Qualcomm, one of the biggest makers of chips for handsets, said it is launching a new version of its fastest chip that will process data at speeds up to 2.5 gigahertz per second. That's nearly as fast as the speediest PC chips now available to consumers.
The Qualcomm advance means that mobile apps will soon be almost as powerful as any software running on a desktop or laptop. Intel is also working on its own chips that use the ARM architecture favored by handset and tablet makers, rather than its traditional PC scheme, as are chip rivals Nvidia and Texas Instruments.
Meanwhile Microsoft, Intel's long-time partner, is making a new, ARM-friendly version of Windows. Software developers and computer chip designers who wonder how quickly their favorite technologies are shifting away from PCs and toward mobile devices should follow the processing power. (VentureBeat)
Nokia Employees Should Be Proactive (FINS)
The handset giant is set to get a little smaller after an announced strategy shift last week. Employees at the company worried about their jobs should take action.
Investors Sell Elop's Plan (Bloomberg)
If the Nokia CEO was hoping to impress investors with his tie-up with Microsoft, his plan failed in the short-term, as Nokia's stock has fallen 18% in Europe in the two trading days since he unveiled it.
Amazon Messes With Texas (The Register)
If you're a Texan who wants to work for Amazon.com, you may want to write your local elected officials. The Internet retailer is threatening to pull its operations in the state as officials there press their claim for $265 million in back taxes.
H-P Taking Cisco Customers? (CRN)
Hewlett-Packard, which used to distribute Cisco Systems gear but now competes against it, said its networking unit is posting eye-popping growth figures -- as Cisco is seeing weaker sales of its own products for the corporate market.
Intel Holds the Meego Bag (CRN)
Intel, which is developing chips for Nokia's MeeGo mobile software, said it will forge ahead after Nokia killed its MeeGo phone projects and fired the executive in charge of the software platform.
Stuxnet Claims and Counterclaims (The Register)
A member of the well-known hacking group Anonymous claims the group has the source code for the sophisticated Stuxnet virus. The claim has been challenged by other geeks.
Zynga Valuation Could Skyrocket (WSJ)
Zynga Game Network is reportedly talking to investors about raising a funding round that could value the maker of Facebook social games between $7 billion and $9 billion.
Rackers Needed in the Cloud (FINS)
Rackspace Hosting, a San Antonio, Texas-based provider of cloud computing services, is hiring software developers and other engineers as looks to capture a larger share of a growing market.
Geek Love (Computerworld)
Just in time for Valentine's Day, here are profiles of two-techie couples that find a way to make love work.
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