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A recent study has revealed that the usage of web-based e-mail has declined 48% in users between the ages of 12 and 17. Conversely, e-mail usage from those 55 and older has increased about 16%. The shift shows the growth of instant speed communications found in major youth demographics for Twitter and text messaging, while Continue Reading →

The Wall Street Journal did a privacy investigation on 101 of the most popular iPhone and Android apps, revealing that nearly 60 sent users’ information without their consent. Information like the phone’s unique ID, location, gender and age are transmitted regularly to advertising agencies. Among the worst offenders is popular music application, Pandora. Read the Continue Reading →

[wpaudio url=”https://media.shellypalmer.com/wp-content/images/usrn/101220_SHELLYPALMER_GEN_BED.mp3″ text=”Click to play … ” dl=”0″] Many consumers are finding ways to shop online without being on the computer. Orders being placed through mobile devices accounted for 5% of online sales this year. Busy retailers are providing apps that make it easy to shop while waiting in line. In other news, The Wall Continue Reading →

The Obama administration has called for the creation of a Privacy Policy Office to assist in developing an Internet "privacy bill of rights." The U.S. Commerce Department's report stopped short of asking directly for privacy legislation. But it is recommending a "framework" to protect people from data collectors. Continue Reading →

The Obama administration is looking to develop a privacy bill of rights that would set a framework for data gathering online. The proposed Privacy Policy Office would be a change of course from the government’s laissez faire attitude towards web regulation. Here’s to hoping the proposed legislation is easier to read than iTunes terms and Continue Reading →

[wpaudio url=”https://media.shellypalmer.com/wp-content/images/usrn/101217_SHELLYPALMER_GEN_BED.mp3″ text=”Click to play … ” dl=”0″] Facebook is now running a closed test that uses facial recognition software to offer suggestions tagging your photos. With Facebook constantly caught up in privacy battles, many people think this is one more step in the wrong direction. Have no fear; the feature is only available to Continue Reading →

Twitter just received another round of financing, totaling $200 million from venture capitalists Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. The new investment brings their total worth up to $3.9 billion. Twitter’s valuation comes from its value as a social graph, representing moods and trends of 8% of total Internet traffic and that is where the money Continue Reading →

[wpaudio url=”https://media.shellypalmer.com/wp-content/images/usrn/101216_SHELLYPALMER_GEN_BED.mp3″ text=”Click to play … ” dl=”0″] Google has hired networking expert, Milo Medin, as vice president of access services. The move comes with a push for the completion of Google’s own high-speed fiber network that will be ready for trial in select communities early next year. Boasting Internet speeds up to 100 times Continue Reading →

ArmyTimes reports that the Army is considering giving its members smartphones as a way to stay constantly connected. But instead of checking Facebook statuses, the phones will tap into the Army’s private network and allow for instantaneous battleground updates. With Apple products already prevalent in their infrastructure, the iPhone would serve as an easy choice for Continue Reading →

Comcast is conducting a small test in Augusta, Ga. of a set-top box that will merge cable connectivity with streaming web content. Not unlike popular devices Slingbox and Roku, Comcast’s solution dubbed “Xcalibur” will provide searchable streaming video right on your TV. With the lines blurring between what we view on our television versus the Continue Reading →