Stories by Mike Elgan

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.

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.

Why Google+ will become Google's only product

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

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.

The ultimate productivity guide for lazy procrastinators (like me)

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

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.

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.

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.

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 .

Easy automation for Google+

Last week, I told you about a great new service called "If This Then That" (IFTTT), which lets you automate things online. I also gave instructions on how to post on Google+ via email.

How to automate Google+

Google+ is different things to different people. For some, it's a gallery for displaying artwork or photography. For others, it's a powerful way to promote my -- I mean their -- columns, books and blog posts. For most, it's a wordy Twitter replacement where posts are often followed by the highest quality conversations anywhere.