Sweden Promoting Human Rights Online
This May 22-23 the Stockholm Internet Forum (SIF) will be held for the second time. The Swedish held conference tries to promote the dialogue on human rights, bringing together over 400 activists, experts, politicians and representatives of business and society from over 90 countries.
With the number of Internet users expected to go from just under two billion today to five billion within the next years human rights for everyone online will be more important than ever.
Microsoft: The Giant Is Awake
As the products in the Microsoft Store show the tech giant has completely rolled out its new approach. With its tile based Windows 8 operating system, its Surface Pro tablet and even an entirely new logo to underscore that notion.
The computer company revealed some impressive numbers passed week that revealed the seemingly sleepy giant is all but asleep.
New PCMark 8 Supports Battery Testing
Futuremark is releasing its latest benchmark software PCMark 8 somewhere this June. The computer testing software will also support battery testing for laptops. The software is expected to appear as a free and paid Professional version.
Until now laptop battery tests with PCMark needed to be done with a different software package, but PCMark 8 will get a built-in feature for this, according to Futuremark.
Last Survey Day
For my research project to improve Computer Stories I am in need of your opinion and assistance as visitor. I made a 1-minute survey containing 10 questions about visitors of this website. If you would fill in the survey that would be of great help.
Besides that people who fill in the survey have the opportunity to win the instant PS3 classic Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. Go here to fill in the survey.
French Thinking About Extra Tablet And Smartphone Tax
The French government is thinking about a new tax on computer devices as tablets and smartphones. The revenue earned from this tax would than be used to fund cultural projects.
According to press agency Reuters the proposal for the new culture tax was made by former head of television company Canal-Plus, Pierre Lescure.
Survey Concludes Apple iPad Owners Are Most Satisfied
In the latest 2013 U.S. Tablet Satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power, a global market research company, Apple ranked highest with its iPad device. Apple’s tablet scored a perfect five-star rating, making it the second consecutive year that the iPad was ranked as the best tablet.
The iPad received 836 points out of 1,000 this year. The study included rankings based upon everything from general performance to its ease of use. The survey also looked at design aspects and features as portions of its overall rating.
Microsoft Reacts To Criticism On Windows 8.1
Frank Shaw, head of Communications at Microsoft has reacted to criticism on the upcoming Windows 8.1 software update Microsoft has been working on.
Frank Shaw is reacting fiercely on the official Microsoft blog against two critical articles that were published by The Financial Times and The Economist.
Wearable Electronic Devices Empower Injured And Disabled In New Ways
Wearable electronic limbs and devices are empowering injured and disabled people in new ways, making them regain new abilities. One such example is Michael Gore who was paralyzed eleven years ago after a workplace accident and has been testing a device that lets him walk again.
Today Gore is able to stand up out of his wheelchair and able to walk across a room with the help of a lightweight wearable computerized robot extension or exoskeleton.
India Going All-In On Scanning Civillian Communication
India is working on a self produced computer system with which it becomes possible to scan all the communication activities of its civilians. Aside scanning Internet traffic the system is also able to scan text messages and phone communication.
The Times of India reported yesterday that the Indian Government launched the Central Monitoring System which will be used by the Indian tax authority and its National Investigation Agency among others. The system would be used for security purposes only.
Dutch Fairly Produced Phone
The Fairphone, a Dutch initiative for a fairly produced smartphone that is made with the use of a transparent and fair production chain, will be available for ordering next week.
According to Cnet the phone will cost 325 euro and will only hit production if a minimal of 5000 phones will be ordered for “fair” production.
