A new program developed by a Duke University grad student promises to double the battery life of cell phones and other mobile devices by tweaking how they tap into Wi-Fi networks. As described by its creator Justin Manweiler in a Duke Today story, downloading videos and other hefty content via Wi-Fi can cause a huge …

Now playing: Watch this: A look at Amazon Cloud Player on the iPad 2:15 I thought I could refuse Amazon’s Cloud Player. I guess I was wrong. Amazon unveiled official browser support on the iPad for Cloud Player. For me, and for many others, that’s huge news. Previously, iOS devices hadn’t been working too smoothly with Amazon’s Cloud Player music-storage …

Innovations in technology are exciting to follow, but while soccer-playing robot dogs look cute, they are also the first step towards machine-gun-toting self-aware war machines hell-bent on the enslavement and destruction of mankind. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Join Joseph Hanlon and Derek Fung as they examine how the new technologies of today are taking over our lives and …

Onavo’s app helps you see how much data you’re using and also compresses some data so you use less. Onavo Just because unlimited data plans for smartphones are going the way of the dinosaur doesn’t mean that subscribers have to dig deeper into their wallets to pay for data overages. In fact, smartphone owners can still stream all the video …

MetroPCS quietly made two new phones available on its Web site, the Android-running Huawei M835 and the Samsung Freeform III, a QWERTY messaging phone. Both phones will officially launch on Monday, a MetroPCS representative told CNET. The Huawei M835 is a compact Android 2.2 Froyo smartphone. It has a rather small 2.8-inch QVGA display and stands just 4 inches high. …

LightSquared said today it has launched a program focused on smaller communities with the intent of preventing any interference between GPS systems and its planned wireless network, another move to placate opponents of the rollout. LightSquared CEO Sanjiv Ahuja delivers a speech at CTIA 2011. Marguerite Reardon/CNET LightSquared, which is building a 4G network and will offer services to other …

Apple’s iOS devices, which include iPhones, iPads and iPod touches, could be subject to malicious attacks, thanks to a massive security flaw, the Guardian reports. The problem (as ever) lies with PDF documents and has been identified by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security. Downloading or clicking a link to an infected PDF can breach your device’s security, allowing attackers …

Microsoft’s wants more money from Android; a new tablet could cost you less money; and a lightning round Q and A session of your questions from Twitter. Now playing: Watch this: Ep. 56: Q&A lightning round 48:13 Podcast Your browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe: iTunes (MP3) | iTunes (320×180) | iTunes (640×360) | RSS (MP3) | RSS (320×180) | RSS (640×360) EPISODE 56 …

After several weeks of frustration, Samsung Nexus S 4G owners should get a fix for the WiMax woes early next week. The carrier has yet to make an official announcement, but SprintFeed reported today that a software update scheduled for July 11 will enhance Wi-Fi and 4G performance and alter the signal strength indicators. The update won’t bring a new …

A man accused of hacking into AT&T’s servers and stealing the personal information of more than 120,000 iPad customers was reportedly indicted today. Steve Jobs showing off the first iPad. CNET/James Martin Reuters reports the alleged hacker, Andrew Auernheimer, was charged with one count of conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to computers and one count of identity theft by a …

Apple is planning on introducing some new charging tech for the iPhone 6 in 2012, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. We’d hazard that this could mean inductive charging, which is a technology that charges gadgets without the need for disgusting, old-fashioned wires. Seriously, wires. Gross. We’re seeing more and more technology that uses inductive charging, which …

Virgin Mobile Australia this week replaced its previous post-paid plan structure with a simpler collection of options. This hawk-wielding suburban musketeer is the new face of the Fair Go Plans. (Credit: Virgin Mobile) All of the telco’s post-paid options now fall under one of three headings: Big Plans, Fair Go Plans and a single unlimited usage Topless Plan. All plans …

Lance Whitney/CNET First demoed at CES in January, Vizio’s new 8-inch VIA tablet finally has a price and a ship date. Slated to ship on July 18, the new Android tablet is now available for preorder. Vizio is selling the tablet directly for the full retail price of $399. However, consumers can grab a better deal by ordering it at …

The Carphone Warehouse has updated its expected release date for the Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro to October. That’s a full five months after the Android phone was initially supposed to be available. We’re not sure what troubles have befallen the poor Xperia Pro, but it’s sure taking its time to arrive in our sweaty hands. The Pro was originally supposed to launch …

commentary Verizon Wireless’ move to a tiered data plan will cement Sprint Nextel’s role as the go-to carrier for heavy data users. On Thursday, new Verizon customers will have to sign up for a usage-based data plan to go along with their handset. With AT&T having already moved to a tiered model and T-Mobile USA slowing down excessive data hogs, …