UN reveals global disparity in broadband access

The global disparity in fixed broadband access and cost has been revealed by UN figures. The Central African Republic is the most expensive place to get a fixed broadband connection, costing nearly 40 times the average monthly income there.

Via BBC News

Apple and Facebook in spat over Ping

Apple and Facebook are not seeing eye-to-eye over the former's entry into social networking this week, with the announcement of Apple Ping.

Via Techradar

Broadband advertising 'misleading consumers'

Nine out of 10 people find broadband advertising misleading and confusing, according to a survey carried out by ICM. Consumers are left baffled by internet service providers' use of "up to" speed claims when defining the kinds of broadband internet connection speeds people can expect to receive in their local area.

Via The Telegraph

HP wins 3PAR for $2.4 billion as Dell drops out

Hewlett-Packard won the bidding war to buy data storage company 3PAR Inc for $2.4 billion, as rival Dell bowed out on Thursday. HP raised its cash offer by $3 to $33 per share, beating Dell's $32-a-share offer and ending an escalation of bids that many analysts said had gone too far.

Via Reuters

In search of tablet computers' sweet spot: screen size and battery life

Here's a question: why is the screen of Apple's iPad 9.7 inches across? Why that size? Why not bigger? Or smaller? If we examine this question, we may be able to figure out the answer to another question: how are the slew of tablets being released now (hello Samsung) going to fare in the market?

Via The Guardian

Scientists create 'Quantum Cats' out of light

A group of scientists at the United States' National Institute of Science and Technology have created light pulses called "Quantum Cats", which can exist in two states at once. These pulses are in an optical state which is similar to the famous "Schrödinger's Cat" though experiment, dreamed up by Nobel Prize winner Erwin Schrödinger.

Via Wired.co.uk