Hasta La Gadget!

Civil rights groups say the question is untested and could depress response rates among minorities.

The iPhone X is either Apple’s biggest hit or worst sales pitch, depending on who you ask. While there is little doubt that the iPhone X is one of the best smartphones of late, it’s price tag effectively scared off many would-be buyers. This year, Apple is reported to be correcting that error by introducing two new iPhone X successors, … Continue reading

It seems that the next time you use Microsoft’s Xbox Live or Skype services, you’ll want to make sure you check what you say because in an updated policy (via MobileSyrup), it looks like Microsoft wants to cut down on users using offensive language where if a user is caught doing that, they might be suspended or banned from using either service.

The policy reads, “In the Code of Conduct section, we’ve clarified that use of offensive language and fraudulent activity is prohibited. We’ve also clarified that violation of the Code of Conduct through Xbox Services may result in suspensions or bans from participation in Xbox Services, including forfeiture of content licenses, Xbox Gold Membership time, and Microsoft account balances associated with the account.”

That being said we’re sure some are wondering how will Microsoft know if offensive language is used? Thankfully this doesn’t mean that Microsoft will be actively monitoring your conversations, but rather it seems that the onus falls onto users to report other users who might have violated the policy.

It does seem a bit strict, but we guess Microsoft is just trying to cover their bases. Presumably amongst friends you’ll be free to cuss and swear like a pirate all you like, but if you’re playing games over Xbox Live or chatting via Skype amongst people you’re not familiar with, it’s probably best to keep things PG.

Microsoft’s Bans Offensive Language On Xbox Live, Skype , original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Foxconn, best known for manufacturing practically everything in the world, has just announced the purchase of Belkin, the PC peripherals company, for $866 million in cash. That certainly makes it one of the larger consumer electronics acquisitions in recent memory.

You probably know Belkin for its various lines of accessories, peripherals, and assorted consumer electronics; Linksys, surely the most recognizable router brand, is a subsidiary. Wemo and Phyn might also ring a bell.

The purchase is likely aimed at giving Foxconn a foothold of its own in the peripherals and networked devices market. Belkin’s CEO and founder (35 years on), Chet Pipkin, will continue to operate the company as a wholly owned subsidiary and may join Foxconn’s management team.

No indication was given that Belkin’s companies would change much, either in makeup or in product lineup. I asked both companies for more details, and got a polite no comment in record time.

Interestingly, the FCC just today announced that it would soon propose that it would ban spending on companies that “pose a national security threat.” Huawei and ZTE were the obvious (but unnamed) targets of the proposed rule, but now Belkin and Linksys may also be included.

Changes are afoot at Motorola and it might not be the good kind of change. Just recently, the company reportedly laid off not a small number of its workforce and also scrapped the next Moto X phone. While those were never made official, this official news coming from the company does hint at the changes happening inside Motorola. President Aymar … Continue reading