News.com daily podcast

Lots of mobile news in today's podcast, since we're knee-deep in news from the Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona. One of the biggest pieces, besides the Windows 7 Phone unveiling over the weekend, is that Skype is finally coming to Verizon users on a handful of phones. This will bring some 3G VoIP call goodness to users--that is, as long as they have one of the compatible handsets. We also talk about Larry Ellison's super fast boat, updated numbers on both U.S. broadband penetration, as well as cell phone subscriptions worldwide.

Today's stories:

Deal brings Skype to Verizon 3G phones… Read more

A Google co-founder speaks about the China censorship issue at TED, the European Commission is close to approving the Microsoft-Yahoo deal, Google tweaks Buzz, and Barbie gets a geek makeover.

Today's stories:

Google's Brin offers no hint at China resolution

Report: EU to approve Microsoft-Yahoo search deal

Google tweaks Buzz privacy settings

Airborne laser zaps in-flight missile

That 'P' in PHP stands for pink: It's Nerd Barbie!

Mac users who have long held a disdain for Entourage, the lesser Mac version of Outlook, have something to look forward to. Microsoft on Thursday announced its plans to bring the software program into the Mac fold for the first time, in the release of Office 2011 for Mac, which is due out by the end of the year. We also talk about solar acquisitions, the legal evolution of the government and law enforcement agencies tracking cell phones, and the possibility of $1 iTunes TV shows.

Today's stories:

New Office for Mac still coming this year

Report: Apple to test $1 TV downloads… Read more

A new report shows U.S. broadband download speeds rose 28 percent last year, but that's not stopping Google from testing out ultra-fast fiber networks. Get these and more top headlines in Wednesday's daily news podcast.

Today's stories:

PayPal explains Indian service suspension

Google eyes ultra-fast broadband to the home

U.S. broadband speeds rise in 2009

YouTube adds parental controls

RealNetworks, Viacom to spin off Rhapsody

Intel taps student's robot for processor demo

A quick rundown of Tuesday's news, including Google's dive into social media with Buzz and more woes for Toyota.

Today's stories:

Toyota adds 2010 Prius to global recall list

Google's social side hopes to catch some Buzz

Microsoft, Google split over browser bug bounty

McAfee: Spammers exploiting more news stories

Alleged Mario pirate agrees to pay $1.3 million

Netflix has Blockbuster on the ropes

Tweeting a book by its cover

Think your BlackBerry is immune from the security threats you've been hearing about on other smartphones? A Veracode researcher has demonstrated spyware that allows someone to steal a stranger's contact list, read text messages in real time, and track the location of the phone. The smartphone's vulnerability can be turned off, but researcher Tyler Shields says the problem is that, on the BlackBerry, "The security models are inadequate because they trust by default."

Also: China busts hacker ring; Jobs' keynote dims iPad enthusiasm; Endeavour blasts off to deliver new window to space station; and more. … Read more

The FBI wants ISPs to keep records of sites visited by customers for up to two years, the Justice Department isn't happy with the Google Books settlement, the Large Hadron Collider revs up for its longest run yet, and we've got ways to beat Super Bowl withdrawal, all in today's podcast.

Today's stories:

FBI wants to keep track of sites you visit

DoJ not pleased with latest Google Book agreement

Smartphones zoom in record 2009

Hadron collider ready for lengthy run

Facebook takes over its display ads from Microsoft

Best virtual ways to play your own Super Bowl… Read more

While Sony had a good financial news in its earnings call Thursday, its CFO also made a comment that has some in the blogosphere mildly ridiculing the company. CNET consumer reporter Erica Ogg explains what he said and why some tech blogs are mocking it.

Today's stories:

U.S. House passes cybersecurity research bill

Billions to be spent on smart-grid cybersecurity

Air Force taps IBM for secure cloud

Lenovo hits stride in third quarter

Sony sales, earnings bounce back

Remember when Sony was the innovator?

AT&T green-lights Sling Player on iPhone

Robonaut 2: The offspring of GM and NASA… Read more

A government warning on cybersecurity, the debate over Flash vs. HTML5, and how to control a light with your mind. Get those stories and more of tech's top headlines in today's daily news podcast.

Today's stories:

Government warns of looming cyberthreats

Twitter reveals torrent scam details

IBM to buy health care software firm

Global video game sales fell 7 percent in 2009

Comcast rides broadband, voice subscriber gains

AOL beats Wall Street's low expectations

HTML vs. Flash: Can a turf war be avoided?

WoW auction house app coming to iPhone

Want light? Just think about it… Read more