EXPLAINER: The tech behind Tokyo Olympics’ fast track

The Jamaican sprinter and her Olympic-record time captured everyone’s attention

source https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/olympics/explainer-the-tech-behind-tokyo-olympics-fast-track/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Tips on backing up data before upgrading your Windows software

Patrick Marshall answers your PC questions. Today, will upgrading from Windows 7 erase my data? Probably not, but back up anyhow.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/tips-on-backing-up-data-before-upgrading-your-windows-software/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Jeff Bezos loses $13.5 Billion after Amazon disappointment

(Bloomberg) — Amazon.com Inc.’s weaker-than-expected second-quarter results has sent its founder’s fortune tumbling. The net worth of Jeff Bezos fell $13.5 billion after Thursday’s after-market results missed Wall Street’s expectations and foreshadowed an end to the retailer’s pandemic-fueled sales surge. The drop erased 80% of his wealth gains for the year. Amazon’s shares dropped 7.2% […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/jeff-bezos-loses-13-5-billion-after-amazon-disappointment/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Justice Department says Russians hacked federal prosecutors

The Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign broke into the email accounts of some of the most prominent federal prosecutors’ offices around the country last year

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/justice-department-says-russians-hacked-federal-prosecutors-2/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Seattle-area employers rethink the rules on masking, vaccines as pandemic takes a new turn

From Amazon to Starbucks to Ethan Stowell Restaurants, Seattle-area employers are joining companies nationwide taking another look at their mask-wearing and vaccine requirements for employees, as well as for customers.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/seattle-area-employers-rethink-the-rules-on-masking-vaccines-as-pandemic-takes-a-new-turn/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Justice Department says Russians hacked federal prosecutors

The Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign broke into the email accounts of some of the most prominent federal prosecutors’ offices around the country last year

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/justice-department-says-russians-hacked-federal-prosecutors/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Take control of your home screen

Hate a messy smartphone? Folders, quick-action menus, widgets and a little basic icon organization can make navigating your smartphone a smoother experience. Tech writer J.D. Biersdorfer shares a guide to streamlining your home screen.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/take-control-of-your-home-screen/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

US regulators step up scrutiny of IPO hopefuls from China

Chinese companies hoping to sell their shares in the United States must start making more disclosures about their potential risks before U.S. regulators will allow them to list their stock

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/us-regulators-step-up-scrutiny-of-ipo-hopefuls-from-china/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

The ‘gymternet’: gymnastics’ devoted, sometimes toxic fans

Many in the world of gymnastics have a love-hate relationship with their noisy, often noxious corner of the internet that they call the gymternet

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/the-gymternet-gymnastics-devoted-sometimes-toxic-fans/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Robotic police dogs: Useful hounds or dehumanizing machines?

If you’re homeless and looking for temporary shelter in Hawaii’s capital, expect a visit from a robotic police dog that will scan your eye to make sure you don’t have a fever

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/robotic-police-dogs-useful-hounds-or-dehumanizing-machines/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Activision, facing internal turmoil, grapples with #MeToo reckoning

Activision Blizzard, known for its “Call of Duty” and “World of Warcraft” gaming franchises, is facing backlash for what some call years of workplace behavior issues. This week, workers walked out and thousands signed a letter rebuking their employer.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/activision-facing-internal-turmoil-grapples-with-metoo-reckoning/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

In effort to curb COVID, Tokyo Olympics collect lots of spit

About 30,000 people are spitting into tiny plastic vials every day at the Tokyo Olympics in a routine that’s grown crucial in going ahead with the pandemic-era Games

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/olympics-collects-lots-of-spit-daily-in-effort-to-curb-covid/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Toyota led on clean cars. Now critics say it works to delay them.

In recent months Toyota, one of the world’s largest automakers, has quietly become the industry’s strongest voice opposing an all-out transition to electric vehicles — which proponents say is critical to fighting climate change.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/toyota-led-on-clean-cars-now-critics-say-it-works-to-delay-them/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

China’s Didi denies report of plan to buy back shares

Didi Global Inc. has denied a report by The Wall Street Journal that the ride-hailing service was considering buying back its U.S.-traded shares after its June market debut was disrupted by Chinese government orders to overhaul data security

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/chinas-didi-denies-report-of-plan-to-buy-back-shares/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

T-Mobile tops revenue estimates, raises forecast for subscribers

The second-largest U.S. wireless carrier added 1.3 million regular monthly subscribers in the quarter, considerably more than predicted.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/t-mobile-tops-revenue-estimates-raises-forecast-for-subscribers/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Nikola founder Milton to face securities fraud charges

The founder of Nikola Corp. has been arrested on securities fraud charges alleging he made false and misleading statements to investors in the electric and hydrogen-powered truck startup

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/nikola-founder-milton-set-to-face-securities-fraud-charges/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

German court faults Facebook’s past handling of hate speech

A German federal court has faulted aspects of Facebook’s handling of “hate speech,” at least in the past

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/german-court-faults-facebooks-past-handling-of-hate-speech/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Nokia profit substantially up on new operating model, 5G

Wireless network maker and 5G technology provider Nokia has reported substantially improved second-quarter profit

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/nokia-profit-substantially-up-on-new-operating-model-5g/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Blizzard employees walk out over video game company’s handling of discrimination, sexual harassment suit

Employees at Activision Blizzard, publisher of Call of Duty, walked off the job Wednesday to protest the company’s response to an explosive lawsuit filed last week alleging pervasive discrimination and harassment against women.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/blizzard-employees-walk-out-over-companys-handling-of-discrimination-sexual-harassment-suit/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Virus surge upends plans for companies trickling back to office

A jump in COVID-19 cases and a slowdown in vaccinations has left U.S. companies once again struggling with how to adapt to the virus, just as it seemed like shots would allow workers to return to offices and resume pre-pandemic norms.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/virus-surge-upends-plans-for-companies-trickling-back-to-office/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Facebook profits top $10B as revenue soars

Facebook doubled its profit in the second quarter thanks to a massive increase in advertising revenue, especially the average price of ads it delivers to its nearly 3 billion users. But the company said it doesn’t expect revenue to continue to grow at such a breakneck pace in the second half of the year. The […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/facebook-doubles-q2-profit-as-revenue-soars/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Was Macron’s phone a target for spies? French investigate

PARIS (AP) — France’s defense minister wants to learn from her Israeli counterpart what, if anything, Israel knew about the clients of the spyware company NSO who possibly targeted the cellphones of President Emmanuel Macron and other members of the French government. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz was meeting in Paris on Wednesday with French […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/was-macrons-phone-a-target-for-spies-french-investigate/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Google delays return to office, mandates vaccines

SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP) — Google is postponing a return to the office for most workers until mid-October and rolling out a policy that will eventually require everyone to be vaccinated once its sprawling campuses are fully reopened in an attempt to fight the spreading Delta variant. In a Wednesday email sent to Google’s more […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/google-delays-workers-return-to-office-mandates-vaccines/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Delivery apps expand reach to meet customer demands

Spurred by skyrocketing consumer demand during the pandemic, restaurant delivery companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats are rapidly expanding their services to grocers, convenience stores, pharmacies, pet stores and even department stores. On Wednesday, Uber Eats unveiled its newest delivery option: flowers. Uber Eats will let users order flowers directly from its app as part […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/delivery-apps-expand-reach-to-meet-customer-demands/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

EXPLAINER: Risks underlie tumbling Chinese company shares

BEIJING (AP) — Foreign shareholders in China’s tech companies are learning what its entrepreneurs have long known: The ruling Communist Party’s decisions about what is good for the economy can hurt your business. The stock prices of internet giants Tencent and Alibaba and ride-hailing service Didi tumbled after President Xi Jinping’s government launched anti-monopoly and […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/explainer-risks-underlie-tumbling-chinese-company-shares/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Turkey arrests man behind app linked to 2016 failed coup

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A Turkish-born American believed to be behind a secret messaging application that has been linked to Turkey’s failed 2016 military coup arrived in Istanbul last month where he turned himself in to authorities, the state-run news agency reported Wednesday. Anadolu Agency said David Keynes, the alleged license holder for the ByLock […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/turkey-arrests-man-behind-app-linked-to-2016-failed-coup/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Turn off, turn on: Simple step can thwart top phone hackers

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — As a member of the secretive Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Angus King has reason to worry about hackers. At a briefing by security staff this year, he said he got some advice on how to help keep his cellphone secure. Step One: Turn off phone. Step Two: Turn it back on. […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/turn-off-turn-on-simple-step-can-thwart-top-phone-hackers/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Redmond-based clean energy startup to build pioneering fusion energy facility

The facility is the next step toward the company's goal of building the world's first commercial fusion power facility. Gov. Jay Inslee said the technology could be a "world-shaking" contribution to transforming how energy is produced.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/redmond-based-clean-energy-startup-to-build-pioneering-fusion-energy-facility/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Apple’s profits nearly doubled in latest quarter

The pandemic has been a windfall for Apple as people buy gadgets to work, study and socialize. Apple said that its profits increased 93% to $21.7 billion in its fiscal third quarter compared with a year earlier, while sales rose 36% to $81.4 billion.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/apples-profits-nearly-doubled-in-latest-quarter/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Microsoft Sales, Profit Gain; Shares Drop on Azure Concern

Microsoft reported sales and profit that exceeded analysts' estimates for a 10th straight quarter, though investor optimism was tempered by concern about slowing growth in the software giant's Azure cloud-computing business.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-sales-profit-top-forecasts-shares-drop-on-azure-concern/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Tech profits soared as the COVID-19 pandemic began to fade

Three tech companies that have amassed unparalleled influence while reshaping the way we live released strong earnings results in a flurry late Tuesday. Although Apple, Microsoft and Google owner Alphabet Inc. make their money in different ways, the results for the April-June period served as another reminder of the clout they wield and why government […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tech-profits-soared-as-the-covid-19-pandemic-began-to-fade/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Ex-eBay employee gets 18 months for cyberstalking campaign

BOSTON (AP) — A former security operations manager for eBay Inc. was sentenced to 18 months in prison Tuesday for his role in an extensive campaign to terrorize and intimidate the editor and publisher of an online newsletter. Philip Cooke pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ex-ebay-employee-gets-18-months-for-cyberstalking-campaign/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Prosecutors: South Carolina man killed Uber rider in 2019

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina man killed the college student who mistook his car for her Uber ride in 2019, then abandoned her body in remote woods and scrubbed her blood from the vehicle to try to hide the evidence, prosecutors told a jury Tuesday during closing arguments. Nathaniel Rowland is facing murder […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/prosecutors-south-carolina-man-killed-uber-rider-in-2019/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

UK spares key workers quarantine as staff shortages bite

LONDON (AP) — The British government said Tuesday it will ease coronavirus quarantine rules for thousands more essential workers — including prison guards, veterinarians and garbage collectors — in an attempt to end staff shortages that are hobbling parts of the economy. About 26 million Britons have downloaded a health service phone app that tells […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/uk-spares-key-workers-quarantine-as-staff-shortages-bite/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Bitcoin jumps on speculation that Amazon considering crypto

Bitcoin jumped more than 14% in 24 hours, nearly reaching $40,000 per unit before settling closer to $37,000 after speculation that Amazon may be entering cryptocurrency. The company posted a job opening for a digital currency and blockchain lead.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/bitcoin-jumps-on-speculation-that-amazon-considering-crypto/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

First came the ransomware attacks, now come the lawsuits

Companies that have been locked out of their computer networks by hackers are now getting sued by consumers and workers claiming they were hurt by lax cybersecurity.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/first-came-the-ransomware-attacks-now-come-the-lawsuits/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Hungarians protest over alleged government spying

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Around 1,000 protesters in Hungary’s capital on Monday demanded answers to allegations that the country’s right-wing government used powerful spyware to secretly monitor critical journalists, lawyers and business figures. The protest march, which departed from a building that housed the secret police of Hungary’s communist and fascist regimes in the 20th […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/hungarians-protest-over-alleged-government-spying/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Expert at murder trial: Uber rider stabbed up to 120 times

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — There were more than 100 stab wounds on a South Carolina university student killed by a man who attacked her after she mistakenly thought his car was her Uber ride, a pathologist testified Monday. There was also so little blood left in 21-year-old Samantha Josephson’s body — 20 milliliters (1.3 tablespoons) […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/expert-at-murder-trial-uber-rider-stabbed-up-to-120-times/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Smart Eye Deputy CEO Rana el Kaliouby talks automotive AI

Rana el Kaliouby co-founded and led Boston startup Affectiva, which uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to analyze mood and emotion. Now she’s got a new job as deputy CEO of Smart Eye, after the Swedish eye-tracking company bought Affectiva for $73.5 million in June. The auto industry is the prime market for Kaliouby and […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/smart-eye-deputy-ceo-rana-el-kaliouby-talks-automotive-ai/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Driven by pandemic, social media use surged in Seattle

One way Seattle survived the pandemic lockdown? Spending hours more on social media platforms, especially YouTube and Facebook, according to a new survey. Women spent more time on Facebook, while men more often turned to LinkedIn.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/data/driven-by-pandemic-social-media-use-surged-in-seattle/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

‘Welcome to the Mesh, brother.’ Guerrilla Wi-Fi comes to New York

NYC Mesh, a band of a few dozen tech volunteers, takes on Verizon and the big “incumbent providers,” with the promise of inexpensive community internet.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/guerrilla-wi-fi-comes-to-new-york/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

China launches 6-month campaign to clean up apps

BEIJING (AP) — China’s industry ministry has announced a 6-month campaign to clean up what it says are serious problems with internet apps violating consumer rights, cyber security and “disturbing market order.” The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in an online notice that, among other things, companies must fix pop-ups on apps that […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/china-launches-6-month-campaign-to-clean-up-apps/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

‘Holy moly!’: Inside Texas’ fight against a ransomware hack

DALLAS (AP) — It was the start of a steamy Friday two Augusts ago when Jason Whisler settled in for a working breakfast at the Coffee Ranch restaurant in the Texas Panhandle city of Borger. The most pressing agenda item for city officials that morning: planning for a country music concert and anniversary event. Then […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/holy-moly-inside-texas-fight-against-a-ransomware-hack/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

The nightmare of our snooping phones | Commentary

This structural failure allows real-time data on Americans’ movements to exist and be used without our knowledge or true consent.

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‘Pressing national challenge’: WSU to lead new regional cybersecurity education and research institute

The cyberoperations research and teaching center, to start this fall, will offer four-year degree and certificate programs in computer science and other majors in cyberbasics, --operations and -defense.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/pressing-national-challenge-wsu-to-lead-new-regional-cybersecurity-education-and-research-institute/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Breaking up with Venmo: The best payment apps for privacy and low fees

Payment apps make wallets lighter and keep fingers clean, but they also come with concerns. Here's a look at fees, limits, usability and data practices of top apps including Venmo, PayPal Mobile Cash, Facebook Pay, Apple Cash, Google Pay and Zelle.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/breaking-up-with-venmo-the-best-payment-apps-for-privacy-and-low-fees/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Want to buy a PlayStation 5? Befriend a bot

Want to buy a PlayStation 5? Befriend a bot. In a pandemic-induced era of scarcity, a bit of automation can go a long way to obtaining the unobtainable. However, you can't use just any bot. Tech writer Brian X. Chen shares some tips on using bots.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/want-to-buy-a-playstation-5-befriend-a-bot/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

When buying a new laptop, consider how much performance you’ll need

Patrick Marshall answers your personal technology questions. Today, some thoughts about choosing a new laptop. Also, confusion about a browser extension that blocks malicious software, and confusion about using a Microsoft Surface Go away from home.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/when-buying-a-new-laptop-consider-how-much-performance-youll-need/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

China’s Tencent ordered to end exclusive music contracts

BEIJING (AP) — Internet giant Tencent was ordered by regulators to end exclusive contracts with music copyright holders, adding to increased enforcement of anti-monopoly and other rules as Beijing tightens control over booming online industries. Tencent controls more than 80% of “exclusive music library resources” following its 2016 acquisition of China Music Group, the State […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/chinas-tencent-ordered-to-end-exclusive-music-contracts/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Plans for largest US solar field north of Vegas scrapped

OVERTON, Nev. (AP) — The push to transition from carbon-emitting fuel sources to renewable energy is hitting a roadblock in Nevada, where solar power developers are abandoning plans to build what would have been the United States’ largest array of solar panels in the desert north of Las Vegas. “Battle Born Solar Project” developers this […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/plans-for-largest-us-solar-field-north-of-vegas-scrapped/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology