In Tech: Minecraft for schools, Amazon Dash, data encryption By Associated Press
Refreshed at 21:12 EDT on January 20 20, 2016
Microsoft is buying the educational version of Minecraft and plans to create a larger and better version of the popular world-building video game made for classrooms.
The Redmond, Washington, software company will join forces with TeacherGaming LLC, creator of MinecraftEdu to transform the game into "Minecraft: Education Edition." Financial terms were not disclosed.
Microsoft claims that the latest version will have improved features that make Minecraft classroom-friendly, like more accurate maps and coordinates that will aid teachers and students navigate a Minecraft world together. Developers will also improve the game's multi-player features so that a class of up to 40 kids can work together.
The game lets players explore, fight monsters and build surprisingly complex structures - even electrical circuits - out of blocks. You could easily use it to teach math, said Deirdre Quaranstrom Microsoft's director of Minecraft education. Children can explore ancient temples or see the inside of an eyeball during the game as part of the science lesson.
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Teachers can benefit from 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 students and teachers. Microsoft will announce pricing details before the close of the school year, but it has stated that it currently plans to keep the cost at $5 per year for each user.
Amazon is expanding its smart-home ordering service to include a variety of new appliances. Its Dash "replenishment" service lets customers reorder household items at the touch of the button. (Its initial form was based on plastic "Dash buttons" specifically designed for specific products that would allow users to order the quantity of diapers, for example, or dishwasher detergent.)
The new Dash devices will work in a similar fashion however they won't have dedicated buttons anymore. Brother connected printers will allow you to purchase toner or ink refills automatically. A GE washer can automatically reorder detergent if it runs out. A Gmate glucose meters that monitors blood sugar for diabetics and automatically orders blood testing strips and blood-drawing lancests can also reorder detergent when it is low. Users can sign up online to activate the service.
Amazon announced the expansion of its Dash line in October. Now the new products are available on the market. Other products in development include Purell dispensers for hand-sanitizers, Samsung laser printers, "smart" home locks from Austin and others.
- Mae Anderson, AP Technology Writer
Some government and police officials might be shivering because encryption makes it difficult for them to catch criminals and extremists, however, it turns out that many companies don't bother to safeguard their data by encryption in the first place.
Sophos released Tuesday a new study that surveyed 1,700 IT executives in mid-sized companies in the U.S. and Canada. 44% of those surveyed reported that they currently use encryption extensively, and 43% are using encryption at some level.
The proportion of smaller companies that were encrypting was lower among those who were surveyed. Only 38 percent of businesses with 100-500 employees reported that they are encrypting extensively.
In the U.S., encryption rates are higher and 54 percent of those surveyed saying they make extensive use of the technology. Australia came second with the highest rate of 49 percent, while Malaysia posted the lowest rate of 26 percent.
The main reason for not having a comprehensive encryption - supplied by 37 percent of those who replied that they did not have a budget and 31 percent mentioned concerns about performance.
-- Bree Fowler, AP Technology Writer
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Verizon is the most recent cellphone company to offer Web surfing to customers that doesn't count against their data caps.
You could be subject to additional charges or slower speeds if your data limit is exceeded. It's not difficult particularly if your device allows you to stream music and watch videos on the go.
Verizon has said it's interested in "sponsored data" as a different source of revenue. Verizon can pay a business to let users browse their websites, download their apps, and watch videos without having to consume data. Verizon claims that brands have signed up for AOL and Hearst Magazines.
AT&T introduced a sponsored data program in 2012, however only a handful of companies are participating.
However, T-Mobile exempts several dozen video and music streaming providers from cap charges, but states that it doesn't charge the providers. It says it wants attract customers who stream a lot of video in the way that doesn't strain its network as much. It lowers the quality of video across all video sources, even those that aren't exempt from caps. T-Mobile claims that it lets customers enjoy more.
Government regulators have requested AT&T and T-Mobile for more information about their strategies. While net neutrality rules enacted in 2013 don't ban the practice of picking and choosing services that do not count against data caps, technically known as "zero rating," some advocates say it could hinder innovation or favor certain companies over others. Net neutrality is a concept that Internet service providers should treat apps and websites equally.