Skip to main content

Google dodges $9 Billion lawsuit, Oracle to appeal

On Thursday Google dodged a bullet that could have cost the company 9 Billion dollars. Here’s the play by play. Google uses the open source platform Java in its Android operating system. Oracle, which owns the copyright for Java, sued Google for copyright infringement. Thursday a federal court ruling in favor of Google stated that the company’s use of 37 of Java’s API is protected by Fair use. This isn’t merely a win for google, it a win for everyone that uses apps. If this judgment had gone the other way, app developers who depend on the ability to freely use API’s, would have been hamstrung by an assortment of legal roadblocks.

The awesome and immersive experience of wearing an HTC Vive or Oculus rift also comes with a serious hang up. The long cable that tethers you to a gaming PC. Headset wearers have to be constantly aware of it while moving around in the virtual world. HP’s answer to this problem is to take that gaming PC and strap it to your back. HP’s Omen lineup of gaming PC’s will soon grow to include a backpack PC that weighs less than 10 pounds. Two batteries attached to the belt strap will power the unit, and wearers are going to be able to enjoy the VR world free of wires. The VR Backpack is still under development but expect to see demo units in a month or so.

And Finally, Everyone knows that Facebook holds a wealth of information about its users, their likes, dislikes and habits. It’s built a massive advertising business showing targeted ads to its users when they’re both on the social network, or on 3rd party sites. But until now, it only targeted Facebook users. Starting today, Facebook will will use a mix of cookies, it’s buttons, and other plugins to track non-Facebook users habits. This is a massive move for Facebook in the global ad market, essentially opening up its ad customization abilities to the entire internet. Apparently there’s no hiding from Facebook.

Greg Nibler
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Greg has worked as a Host, Producer, and Writer in radio and television since the early 2000s, working for such companies as…
Apple One, Ubisoft Forward wrap-up, life on Mars, and more | Digital Trends Live
digital trends live episode 457 curiosity at work on mars  artist s concept

On this Digital Trends Live, host Greg Nibler talks the top tech stories of the day, including how Twitter and Google handle preelection misinformation, Apple's accidental reveal of Apple One, an Ubisoft Forward wrap-up, the Mars Curiosity rover begins its search for life, and more.

 

Read more
Work/Life: How to remain focused during times of distraction
worklife episode 26 featured

On this episode of Work/Life, Ciara Pressler, author of Pregame and Game Plan, talks with Greg Nibler about how to remain focused during the constant distractions, chaos, and confusion of the current climate, whether it’s pandemic fatigue, protests, wildfires, the election, or any number of other things out of our control that can take our attention or bog us down.

“There’s a lot going on,” Pressler said, “so how do we focus when there’s so much going on?” The first step of gaining focus, she says, is to acknowledge what’s going on -- not just with the constant barrage of news, but with yourself. “You might not be feeling like working at 100%, and that’s ok!” she says.

Read more
Oracle eyes TikTok, Oculus 2, LG’s dual-screen phone | Digital Trends Live
The Oculus Quest 2 on a table.

On this Digital Trends Live, host Greg Nibler takes on the top tech news of the day, including Oracle’s bid for TikTok, Facebook removes false fire posts, LG’s dual-screen smartphone, Oculus 2 is coming, and more.

John Velasco joins the program to rate the various models of robotic vacuums on the market, including the Shark IQ, the Roborock S6 Max V, the iRobot Roomba S9+, and more.
Julia Daviy

Read more