Opinion

Hands-On with Microsoft’s New Wedge Touch Mouse

Microsoft’s cool new, wedge-shaped Wedge Touch Mouse is meant for use with tablets, but the Bluetooth mouse also works with Windows PCs. It’s not cheap at $70, but it works well and it’s sure to draw attention in the coffee shop or while traveling.

MacBook Pro Retina Ain’t Worth It: Affordable Back-to-School Tech

Students need a good laptop, but don’t believe the hype: You don’t have to buy the most expensive machines at the Apple Store to help your children succeed. Here’s how to save money on PCs, smartphones and software.

Bogus Facebook Email Carries Malware

Think twice before downloading that attachment in an email that appears to come from Facebook: Security firm Sophos says it contains a malicious Trojan horse.

Not your grandfather’s outsourcing

The 5 Best Wireless Keyboards for Your Tablet

CIO.com blogger Paul Mah spotlights some of the top portable tablet keyboards available today, including keyboards for your iPad, Android tablet and Windows 8 slate.

10 Key Questions to Assess Application Outsourcing Maturity

More companies are seeking external IT service providers to help them innovate and optimize. The key to outsourcing success only begins with selecting the right partner, there are 10 questions that should be asked in order to assess maturity and iden

Fake Twitter Followers Are for Sale, and They’re Cheap

Having a huge following on Twitter is an ego boost for politicians and celebrities. But these numbers are pretty meaningless when you can buy 1,000 Twitter followers for just $5.

Sanyo Eneloop XX Rechargeable Batteries Offer More Oomph

The Eneloop XX offers 25 percent more juice than the standard Eneloop rechargeable battery, though it achieves that by sacrificing on its recharge cycles.

Why IT Innovation Needs to Be Fun

Facebook places fun front and center to foster innovation. Here’s how the social network and Schneider Electric North America infuse a sense of humor into business to capitalize on creativity. Are you tapping into the fun factor?

SeatGuru Android, iOS App Minimizes Airplane Torture

Have you checked out the seat pitch on that flight you’re about to book? If not, stop what you’re doing and download SeatGuru’s mobile app.

IT Security Round Up: BlackBerry Attacks and Fake Android App Stores

This week’s IT security news roundup features stories on more BlackBerry malware, an international crackdown on the sale of pirated Android apps, a possible second attack on Aramco, and more.

T-Mobile, MetroPCS Offer New Unlimited Data Plans: Pros and Cons

Competition is forcing some carriers like T-Mobile and MetroPCS to offer cheaper wireless plans. It’s about time! But if you want to save some money, you’ve got to do your homework.

Microsoft Cleans Up Its Act with New Logo

With a cue from Apple, Microsoft has created a oneness among logos for Windows, Office, Xbox and now the company itself as it attempts to integrate its products like never before.

Clearing Up the BES 10 Confusion

Recent reports about BES 10 and BlackBerry 10 incompatibility caused a lot of confusion around RIM’s next-generation BlackBerry management server. CIO.com’s Al Sacco provides some clarification.

‘Big Security’ a Natural, Necessary Extension of Big Data

Big data is poised to grow well beyond the enterprise – and anything we can imagine today. Think of how the assembly line changed the automobile and, consequently, our lives. Keeping big data secure will require an equally innovative approach. CIO.co

Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard Review

Microsoft’s Wedge Mobile Keyboard is a rugged keyboard that’s designed for use with Windows 8 and Windows RT devices, but it also works with other Bluetooth-enabled tablets, smartphones and computers.

Silly IT Security Stories for the Soul

This is the time of year when the news is filled with reports of shark attacks, baked goods bearing the likenesses of deities and political conventions. So why should we here at IT Security Hack HQ be less lazy than anyone else?rnrn

First Official Details on ‘BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) 10,’ From RIM

BlackBerry-maker RIM shared new details with CIO.com’s Al Sacco about its next-generation enterprise mobility product, BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) 10.

Windows Phone to Pass BlackBerry, but Does It Matter?

Windows Phone could pull ahead of the beleaguered BlackBerry platform in mobile Web usage this fall to take a distant third place behind Android and iOS. It’s a dubious distinction, but it also could be the momentum-builder Microsoft needs.

Top 10 Free Android Apps for August ’12, via Drippler

Android news-and-app-recommendation engine Drippler released its list of the top 10 Android apps for this month, based on user downloads. All the apps are free, and they all received notably high user ratings on the Google Play store.

How Smartphones Could Save Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Smartphones appear to be doing away with compact point-and-shoot digital cameras. But recent news and rumors suggest smartphone operating systems may actually help revive the traditional point-and-shoot camera. Here’s why.

Even More Security Pros Discuss US Cybersecurity Laws

In the third entry in a series on the subject of current U.S. cybersecurity legislation, CIO.com blogger Constantine von Hoffman asks experts from Bat Blue Networks, Foreground Security, Sensage and AlgoSec for their takes on the laws.

Looking for Safari Alternative on the iPhone? Maxthon Ain’t It

The Maxthon mobile browser, which moved to the iPhone this week, has gotten excellent reviews. But why? Beyond a tabbed browsing feature, there’s no compelling reason to make it your day-to-day mobile browser.

Popular ‘Things’ To-Do App Now Auto Syncs with iOS, Macs

Past versions of the Things to-do apps had to be manually synced between iPhones, iPads and Macs, but the latest version (finally) supports automatic cloud syncing.

Making Money With Mobile

Pricey Razer DeathStalker Ultimate Keyboard is a Gamer’s Best Friend

The $250 Razer DeathStalker Ultimate gaming keyboard has LED-backlit keys, a touch pad with gesture support and a variety of user-customizable buttons that can be used to launch apps or trigger certain in-game functions.

Torture in the Skies: Air Travel About to Become Even More Miserable

A handful of major U.S. airlines are about to make their already tiny and uncomfortable economy seats even tinier and more uncomfortable. CIO.com blogger Al Sacco says enough is enough.

Samsung Galaxy S III: Never Go ‘Naked,’ Buy a Case

The Samsung Galaxy S III’s display may be composed of Corning’s much-lauded Gorilla Glass 2, but it’s also particularly susceptible to damage. Here’s why.

iPad Sightings on the Rise Everywhere

The ubiquitous iPad is reaching cultural icon status. In addition to dominating as a multimedia device for consumers, the iPad is showing up in restaurants (as menus) and airports (as kiosks).

Sell Your iPhone Now to Get the Best Price

When the iPhone 5 launches next month, prices for used iPhones will plunge as upgraders flood the market. eBay, Gazelle and even Verizon will cut you a deal, but the clock is ticking.