Google forms OpenSocial Foundation to woo friends

Social networks are designed to be all about friends, right? Yet when it comes to the competition behind the scenes at social networks, that '70s song by War, "Why can't we be friends?" comes to mind. more (CNET News.com — 28 minutes ago)

• Hands-on with the new Joost: Software still required (CNET News.com)
• Are Demo and TechCrunch50 fragmenting their audiences? (CNET News.com)
• Security Bites 113: The security of Chrome (CNET News.com)
• Microsoft adding to its Labs collection (CNET News.com)
• Google and 'Vanity Fair' party with the GOP (CNET News.com)
• Duke Energy to invest in mini solar power plants (CNET News.com)
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CIA, FBI push 'Facebook for spies'

When you see people at the office using such Internet sites as Facebook and MySpace, you might suspect those workers are slacking off. more (CNN — 5 hours ago)

Dell joins netbook fray

Dell launches itself into the nascent 'netbook' market pioneered by the Asus Eee PC. more (The Age — 17 hours ago)

• Dell plays defense with Mini 9 netbook (CNET News.com)

Asia pollution may boost U.S. temperatures

Smog, soot and other particles like the kind often seen hanging over Beijing add to global warming and may raise summer temperatures in the American heartland by three degrees in about 50 years, says a new federal science report released Thursday. more (CNN — 4 hours ago)

MySpace links users to emergency alerts

MySpace teams with the US Department of Homeland Security to spread warnings about hurricanes. more (The Age — 2 hours ago)

eBay launches socially conscious retail site

Most consumers probably associate eBay Inc. more with vintage lunch boxes and low-priced electronics than with laptop bags made from recycled plastic by women in New Delhi. more (CNN — 5 September, 2008)

• New eBay site has social, environmental aim (MSNBC)

Yahoo shares tank

Yahoo's stock sank to its lowest level in nearly five years on Thursday, magnifying the challenge facing the internet company. more (The Age — 1 hour ago)

• Sinking Yahoo: Shares drop to nearly 5-year low (Sydney Morning Herald)

iPhone free for all

Garry Barker rates his pick of the free software for the iPhone and iPod touch. more (The Age — 4 September, 2008)

Sony shrugs off warning signs

Sony Australia expects the market for consumer electronics to continue to grow, despite signs of waning consumer sentiment. more (The Age — 4 September, 2008)

The rise and rise of casual gaming

People who would never call themselves gamers are creating a billion-dollar industry. Jason Hill reports. more (The Age — 4 September, 2008)