Search Results for “https:” – Page 909

Google wants blimps to bring wifi access to sub-Saharan Africa

“Google is planning to develop high-speed wireless networks in sub-Saharan Africa with the help of high-altitude balloons that can transmit signals across hundreds of square miles. The internet search giant wants to connect one billion more people to the internet in emerging markets such as Africa and south-east Asia, and is ready to team up with telecoms firms and equipment providers to build networks that will improve speeds in cities and bring the internet to rural areas. Google is considering a mix of technologies, broadcasting signals from masts, satellites and even remote-controlled balloons known as blimps.” Continue reading →

Cuba plans to expand public Internet access

“Cuba will expand limited public access to the Internet next month by opening up another 118 places where people on this communist-run island can surf the Web for a fee, authorities said Tuesday. Set to start June 4, the extension takes advantage of an undersea fiber-optic cable from Venezuela and will gradually be rolled out further — but not to homes, according to a Communications Ministry resolution published in the Official Gazette and local media. There are now more than 200 public Internet rooms in hotels on the island that sell connection cards that cost between $7 and $10. Post offices also provide access to email.” Continue reading →

Google no longer able to pay Android developers in Argentina, pulling apps on July 27th

“Developers in Argentina have begun receiving letters from Google informing them that ‘Google Play will no longer be able to accept payments on behalf of developers registered in Argentina starting June 27, 2013.’ The change applies to both paid apps and apps that use in-app purchases. The move appears to be related to new, restrictive regulations the Argentine government has imposed on currency exchanges, which The Telegraph detailed this past September. Twitter has quite a few developers complaining about the changes, but it’s not clear how many people will be affected.” Continue reading →

Linden Lab Changes ToS Around Second Life Currency to Comply With US Treasury?

“Linden Lab has updated Second Life’s Terms of Service regarding Linden Dollars, the world’s official currency, in a way that will impact third party sites which exchange L$ for real money or other virtual currency, including Bitcoin. In the new Terms of Service, however: ‘[T]o better protect Second Life users against fraud, the updated Terms of Service make it clear that trading of Linden dollars (L$) on exchanges other than the LindeX, Second Life’s official L$ exchange, is not authorized or allowed.’ The given reason seems strange on its face, because Second Life users have been able to exchange Linden Dollars for real currency on third party sites since 2004.” Continue reading →

Paris retailers complain street crime is chasing off cash-flush Chinese tourists

“A leading association that counts Chanel and Dior as members urged the authorities to take action on the climate of insecurity which it said could keep cash-flush tourists away. France’s luxury industry makes a large portion of its profits from tourism, particularly from the newly rich from emerging countries such as China, where a rising middle class likes to splash out when travelling abroad. The Chinese embassy recently reported an increase in the number of complaints regarding muggings and other thefts on their nationals, who are known for carrying big sums of cash, making them prime targets for criminals.” Continue reading →

Sen. John McCain makes unannounced visit to Syria to meet with rebel forces

“The senator did not comment on his trip. Rebel sources told the news they were thankful for McCain’s decision to visit Syria, calling it ‘very important and very useful.’ ‘What we want from the U.S. government is to take the decision to support the Syrian revolution with weapons and ammunition, anti-tank missiles and anti-aircraft weapons,’ Syrian Free Army Gen. Salem Idris told reporter John Rogin. ‘Of course we want a no-fly zone and we ask for strategic strikes against Hezbollah both inside Lebanon and inside Syria.’ McCain entered Syria through Turkey with the help of an American nonprofit called the Syrian Emergency Task Force, which works to support the rebels.” Continue reading →

Original owner of Toronto ex-mayor’s alleged ‘crack’ video may have been killed

“Two separate sources said authorities interviewed a senior member of Ford’s staff regarding the possible link between the video and the killing of 21-year-old Anthony Smith, who is believed to appear in the video with Ford. Smith was shot dead in March. The video’s original owner was reportedly killed because of the potential value of its contents. Ford denied the existence of the video in a short statement on May 24, saying, ‘I do not use crack cocaine, nor am I an addict of crack cocaine.’ CBC then reported that Rob Ford’s press secretary and deputy press secretary have both resigned ‘on principle,’ four days after the mayor fired his chief of staff, Mark Towhey.” Continue reading →

Illinois teacher in trouble for advising students about 5th Amendment before drug screening

“A high school teacher in Batavia, Illinois could be disciplined for informing his students of their Fifth Amendment rights before administering a survey school officials was intended to gauge their emotional needs. The Batavia Daily Herald reported on May 25 that social studies instructor John Dryden advised students of their right not to incriminate themselves before giving them a ‘screener’ survey on April 18 that had each student’s name printed on it. ‘I made a judgment call,’ Dryden told the Herald. ‘There was no time to ask anyone.’ Dryden could reportedly be issued a ‘letter of remedy,’ which would stay in his employment record.” Continue reading →