The XBIZ Weekly Tech Watch

This week's tech watch brings good news for the open-source community, as well as a slew of new toys for iPhone fans, as well as a look at an electric car.

• In a dramatic development, a U.S. appeals court has ruled that software patents may only be granted if the software interacts with a physical object like a machine or otherwise changes the physical world. This means that straight software cannot be patented, giving the open-source community a victory – at least until this case reaches the Supreme Court.

• Hopefully electric cars are on the horizon, and in the meantime, CrunchGear has a review of the Chevy Volt.

• Is MTV censoring the names of file-sharing sites from the songs that appear on its site?

• Gmail has a new text-messaging feature.

• Social-networking addicts have another way to aggregate their online activity with Yoono.com.

• Syncplicity.com has an unusual domain name, but it's another online alternative for computer professionals to back up their data.

• Google is now indexing scanned documents, an elaborate process that will use optical recognition technology to index scanned text data.

• Like CafePress, Zazzle.com lets anyone create their own clothing lines instantly.

• Radus is a full-scale content aggregator that lets users scan loads of online information, including RSS feeds, photos, videos and music.

• Facebook continues to become more popular than MySpace outside the United States.

• Users of the document-sharing service DocStoc.com can now upload files by simply sending an email.

• People who own the Apple iPhone can now access WiFi service at all AT&T HotSpots.

• Need to spy on someone? The EyeClops night-vision goggles may the answer.

• Gizmodo has a run-down of this week's new applications for the Apple iPhone.

• On the heels of news that Sony's Blu-ray format may be dying, Sony has stopped delivering its good to Circuit City stores.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Ofcom Escalates Sun Social, Superb Convert Investigations

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has ramped up its ongoing Online Safety Act (OSA) compliance investigations into PlayVids/PeekVids operator Sun Social Media and PimpBunny operator Superb Convert.

Centrobill Rolls Out Apple Pay, Google Pay Options

Centrobill has added Apple Pay and Google Pay options for merchants.

Judge Preliminarily Approves Pornhub Class Action Settlement

A U.S. District Court judge on Monday granted preliminary approval to a settlement between Aylo and the plaintiffs in two class-action lawsuits over allegations that former Pornhub parent company MindGeek knowingly allowed and profited from CSAM on its sites.

Roald Riepen Steps Down as CEO of IMC

Roald Riepen, CEO of International Media Company (IMC), is stepping down.

Ofcom Sets Timeline for Enforcing 'Extreme' Content Rules

Before U.K. media regulator Ofcom begins enforcing new laws criminalizing certain “extreme” adult content online, it will first hold a consultation in early 2027, and then provide updated guidance for sites and platforms.

FSC Publishes Guidance on New UK Pornography Laws

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published information for its members on the United Kingdom's recently passed pornography laws, which take effect next week.

Brazil Issues Guide to Digital Safety Compliance

Brazil’s National Data Protection Agency (ANPD) published on Wednesday a new guide outlining online providers’ child-protection responsibilities under the Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for August, September

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters, by country, for August and September.

2027 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees Announced for Adult Entertainment Edition

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the adult entertainment industry edition of the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Friday, Jan. 8, in conjunction with the XBIZ 2027 event series.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Effective Parenting' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers with children.

Show More