The XBIZ Weekly Tech Watch

This week's tech watch offers reports on President Bush's final words on tech, as well as looks at a slew of new toys for webmasters and tech fans everywhere.

• As one of his many parting gifts to the nation, President Bush has opposed a plan to bring free WiFi to the country.

• Webmasters with parked domains can now fill those sites with Google AdSense ads.

PartyBeans.com lets users send customized candy gifts.

• CNET has some opinions on what Facebook could stand to learn from its competitors.

• Ustream.tv is working on an application to bring better streaming video to mobile devices.

• Google's Chrome web browser has left its beta-testing phase in record time.

• Gizmodo takes a look at some cheap HDTV sets and some wacky new toys and gadgets designed for wintertime fun.

• A sleek new coffeemaker gets a very bad online review.

• Is Sony working on a new touch-screen Walkman?

• Do the new MacBook Pros have faulty microchips inside?

• Users of Apple's iPhone haven't been able to copy and paste text between Safari and Mail – until now.

• Industry professionals who want to find a place to stay in Washington, D.C., for the Obama inauguration may want to visit this website.

• A Danish e-commerce website produced a racy online ad that's become a viral phenomenon, and for good reason.

• Mac users may be interested in trying out TuneUp, a new application that cleans up bad or missing data in an iTunes library. Also, there's a new product called MacPadd that's designed to make using a mouse easier.

• Gmail has unveiled some new features, including SMS messaging from Gmail chat and a few other mini-apps.

• Social networking giant Hi5 has added a new virtual gift-giving feature. Industry professionals who maintain presences in Europe may want to consider Hi5 as a promotional outlet, as it has a larger following overseas.

• After much criticism, Google has added an on/off button for its new search-wiki feature in search results.

• And finally: The Sharper Image, aka the store for people who don't even know what kind of stuff they don't need, is planning a comeback.

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

UPDATED: European Commission Unveils AV App, Addresses Hacks

The European Commission’s age verification app is now technically ready and will soon be available for EU citizens to use in order to prove their age when accessing online platforms, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Tuesday.

Syren De Mer, Eddie Patrick Cap AEBN's Top Stars for 1st Quarter of 2026

AEBN has revealed its most popular performers in straight and gay theaters for the first quarter of 2026.

Report: Irish Regulator Seeks 'Industry Input' on AV Compliance

Irish media regulator Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM) will draw on “industry input” to help establish a framework for assessing platforms’ compliance with Ireland’s Online Safety Code and the EU’s Digital Services Act, news organization MLex reports.

'iDealgasmPlus' Launches Through PAYSITE

iDealgasmPlus.com has officially launched through PAYSITE.

Canadian Senate Approves National Age Verification Bill

Canada’s Senate on Wednesday passed bill S-209, the “Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act,” which would require commercial adult websites to verify that Canadian users are at least 18 years old.

Sara Jay Relaunches Site Through PAYSITE

Sara Jay has relaunched her membership site, WydeSyde, through PAYSITE.

UK House of Commons Moves to Tone Down Porn Amendments

The House of Commons has modified amendments to the U.K.’s pending Crime and Policing Bill, including provisions regulating “step” content, content featuring adults role-playing as minors, and performers’ ability to withdraw consent.

AEBN Reveals Ariel Demure as Top Trans Star for Q1 of 2026

AEBN has named its top trans stars for the first quarter of 2026, with Ariel Demure landing atop the leaderboard.

Final IRS 'No Tax on Tips' Rule Excludes Pornography

The Internal Revenue Service on Monday published final regulations on the “No Tax on Tips” provision included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” offering new tax deductions for tip workers but excluding revenue received for “pornographic activity.”

Pennsylvania Legislature Weighs 'Porn Tax' Bill

The Pennsylvania State Senate is considering a bill that would impose a 10% tax on the revenue of adult websites doing business in that state.

Show More