TECH BITS
THE NEWS
Spike making series on computer pioneer McAfee
NEW YORK – The Spike television network says it is making a six-part TV series based on the life of anti-virus software entrepreneur John McAfee, centered around interviews with him.
McAfee formed a software security company named for himself and sold it, earning a fortune. He’s lived an eccentric life that included being the subject of a manhunt after a U.S. expatriate who lived near McAfee’s home in the Central American nation of Belize was found dead. He has denied any involvement in the shooting.
The series and its format are reminiscent of HBO’s "The Jinx," the series about millionaire murder suspect Robert Durst that was a sensation for the pay cable network earlier this year.
– The Associated Press
Police, lawmaker decry cellphone case shaped like handgun
NEW YORK – Police across the country are warning about the dangers of a cellphone case that’s shaped like a handgun, saying it could be mistaken for the real thing.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York is urging online retailers to stop selling the case, and police are asking consumers not to buy it. Schumer says it lacks a required orange marking that identifies it as harmless.
He says advertisements indicate the case can be displayed in a pocket, as though it’s a real weapon.
– The Associated Press
China mulls privacy protection, further curbs on Internet
BEIJING – Chinese authorities have proposed a sweeping but vaguely worded Internet security law that would strengthen protection of private information, ban hacking activities and also allow authorities to restrict Internet access to maintain public order.
The National People’s Congress, the country’s highest legislative body, released the text of the proposed law on Wednesday. It said a legislative panel gave the proposal its first reading in June and that it is seeking public comment until Aug. 5.
China’s government considers cybersecurity to be crucial to national security, and espouses the concept of Internet sovereignty, treating its portion of cyberspace as its territory.
– DIDI TANG, The Associated Press
GADGETS
GoPro to sell smaller camera starting this month
NEW YORK – GoPro, the sports camera maker, plans to launch its smallest camera yet.
The Hero4 Session, which weighs 2.6 ounces, will go on sale July 12, the company said Monday. The lightest camera it currently sells on its website is the Hero4 Silver at 2.9 ounces.
While it weighs less, the new camera hasn’t shrunk in price: The Hero4 Session will retail for $399.99, about the same price as previous models.
The San Manteo, Calif.-based company said the camera is simpler to use, because it has one button to put on the camera on and begin recording. The Hero4 Sessions is also waterproof for up to 33 feet and doesn’t need a separate waterproof case, the company said.
– The Associated Press
WEBSITES
Sarah Palin’s subscription Web channel going offline
JUNEAU, Alaska – Sarah Palin’s foray into a subscriber-based online channel, where she could connect directly to viewers without a media filter, is shutting down.
The Sarah Palin Channel launched last July, with membership rates of $9.95 a month or $99.95 annually. Starting Aug. 1, Palin says she’s making her content free on Facebook and her political action committee website.
In a recent video announcement, Palin said that with a presidential election coming up, she wants to make sure her voice and others are heard by the widest possible audience. She told subscribers she looked forward to continuing to hear their ideas and sharing her own.
– The Associated Press