coming to the U.S. in early October. But controversy stirred when European buyers noticed a sticker on the box indicating the long-awaited smartphone can only be used with a European SIM card.
Read more:
Related: | CNET Asia: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launches in Indonesia | CNET: Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 has new leather-and-stitching look and more multitasking (hands-on)
Google glitch sends Hangouts, Talk chats to wrong recipients
Google acknowledged this week issue with Google Hangouts and Google Talk, which mistakenly sent messages to the wrong person. ZDNet's Australia bureau experienced this first-hand, and confirmed it was also an issue within enterprise-based Google Apps for Business accounts.
Read more:
Related: | | CNET: Google quietly starts 720p HD Hangouts rollout
Google overhauls search engine with "Hummingbird"
A decade-and-a-half after Google was founded, the search giant announced this week a major update of its search engine: Hummingbird. This major change to the core algorithm is its biggest since the launch of "Caffeine" in 2010.
Read more:
Related: | | Google search: This time it's personal | CNET: Google Search now powered by a Hummingbird
BlackBerry reports near-$1B loss, thanks to Z10 flop
BlackBerry sold around 5.9 million smartphones during its entire second quarter — which is a fair chunk less than the nine million smartphones Apple shifted in single a weekend. As a result, the company reported close to $1 billion in losses during the quarter.
Read more:
Related: | | ZDNet review:
Ballmer bids farewell to Microsoft troops
Outgoing Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer, who announced in August he will retire, gave his final pep talk to thousands of employees at a companywide meeting on Thursday.
Read more:
Related: | | CNET: Blame Steve Ballmer for Microsoft's woes? Not so fast
Samsung sends EU concessions package to avoid antitrust fine
The Korean electronics giant is in hot water with European antitrust regulators over the use of patents in lawsuits against Apple. Now it's offering more in a bid to avoid a massive fine of more than $18 billion.
Read more:
Related: |