Switched has a new home! Huffpost Tech.

Click here to visit the new home of Switched!

Hot on HuffPost Tech:

See More Stories
AOL Tech

$500 Million Google-Yelp Rumors, Robot Captures Deep Sea Eruption

by Warren Riddle on December 18, 2009 at 11:48 AM

Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
  • Google Maps is obviously already pretty sweet, but if rumors of a new acquisition are true, the service could get exponentially more detailed. The site is reportedly in talks to purchase Yelp, which hosts lists and reviews of local businesses, for $500 million. Merry Christmas, Yelp. [From: CNET]
  • For the first time ever, scientists have recorded an underwater volcanic eruption, in high definition and from a depth of 4,000 feet, thanks to a submersible robot. The robot, which was the culmination of a 25-year tectonic geologic project, also collected fluid samples. [From: USA Today]
  • Interactive 3-D technology is steadily becoming more of a reality, particularly with the evolution of augmented reality apps and Microsoft's Project Natal. Apple recently filed for a patent on its own 3-D tech that could track a user's position in real-time, and incorporate the owner's image into a shot of the surrounding environment for an accurate, immersible experience. [From: Apple Insider]
  • Apple is officially in the Holiday spirit, and the company is celebrating the season with a new ad featuring the 12 Apps of Xmas, including one that can light a Christmas tree. Apparently, it hasn't yet figured out how to remotely fire up Menorah candles. [From: TUAW]
  • China receives the majority of media attention for its Web censorship practices, but Australia has been experimenting with absolute Net control, as well. The Electronic Frontiers of Australia organization has officially and publicly condemned the government censorship plan, which is conspicuously hidden behind the supposed goal of protecting children from harmful material. [From: BoingBoing]
  • Commuters who want to get their celebrity Page 6 fix will only have one e-reader option soon. The New York Post has given Sony the exclusive rights to provide its digital reading content. [From: Engadget]
  • Ad blockers seem like a service that every computer user would want to install. Google, though, says its Chrome extensions could actually benefit the ad industry, as the blockers could prompt advertisers to create less intrusive and annoying spots. Google engineer Linus told a conference that if "we do a good job on the advertising side, people won't want to block ads. People will find them actually useful." [From: The Register via: Slashdot]

Tags: morningxtra, top

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular