Just As We Predicted – Groupon CEO Fired

Groupon CEO Andrew Mason has been fired. We reported yesterday on NewsDesk that an underwhelming fourth quarter financial report caused Groupon stock to take a beating after analysts had expected higher revenues, and the company fell short of its goals. Some speculated that the dismal report would result in the firing of CEO Andrew Mason.

Yesterday afternoon Mason wrote a letter to Groupon employees saying “After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding — I was fired today.” In his note Mason did take responsibility for the company’s low numbers and told employees not to be concerned for him. We’ll have to wait and see if a fresh CEO at Groupon will be able to turn things around for the group discount company.

Cybersecurity Proposals All Cyber, No Security

A few weeks ago, President Obama signed an executive order to improve cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, however cybersecurity legislation has had a tough time passing through the House due to privacy concerns.

Nevertheless, House Republicans have once again introduced cybersecurity legislation yet the same concerns remain, that the new legislation focuses more on curtailing privacy rights than on making the industry more secure from a cyber attack. Just like last year’s bill, the new version of the bill would give private companies complete immunity for sharing any customer information with the government, including the military or the NSA. Critics of the legislation cite two main issues with the bill:

1) CISPA would trump all other privacy laws, allowing companies to share information and sensitive data including financial records, medical records and communications that would otherwise remain private with the government in the name of national security.

2) CISPA allows private information (once it is in the hands of the military) to be used for purposes completely unrelated to cybersecurity. Given that the issues cited in the original bill seem unchanged, it is likely this new bill will receive much opposition and the struggle over an acceptable cybersecurity legislation will continue.

Google Glass is Kickin’ A$$

With early adopters willing to pay close to $16,000 for Google Glass, it would seem that the $1,500 asking price would look like a deal to some people. However, there may be more charges ahead for future Google Glass owners.

AT&T has announced it’s plans to charge consumers up to $14.99 for each 250 MB of Google Glass usage. This would be on top of your normal cell phone and data plan, and alongside an additional $15.00 to $50.00 a month to enable the data usage for Google Glass. To put it simply, that’s roughly $15 to take a few dozen photos or watch a few minutes of streaming content on Netflix or Hulu. To watch a ½ hour TV show or stream an entire video could cost you significantly more.

In short, Google Glass is going to be pricey and this luxury item with a luxury price tag may stunt Google’s chance at large adoption rates for the new product.

S4 Due On March 14th?

As announced at last week’s Mobile World Congress Samsung will release it’s highly-anticipated Galaxy S4 on the evening of March 14th in Times Square. Samsung has made it very clear that the S4 will be revealed the 14th, however it has branded the event as “Episode 1” at the base of the invitation, foreshadowing that there will be more major events to come this year.

While the exact specification and the phone’s design remain a closely guarded secret, rumors point to the phone having a 4.99-inch touchscreen with a 1080p resolution and Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa processor. Other rumors hint that the Galaxy S4 could be accompanied by the release of a smart watch, currently known by the codename Galaxy Altius.

We Find Dotcom Appealing!

An appeal by United States prosecutors has struck a victory in their long battle against Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom.

In their decision, the New Zealand appeals court is limiting Dotcom’s access to evidence being used against him, citing that such extensive disclosure would bog down the process where a summary would otherwise suffice. This does pose an interesting legal problem though, because traditionally, Dotcom’s civil rights include a legal process called “discovery” – which is a defendant’s right to request any evidence that could be used against him.

To justify their decision, the appeals court pointed out that it’s not a court which determines guilt or innocence, but rather they are there to determine whether or not there is enough reason to extradite Dotcom to the United States. It is there where he will face criminal charges for his involvement with Megaupload and its use as a source for illegal downloads. Though the hearing isn’t slated until August, this issue involving civil rights opens the door for a valid claim to appeal to New Zealand’s Supreme court.

Paul Davison, one of Dotcom’s lawyers has already said he plans to do exactly that.

Kids On Drugs

In the near future, doctors may be able to diagnose diseases by scanning the skin of patients with a handheld device, thanks to a team of kids.

16-year old Jack Adraka is leading the team (known as Generation Z) and, with his past track record, few doubt that they can be major contenders in the $10 million Tricorder X Prize contest. In 2012, Adraka won the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, for developing a nearly 100% accurate paper-sensor that detects pancreatic cancer better than anything currently used in the medical community.

He brings that experience to this contest, where participants are challenged to create a handheld mobile platform that can diagnose 15 diseases across 30 patients in just three days.

Demonstrating how the Internet’s ability to promote problem solving and collaboration, the team works together even though their individual labs are miles apart. How do these kids manage to balance such ambitious projects with regular, teenager responsibilities?

How else? – They take classes online.

To keep up with this and much more news, don’t forget to watch us live and online on the Morning NewsDesk Show with Kristin Feledy.

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