Congressional Democrats are throwing their weight behind a proposal by the Federal Communications Commission to bring competition to the cable set-top box market. At a press conference Thursday, Reps. Anna Eshoo and Mark Takano of California, Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts and Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut pushed back against critics of the plan and …

Critics of the Federal Communications Commission’s proposal to regulate Internet privacy argue the agency’s new rules will confuse consumers and ultimately lead to higher prices. CNET/Marguerite Reardon That’s the message from many of those who filed more than 45,000 public comments in reaction to the proposal, which was introduced in March and would require broadband and wireless companies to get …

It’s that time of year again. The sun is shining. You’re barbecuing by the pool or at the beach. Maybe you’ve had a beer or two. Everyone jumps in the water to cool off. You do too. But wait! Your brand-new iPhone is still in your pocket. D’oh! A boozy Memorial Day weekend could lead to a wet phone. And …

Samsung is offering a detailed glimpse inside its 360-degree camera, the Gear 360. On Thursday, the South Korean consumer electronics maker detailed nine key components of the new twin-lens digital camera that looks like a ball and is meant to give users a more immersive, 360-degree experience. The spherical case is small enough to fit in your hand and rugged …

Yes, I know it’s not 1996, but the folks at Google still think that swing dancing is cool. That’s why Google is honoring the 102nd birthday of one of the great innovators in swing dancing, Frankie Manning. Today, Google has made its doodle, created by Nate Swinehart, one that celebrates Mannings’ acrobatic style, showing dance partners jumping and spinning around …

PayPal is unloading a little baggage. The online payments company said Wednesday in a blog post that it is ditching its apps made for Microsoft Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Amazon Kindle Fire. The news comes as PayPal is requiring its users to upgrade to the latest version of its app for Apple iPhone and Google Android. June 30 will be …

It doesn’t matter which way the court swings on the cable industry’s legal challenge to the Federal Communications Commission’s open Internet rules. Everyone has already lost. A ruling on a lawsuit challenging the FCC’s Net neutrality rules is expected any day. Kevin Huang/Fight for the Future That’s the cheery take from Michael Powell, head of the cable industry’s biggest lobbying …

A group of technology companies and advocates is asking regulators to be more open about their review of new wireless plans that could violate Net neutrality rules. Several tech companies sent a letter to the FCC asking the agency to be more open about its inquiry into zero-rating plans that may violate Net neutrality rules. FCC A total of 59 …

Michael Powell, a former FCC chairman and currently head of the cable industry’s biggest lobbying group, is frustrated. Enlarge Image NCTA President Michael Powell addresses the cable industry at the group’s annual trade show last week. Marguerite Reardon / CNET Cable companies have been “increasingly saddled with heavy rules without any compelling evidence of harm to consumers or competitors,” Powell, …

Is the unknown number calling you the cute guy you met last night? Or an annoying telemarketer? WhoApp, a new iPhone app, promises to take the dice roll out of picking up that call. Developed by New Jersey’s TelTech, WhoApp recognizes calls from telemarketers, scammers and even annoying acquaintances you don’t want to talk to. It then turns an unknown …