As mobile devices proliferate, the importance of open cloud sync services enabling a many-to-many device syncfest becomes critical to computing freedom.

Universal Music becomes first major label to design its own simulated guitar-playing videogame. Six String makes debut at the iTunes App Store on Wednesday.

Wait, you just upgraded to Internet Explorer 8? You're already behind the times, friend! Microsoft is previewing an early version of its next-generation browser to the general public, a big change from its older ways.

At a press conference at the Mix10 event, Microsoft won't say when the new browser will ship, but when it does, it won't run on Windows XP.

PandaLabs' Luis Corrons talks about the international effort that led to the arrest of three men and about what still needs to be done.

Microsoft is showing off its IE9 Platform Preview. Here's a look at some elements of the overhauled browser.

Confidential Justice Department presentation on social-networking sites says undercover work can help agents "communicate with suspects" and "gain access to nonpublic info." IRS is more wary.

Kent German previews the hot phones and other trends we expect to see at this year's huge wireless convention.

Both server and game box suppliers are deploying Intel's 6-core processor.

Sanyo has completed installation of parking lots in Tokyo for 100 of its eneloop electric bicycles. The lots will use solar power to recharge the bikes.

Formerly know as the CrunchPad, this Web slate is a really cool device everyone will want, but it's far too expensive.

Despite Google's problems with the Chinese government, the company's CFO expects Android smartphones to "flourish" in China.

At its Mix10 trade show on Tuesday, Microsoft is talking about the next version of the browser, among other topics. CNET's Ina Fried has live coverage.

Apple says it'll give consumers replacement iPads when the batteries on their original devices can no longer hold their charge.

Redmond has gradually restarted its browser development. With the preview version of IE9 now available, it shows that work to be back at full steam.

It was a big game of showmanship as Foursquare and Gowalla threw their rival parties at the annual Austin, Texas festival on the same night.

The two most-talked-about start-ups at this year's South by Southwest Interactive Festival threw parties on the same night. Which one did Ashton Kutcher show up at?

In a video interview, Microsoft execs Joe Belfiore and Scott Guthrie talk about the developer opportunities with Windows Phone 7 Series.

Twitter launches @Anywhere platform, PayPal lets you send mobile payments by bumping your phone with someone else's, and your arm can transmit broadband data at some pretty impressive speeds.

The $895 device for digital SLRs automates the process of taking multiple photos that can be joined into a single panoramic view.

Designed to help SXSW attendees exchange profiles with a smartphone scan, the system was seen by many as requiring too many steps. However, it is likely a good first step toward something strong next year.

Start-up's "smart grid for lighting" can slash energy use by 90 percent with software controls and more efficient bulbs.

It may not mean anything, but a check reveals that the account ID associated with Twitter's newly announced platform was registered more than two years ago.

Security company Trend Micro is sponsoring a contest for the best videos on Internet safety. Anyone over 13 can enter, but teens are strongly encouraged.

In 2009, Google Wave was Google's vision of the future of communication. With the debut of Google Buzz in February, that vision has competition.

PC game digital rights management is getting more stringent, but one of the ways to play without it is to be patient. Or at least history tells us so.

In an interview with CNET, Microsoft researcher Bill Buxton talks about the dawn of better e-readers, the future of design and other topics.

The 5D Mark II gets video modes professionals have been craving. Is this a one-off fix or part of a shift to products that are continuously improved?

Operas mobile Web browsers shed their beta status and stand in as the new stable versions.

Toyota's findings call into question a driver's account of his "runaway" Toyota Prius in San Diego last week.

Harlequin Books becomes the first non-Japanese publisher to enjoy its books on the Nintendo DS. The interactive features seem certain to create a new experience in every home and love hotel.

At Mix, we learn that Zune HD's wireless sync to home networks continues, but operators will be able to bill customers, and the Zune Pass might be changing.

In the modern world it's super easy to create, but harder to throw things away, which may be setting up big costs for us down the line.

A report in The Wall Street Journal suggests there is tension in Redmond over the love some employees have for the iPhone. Are some people at Microsoft overreacting?

The PC maker has accused five LCD panel makers of colluding on prices.

The answer to whether you can do many things at once on the new device is not a simple one. The phone supports multitasking, but developers won't have free rein.

With its @Anywhere technology launched as part of SXSWi, Twitter is trying to make its presence spread even further across the Web.

High-end energy monitor from Powerhouse Dynamics aims to give circuit-level details on electricity use to help people cut energy waste at home.

The SSD can speed load times for operating systems and applications.

Unmanned A160T Hummingbird demonstrates ability to conduct autonomous resupply operations, a preview of front-line operations of the not-too-distant future.

It's mostly sizzle and not a lot of steak, but Google plans to remove the unique ID that had been annoying data privacy advocates after the first update check.

Hans Pandeya, the controversial Swedish businessman who attempted to acquire The Pirate Bay last year, buys small printing company.

One of the most anticipated talks at SXSWi failed to deliver on that energy. After the @Anywhere news was announced, the audience left in droves.

Researchers in Italy develop robotic arm whose movements show promise in helping stroke survivors re-learn how to use their hands, arms, and even shoulders.

Internet censorship, a runaway Toyota Prius, and .xxx domains are in the news today. We also talk FCC broadband speed test tools, and what the best job in America is right now (hint: it's tech related!)

The company's big announcement at the South by Southwest Interactive Festival was its new way to integrate Twitter data into partner sites.

Joanne Bradford, senior VP of U.S. revenue and market development, plans to leave company for post at online content upstart Demand Media.

Army intelligence worried that Wikileaks.org could harm military operations and speculates that criminal prosecution could deter disclosures, document posted Monday indicates.

Already implicated in post-transaction marketing practices officials have called a "scam," the site is now accused of duping users into upgrading memberships.

The agency takes the wraps off a major proposal, to be presented to Congress this week, that could cost as much as $350 billion of public and private money.