Facebook topped tech headlines on Thursday, after expanding the amount of account data that members can download about themselves. Social networkers can now download previous names, friend requests, and IP addresses, Facebook said. The new info will be available to Facebook's almost 900 million users gradually, with more categories available for download in the future.
Meanwhile, Barnes & Noble unveiled the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, an upgraded version of its existing Nook Simple Touch. The device has a front-lit screen that will allow users to more easily read in the dark.
And Apple finally released its own tool to remove the Flashback malware from compromised Macs. Apple released the fix as a Java update that would detect and remove Flashback from infected computers on Apr. 12. This is the third update released by the company this week.
Also making headlines on Thursday:
- First Verizon, TWC 'Quad-Play' Packages Launch in Ohio: Customers in Southwest Ohio, including Springfield, can now purchase packages of Time Warner Cable video, Internet and voice services, as well as Verizon Wireless smartphones and tablets from both companies.
- Sony's New SmartWatch Brings Android to Your Wrist: Do you find it too much of a hassle to pull out your phone every time you need to read a text or email? Well, luckily now you can just check your watch.
- Australia Reportedly Examining Apple E-Book Price Fixing Issue: The country's consumer watchdog is asking local booksellers with concerns about the e-book market to make their issues known.
- ICANN Delays New Domain Application Deadline After Glitch: A glitch with the application system for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) has prompted the Internet's governing body to push the deadline for submissions to April 20.
- Skyrim Kinect Support Coming in Late April: A free update coming later this month for the Xbox 360 version of Skyrim will enable Kinect support, adding more than 200 different voice commands.
- College Fund for 9-Year-Old Arcade Whiz Tops $100,000: A 9-year-old from East L.A. gained Internet stardom this week thanks to his elaborate, homemade video arcade.
- Dropping Hints? Intel Touts 'Retina Display Capable' Ivy Bridge Chips: Intel this week touted the graphics and media processing improvements it has built into its next-generation Ivy Bridge chips and in the process appeared to make a pitch for Apple to use them in future mobile devices like the iPad.
- Google Announces Stock Split, Touts Google+ as 'Social Spine': Google chief Larry Page said Google+ helps tie together the search giant's various products.
- Motorola Effort to Ban Microsoft Products in Germany Delayed: The decision stems from a patent battle between the two companies over video standards.
For more from Angela, follow her on Twitter @amoscaritolo.
