As Facebook Ages, is the Social Network Getting Boring?
Facebook's luster may be wearing off, as many users -- especially younger ones -- ask themselves whether the social network has become boring and too much like a chore.
Web
Google Targeted in Privacy Complaint by 6 European Nations
Google's new privacy policy is under attack from regulators in its largest European markets, which are bringing legal action to force the company to overhaul its practices.
As Cyprus' Woes Deepen, Interest in Bitcoin Soars
While Cypriots facing a national banking crisis are eager to get their hands on cold, hard cash, some European investors are betting on the virtual currency known as bitcoin.
After Blockbuster Deal, Dish Is Set to Take on Netflix
Most subscribers to Dish Network probably picked the satellite television provider based on its low cost. But now that Dish has purchased the library of one-time movie rental powerhouse Blockbuster, it's poised to compete with the likes of Netflix for the streaming-video market.
EBay to Buy Web Operator GSI Commerce for $2.4 Billion
GSI Commerce, which operates websites for big retailers such as Toys R Us and Bath and Body Works, is now selling itself. Web marketplace eBay says its buying GSI for a cool $2.4 billion.
Where You Should Invest in the Latest Tech IPO Wave
A new crop of tech IPOs are en route to the market, among them vacation rental website HomeAway, online radio site Pandora and business networking site LinkedIn. But how can you tell if these startups are worthy of your cash? Here are the four questions to ask before buying into an IPO.
Google Rejiggers Search Rankings to Reward 'High Quality' Sites
Google on Friday announced that it has adjusted its search-engine ranking system to demote so-called "low quality" sites and boost the rankings of sites with original content and substantial analysis.
Logging In to Art from Around the World
The VIP Air Fair, which starts this Saturday, will feature 7,500 pieces of art by more than 2,000 artists, from nearly 140 galleries in 30 different countries -- and it will be held entirely online. Could online viewing change the selection -- and potentially the value -- of art?
Job No. 1 for Larry Page: Halt Google's Brain Drain
When Google co-founder Larry Page replaces Eric Schmidt as CEO, he'll have a host of things to worry about: ad revenues, growth, Facebook, privacy concerns and just how to get the company's rebel groove back. But first on his agenda will have to be reversing the flow of top employees out the door.
Retailers' Focus for 2011: More Stores, Better Service
U.S. retailers are planning store expansions and increased initiatives to monitor and serve their customers -- with a heavy focus on the Web and social media -- as they work to accelerate their growth in 2011.
India's Internet Comes of Age with First $1 Billion Dot-Com
When tech writer Alex Salkever issued his five tech predictions for 2010 last year, he boldly proclaimed that India's nascent tech sector would see its first blockbuster startup emerge. That blockbuster turns out to be MakeMyTrip.com, and it's likely to be followed by many more in 2011.
How the Web Will Make Winners and Losers in 2011
A year ago, few expected Angry Birds or Groupon to be among 2010's stars, but the underlying trends that powered their success were plain enough. So picking individual companies to rise or fall this year isn't worthwhile. What is? Identifying the trends that will move them all.
Firefox Overtakes Internet Explorer in Europe
Microsoft's Internet Explorer is the most popular Web browser by far in North America, but in Europe, it has just been overthrown by Mozilla's Firefox. The coup illustrates the rapid growth of Google's Chrome browser, which has been eating away at Microsoft's market share.
Yahoo Is Pleasing Investors, Instead of Its Users
Ever since rebuffing Microsoft's takeover bid, Yahoo has been keen to placate angry shareholders, and Carol Bartz's latest moves are doing that still. But by failing to keep up with true social networking a la Facebook, Yahoo risks losing its loyal audience.
Three Lessons from WikiLeaks: How the Internet Is Changing Information Warfare
The story of WikiLeaks illustrates how the Internet is changing cyber warfare. In the battle to control the political conversation, independent groups can now get information out as easily as governments can, and it's harder than ever before for countries to stop them.
Online Buyer Beware: Cyber-Fraud Is Getting Slicker
As more Americans shop online for the holidays, they're falling prey to increasingly sophisticated scams. In response, on Cyber Monday, the Justice Department busted 82 sites for allegedly selling counterfeit and pirated goods, but more crooks are out there.
BlueGlass Jumps Into Search-Friendly Content Creation
Look out, Demand Media: Here comes another cheap content-creation competitor. Meet BlueGlass, the newest entrant in the rapidly expanding field of producing low-cost text and video articles designed specifically to snag search traffic.
Sex.com Sells: $13 Million Deal Expected to Spark New Domain Gold Rush
Sex.com is still the hottest domain name out there: It recently sold for $13 million, surpassing all other domain sales except for its own $14 million deal back in 2006. Does this mean the land grab for Web real estate is back in business?
Aiming for Amazon: Retailers Join New Web Shipping Service
Retailers such as Toys R Us, Rockport and Borders hope to grow their Web sales with a new shipping service called ShopRunner.com. Much like Amazon's Prime program, consumers pay $79 per year for a membership, which lets them ship as many orders as they want from ShopRunner's retail partners.
Bing Leapfrogs Yahoo As No. 2 U.S. Search Engine
In August, Microsoft's Bing overtook Yahoo as the No. 2 U.S. Internet search engine for the first time, according to a Nielson report. Bing has been rapidly rising in popularity since its launch in June of last year. Can it give Google a run for the top spot?
Will Passengers Pay for WiFi in the Sky?
Airlines plan to nearly triple the number of planes with in-flight Internet access this year, but fewer than one in 50 passengers currently pay for the service. When will WiFi revenues start to take off?
New Deal on Net Neutrality from Google and Verizon
Google and Verizon drew lots of criticism last week with a Web-traffic pact rumored to favor higher-paying providers. Now, the companies have unveiled a proposal that pays homage to the concept of net neutrality, at least in the short term.
Google Denies 'Devil's Pact' With Verizon
Google and Verizon denied reports of a proposed tiered-services deal that would allow websites to pay broadband providers for the privilege of getting content in front of users more quickly. The alleged deal had proponents of net neutrality up in arms Thursday.
Out of Context: The Hazards of Acting Fast
Agricultural Department director Shirley Sherrod and CNN editor Octavia Nasr both lost their jobs because they said things that sounded bad out of context. In the pressure of a lighting-fast news cycle, did their employers act too fast?
Viacom to Appeal Defeat in
$1 Billion Google Lawsuit
Viacom has vowed to appeal after a federal judge threw out its $1 billion lawsuit against Google-owned YouTube. In his landmark decision, Judge Louis L. Stanton said YouTube is covered by the "safe harbor" protections of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
A Cheap Way to Bet on Web Hotshot TenCent
China's TenCent is one of the world's largest pure-play Internet companies, and its shares are sizzling. But for a stealthy way to invest in TenCent at a major discount, buy South African media giant Naspers.