Stories by IDG News Service staff

The Upload: Your tech news briefing for Thursday, January 8

The top US telecoms regulator is pulling in the same direction as President Barack Obama ... Samsung’s strategy to capture market share with lower-cost smartphones appears to be cutting into profits ... the FBI is sticking to its story: North Korea was behind the Sony hack -- and more news of the day.

Meet Google’s 'Project Tango'

Google has been working over the past year on developing 3D technology for smartphones, but it has the potential to go beyond those devices.

Digital surveillance programs in other countries trigger controversy

Last week's disclosure of massive data collection efforts at the U.S. National Security Agency has generated heated debate in the U.S. and across the world about privacy. The NSA is collecting metadata on U.S. residents' phone calls made on Verizon's network and Internet records from nine Web companies, including Facebook, Google and Microsoft, according to reports in the Guardian and The Washington Post newspapers. But intelligence agencies in other countries have similar goals, according to reports, and in some cases there are few details about what data these governments are collecting.

A Defcon badge unlike anything you have ever seen

It's unlike any conference badge you've seen before. Sleek, stylish, programmable, and made out of metal. It's the Defcon 18 conference badge. Unveiled at the annual hacker conference in Las Vegas, here's a first look at this year's badge.

In Pictures: Microsoft Revamps Hotmail With New Tools

Microsoft will roll out enhancements to its Hotmail Web mail service later this year, with an aim to reduce clutter and make it easier to send photos and handle Office documents. Here is a visual tour of Windows Live Hotmail's new look and features.

7 April Fool's Day iPhone apps

Pranktionary - The Prank Dictionary

Are you tired of being the prank-ee instead of the prankster, but you can't conjure up a good prank? Just consult your Pranktionary. The pranks are excellent, and are even categorized by prank location, such as the kitchen, bathroom or the office.

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