Tagged: tech news

The next time a big wildfire erupts or an earthquake unleashes near you, Twitter, Google and Facebook might be useful places to turn. And not just you. Disaster response agencies are plunging into social media.

They can develop better situational awareness by seeking out your online gripes and observations. Digital platforms also provide an avenue to give more frequent official updates and correct misinformation during a catastrophe.

The warnings about the Internet problem have been splashed across Facebook and Google. Internet service providers have sent notices, and the FBI set up a special website.

Emergency managers and National Weather Service forecasters have a new way to alert you to imminent danger. They've teamed up with all of the Northwest's major cellular providers on a system to broadcast emergency alerts to mobile devices. You don't need to sign up for anything; it's automatic.

In the Northwest, the National Weather Service is first to get the capability to issue warnings to all cell phones in the path of danger.

SAN FRANCISCO — Fresh off a disappointing initial public offering, Facebook is getting a big boost from Apple, which is building the social network deep into its iPhone and iPad software.

Boeing launched its new iPad app today – 'Milestones in Innovation.’ The app is free and available on iTunes.

The app carries images and information from nine decades of aviation innovation. You can find 10 of those moments in the story below.

A diagram from 1991, published by Men’s Journal, shows what appears to be a sophisticated mockup of a smart phone, and it comes as no surprise that it was from the deep and mysterious vaults of Nathan Myhrvold, ex-Microsoft tech chief.

By Todd Bishop at Geekwire

Google patented system would use noise at games and other settings to determine location and target ads.

By John Cook of Geekwire

A new online service that allows home owners near airports, sports stadiums and movie theaters to rent out parking spots in their driveways is coming to Seattle. ParkatmyHouse, a matchmaking service for drivers and property owners that’s popular in Europe and recently expanded to New York, Boston and D.C., plans to launch its service in Seattle later this month.

SAN FRANCISCO — A Taiwan company and two of its top executives have been found guilty of working with competitors to inflate prices of liquid screen display screens used in computer monitors and televisions.

SAN FRANCISCO — Apple is revealing a new iPad model. New features include a sharper screen and a faster processor.

It will go on sale March 16.