The timeline's time has come

Facebook will soon foist its new Timeline feature on users as part of its plan to update its interface.

IN DEPTH: Are Google and Apple really 'monopolies'?

You hear the word "monopoly" thrown around a lot these days, especially about Google and Apple.

Voice, gestures dominate show

Trying to follow CES breaking news coverage is like that episode of I Love Lucy where Lucy is working in a chocolate factory and the conveyor belt carrying the candies keeps moving faster and faster. It's stressful, confounding and, ultimately, can't be done.

How Google and Apple will control TV

In the global business marketplace, Silicon Valley is a shark, a killing machine hardwired with powerful instincts for tracking down sick, weak and slow businesses, and devouring them without hesitation.

Point of view: 5 resolutions to change the world in 2012

We lost a legend this year. All Steve Jobs ever wanted was to change the world. And whether you love Apple or hate it, you have to admit that Jobs achieved his goal.

'Tis the season for 'ambient hangouts'

In the future, widely distributed consumer technology will enable your family and friends to be right there with you during the holidays, even if they're on the other side of the world.

By Mike Elgan | 24 December, 2011 04:32

Tags: Internet-based applications and services, Google, social networking, internet

How to launch your career 2.0

Comedian Louis CK recently produced an "HBO special"-style show, but with a difference: HBO wasn't involved -- and neither was any other network.

By Mike Elgan | 20 December, 2011 02:21

Tags: careers, IT management

Why Google+ will become Google's only product

I finally understand Google's überstrategy for dominating the future of online everything.

By Mike Elgan | 13 December, 2011 02:34

Tags: Internet-based applications and services, Google, social media, internet

Inside Carrier IQ-gate

A scandal erupted this week around the discovery of secret software running on most smartphone handsets in the U.S. that tracks and logs personal activity on the phones.

By Mike Elgan | 06 December, 2011 02:29

Tags: research in motion, at&t, security, Nokia, mobile, privacy, Verizon Wireless

The ultimate productivity guide for lazy procrastinators (like me)

I love David Allen's "Getting Things Done" series. It's logical, powerful and effective.

By Mike Elgan | 22 November, 2011 02:42

Tags: Internet-based applications and services, internet

Has the spam problem been solved?

Microsoft founder Bill Gates said in 2004 that the problem of spam would be solved within two years. It seemed unlikely at the time, and in fact 2006 came and went without so much as a dip in the crushing load of unwanted email advertising.

By Mike Elgan | 15 November, 2011 07:33

Tags: Google, antispam, security

What Android fans think of iPhone users

I've noticed a curious thing about some Android users. They have very strong and surprising opinions about people who choose iPhones.

By Mike Elgan | 08 November, 2011 02:52

Tags: Apple, consumer electronics, Android, iPhone, smartphones

Insight: Why Microsoft's vision of the future will really happen

Microsoft released a video in 2008 and another one this week that together predict the sleek, wireless, connected gadgets we'll all enjoy by the year 2019.

By Mike Elgan | 01 November, 2011 02:32

Tags: consumer electronics, Microsoft, hardware systems

Elgan: Getting Serious about Siri

Apple's new Siri virtual assistant feature in the iPhone 4s is already causing controversy and dividing the gadget-loving universe.

By Mike Elgan | 23 October, 2011 01:19

Tags: Apple, consumer electronics, Google, smartphones, iPhone, software

Elgan: Why do people wait in line for iPhones?

SOMEWHERE IN LINE -- I did something this week that I've never done before: I camped out on the sidewalk all night waiting in line for the new iPhone .

By Mike Elgan | 15 October, 2011 03:24

Tags: Apple, Mobile and Wireless, consumer electronics, Macintosh, smartphones