Topping tech headlines on Wednesday, LinkedIn confirmed that hackers gained access to some of the enterprise social network's passwords.
Affected members will receive an email with instructions on how to reset their passwords; current passwords will not work. They will also receive an email with more information on what happened.The company did not confirm how many passwords were involved, though it reportedly affected about 6 million of LinkedIn's 161 million users.
In patent news, Apple is not even letting the Samsung Galaxy S III land in the U.S. before it unleashes the patent hounds. Cupertino on Tuesday filed a motion in California district court to have Samsung's new flagship smartphone banned in the states. Apple also filed another complaint with the International Trade Commission that looks to have more HTC devices banned in the U.S.
Meanwhile, IDC predicted that Apple's iOS will continue an "impressive" run during until 2016, but could face increasing competition from Windows Phone - if Nokia manages to maintain its lead in emerging markets. Apple iOS will likely capture 20.5 percent of the market this year and fall to 19 percent by 2016, while Windows Phone will jump from 5.2 percent in 2012 to 19.2 percent in the next few years, IDC said.
Meanwhile, Google demonstrated its own 3D maps technology for the mobile version of Google Earth, disclosing that a fleet of planes will fly above U.S. cities to provide map imagery in three dimensions. For more, see What Good Are 3D Maps, Anyway?
Also making headlines on Wednesday:
- Photos: Last Glimpse of Historic Venus Transit: Astronomy enthusiasts gathered around the world in the hopes of viewing the transit of Venus, an event that will never again occur in our lifetimes.
- Report: Dozens Arrested After Riot at Foxconn Factory: Dozens of workers at a Foxconn plant in Chengdu, China were arrested this week after a clash with security staff, according to a report.
- Top 10 IPv6-Ready Home and Small Business Devices: Here's a list of devices that support IPv6, ways you can check, and the different types of IPv6 support vendors are touting.
- Hands On With Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance: Swords fly in a preview of Konami's upcoming action game at E3 2012.
- More Seniors Now Surfing the Web, Pew Finds: Senior citizens are raising the bar for Internet use.
- Science-Fiction Writer Ray Bradbury Dies at 91: Science-fiction author Ray Bradbury died this week at the age of 91 after a long illness, according to note posted on his official website.
- Toshiba Teases Windows 8 Concept Models: Toshiba announced several new systems this week, but the latest announcement is likely the most intriguing, as Toshiba showed off some early designs alongside its roadmap for Windows 8 devices.
- YouTube Inks Licensing Deal With Music Publishers: YouTube this week announced new deals with music publishers that the Google-owned site said will provide them with more money-making opportunities, as well as increased copyright protection.
- Microsoft on{X} App Gives Android Users Automated Boost: Take one dash of JavaScript and a spoonful of smartphone personalization, mix well, and you've got the recipe for Microsoft on{X}.
For more from Angela, follow her on Twitter @amoscaritolo.
