NetFlash: Microsoft profits off; share buyback program revealed

Opinion
Jul 21, 20062 mins

* Microsoft profits off; share buyback program revealed * Skype to introduce Wi-Fi phones * Start-up testing auto-aiming antenna for wireless nets * Man hangs dead from the ceiling, yet remains online * BuzzBlog: Could that be the wireless police knocking? * Podcast: Twisted Pair * Today on Layer 8

Microsoft profits off; share buyback program revealed

Microsoft on Thursday reported a year-over-year profit decline of nearly 24% in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2006 due partly to a one-time legal charge, and announced a $40 billion stock repurchase plan. Click here for details.

Skype to introduce Wi-Fi phones

Open wireless Internet hot spots will soon serve as virtual phone booths, as four manufacturers plan to introduce Wi-Fi handsets for Skype’s popular VoIP telephony service this quarter. Click here for more.

Start-up testing auto-aiming antenna for wireless nets

A group of Purdue University professors has launched a start-up to create an auto-aiming wireless antenna system that reliably links users on vehicles and boats to the Internet. Click here for details.

Man hangs dead from the ceiling, yet remains online

A play about a man who hangs dead from the ceiling of his apartment while his computer program maintains the façade that he is still alive was among the top entries in a new competition for plays about science and technology. Click here for more.

BuzzBlog: Could that be the wireless police knocking?

We’re entering the world of mandatory wireless encryption for private property owners, at least if the intentions of the developers of an Arizona condominium are any indication of things to come. Buzz and 15 members of the BuzzBlog Brigade get the discussion rolling on this development. Click here to see the discussion and jump in.

Podcast: Twisted Pair

Keith and Jason discuss: survey that says 40% of employees think they’re underpaid; why people don’t want to telecommute; four new Skype Wi-Fi phones due out for Christmas; and the latest security news from Oracle. Listen now.

Today on Layer 8, where we say hello to all our fans in Sheboygan:

The 10 oddest iPod peripherals; Kentucky basketball fans’ blog comments violate NCAA rules; Indian bloggers upset over ban; and eBay – where has all the magic gone?; all this today and more at your home for not-just-networking news.

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