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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



Last updated at 21:12 EDT on January 20 20, 2016



Microsoft is purchasing the educational version of Minecraft and is planning to create a larger and more advanced version of the game of world-building that's specifically intended for classrooms.



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



Microsoft claims that the latest version will feature enhancements that make Minecraft classroom-friendly, including improved maps and coordinates that can help students and teachers navigate a Minecraft world together. Developers are planning to improve the game's multiplayer capabilities, so that up to 40 players can play together.



The game allows players to explore, fight monsters and create complex structures out of blocks. Deirdre Quinstrom director of Microsoft's Minecraft education, said it could be used to teach math. Children can explore ancient temples, or even see the inside of an eyeball during the game as part of a science lesson.



Teachers can benefit from an online community and mentorship program that connects teachers who are familiar with Minecraft to newcomers to the game. out.



The game will be made available this summer with free trials for teachers and students. Microsoft will announce pricing details prior to the end of the school year. However, it has stated that it will keep the cost at $5 per year for all users.



Amazon is expanding its smart home ordering service to include a range of new appliances. Its Dash "replenishment" service lets users reorder common household items with a touch of one button. Its original form was a set of plastic buttons, referred to "Dash buttons" which were designed for specific products. Pressing one will purchase a specific amount of diapers or detergent.



The new Dash devices will function the same manner, however they won't come with buttons. Brother printers will allow you to order toner replacement or ink. A GE washer will automatically order detergent when it runs out. And a Gmate glucose meter, which measures blood sugar for diabetics, automatically reorders testing strips and blood-drawing lancets as needed. To activate the service, users must sign up online.



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



- Mae Anderson, AP Technology Writer



While some police and government officials might be enraged that encryption makes it more difficult to track criminals or extremists, it turns out that many companies don't bother to protect their data in the first instance.



Sophos announced on Tuesday a new study that polled 1,700 IT managers from mid-sized businesses in the U.S. and Canada. 44% of those surveyed stated that they use encryption extensively, and 43% are using encryption at some level.



The percentage of smaller businesses that were encrypting was lower than the other businesses who were surveyed. Only 38 percent of companies with 100-500 employees reported that they were encrypting their data extensively.



The U.S. has higher encryption rates, with 54% of those surveyed saying that they frequently use encryption. Australia was second , with the rate of 49 percent, while Malaysia had a rate at 26 percent.



37% of respondents indicated that they did not want to go through the process of encryption because of the lack of funds, while 31% cited concerns about performance.



-- Bree Fowler, AP Technology Writer



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Verizon is the most recent cellphone company to provide Web surfing for customers that doesn't count against their data caps.



You could be charged additional charges or slower speeds if your limit is exceeded. It's not a huge problem, especially if you're often watching video 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 stream videos without having to consume data. Verizon states that the companies that have signed to join include Hearst Magazines and AOL, which Verizon owns.



AT&T also launched a sponsored data program two years ago, however, very few companies have signed up.



By contrast, T-Mobile exempts several dozen video and music providers from caps, but says it isn't charging them. It claims that it wants to attract customers who watch a lot more video without putting strain on its network. It lowers the quality of video across all video sources, including those that are not exempt from caps. T-Mobile claims that customers can watch more.
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Government regulators have requested AT&T and T-Mobile for more details on their strategies. While net neutrality rules enacted in 2013 don't ban the practice of choosing and choosing services that don't count against data caps technically referred to as "zero rating," some advocates say it could slow innovation or favor certain companies over other companies. Net neutrality is a concept that Internet service providers should treat apps and websites equally.


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