Why are people spending hours on Clubhouse? It’s not (usually) the money

Despite being invitation-only, Clubhouse has exploded into the mainstream in recent months. Many have been drawn to the audio-only interactive streaming platform by simple curiosity, or the promise of hopping into a room with a favorite celebrity.

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Away from Silicon Valley, the military is the ideal customer

A number of tech companies, many of them far from Silicon Valley, are shrugging off the concerns about the potential militarization of their creations that in recent years have stirred employee revolts at industry giants like Google and Microsoft.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/away-from-silicon-valley-the-military-is-the-ideal-customer/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Some GOP state lawmakers help spread COVID-19 misinformation

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Many Republican lawmakers have criticized governors’ emergency restrictions since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Now that most legislatures are back in session, a new type of pushback is taking root: misinformation. In their own comments or by inviting skeptics to testify at legislative hearings, some GOP state lawmakers are using […]

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Screening to detect prior coronavirus infections launched by Adaptive Biotech, with Microsoft’s help

Seattle-based Adaptive Biotechnologies says its product, which uses machine-learning technology from Microsoft, may help people who believe they've been infected but haven't tested positive with currently available analyses.

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Amazon’s new rotating, follow-you camera is useful — and invasive

The Amazon Echo Show 10 tracks your movement to make sure you’re always in the frame on video calls. But it also doubles as a surveillance camera inside your home. Tech writer Geoffrey Fowler tries it out.

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Internet disruption reported in southeast Iran amid unrest

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s impoverished southeast experienced wide disruptions of internet service over the past week, internet experts said Saturday, as unrest gripped the remote province after fatal border shootings. Several rights groups reported in a joint statement that authorities shut down the mobile data network in the restive province of Sistan […]

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How can I find a ‘tech concierge’ who can help with a variety of technical issues?

Patrick Marshall answers your personal tech questions. This week's topics cover how to find a "tech concierge," why a Windows 10 upgrade stalls, and what's causing an error message related to Microsoft Office.

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A new generation of Wi-Fi to improve your home network

We have slammed our home Wi-Fi networks with more devices that are doing more than ever before. A new generation of Wi-Fi, known as Wi-Fi 6, has arrived to solve the resulting problems of congestion and sluggish downloads. We put it to the test.

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SoftBank says deal reached with WeWork founder, directors

TOKYO (AP) — SoftBank Group Corp. has reached a settlement in a U.S. legal dispute with directors of office space-sharing venture WeWork Inc. and its founder Adam Neumann, the Japanese technology company said Saturday. The terms of the settlement in the Delaware Court of Chancery were not disclosed. The statement said the agreement was not […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/softbank-says-deal-reached-with-wework-founder-directors/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Nevada governor proposes giving tech firms power to govern

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada’s governor on Friday unveiled a proposal that would allow technology companies to establish jurisdictions with powers similar to those of county governments, arguing the state needed to be bold to diversify its economy and pushing back against those who have likened the idea to company towns. “This proposal is […]

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Downtowns will be back, but Seattle has choices to make

Once the pandemic passes, reasons are abundant to be bullish on downtowns, even with remote work. In the past, Seattle’s genius for reinvention has always brought it back stronger. Seattle, however, faces a critical crossroads, writes Jon Talton.

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Notices to go out to 1.3 million Washingtonians affected by unemployment data breach

Washingtonians whose data was exposed in a hack of the state auditor will soon receive individual email notifications - and an offer for a year of free credit monitoring.

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Twitter shakes off the cobwebs with new product plans

Twitter has not changed very much in the last few years. But a recent acquisition spree signals a new course. It plans to expand with new options to pay for exclusive content from certain users, and to launch communities for specific interests.

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FCC approves a $50 monthly high-speed internet subsidy

In an effort to bridge the digital divide, the FCC plans to offer up to $50 a month to low-income households and up to $75 a month to households on Native American land for broadband service. It will also provide a discount on a computer or tablet.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/fcc-approves-a-50-monthly-high-speed-internet-subsidy/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

TikTok owner ByteDance to pay $92M in US privacy settlement

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance has agreed to pay $92 million in a settlement to U.S. users who are part of a class-action lawsuit alleging that the video-sharing app failed to get their consent to collect data in violation of a strict Illinois privacy law. The federal lawsuit alleged that TikTok […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tiktok-owner-bytedance-to-pay-92m-in-us-privacy-settlement/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

AT&T spinning off DirecTV after losing millions of customers

AT&T is spinning off its DirecTV into a new company for a fraction of the $48.5 billion it paid for the satellite TV service in 2015. DirecTV has lost millions of customers on AT&T’s watch, and is valued in the deal at just $16.25 billion, including debt. Private equity firm TPG will own 30% of […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/att-spinning-off-directv-after-losing-millions-of-customers/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Facebook signs pay deals with 3 Australian news publishers

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Facebook announced on Friday preliminary agreements with three Australian publishers, a day after the Parliament passed a law that would make the digital giants pay for news. Facebook said letters of intent had been signed with independent news organisations Private Media, Schwartz Media and Solstice Media. The commercial agreements are subject […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/facebook-signs-pay-deals-with-3-australian-news-publishers/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

‘Reply All’ podcast paused amid charges of toxic behavior

The popular “Reply All” podcast has been put on hiatus and is canceling two remaining episodes of a series that explored allegations of structural racism and a problematic work culture at food magazine Bon Appetit. The reason? Former employees at Gimlet Media, the podcast’s publisher, charged that two people behind “Reply All” had exhibited behavior […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/reply-all-podcast-paused-amid-charges-of-toxic-behavior/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Twitter to let users charge followers to see premium posts

Twitter is branching out from advertising to find more ways to make money — both for itself and for its most prolific users, whether those are businesses, celebrities or regular people. In an investor presentation Thursday, the social media company announced a new feature called “Super Follows,” which will let users charge for extra, exclusive […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/twitter-to-let-users-charge-followers-to-see-premium-posts/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

EXPLAINER: Meet the vaccine appointment bots, and their foes

Having trouble scoring a COVID-19 vaccine appointment? You’re not alone. To cope, some people are turning to bots that scan overwhelmed websites and send alerts on social media when slots open up. They’ve provided relief to families helping older relatives find scarce appointments. But not all public health officials think they’re a good idea. In […]

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Digital exchange Coinbase takes a step toward going public

Coinbase has filed papers with U.S. regulators to become a publicly traded company as digital currencies continue to march toward mainstream acceptance. The digital currency exchange is seeking a direct listing, which would allow company insiders and early investors to convert their stakes in Coinbase into publicly traded stock. In a Thursday filing with the […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/digital-exchange-coinbase-takes-a-step-toward-going-public/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

India introduces new rules to regulate online content

NEW DELHI (AP) — India on Thursday rolled out new regulations for social media companies and digital streaming websites to make them more accountable for the online content shared on their platforms, giving the government more power to police it. The Information Technology Ministry said the new regulations would require social media platforms like Facebook […]

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Medical oxygen scarce in Africa, Latin America amid virus

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — A crisis over the supply of medical oxygen for coronavirus patients has struck nations in Africa and Latin America, where warnings went unheeded at the start of the pandemic and doctors say the shortage has led to unnecessary deaths. It takes about 12 weeks to install a hospital oxygen plant and […]

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With computer chips scarce, Biden orders supply chain review

President Joe Biden says his administration would review supply chains for key components in computers, electric cars, pharmaceuticals and military hardware, pledging to address a concerning dependence on unreliable foreign sources.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/with-computer-chips-scarce-biden-orders-supply-chain-review/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Facebook bans all Myanmar military-linked accounts and ads

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Social media giant Facebook announced Thursday it was banning all accounts linked to Myanmar’s military as well as ads from military-controlled companies in the wake of the army’s seizure of power on Feb. 1. It said in a statement that it was treating the post-coup situation in Myanmar as an “emergency,” […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/facebook-bans-all-myanmar-military-linked-accounts-and-ads/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Australia passes law to make Google, Facebook pay for news

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s laws forcing Google and Facebook to pay for news are ready to take effect, though the laws’ architect said it will take time for the digital giants to strike media deals. The Parliament on Thursday passed the final amendments to the so-called News Media Bargaining Code agreed between Treasurer Josh […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/australia-passes-law-to-make-google-facebook-pay-for-news/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Washington AG Bob Ferguson sues Google, again, for alleged violations of political-ad transparency law

Google is accused in a new lawsuit by Attorney General Bob Ferguson of continuing to violate Washington's laws on political ad transparency.

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Australia passes law forcing Facebook, Google to pay for news

Australia’s parliament has passed a world-first law to force digital giants such as Facebook and Google to pay publishers for news content — a move that may unleash more global regulatory action to limit their power.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/australia-passes-law-forcing-facebook-google-to-pay-for-news/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Facebook says it will pay $1B over 3 years to news industry

Facebook, following in Google’s footsteps, says it plans to invest $1 billion to “support the news industry” over the next three years. The social networking giant, which has been tussling with Australia over a law that would make social platforms pay news organizations, said it has invested $600 million since 2018 in news. Google said […]

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White nationalist gets prison over rape threat, extortion

CONCORD, N.H (AP) — A self-proclaimed white nationalist was sentenced Wednesday to nearly three-and-a-half years in federal prison for threatening to rape the wife of a man who was part of a separate racist group that he believed was harassing him. Christopher Cantwell, a 40-year-old New Hampshire resident and radio host, was found guilty in […]

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Former SC utility executive to plead guilty in two courts

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The utility executive who spent billions of dollars on two South Carolina nuclear plants that never generated a single watt of power is expected to plead guilty to federal and state charges in two courts Wednesday. Former SCANA Corp. CEO Kevin Marsh is scheduled to be in federal court in Columbia […]

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Seattle will use a UW-developed mapping tool to guide equitable vaccine distribution

The city of Seattle will use a mapping tool created by the University of Washington to help it distribute COVID-19 vaccines more equitably, taking into account census and social data from communities.

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Funky electronics chain Fry’s is no more

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Fry’s Electronics, the go-to chain for tech tinkerers looking for an obscure part, is closing for good. The company, perhaps even more well known for outlandish themes at some of its stores, from Aztec to “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” said Wednesday in an online posting that the COVID-19 pandemic had made […]

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Amnesty International: Hackers attacking Vietnam dissidents

BANGKOK (AP) — Amnesty International says it has found that a hacking group known as Ocean Lotus has been staging more spyware attacks on Vietnamese human rights activists in the latest blow to freedom of speech in the communist-ruled country. The human rights group said Wednesday that Amnesty Tech’s Security Lab found evidence of the […]

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Federal judge says California can enforce net neutrality law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday ruled that California can for the first time enforce its tough net neutrality law, clearing the way for the state to ban internet providers from slowing down or blocking access to websites and applications that don’t pay for premium service. Former Gov. Jerry Brown signed the […]

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Tech firms say there’s little doubt Russia behind major hack

WASHINGTON (AP) — Leading technology companies said Tuesday that a months-long breach of corporate and government networks was so sophisticated, focused and labor-intensive that a nation had to be behind it, with all the evidence pointing to Russia. In the first congressional hearing on the breach, representatives of technology companies involved in the response described […]

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Facebook says it will lift its Australian news ban soon

Facebook has agreed to lift its ban on Australians sharing news after a deal was struck on legislation that would make digital giants pay for news stories and other journalism that they feature on their sites.

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T-Mobile casts aside low-budget reputation with new $90 plan

T-Mobile US, which built its reputation offering cut-rate phone service, has something new to crow about: a high-end plan for well-heeled subscribers who want unfettered 5G access. The new Magenta Max plan will cost $90 a month with no data cap.

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Seattle startup Highspot raises $200 million, garnering a valuation of $2.3 billion

Highspot, a startup making software for training and managing sales employees and content, raised $200 million, valuing the Seattle-based company at $2.3 billion. It is now one of the most richly valued startups in the city.

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Huawei unveils flagship foldable smartphone

BEIJING (AP) — Struggling under U.S. sanctions, Huawei unveiled a folding smartphone with an 8-inch (20-centimeter) -wide screen Monday to show off its tech prowess but said it will be sold only in China. The Mate X2 highlights the challenges for Huawei Technologies Ltd. after Washington cut off access to U.S. processor chips and Google […]

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Microsoft, EU publishers team up to push for news payments

LONDON (AP) — Microsoft is teaming up with European publishers to push for a system to make big tech platforms pay for news, raising the stakes in the brewing battle over whether Google and Facebook should pay for journalism. The U.S. tech giant and four big European Union news industry lobbying groups unveiled their plan […]

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This Amazon ‘frenemy’ and cloud-computing billing expert is very funny. Seriously.

The world of cloud computing is not known for humor or outsize personalities. Corey Quinn is an exception: a brash and outspoken person who is part tech analyst, part internet troll and part watchdog.

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The statehouse versus Big Tech | Commentary

Government authorities almost everywhere are weighing whether and how to assert more control over the technology that shapes our future. This clash is not going away, and its outcomes will be both unpredictable and momentous, Shira Ovide writes.

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Why all the hoopla about hydrogen?

Hydrogen has become the hottest topic in energy circles because it can be applied to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across a growing number of manufacturing and power segments, while also advancing the adoption and distribution of renewable energy.

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Kroger: Some pharmacy customer data impacted in vendor hack

Kroger said it was among victims of the December hack of a file-transfer product developed by Accellion, which also caused a massive data breach at the Washington State Auditor.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/kroger-owner-of-fred-meyer-and-qfc-says-some-pharmacy-customer-data-impacted-in-vendor-hack/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Startups seek to breathe new life into stagnant wheelchair industry

Startups are vying to enhance the lives of those living with mobility challenges by adding artificial intelligence to wheelchairs. The thought is that computer vision and intelligent braking tools can make the devices safer and easier to operate.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/start-ups-seek-to-breathe-new-life-into-stagnant-wheelchair-industry/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Pandemic makes prostitution taboo in Nevada’s legal brothels

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Before the coronavirus pandemic, tourist-dependent Nevada had a notorious attraction: It was the only place in America where someone could legally pay for sex. These days, even in the state known for sin, the business is taboo. Legal brothels have been shuttered for nearly a year, leaving sex workers to offer […]

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Apple is working on magnetic battery pack attachment for iPhones

Apple is working on a magnetically attached battery pack for the newest iPhones, an accessory that would wirelessly charge the handset. The Apple accessory, if ultimately launched, would rival similar offerings recently released by small makers.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/apple-is-working-on-magnetic-battery-pack-attachment-for-iphones/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

What’s draining data when my computer connects to a hot spot?

Patrick Marshall answers your personal tech questions. This week's topics cover how to determine what's draining data when connecting to a hot spot, how to prevent required sign-ins when Windows wakes from sleep, and audio out of sync with video.

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How to buy a real N95 mask online

N95 and KN95 masks, the gold standard for coronavirus pandemic protection, remain far from easy to buy on the internet. Fakes and little-known brands still abound, even as health officials have advised us to up our mask game. Here’s what to do.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/how-to-buy-a-real-n95-mask-online/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology