The Pirate Bay replaces torrents with magnet links, Microsoft showcases a new 3D desktop, and uTorrent is coming to Android.
- The Pirate Bay, Now Without Torrents: It seems the days of downloading torrents from The Pirate Bay are over. Files that are shared by more than 10 users have been replaced by magnet links, and while it may seem like a huge change, nothing will change for the average user, as the method for downloading files is virtually the same as before. As a member of the The Pirate Bay put it, "just click the red button instead of the green one and all will be fine." [Torrent Freak]
- Microsoft Teases Transparent 3D Desktop Interface: Microsoft is currently developing a new desktop that has the potential to allows users to manipulate virtual environments in a 3D space. In a demonstration, Microsoft showcased an illuminated display that allows users to view their hands through the screen and "pick and choose" windows on the desktop. Treating the windows as a file cabinet, the user can pull back and view windows stacked atop one another, making the viewing of all windows on the desktop at any given time easy to manage. [Neowin]
- uTorrent Native Android Client on the Way:The first uTorrent client for a mobile operating system is on its way for the Android OS. The client will supposedly have all of the basic function of its Windows and Mac counterparts, however, parent company BitTorrent Inc. is staying mute about when we can expect to find the client in the Android marketplace. [Torrent Freak]
- Mercedes-Benz Brings Siri to Their Cars: Mercedes-Benz plans to integrate Siri into its A-class electronics system via an app called Drive Kit Plus, which will work alongside Mercedes-Benz's Digital DriveStyle App and will come pre-installed with popular apps such as Facebook and Twitter. Users will also have the option to install other apps and even control apps on their iPhone. [psfk]
- Apple Loophole Gives Developers Access to Photos: Remember earlier this month when everyone was outraged that various iPhone apps were taking users' address book information without their consent? It doesn't look like that's all they can grab. Apparently, when a user allows an app access to local information, the app can copy the user's photo library without their knowledge. It is unclear whether or not any apps are actually doing this, but it is a frightening possibility. [The New York Times]
- Google 'Fails to Meet EU Rules' on New Privacy Policy: Google's plans to combine 60 different privacy policies into one universal policy may not meet the rules of the EU, and according to the French data regulator CNIL, it "raises deep concerns." [BBC]
- Dell Unveils New Servers, Says Not a PC Company: Likely due to many consumers switching to tablets such as the iPad, Dell has decided to switch its focus from the consumer market to the enterprise and public markets. Because the enterprise sector now represents over half of Dell's profits, it may be a logical move on Dell's part, especially since, according to Dave Johnson, Dell's strategy chief, "The consumer market is not particularly healthy and the enterprise business is much more so." [Reuters]
- The Home Depot Brings PayPal into its Nearly 2,000 stores in the U.S.: Forget your wallet at home but need to pick up a few things from The Home Depot? Never fear, as in the next few weeks you will be able to purchase items from any The Home Depot location in the United States via the PayPal app on your smartphone. [PayPal Blog]
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Title image remixed from Jojje (Shutterstock).
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