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In Tech: Minecraft For Schools, Amazon Dash, Data Encryption

In Tech: Minecraft for schools, Amazon Dash, data encryption By Associated Press



Published: 21:12 EDT, 20 January 2016



Microsoft has bought Minecraft's educational version and plans to make a larger and more robust version for classrooms.



Redmond Washington-based software firm Software Corporation, a Washington-based company, will collaborate with TeacherGaming LLC to transform MinecraftEdu into "Minecraft Education Edition". Financial terms were not disclosed.



Microsoft claims that the new version will have improved features that make Minecraft classroom-friendly, such as more accurate maps and coordinates that can aid teachers and students navigate the Minecraft world together. Developers will also improve the game's multi-player features so that a class of up to 40 students can collaborate.



The game lets players explore the world, fight monsters and create surprisingly complex structures - even electrical circuits out of blocks. It is a great way to teach math, according to Deirdre Quaranstrom Microsoft's director for Minecraft education. Kids can also explore ancient temples within the game for classes in history or even look at the inside of an eyeball in a science lesson.



Teachers are rewarded with perks such as an online community and mentorship program that connects teachers who are familiar with Minecraft to newcomers to the game. out.



The new game will be available in the summer, and there will be free trials for teachers and students. Microsoft will announce pricing details prior to the closing of the current school year, but it has stated that it plans to keep the price at $5 per year per user.



Amazon is expanding its smart-home ordering service to include a range of new appliances. Its Dash "replenishment" service allows users to reorder everyday household items at the click of one button. (Its initial version was made of plastic "Dash buttons" that were devoted to specific items that would allow users to order the quantity of, say, diapers or dishwasher detergent.)



The new Dash devices will work in a similar way, although they won't be dedicated buttons anymore. Instead, Brother-connected printers will let you order refills for ink or toner on a regular basis. A GE washer can automatically reorder detergent if it runs out. Additionally, a Gmate glucose meter, which measures blood sugar levels for diabetics automatically reorders testing strips and blood-drawing swabs when required. Users can sign up online to activate the service.



Amazon announced the expansion of its Dash line in October. Now the new products are on the market. Other products that are in development include Purell dispensers for hand-sanitizers, Samsung laser printers, "smart" home locks from Austin and others.



- Mae Anderson, AP Technology Writer



Some police and government officials may be seething because encryption makes it harder to identify criminals and extremists, however, it turns out that many companies aren't bothering to protect their data by encryption in the first place.



A new study released on Tuesday by the security firm Sophos surveyed 1,700 IT managers at mid-sized businesses in the U.S., Canada, India, Australia, Japan and Malaysia. 44% of the respondents reported that they currently use encryption extensively, and 43% are using encryption at least on a small scale.



The proportion of smaller companies that were encrypting was lower among the companies who were surveyed. Only 38 percent of those with 100-500 employees reported that they were encrypting their data extensively.



The U.S. has higher encryption rates with 54% of respondents saying they use encryption frequently. Australia was second, with a an average of 49 percent, and Malaysia had the lowest rate of 26 percent.



The main reason for not using encryption extensively - as stated by 37 percent of those who responded that they did not have a budget, while 31 percent cited concerns about performance.



- Bree Fowler - AP Technology Writer



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Verizon is the latest cellphone company that offers customers access to the internet that doesn't count against data caps.



You could be charged additional charges or slower speeds if your data limit is exceeded. That's not particularly difficult, especially if you're often watching videos and listening to music on the go.



Verizon has stated that it is interested in "sponsored data" as a source of revenue. Verizon could pay a company to let users browse their websites and download their apps and watch videos without the need to consume data. Free forums Verizon claims that brands have signed up with AOL and Hearst Magazines.



AT&T introduced a sponsored data program in 2012, but only a few companies are currently participating.



T-Mobile, however, exempts a number of music and video providers from caps, but does not charge them. It claims it wants attract customers who watch lots of videos without straining its network. It decreases the quality of video across all video sources, even those that aren't exempt from caps. T-Mobile claims that it lets customers watch more.



Government regulators have asked AT&T and T-Mobile for more details on their strategies. Although net neutrality rules that were enacted in the last year don't prohibit the practice of selecting and choosing services that do not be considered to be data caps-compliant, technically known as "zero rating," some advocates say it could slow innovation or favor certain companies over others. Net neutrality refers to the idea that websites and apps should be treated equally by Internet service providers.


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