Windows stealth update blocks XP patches ... Cisco to buy call-center vendor Latigent ... IBM's Symphony downloaded 100k times

IN THE NEWS

Cisco to buy call-center vendor Latigent
Cisco Systems Inc. has agreed to buy Latigent LLC, a vendor of call center reporting tools, and plans to integrate Latigent's products with its unified customer contact center systems.

Verizon reverses decision to block text messages
Verizon Wireless Inc. has reversed a decision to block text messages on its network from abortion rights group Naral Pro-Choice America after an outcry from net neutrality advocates and others.

Live Search plays to its base
Microsoft Corp. thinks its Live Search can match Google Inc. in some areas now, but the company has been the underdog in search for so long it's not even trying to lure users away from its rival -- at least not yet.

Google picks ex-IBMer to lead expansion in Europe
Google Inc. has appointed a top IBM Corp. researcher to lead the expansion of its engineering group in Europe, the search company announced Thursday.

Microsoft's stealth updates stymie XP repairs
The contentious stealth update that Microsoft delivered to customers this summer blocks 80 patches and fixes from installing after Windows XP is restored using its "repair" feature, researchers said Thursday.

HP offers archive system for legal discovery
Hewlett-Packard Co., which had some well publicized legal troubles of its own not long ago, has unveiled a data back-up system to help other companies when they are hit with a lawsuit or regulatory audit.

Panasonic plans new Toughbook PCs, expects big growth
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (Panasonic) is refreshing its Toughbook rugged laptop PC line and aiming for a big jump in international sales of the computers over the next three years.

IBM software to scan Chicago streets
The City of Chicago is developing a futuristic video surveillance system designed to scan city streets looking for everything from bombs to traffic jams.

Nokia adding WiMax support to products next year
Nokia Corp. plans to add WiMax connectivity to its N-series Internet tablet next year, the company said Wednesday.


OPINION

My PC has appendicitis
By Sean McGrath, ITworld.com

It recently struck me that the years have not been kind to all parts of what is known as a PC. There are bits of the PC that could disappear tomorrow without adversely affecting its performance. Kind of like the appendix. Humans haven't had a use for those things since we stopped roaming the prairies in our loincloths and chewing on switchgrass.


PODCAST

Daily IT News Audio Update
IBM's Symphony downloaded 100,000 times ... Dell goes carbon-neutral ... Nokia to add WiMax to products next year

More podcasts


GADGET GIVEAWAY

It's Fall, and we have a new gadget giveaway ... just for the heck of it. We've brought back the ultimate geek tool, the Swiss Army knife equipped with USB flash drive, LED light, and ballpoint pen.

Enter now for a chance to win!


ITWHIRLED

Note to gamers: Take a break now and then, or risk death
A Chinese man who had been playing online videogames in a cybercafe for three days collapsed at his keyboard and was dead by the time paramedics arrived to revive him, according to the Beijing News. The other customers in the cafe fled en masse - perhaps because they suddenly realized the value of getting some fresh air once in a while.

Subscribe to the ITwhirled alert - weird tech news direct to your inbox.


POLL

Does the iPhone price cut change your mind about buying one?

- Not really - it's still too much for too little
- I'm holding out - it'll come down another $50 or so soon enough
- Now that it's in the sweet spot, I've got my credit card ready
- It sure made me change my mind about having bought one at the old price, I tell you what