In Tech: Minecraft For Schools, Amazon Dash, Data Encryption
In Tech: Minecraft for schools, Amazon Dash, data encryption By Associated Press
Updated 21:12 EDT, 20 January 2016
Microsoft has bought Minecraft''s educational version, and plans to develop a larger and more powerful version for classrooms.
Redmond Washington-based software company Software Corporation, a Washington-based company, will partner with TeacherGaming LLC to transform MinecraftEdu into "Minecraft Education Edition". The financial terms of the deal were not revealed.
Microsoft states that the new version will include and expand features intended to make the game classroom accessible, including improved maps and coordinates that aid students and teachers to find their way around a Minecraft world together. Developers will also enhance the game''s multi-player capabilities to ensure that a class of up to 40 kids can work together.
The game lets players explore the world, fight monsters and create astonishingly complex structures - including electrical circuits - out of blocks. Deirdre Quinstrom director of Microsoft''s Minecraft education, said that it could be used to teach math. Children could visit ancient temples or see the inside of an eyeball in the game as part of an education in science.
Teachers get perks like an online community and mentorship program which connects teachers who are familiar with Minecraft to newcomers to the game. out.
The game will be released this summer with free trial for teachers and students. Microsoft will reveal pricing details prior to the end of the school year. However, it has stated that it will keep the cost at $5 per year for all users.
Amazon is expanding its smart home ordering service to include a wide range of new appliances. Its Dash "replenishment" service allows users to reorder everyday household items at the touch of one button. (Its initial version was made of plastic "Dash buttons" specifically designed for specific products and pressing them will order an amount of diapers, for example, or dishwasher detergent.)
The new Dash devices operate in the same manner, however they won''t come with buttons. Instead, Brother connected printers will let you order the replacement of ink or toner automatically. minecraft plugins A GE washer will automatically order detergent when it is running out. Also, a Gmate glucose meter, which tests blood sugar levels for diabetics automatically reorders strips for testing and blood-drawing lancets as needed. To activate the service, users can sign up online.
Amazon first announced the expansion of its Dash line in October, and the new products are now being sold. Other products that are in development include Purell hand-sanitizers, Samsung laser printers and "smart home locks" from Austin among others.
- Mae Anderson, AP Technology Writer
While some police and government officials might be angry that encryption makes it harder to identify extremists or criminals, it turns out that a lot of companies don''t bother to encrypt their data in the first place.
A new study published on Tuesday by the security firm Sophos surveyed 1,700 IT managers of mid-sized companies in the U.S., Canada, India, Australia, Japan and Malaysia. 44% of those surveyed said they are currently using encryption frequently, while 43% of them use encryption at some point.
The encryption levels were lower in smaller companies surveyed with just 38 percent of companies with between 100 and 500 employees saying that they''re using encryption extensively.
The U.S. has higher encryption rates, with 54% of those surveyed saying that they use encryption extensively. Australia was second with an average of 49 percent, and Malaysia had a rate at 26 percent.
37% of respondents indicated that they didn''t want to use encryption extensively due to budgetary constraints and 31% cited performance concerns.
- Bree Fowler - AP Technology Writer
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Verizon is the most recent cellphone company to provide Web surfing to customers that doesn''t count against their data limits.
You could be subject to additional fees or slower speeds if your limit exceeds. It''s not difficult especially if the device lets you watch music and watch videos on the move.
Verizon said it is interested in "sponsored information" as potential sources of revenue. A company can pay Verizon so that users on their phones can browse their websites, play video clips or download apps without using up their data allowance. Verizon states that brands that have signed as partners include Hearst Magazines and AOL, which Verizon owns.
AT&T also announced a sponsored data program two years ago, however, only a handful of companies are taking part.
In contrast, T-Mobile exempts several dozen video and music streaming providers from cap charges, but states that it doesn''t charge the providers. It claims it wants appeal customers who watch lots of videos without putting strain on its network. To do that it lowers the quality of videos all over the board even for video that isn''t exempted from caps. T-Mobile claims that customers can watch more.
Government regulators have asked AT&T and T-Mobile for more information about their strategies. Although net neutrality rules last year didn''t ban the practice, technically known as "zero rating" of selecting services that do not be considered to be in violation of data caps (technically known as zero rating) Some advocates argue that it can hinder innovation and make certain companies more attractive over other companies. Net neutrality is the idea that Internet service providers should treat websites and apps equally.
