Technology: What Geeks are Reading About in Tech from CNET

Here is the latest in Technology news from CNET.

Crave giveaway: Nail yourself a ‘Hitman: Agent 47’ prize pack – CNET
It’s a game, it’s a movie, it’s not a viable career choice. Here’s how to win your own “Hitman” briefcase and other swag, plus a Blu-ray.

Drumpf Twitterbot learns to imitate Trump via deep-learning algorithm – CNET
Presidential candidate Donald Trump gets the Recurrent Neural Network treatment as a bot tweets what it thinks he may say based on his speeches.

Musical Rube Goldberg machine sings an extraordinarily pretty song – CNET
A Swedish band called Wintergatan has built a music machine out of wood, cables, steel marbles and Lego, and you can see it in action.

Your 3D printer is telling people what it’s making – CNET
The sounds of a 3D printer at work can be reverse engineered to reconstruct the original 3D model. It sounds cool, but there could be big implications for industrial espionage.

A year isolated in space preps astronaut for modern dinner manners – CNET
The #YearInSpace is over, and it’s time for astronaut Scott Kelly to readjust to life on #Earth. But even if you’ve run rings around your home planet, it doesn’t stop you from facing the same old tech problems at the dinner table.

Hubble breaks cosmic record, captures most distant galaxy – CNET
The Hubble Space Telescope has imaged a galaxy 13.4 billion light-years away, just 400 million years after the Big Bang.

These awesome robots still work after 240 years – CNET
The 18th-century Jaquet-Droz automata are representative of some early attempts at humanoid robots. And they still work.

Not in my house: Amazon’s unencrypted devices a sitting target, cybersecurity experts say – CNET
Amazon’s decision to leave Fire tablet customers’ data out in the open is a bad idea, no matter the reason.

The ghost of VR past: The long history of tech’s latest love affair (pictures) – CNET
We might be getting excited about virtual reality in 2016, but it’s not the first time we’ve been ready to welcome VR into our homes…

Oculus Rift support for Macs? If Apple ‘ever releases a good computer,’ founder says – CNET
Palmer Luckey disses the power in Apple computers when asked about Oculus’ virtual reality worlds coming to Macs.

MythBuster Adam Savage builds ‘The Martian’ spacesuit – CNET
Watch Savage document pieces of the spacesuit worn by Matt Damon in blockbuster sci-fi film “The Martian.”

Tech that stands the test of time (pictures) – CNET
Before the notion of planned obsolescence, technology was built to last. These gadgets and experiments have all been operating since before you were born (probably).

Man taking selfies with gun fatally shoots himself, police say – CNET
Technically Incorrect: A man and his girlfriend in Washington state are taking selfies with a gun. For one, the man thought the gun was unloaded. It wasn’t.

Apple patents magnetic detachable headphones for the iPhone (Apple Byte Extra Crunchy Podcast Ep. 28) – CNET
A 9-point-7 inch iPad Pro, iPhone SE and Apple Watch bands are expected on March 21st. The Apple vs. FBI battle goes to Congress hearings, and the MacBook Selfie Stick looks dangerous.

High-flying hack: Researcher shows how to seize control of a drone – CNET
German grad student Nils Rodday figured out how to intercept flight instructions and start flying a drone himself. He says the hardware he exploited is present in drones from various manufacturers.

Stitching together a Monster Lab with Liam McIntyre of ‘The Flash’ (Tomorrow Daily show notes) – CNET
You might know Liam McIntyre as Spartacus or the Winter Wizard, but we bet you didn’t know he’s a huge board game geek. And now, he’s launched a Kickstarter campaign for his very own tabletop game.

CNET’s Tech Today app: One tap, 10 top stories – CNET
TLDR: We’ve built an incredible new iPhone app to help you keep on top of the ever-changing world of technology. It’s called Tech Today, and you should download it right now.

Why Doug Rushkoff is Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus – CNET
The author and professor tackles the digital economy in his new book.

Sassy business cards reveal superheroes’ secret identities – CNET
If Thor, Iron Man, Wonder Woman and Daredevil ever want some extra recognition for their mild-mannered alter egos, then they should get these custom business cards.

Superhero business cards tell it like it is (pictures) – CNET
Wonder Woman wants your eyes up here and Superman doesn’t want to hear any questions about his underpants in a series of funny superhero business cards.

Hear an earthquake from Mariana Trench in the ocean deep – CNET
Researchers have discovered a universe of uncanny sounds at the bottom of the deepest ocean trench in the world.

Self-cleaning airplane bathroom makes flying less germy – CNET
Boeing wants to assuage your fear of entering the dangerous realm of the airplane lavatory with a touchless, self-sanitizing restroom experience.

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ home release will take more of your money (and time) starting April 1 – CNET
The digital version hits April 1, with the Blu-Ray combo pack and DVD coming April 5.

Good luck buying the Echo Dot, Amazon didn’t make it easy (CNET Update show notes) – CNET
Amazon released two new models of the Echo smart speaker, but not everyone can order the cheaper one. Learn about the Amazon Tap and Echo Dot, and the new smart-home features coming to all models.

Facebook groups are being used to sell endangered wildlife as pets – CNET
Live otters, gibbons and bears have all been found for sale in Malaysian Facebook groups, according to a report by wildlife watchdog Traffic.

Relive astronaut Scott Kelly’s trailblazing year in space (pictures) – CNET
During a year in orbit, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly took up microgravity gardening, strolled in space and captured some eye-popping photos. Here are the moments that stood out.

Tech groups, AT&T, Twitter, AirBNB support Apple in iPhone fight – CNET
Prominent tech companies including AT&T, Twitter and Airbnb, as well as three key trade groups, weigh in on Apple’s fight against the FBI. More are expected to join in.

Apple’s iPhone 7S could sport battery-saving OLED screen – CNET
Next year may see Apple switch its iPhone display from LCD to OLED, a move that would offer consumers several benefits, according to news site Nikkei.

Google throws its computing brains into tackling the Zika virus – CNET
The tech giant hopes to help Unicef and other nonprofits ambush the virus by predicting where to focus resources. Oh, and it’s throwing in a million bucks, too.

Apple Customer Support will now help you via Twitter – CNET
A dedicated customer service account will try to assist you directly as well as offer tips and tricks on Apple products and services.

Fidget in this chair to charge your gadgets – CNET
Put your restlessness to good use with an innovative chair that harnesses energy produced from your movements to power your gear.

Listen up: Amazon’s Alexa is taking over our homes (The 3:59, Ep. 4) – CNET
The online retailer comes out with two new smart-home devices, Roger flies a drone from miles away, and the new “Ghostbusters” movie trailer slimes us.

How Pokemon turned me into a nerd – CNET
Commentary: As Pokemon celebrates its 20th anniversary, CNET’s Luke Lancaster looks back on how the global phenomenon made him the game-loving nerd he is today.

‘Absolutely not’ true that Microsoft is backing away from console gaming, Xbox exec says – CNET
“We are more committed to our console and the future of that console than we have ever been.”

No Division reviews until after release day – CNET
Ubisoft says the best way to assess its game is in a live environment after launch.

Uncovered images may show Mass Effect Andromeda’s new Shepard – CNET
Several renders, seemingly attributed to BioWare and supposedly showing the Pathfinder, have been discovered.

Fallout Shelter’s biggest update ever has arrived, watch new video here – CNET
See the full patch notes for the first-ever Fallout mobile game’s most substantial update to date.

Paragon free DLC plans, early access release date revealed – CNET
“The game will never be pay-to-win, meaning we will never sell gameplay-affecting items.”

For Apple, Samsung: Turn off the phone, the party’s over? – CNET
A maturing and more saturated smartphone market across the globe “has some grave consequences” for iPhones and high-end Android phones, says research firm IDC.

Glitch bot turns watching news into an extreme sport – CNET
Artist Eric Drass, aka Shardcore, provides the news in two seconds or less with his latest Twitter bot, Glitch News Network. Beware of headache-inducing montages.

A trio of big Alexa announcements from Amazon (pictures) – CNET
Alexa will soon find her way into two new Amazon devices. Oh, and she’ll soon be able to control a little old product called Nest.

Here’s everything we loved from Day 2 of the 2016 Geneva Motor Show – Roadshow
From a hopped-up Ford Fiesta to a million-dollar Koenigsegg hybrid, there’s something here for everybody.

Google Lunar XPrize partners with J.J. Abrams for ‘Moon Shot’ documentary – CNET
The $30 million Google Lunar XPrize is encouraging private teams to explore the moon, and now a documentary will tell their stories.

Ghostbusters prepare for battle in new full-length trailer – CNET
The new cast gets set for paranormal peril in the trailer for the upcoming “Ghostbusters” movie.

Amazon’s Alexa gets comfy in our homes – CNET
With Amazon’s Echo smart speaker becoming a surprise hit, the online retailer is expanding its line of voice assistants with two new devices.

You’re not the boss of me: Cybersecurity pros fear government overreach in iPhone fight – CNET
The companies that try to stop hackers would say no to the feds’ demands for new software code, just like Apple.

Samsung to roll out Apple-esque upgrade program in Singapore – CNET
The company’s new concierge service will allow owners of its phones to upgrade their devices yearly, and access out-of-warranty repair services at a discount.

I flew a drone that was 1,400 miles away and it didn’t go so well – CNET
Ericsson offered a glimpse of the future with a cellular-connected drone in Stockholm, which I piloted while in Barcelona, Spain.

The new search engine for business is called, um, Plonked – CNET
Technically Incorrect: Plonked claims there’s a need for more advanced, business-specific search. It says there are far fewer than six degrees of separation between companies. But, oh, that name.

Ted Cruz likes to twerk and eat hair in Bad Lip Reading video – CNET
The US presidential race gets much more entertaining when Ted Cruz’s comments are translated via YouTube series Bad Lip Reading. His new campaign slogan: “I need a bogel for the glotch.”

Your bus may be spying on you – CNET
Technically Incorrect: In another round of the slugfest between security and privacy, Maryland lawmakers are objecting to buses that get in your business. A bill before the state senate would limit audio recording on public transit.

Kanye the software pirate? These apps could help his money troubles (CNET Update show notes) – CNET
Hip-hop star Kanye West is mocked for revealing Pirate Bay downloads in his browser tabs. Can he not afford music editing software? A few new payment apps could be the answer Kanye needs.

US cyberbombs Islamic State on the ‘virtual battlefield’ – CNET
The government, possibly for the first time ever, acknowledges ongoing cyberattacks against the terrorist group.

Massive custom musical instrument uses 2,000 marbles to play songs (Tomorrow Daily show notes) – CNET
It took Swedish musician Martin Molin 14 months to build the Wintergatan Marble Machine, and the finished product looks and sounds like something straight out of a futuristic Alice in Wonderland concert.

After Super Tuesday, Google searches for one phrase hit an all-time high – CNET
Following the biggest night of primary results in the presidential election so far, a record number of people went online looking for someplace a little more calm and cool.

Concept cars forecast the future at the Geneva auto show (pictures) – Roadshow
Concept cars from Citroen, Pininfarina, Subaru and other companies give us a look at what type of vehicles will hit the roads of the near future.

Apple gets backing in FBI iPhone case from privacy groups, tech titans – CNET
The ACLU files the first in an expected series of briefs telling a federal court that it sides with Apple and believes an FBI request to hack a terrorist’s iPhone threatens everyone’s privacy and security.

Kanye cheesed off at Deadmau5 as Twitter baiting continues – CNET
Social media might be all about bringing people together to share stories, but as any true celebrity follower knows, it’s also the place to see Grade-A celebrity fueds unfold in real time. And once again, Kanye West has served up the goods.

Paying with ‘Hands Free’ is as easy as saying, ‘I’ll pay with Google’ – CNET
The search-engine company is piloting a new app, called Hands Free, that lets customers pay in stores without having to pull out their phones or wallets. But will customers speak up?

Facebook exec released from Brazilian jail after WhatsApp dustup – CNET
The saga continues between Silicon Valley and law enforcement over user data. The latest: Facebook’s detained vice president in Brazil has been set free.

Google’s new payments app means never having to pull out your wallet – CNET
The Hands Free app lets customers pay for items in stores by simply telling the cashier, “I’ll pay with Google.” But will customers speak up?

Uncharted 4 delayed again – CNET
The PS4 adventure has been delayed once again; A Thief’s End is now set to launch in May.

Mass Effect: Andromeda delayed to 2017, EA exec suggests – CNET
BioWare Montreal’s sci-fi RPG epic now set for release in fiscal Q4, according to publisher’s CFO.

New Steam security updates coming next week – CNET
The new updates should improve security measures for accounts, market transactions, and restoration

On building dueling narratives in Quantum Break – CNET
Quantum Break narrative designer Greg Louden chats writing for a game and show at the same time, and how his experience in VFX fueled the tale.

What if video games could read your emotions? It’s already happening – CNET
The new wave is called “emotion-aware gaming” and it has a number of interesting-sounding applications.

Pentagon taps former Google CEO for Silicon Valley inspiration – CNET
The FBI might be at war with Apple, but the US military still loves Silicon Valley.

Google Photos bumps up editing options – CNET
The new tools include shifting between photos during the edit process and changing the aspect ratio of your photos.

Encryption, the FBI’s bane, nets top prize for computing pioneers – CNET
Whitfield Diffie and Martin Hellman’s privacy-protecting technology has become both an inextricable part of modern life and a scourge to law enforcement.

The Last Taco Truck in Silicon Valley – CNET
Ingenuity, betrayal, and a killer habanero sauce. All these and more in CNET’s tech fiction debut.

‘Not uncomfortable’ Lego dress fashioned from 12,000 pieces – CNET
A clever Lego builder becomes an innovative fashion designer by weaving fabric from Lego pieces.

Hacking the Pentagon could earn you some cash – CNET
A pilot program aims to help the US Defense Department beef up its networks by finding any vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

Apple-FBI drama continues, plus Kanye, Chris Christie make social waves (The 3:59, Ep. 3) – CNET
What Apple and the FBI told Congress; how your car might pay at the pump for you; and trending social topics Chris Christie and Kanye West. CNET gives you the latest tech news, fast.

Chick-fil-A offers free ice cream if you put down your phone – CNET
Technically Incorrect: A Chick-fil-A restaurant operator in Georgia says he’s tired of people staring into their devices.

Facebook hit by German antitrust probe over user data – CNET
Regulators in Germany wonder whether the social network may be abusing market power by not being clear with consumers about how it’s using their data.

Crazy gadget melts cold butter sticks into instant spray – CNET
Believe it’s butter. The handheld Biem gadget melts those pesky sticks on demand for your cooking convenience.

Frank Underwood would ‘take Trump down,’ says ‘House of Cards’ co-star – CNET
The Donald wouldn’t fare well on the hit Netflix series, according to the man behind Frank Underwood’s diabolical and conflicted henchman.

Technically Literate – CNET
Original works of short fiction with unique perspectives on technology, published exclusively on CNET.com

New Civic hatchback prototype brings the hot back to Honda – Roadshow
Although still officially in prototype form, the Civic hatchback we saw at the Geneva Motor Show this year promises to be the hot hatch we’ve been pining for.

Paying with your face and car is the new paying with your phone – CNET
Mobile payments companies are using tech to make it even easier for us to spend more money.

Zynga CEO Mark Pincus steps down — again – CNET
Former EA mobile chief Frank Gibeau will become the beleaguered game maker’s fourth CEO in the past three years.

On Super Tuesday, the Web fears for Chris Christie – CNET
Technically Incorrect: A Vine featuring the New Jersey governor seemingly bewildered as he stands behind a victorious Donald Trump spawns the #freechrischristie movement.

Deadmau5 rats out Kanye over Pirate Bay gaffe – CNET
Sure, we should all pay a fair price for digital downloads, but maybe Kanye needs a little help when it comes to coughing up cash for what he downloads online. But his fellow artists are ready to help…

Fake New York Times article ‘berns’ Internet with Sanders endorsement – CNET
An online article made to look like a New York Times story claims Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders picked up a presidential endorsement from Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Hound can outsmart Siri, Google Now with voice-search tricks (CNET Update show notes) – CNET
A new voice-assistant app outshines the competition in some areas, but it’s not perfect. Meanwhile, Google’s self-driving car shares some blame in a minor crash, and the encryption battle between Apple and the FBI heads to Capitol Hill.

The political memes and Moments making America tweet again – CNET
The US presidential primaries may not yet have outdone Leonardo DiCaprio, but the memes are mounting. Twitter’s top curator picks the microblogging service’s best political Moments so far.

Playing card games with distant friends using VR (Tomorrow Daily show notes) – CNET
Lost Cities is an award-winning card game, and now, one developer wants to make it possible to play with opponents all over the globe by harnessing the power of virtual reality.

With a bullet to the head from Samsung, 3D TV is now deader than ever – CNET
It may shamble forward zombie-style for a few more years, but without the world’s No. 1 TV maker on board, 3D TV is doomed.

Facebook caught in privacy debate after arrest of executive in Brazil – CNET
The arrest comes after Brazilian police wanted WhatsApp data linked to a drug trafficking case — another example of the tech industry’s tussle with law enforcement over encryption.

Apple, FBI face off before Congress over iPhone encryption – CNET
Both sides, which have been battling over the last few weeks, make their case before the House Judiciary Committee.

15 epic Lego creations that will blow your mind (pictures) – CNET
The Lego community has done some absolutely jaw-dropping things with the world’s favourite modular toy.

Gears of War Ultimate Edition PC has problems with AMD hardware – CNET
Microsoft says it is working on a solution for this and any problems downloading the game.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate Maharaja’s Throne out now, new trailer released – CNET
Join the Frye twins as they help Duleep Singh reclaim his birthright.

Rock Band 4 PC version seeking crowdfunding – CNET
Harmonix looking to raise $1.5 million to bring the music game to PC.

PS4 3.50 update revealed, includes appear offline feature – CNET
Sony details next system software update; Including Remote Play expansion to PCs and Macs.

Quantum Break’s TV episodes will be streamed, not on Disc – CNET
“When we figured out how big the data was, we had to backpedal and think of some good solutions and this made sense.”

Teacher forced to resign after student allegedly steals nude photos from her phone – CNET
Technically Incorrect: In South Carolina, an engineering teacher says student got into her phone and shared private pictures she had made for her husband. The school blames her.

Possible Xbox One hardware upgrade in the pipeline, says Phil Spencer – CNET
“You’ll actually see us come out with new hardware capability during a generation.”