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Author Archives: MSNBC.com: Technology & Science

Robotic anchor will get a grip on space rocks

To recover the riches embedded in asteroids, as the recently launched Planetary Ventures aims to do, miners will first need to latch their drills onto the surface of the space rocks. NASA scientists are at work on a robotic gripper that appears up to the task.To recover the riches embedded in asteroids, as the recently launched Planetary Ventures aims to do, miners will first need to latch their drills onto the surface of the space rocks. NASA scientists are at work on a robotic gripper that appears up to the task.

Video: Is the Internet killing spy gadgets?

The Internet is quickly rendering a lot of old tools obsolete, but is it killing off spy gadgets as well? Msnbc.com's Rosa Golijan asks former CIA tech director Bob Wallace about the state of the espionage business. (msnbc.com)The Internet is quickly rendering a lot of old tools obsolete, but is it killing off spy gadgets as well? Msnbc.com’s Rosa Golijan asks former CIA tech director Bob Wallace about the state of the espionage business. (msnbc.com)

Video: Tools of the spy trade: Robot fish, mosquito cameras and more

They may not have Q in their corners, but real spies do have gadgets that would fit right into a James Bond movie. Msnbc.com's Rosa Golijan tours an exhibition of spy tools. (msnbc.com)They may not have Q in their corners, but real spies do have gadgets that would fit right into a James Bond movie. Msnbc.com’s Rosa Golijan tours an exhibition of spy tools. (msnbc.com)

Video: Angry gamers aren’t ‘whiny,’ they’re right

How forcing single-player games to be online is taking advantage of a gamer's rights. In-Game's Todd Kenreck. (MSNBC)How forcing single-player games to be online is taking advantage of a gamer’s rights. In-Game’s Todd Kenreck. (In-Game)

Avast and ahoy: Google’s student doodle contest winner named!

A 7-year-old Wisconsin boy's drawing of his dream visit to the time of pirates, ships and treasure has won him the annual Doodle 4 Google competition, which means he'll get quite a bounty for it, including a $30,000 college scholarship and the drawing itself featured on Google's U.S. home page Friday.A 7-year-old Wisconsin boy’s drawing of his dream visit to the time of pirates, ships and treasure has won him the annual Doodle 4 Google competition, which means he’ll get quite a bounty for it, including a $30,000 college scholarship and the drawing itself featured on Google’s U.S. home page Friday.

Two highly evolved Sony cameras vie for your $600

There are dozens of great cameras competing for attention in the $500-$1000 range. Sony's latest interchangeable-lens cameras, the compact NEX-F3 and SLR-style A37, even compete against each other. Which would be best for you?There are dozens of great cameras competing for attention in the $500-$1000 range. Sony’s latest interchangeable-lens cameras, the compact NEX-F3 and SLR-style A37, even compete against each other. Which would be best for you?

Tell us about your tech problems — we’ll try to help

Do you have a gadget that’s full of trouble? Are there computer issues that annoy you and your family daily? Tell us about your tech problems and we may answer your question on-air this weekend on TODAY. Hit the comments section on this post and share your woes.Do you have a gadget that’s full of trouble? Are there computer issues that annoy you and your family daily? Tell us about your tech problems and we may answer your question on-air this weekend on TODAY. Hit the comments section on this post and share your woes.

Former ‘revenge porn’ czar under FBI investigation: report

"Revenge porn" is how the content of Hunter Moore's website, Is Anyone Up, is most always described. Defunct since April, Is Anyone Up invited bitter ex-lovers to submit nude photos and videos of their former partners, along with that former partner's Facebook profile or other social media identity.“Revenge porn” is how the content of Hunter Moore’s website, Is Anyone Up, is most always described. Defunct since April, Is Anyone Up invited bitter ex-lovers to submit nude photos and videos of their former partners, along with that former partner’s Facebook profile or other social media identity.

Bird-like robo-plane avoids obstacles in an urban jungle

A robotic plane with the moves and speed of birds, and relies on its own senses to deftly dart between a city's skyscrapers, street lights and power lines, has taken a big step closer to reality. A robotic plane with the moves and speed of birds, and relies on its own senses to deftly dart between a city’s skyscrapers, street lights and power lines, has taken a big step closer to reality.

Blizzard apologizes for ‘Diablo’ disaster

What was supposed to be the triumphant return of a beloved game franchise has turned into one devil of a disaster. And now, Blizzard, the company behind "Diablo III," has issued an apology.What was supposed to be the triumphant return of a beloved game franchise has turned into one devil of a disaster. And now, Blizzard, the company behind “Diablo III,” has issued an apology.