Hasta La Gadget!

Google recently paid the FTC $22.5 million and Facebook was ordered by the commission to change the way it handles data, but you might be surprised to hear that both companies did nothing wrong. Well, not exactly, but by settling their privacy violation cases, the internet giants are entitled to deny any misconduct. The New York Times reports that J. Thomas Rosch, a commissioner who voted against both settlements, feels that current rules will invite “denials of liability in every case in the future.” Rosch wants the policy changed so companies can’t deny responsibility when settling, much like the way the SEC handles similar indiscretions. Most of his colleagues weren’t in a hurry to back his opinions, but three did say that refining the process could “avoid any possible public misimpression” of how the FTC strikes such deals. The commission is expected to look at the issue in the near future, but until then, we’re sure you’re more than able to separate the reality from the legalese.

Filed under: Internet

FTC considering new settlement process so companies can’t deny wrongdoing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looks like the New York Times is signaling the death knell for RIM, albeit subtly. In a move that surely underscores the withering faith content companies have for the once beloved platform, the venerable Sulzberger-backed news organization has pulled all support for its DealBook Reader and NYTimes app for BlackBerry as of July 23rd. Users that attempt to access that application in the days since will find a stale content list that no longer updates and are being urged, instead, to visit the paper’s mobile site for a “more complete… experience.” And as if the ailing Waterloo-based company hadn’t suffered enough indignity, it’s been cast out of the developer pen alongside WebOS, joining PalmPre users on the reject list. Not to worry though, the Times crossword app has yet to get the axe — that’s got to be some consolation, no? You can check out the NYT’s official line on its decision at the source below.

[Thanks, Dhruv]

Filed under: Cellphones, Software

New York Times ends support for official BlackBerry, WebOS apps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, it’s hardly the release of a new summer blockbuster, but getting full length content from the New York Times in Flipboard is certainly going to excite news hounds that also appreciate fine UI design. A lot of content from magazines and newspapers is presented in abbreviated format in the slick app, but now Times subscribers will have unfettered access to the “paper of record’s” reporting. Even non-subscribers will be able to read some of the publications articles for free, just as they can through the site. Now all you have to do is wait for the switch to be flipped on Thursday and hope that other outlets follow suit.

The New York Times is coming to Flipboard Thursday originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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