Technology
ACCC proposes cheaper mobile calls, texts
The ACCC is backing a range of measures that would slash the price of mobile phone calls and text messages.
Tax relaxed on employee share schemes
The Abbott government will revoke Labor’s controversial 2009 employee share changes and is considering adopting elements of the UK government’s Sharesave scheme.
‘Something went wrong’: Facebook disrupted
Facebook, the world's No.1 social network, suffered a service disruption that made the website unavailable to some of its 1.32 billion monthly users.
Microsoft files lawsuit v Samsung over patent royalties
Microsoft has sued Samsung, claiming the South Korean smartphone maker refused to make a royalty payment last year on patent licenses.
New Westpac CIO won’t follow CBA playbook
Updated | Westpac’s new tech boss Dave Curran says he won’t be emulating Commonwealth Bank’s technology transformation program that he led, and has defended Westpac’s core banking platform as being fit for purpose.
Tesla to boost luxury electric car production in 2015
Tesla Motors, the California-based maker of luxury electric cars, said it expects to build more than 60,000 cars in 2015, after spending heavily this year to update and expand its Fremont assembly plant.
Perth’s Cirrus Networks set for backdoor listing through miner
Perth-based IT systems consultancy Cirrus Networks is set to become the latest in a wave of technology companies to pursue a local backdoor-listing on the Australian Securities Exchange through the reverse takeover of a flailing junior mining company.
Alibaba invests $US120 million in mobile gaming studio
Alibaba Group has invested $US120 million in San Francisco-based mobile games studio Kabam, the latest in a string of US investments intended to build up the Chinese online retailer’s presence in the world’s biggest internet arena.
Restaurants at sharp end of PIN changes
Restaurants say they are bearing a high cost to reduce banks’ fraud losses, with many forced to buy extra wireless card readers to accept tips.
Copyright review adds to internet regulation mess
Paul Smith | A new review into online copyright infringement has seemingly pitted the Coalition government against those who value their online freedom and is unlikely to solve the problem.
Internet
The Gen Y whizkids behind Appster
Mark and Josiah met online at 13; their business will make $10 million this year.
Alibaba invests $US120 million in mobile gaming studio
Alibaba Group has invested $US120 million in San Francisco-based mobile games studio Kabam, the latest in a string of US investments intended to build up the Chinese online retailer’s presence in the world’s biggest internet arena.
Telecommunications
Push for cheaper mobile calls, texts
The ACCC is backing a range of measures that would slash the price of mobile phone calls and text messages.
Alibaba invests $US120 million in mobile gaming studio
Alibaba Group has invested $US120 million in San Francisco-based mobile games studio Kabam, the latest in a string of US investments intended to build up the Chinese online retailer’s presence in the world’s biggest internet arena.
Consumer electronics
Tesla to boost luxury electric car production in 2015
Tesla Motors, the California-based maker of luxury electric cars, said it expects to build more than 60,000 cars in 2015, after spending heavily this year to update and expand its Fremont assembly plant.
These shoes buzz to tell you when to turn
You’ve come to a fork in the path. Should you head to the left or to the right? Your left shoe is vibrating, so you head left
Science
Kids know ‘cute’ from age 3
Children as young as three recognise "cute" features that encourage care-giving in adults, a study has found.
Extreme obesity cuts lifespan as much as 14 years
That obesity can cut life short comes as no surprise, but a new study quantifies the toll: the most extreme cases cut a person's lifespan more than cigarettes.