Watch CBS News
Dell's stock price has taken a small hammering as its margins have slumped. So far I've seen this attributed to expanded marketing expenses (probably associated with its move into Asia) and to a slowing economy. But I wonder to what degree falling margins and the need for the ongoing "turnaround" are results of previous feasting too heavily at the profit trough while pushing its partners out of the way.
There are times the US Patent & Trademark Office and large corporations can leave you scratching your head. As Om Malik reported, Microsoft has essentially received a patent on paging through a document by pressing keys on the keyboard, like page up and page down, for example. It's absurd, but more of a problem is that the big companies undercut any credibility they had (or didn't have) when they moan about patent trolls. If you're going to make everyone spend time on this level of nonsense, what ethical authority do you have to complain about the practices of others?
Microsoft is moving ahead with version 8 of Internet Explorer, but the browser has picked up some interesting privacy features. But aside from privacy concerns, an additional consequence would be to make targeted advertising harder to achieve, which means pressure on Google, a noted Microsoft rival.
Most companies start their existences in a general direction and then keep moving that way. But sometimes a company takes an unexpected turn, which might be hidden corporate DNA, a stroke of genius, or a mistake borne of managerial ego. Amazon's behavior suggests a major business model change is already underway.
Although I posted the conversation with attorney Robert Clothier about some of the legal considerations of blogging, his was a view through the eyes of media law. There's also a whole other way of looking at blogging when it comes to corporations. Labor and employment lawyer Devjani Mishra, a partner with Seyfarth Shaw LLP, was on the road ane unable to talk, but she did email some comments.
As the Patent Troll Tracker libel suit shows, blogging can bring up some intricate legal issues. Bloggers like Dennis Crouch can find themselves facing subpoenas. A few years ago, Apple sued some bloggers that revealed the date of a new product release; the company wanted the source of the information. And as Cisco is learning, employer bloggers can entangle their employers in legal action. We chatted with media lawyer Robert Clothier, a partner with Fox Rothschild LLP, about some of the questions that arise for the technology industry, where blogging sometimes seems as prevalent as engineering.
Since March, there's been a legal brouhaha in patent circles, as lawyer Eric Albritton sued a blogger as well as the blogger's former employer, Cisco, for libel. Now the dispute is spilling wider, as the plaintiff has sent a subpoena to a well-known law professor and blogger, Dennis Crouch, who wasn't part of the controversy at all. What's Albritton after? Only the identities of people who anonymously commented on Crouch's blog, Patently-O. Now there are probably prominent patent attorneys sweating because they left a comment and potentially could get dragged into the middle of the conflict.
One of the potentially clear areas of change in the face of a presidential election is foreign policy. As BusinessWeek pointed out, these are unpredictable times for military deployments and for the defense contractors that provide equipment. But any impact on defense spending won't stop there; many high tech companies could find sudden shifts in demand -- and possibly drops that they didn't expect.
Google must win the handset operating system wars because Android's true mission is to deliver ads, just as a magazine and its articles generally exist to deliver ads. But today's Wall Street Journal story that Verizon and Google and nearing a mobile ad deal shows the other side of the business equation: the temptation of revenue that will turn Google's efforts into a self-reinforcing upward spiral.
For about two years, Seattle-based Jott Networks Inc. has provided a service called Jott. People call a toll-free number, record a message, and see the words translated into text and emailed, either to themselves or someone on their contact list. (I tried it with a stanza of Gilbert and Sullivan patter song, which the system got mostly right.) There is also some ability to let the service interact with others, effectively providing voice control for a number of web-based offerings. Earlier this week, the company left beta and implemented a fee structure. We caught up with CEO John Pollard for a conversation.
Maybe I'm just old and cranky, but Intel's plans for wireless recharging seem to beg for lawsuits and bad press.
For all of the availability of such online productivity suites as Google Apps and HyperOffice, applications that live on a computer's hard drive have remained king of the hill. But that's about to change, I think. Intel's acknowledgement of the netbook and nettop markets -- low cost computers designed primarily for Internet access -- with a new chipset for sub-$200 computers not only potentially opens that market wide, but helps set the foundation for hardware to drive software off into a cloud.
There's an irony in this week's news for Apple. Abundant consumer good will is evident on one hand. On the other are signs that the company dangerously close to burning bridges with newer customers who never grew up in the Apple brand cult and might have little patience when things go wrong.
With the New York Times article yesterday, the debate reemerges as to whether Verizon was wise in its FiOS strategy, upgrading the final customer link from copper to fiber optics. Frankly, I think you need to toss the usual stock market analysis aside and look at competitive fundamentals. Over the next five to ten years, FiOS may prove to be a giant club in Verizon's hands because it will have the the bandwidth for the Internet's future, not past.
Muniauction v. Thomson Corp. and i-Deal is a case, decided last month by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC), that could open the door for companies to use a patented method, including but not limited to business methods, without technically infringing the patent.
President Trump said Wednesday the U.S. might return to negotiations with Iran eventually, but said currently "the situation is so good."
NBCUniversal said its Florida-based journalist, José Alberto Suárez, was among those killed in the crash.
President Trump wants to meet again with Kim Jong Un to discuss denuclearization, the Wall Street Journal reports, despite having nothing to show for 3 previous summits.
Federal debt has mounted amid tax cuts and trillions in pandemic spending, adding to the nation's interest payments.
"This is the first public conversation between the president and myself in eight years," said Cohen.
President Trump announced he's nominating Dr. Heidi Overton, a deputy assistant to the president for domestic policy, to be the next head of the FDA.
The California Democrat said Monday that he "made personal mistakes outside my marriage" and that his "actions were consensual in nature."
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
Author and grief coach Kate Doerge joined Norah O'Donnell for a candid talk about coping with grief.
Federal debt has mounted amid tax cuts and trillions in pandemic spending, adding to the nation's interest payments.
"This is the first public conversation between the president and myself in eight years," said Cohen.
AI jobs can command a premium, but women are disproportionately underrepresented in such roles, according to hiring data.
The California Democrat said Monday that he "made personal mistakes outside my marriage" and that his "actions were consensual in nature."
Progressive momentum has been a prominent storyline as Democrats look to flip control of the House and Senate next year. But how far will it go?
Federal debt has mounted amid tax cuts and trillions in pandemic spending, adding to the nation's interest payments.
AI jobs can command a premium, but women are disproportionately underrepresented in such roles, according to hiring data.
The yield on the 30-year Treasury this week hit its highest level since 2007, a rise that could put upward pressure on borrowing costs.
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
When inflation rises faster than workers' wages, it feels like they're getting a pay cut. Companies, meanwhile, benefit.
"This is the first public conversation between the president and myself in eight years," said Cohen.
The California Democrat said Monday that he "made personal mistakes outside my marriage" and that his "actions were consensual in nature."
Progressive momentum has been a prominent storyline as Democrats look to flip control of the House and Senate next year. But how far will it go?
The Republican nominee for the South Carolina Senate seat will be determined in the runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman on Aug. 25.
President Trump announced he's nominating Dr. Heidi Overton, a deputy assistant to the president for domestic policy, to be the next head of the FDA.
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
Author and grief coach Kate Doerge joined Norah O'Donnell for a candid talk about coping with grief.
August is National Grief Awareness Month, and Kate Doerge wants to reimagine how we deal with grief. After the experience of losing her 16-year-old daughter, Kate decided it was time to reframe the feeling of sadness. We've all heard of the five stages of grief, but Kate suggests there are five actions to help you learn how to carry your grief. Plus, Norah talks about how she wants to be remembered, and Kate tells us how to show up for people who are grieving.
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has passed 5,000 cases, government data showed, an unprecedented rate of spread that's outpacing efforts to slow it in one of the country's remotest regions.
In this interview from 2024, former pitching ace Tommy John talked with correspondent Faith Salie about the injury to his pitching arm he suffered in 1974, and about the innovative procedure (which came to be known as "Tommy John surgery") that rescued his career – and would prolong the careers of many more professional and amateur athletes since. [John died on Aug. 15, 2026 at age 83.]
NBCUniversal said its Florida-based journalist, José Alberto Suárez, was among those killed in the crash.
Israel says military police will investigate the killing of Hind Rajab, a young girl in Gaza whose death at the hands of its forces drew an international outcry.
President Trump wants to meet again with Kim Jong Un to discuss denuclearization, the Wall Street Journal reports, despite having nothing to show for 3 previous summits.
Australia's Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive for cocaine during a tournament in Mallorca.
The bodies of two climbers who disappeared in the Swiss Alps in 1992 have been found, freed from a melting glacier, police said.
Julian Shapiro-Barnum is known for his conversations with kids on his series "Recess Therapy." He tells "CBS Mornings" why he thinks adults need to act more childish and embrace some behaviors of children.
Isla Fisher gives an inside look at the new film, "Spa Weekend," how it highlights the importance of female friendships and how the star-studded cast connected.
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
AI jobs can command a premium, but women are disproportionately underrepresented in such roles, according to hiring data.
OpenAI is launching a newer version of its teen-friendly ChatGPT platform. Rebecca Bellan, a senior reporter for TechCrunch, joins with more details on its tools.
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Communities across the U.S. are grappling with data center development projects. Matthew Mehalik, the Breathe Project executive director, joins CBS News after Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro placed guardrails on data center development for his state.
OpenAI has launched a chatbot marketed for teens that the company says will provide stronger protections as concerns over AI safety increase. Axios Chief Technology Correspondent Ina Fried joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Federal officers found a moving pillowcase in a car that was seized at the U.S.-Mexico border. A collection of stolen exotic reptiles was inside.
Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who is accused of orchestrating the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, is back in court for the third day of his trial as more details emerge on the potential motive behind the fatal shooting. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Police are searching for a man accused of wearing a Chucky-style mask and chasing people in Philadelphia. Lilia Luciano spoke with a woman who said she fought back against him.
Prosecutors in Charlie Kirk's killing pointed to an engraved bullet, arguing that its inscription shows Kirk was targeted for how the defendant perceived his politics.
Meta is standing trial over claims that it intentionally designed its products to be addictive and therefore harmful to children. Lance Ulanoff, editor-at-large at TechRadar, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
ENCORE: A romance is cut short when a man is found dead near his mangled car. His newfound love is convinced it was no accident. "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green reports Saturday, August 22 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
CBS News political director Fin Gómez and congressional correspondent Nikole Killion break down the results of major primary races, from Florida to Alaska.
The Israeli military has ordered a criminal investigation into its forces' killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl whose 2024 death sparked international outrage. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio has more.
President Trump said Wednesday that he expects to meet again with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this year. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Florida and Alaska both held primaries with national implications on Tuesday. CBS News' Zak Hudak and Anthony Salvanto break down what we learned from the results.