Google's upcoming phone to support gesture controls

Google confirmed Monday that its upcoming flagship phone, the Pixel 4 will support gesture controls, enabling users to play music, snooze alarms, and silence phone calls, just by waving their hand. When the Pixel 4 is launched later this year, it will incorporate a brand new way of interacting with the smartphone – one that does away with the need to swipe at the glass screen. The...

Trump refuses to shield Apple's Mac Pro from China tariffs

President Donald Trump has vowed to slap tariffs on Apple's Mac Pros if the company shifts production of the computer from Texas to China. The pledge made in a Friday tweet rebuffs Apple's attempt to shield its products from taxes being imposed on goods made in China as part of Trump administration's trade war with the world's most populous country.

Tesla stock plummets after announcing $408M loss in 2Q

Tesla suffered a loss of $408 million during its latest quarter as the company continues to struggle to prove it can make money while producing electric cars at prices that a mass market can afford. The setback announced Wednesday had already been telegraphed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, but it still underscored an ongoing challenge that helps explains why the company's shares have plunged by more...

FTC fines Facebook $5B, adds oversight for privacy mishaps

Federal regulators have fined Facebook $5 billion for privacy violations and are instituting new oversight and restrictions on its business. But they are only holding CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally responsible in a limited fashion.

Report: FTC will say Facebook misled users about privacy

The Washington Post is reporting that the Federal Trade Commission will allege that Facebook misled users about its privacy practices as part of an expected settlement. The federal business watchdog will reportedly find that Facebook deceived users about how it handled phone numbers it asked for as part of a security feature and provided insufficient information about how to turn off a facial...

Three new iPhones powered by A13 chip coming this fall: Report

News that the new iPhones will feature a triple-camera system have been circulating for a while. Now, we have fresh insights on specs and features of the new phones. Apple will release three new iPhones this fall, powered by a new A13 chip. The new phones, dubbed iPhone 11, will feature a new Taptic Engine, and will retain the existing Lightning port, Apple enthusiast site 9to5mac...

Uber testing monthly subscription pass for rides, food delivery, bikes and scooters

Uber is testing a monthly subscription pass that combines four of its services under a $24.99 monthly price in San Francisco and Chicago, according to a news report published Monday by Techcrunch. The pass puts a price ceiling on every ride, free food delivery via Uber Eats, and free access to its JUMP bikes and electric scooters. 

Microsoft to invest $1 billion in OpenAI

Microsoft announced Monday that it is investing $1 billion in San Francisco-based OpenAI, an artificial intelligence-focused company founded by tech luminaries such as Elon Musk and Sam Atman. 

What consumers should know about Equifax $700M settlement

Equifax's $700 million settlement with the U.S. government over a massive 2017 data breach includes up to $425 million for consumers. The breach was one of the largest ever to threaten private information, as the breach exposed Social Security and other data on nearly 150 million people. Affected consumers would get free credit-monitoring and identity-restoration services for the next...

Equifax to pay up to $700M in data breach settlement

Equifax will pay up to $700 million to settle with the U.S. and states over a 2017 data breach that exposed Social Security numbers and other private information of nearly 150 million people.

Elizabeth Holmes appears in court, judge orders FDA to produce documents

More legal wrangling in the federal trial of Elisabeth Holmes. She’s the founder of tech firm Theranos, who’s charged with multiple counts of fraud against investors. Holmes left the Federal Courthouse in San Jose saying nothing. She spent most of Wednesday morning watching her lawyers haggle over evidence in her case. “This is ordinary in this type of complex, white-collar...

Sex tech in, skimpy outfits out as CES addresses diversity

The CES gadget show is cracking down on its dress code, introducing more sessions focused on women and minorities and creating a new "sex tech" category after a debacle over a robotic personal massager for women.

Mountain View commuters can avail $2 carpool rides

In a bid to reduce traffic congestion and provide more commuting options to those who live and work in Mountain View, the Mountain View Transportation Management Association (MTMA) has partnered with Waze to offer carpool rides at a discounted flat rate of $2 per ride, as a part of a six-month pilot program.

Retail rivals crash Amazon's Prime Day party

The gravitational pull of Amazon Prime Day is so strong on shoppers it's benefiting other retailers as well, according to an early analysis from a key data group.