devices

Microsoft has joined a group determined to ditch the traditional password as a security measure. The group wants to develop alternatives that are more capable of protecting our favorite devices and most sensitive data. The group is called the FIDO ... (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance, which is based around the idea that passwords, although widely used and easy to understand, are an inherently flawed security measure because they can be guessed or stolen. Although many new authentication measures -- such as fingerprint scans -- have emerged and are more secure from a technical perspective, FIDO ... (view more)

Several major technology firms have reached a deal that could make it easier for people to connect ordinary household gadgets to the Internet. That could make life easier for consumers, but it also raises concerns about security. For many years tech ... experts have talked about "the Internet of things," or the idea that it's limiting to think of the web as simply a bunch of computers connected to one another. Instead, we now have numerous devices that can use an Internet connection: from televisions that can access on-demand services such as Netflix, to heating systems that can check weather ... (view more)

Google has already patched a security flaw exposed by a public hacking contest. Chrome and Internet Explorer were both hacked at the Tokyo event, though contestants said doing so is getting tougher all the time. The contest is called "Pwn2Own," and ... the idea behind it is that the first person to successfully hack a computer or mobile device wins the compromised hardware and a cash prize. But winning is really about gaining prestige in the security community. Similar contests have concentrated on desktop computers, but this event focused on mobile devices. One participant successfully ... (view more)

A new report from CBS Money Watch questions the viability of Microsoft's recent acquisition of Nokia's phone business. The problem: both firms have fallen on tough times of late, meaning consumer confidence in their products is at an all-time low. ... At the same time, there just aren't enough apps available for Windows Phone devices. The devices division of 150-year-old Finnish communications firm Nokia was recently acquired by Microsoft for $7.2 billion. Many experts see the acquisition as an extension of an existing relationship between the two firms. It's a relationship that has involved ... (view more)

PC manufacturer Asus appears to be moving away from plans to build devices running Microsoft's Windows RT operating system, a slimmed-down version of Windows 8. According to Asus Chairman Jonney Shih, the firm is focusing on building tablet ... computers employing the Windows 8.1 platform. In discussing consumers' reaction to Windows RT tablet PCs, Shih noted that "the result is not very promising." Asus is only the most recent PC manufacturer to back away from Windows RT . Lenovo has also decided to cancel all plans for future Windows RT tablets, and that has meant abandoning the firm's IdeaPad ... (view more)

According to sources within Microsoft, the company's top executives are not happy with sales of devices running the firm's Windows 8 operating system. Recently, chief executive officer Steve Ballmer was very blunt in discussing problems affecting ... the Surface tablet computer. Two technology blogs -- The Verge and Neowin -- say they've learned from sources who attended a recent internal town hall event that Microsoft's top brass is very upset with sales of Windows 8-based devices. "We built a few more devices than we could sell," Ballmer reportedly said in reference to the Surface RT tablet ... (view more)

Microsoft has revealed that poor sales of its Surface RT tablet computer will cost it $900 million -- making a significant dent in the company's quarterly profits. Earlier this week Microsoft revealed price cuts across the full range of its Surface ... RT devices. That's the type of Surface running Windows RT, a special, slimmed-down version of Windows 8. Microsoft has now published its accounts for the three months ending in June and has included a $900 million writedown for Surface RT "inventory adjustments." (Source: cnet.com ) A writedown is where a company decides one of its assets -- in ... (view more)

On Thursday Microsoft unveiled its long-rumored restructuring plan , which will involve breaking Microsoft divisions into two major categories: devices and services. The restructuring plan also involves giving additional powers to a short list of ... talented managers. "Going forward, our strategy will focus on creating a family of devices and services for individuals and businesses that empower people around the globe at home, at work and on the go, for the activities they value most," noted Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer in his announcement about the plan. The ... (view more)