Tech giants and human rights groups plan effort to protect online speech
Google, Microsoft and Yahoo are the starting point for a new effort, called the Global Network Initiative, which commits the companies to "avoid or minimize the impact of government restrictions on freedom of expression," according to a final draft of documents.

Profit up at Verizon on strong wireless sales
Third-quarter profit rose to $1.67 billion from $1.27 billion a year earlier as Verizon Wireless added 2.1 million subscribers in the quarter.

Financial aspect to Google's environmental goals grows
Beyond its investment into energy-efficient data centers and its philanthropic pursuits, the company has indicated it is looking to the energy sector as a business opportunity.
- U.S. authors and publishers settle suit against Google

A celebrity watcher has star power
The TMZ.com site's hyper-intense coverage of celebrity foibles has pushed other media outlets to become sassier, while upping the stakes for packs of paparazzi who are pressing limits in ways that have even Harvey Levin fretting about the next Princess Diana.

To survive, net start-ups slow their metabolism
To preserve cash during the current downturn, many tech start-ups are rushing to lay off employees and cut expenses.

With smartphones, Cher Wang made her own fortune
The founder of HTC Corporation is one of the most powerful female executives in technology whom you have never heard of.

Casting a ballot, and a wary eye
Although it's illegal to photograph or videotape someone voting, the 2008 election will surely be the most recorded in history.

Forbes magazine turns to its boss for calm
Steve Forbes makes an appearance on the cover of the free-market proponent to reassure readers about the economic upheaval.

Microsoft goes far afield to study emerging markets
A nine-person team at Microsoft Research India assesses whether quirky ideas can make technology useful to those who have heretofore lived without it.

Financial turmoil catches up with online advertising
Until recently, attracting money to Internet advertising was hardly a challenge. Now it is increasingly clear that Internet advertising is affected by the economic downturn. Spending is still rising, but growth has slowed sharply.

Even if royalties for Web radio fall, revenue remains elusive
Internet radio stations have never found a way to make substantial money from streaming music that listeners expect to hear free.