In what could be a major blow to Android, Google’s mobile operating system, a San Francisco jury issued a verdict today that the company broke copyright laws when it used Java APIs to design the system. The ruling is a partial victory for Oracle, which accused Google of violating copyright law.
But the jury couldn’t reach agreement on a second issue—whether Google had a valid “fair use” defense when it used the APIs. Google has asked for a mistrial based on the incomplete verdict, and that issue will be briefed later this week.
Pilots aren’t the only ones updating their workflows with modern technology. Amtrak conductors have been getting schooled on how to use iPhones to scan passenger tickets on select routes since November — forcing hole punches to collect dust on a lonely shelf at the station. By the latter part of this summer, 1,700 conductors will be using the aforementioned smartphones on the outfit’s trains throughout the US which allows them to track passengers with more ease than manual ticketing. The $7.5 million system affords passengers the choice of printing the tickets or loading a bar code on their smartphone of choice before getting the iPhone’s scan. Inside the dedicated app, riders can book and modify reservations easily without having to worry with a refund from an agent first. There’s only one small hiccup: currently Amtrak’s app is only available for iPhones. But, the government-owned corporation says that an Android release is in the hopper and should see daylight this fall. For now, non-iOS users must load their tickets though a mobile site in order to save a tree or two.
Straight out of an 80′s flick comes the RYNO Micro-Cycle: A one-wheeled, electric motorcycle that is set to revolutionize the scooter industry.  You may have thought you wanted a Vespa to get around the overpriced metropolis you live and work in, but with the Micro-Cycle you look less like a pretentious European, and more like a Terminator-style Matrix villain.  The brainchild of RYNO Motors, this badass unicycle is powered by a zero-pollutant electric motor that allows you to travel at speeds of up to 15 mph.  Unlike an actual unicycle, the bike was built to maintain it’s balance by housing the entire power plant in the hub of the giant tire.  At only 125 lbs., the Micro-Cycle is ultra portable and perfect for wheeling in and out of your $4000, 350 square foot studio, or carrying up a few flights of stairs if you actually are a Terminator-style Matrix villain ™. I know what you’re thinking: “Concept, right?† Wrong.  The futuristic half-hog is set for release later this year, and should start at around $4200, which still leaves you enough money left over to afford a few things made of black leather, and a sawed-off shotgun.
In the semi-viral, Webby-nominated short film “School Portrait,” a grumpy school-portrait photographer berates his lovable subjects with his cynical views of the world, sadistically trying to elicit frowns for his photos. It’s a simple concept, but the kids reactions make the film stand out.
With a recent Lion security update which was part of Mac OS X 10.7.3, Apple managed to roll out a debug file that—with some very specific configurations—can leave passwords stored in a log file in clear text. More »
Facebook kicks off its highly anticipated IPO road show Monday, but two men who won’t be taking the pitch — legendary investor Warren Buffett and his 88-year old co-pilot Charlie Munger.
