The Skinny
WRAL Local Tech Wire Publisher and Editor Rick Smith dishes out tidbits from the local technology sector.
Gears of War 3 coming? EA discloses Epic game for 2011
Epic’s creative spirit “Cliffy B” Bleszinki has been promising “megaton face melting news.” Entertainment Arts says it will publish a “shooter” title by Epic, but the game’s title isn’t disclosed.
A new "Gears" shoot-em-up on the way?
Japan’s Nagoya University seeks to bridge East, West with Nu Tech showcase
A day-long session will feature emerging technology, biotechnology, medical device and therapeutic treatments in RTP.
E-mail services provider iContact investigating a hack attack
The Durham-based company, which has more than 58,000 customers and 579,000 users, says it has asked for FBI assistance in the case. An iContact spokesperson calls the hacking “allegations,” but the firm says it is increasing security.
Cyberespionage? Cyberslueths disclose Lenovo’s 2010 ‘roadmap’
A photo of Lenovo’s product deployment plan for this year shows up on Web sites as the No. 4 PC maker prepares to disclose latest earnings. Plus, a Lenovo exec says the company is reviewing its efforts in server market.
Tech recovery is at hand, analysts tells N.C. IT execs
However, the rebound will only be a “lower case v,” Gartner’s Michael Smith tells N.C. Technology Association. A key indicator of the recovery is a “spike” in productivity. But as IT spending rebounds, which firms will use tech as a “competitive differentiator”?
Believe it - Triangle region lands record $1.9B in business projects
2009 news is so good that Triangle Regional Partnership CEO didn’t believe his staff and had the numbers rerun. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?” he asks. Projects also include plans for 10,000 jobs.
Epic Games’ heroes take their guns to a new world – ‘Lost Planet 2’
Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago, two of the locust killers in the Gears of War empire from Cary-based Epic, make a surprise crossover in new game from Capcom. PLUS: Epic’s Cliffy B picks his favorite games.
IPO rewards: Motricity CEO gets a $75,000 raise in new contract
As the mobile phone services company launches an IPO bid, the venture-backed firm discloses a new deal with Ryan Wuerch. In addition to $450,000 a year salary, he also will continue to receive a 20 percent cost of living allowance plus 5 million shares of stock.
IT recession over? Spending will rebound, analysis firm says
However, Gartner warns that a weakening dollar could be a major factor in what it describes as a “modest” IT recovery. Execs like those at SAS don't like growth based on weaker currency.
Google vs. the Dragon – War over words could ignite into flames
As Google displays backbone and delays its phone launch in China dispute over censorship and hacking, the Chinese government warns ‘foreign enterprises’ to ‘adhere’ and ‘respect’ its ‘cultural traditions.’
Former IBM exec Robert Moffat isn’t seeking plea deal, lawyer says
As possible indictment against Moffat is delayed into February, his attorney tells news service: “We’re not engaging in plea discussions and are hopeful to avoid an indictment.”
Triangle game industry can take heart in '09 sales
Although revenues for games, hardware and accessories dipped from 2008, the $19.66 billion total is still second best on record, NPD Group reports.
Google vs. China – A victory for freedom and free enterprise
Search engine giant vows to stop doing business and to end censorship after hacking attacks traced to China. Now, will China blink as it did in the ‘Green Dam’ fiasco?
Looking for opportunity at IBM? Big Blue is hiring – in India
While the company cut 10,000 from its U.S.-based work force in 2009, an exec says no layoffs were made in India. Now, he says, IBM will add 5,000 workers there.
A ‘perfect storm’ sank hopes for Nortel, former board member says
In an interview with the Canadian Press, former government finance minister says saving the bankrupt telecommunications gear maker was a “long shot.”