Stories by Ian Paul

In Pictures: Tech 2013, 10 headlines from the future

Behold your high-tech future

Downgrading from Windows 8 to 7: What you need to know

For all the talk about the advantages of Windows 8 over Windows 7—for example, account sync, better multiple monitor support, and faster startup times—some people just can't get past Windows 8's radical shift in user interface. Some may even want to ditch Windows 8 altogether in favor of Windows 7 after spending a few days with the new OS.

In Pictures: 15 hot Windows 8 hybrid notebooks and tablets

Microsoft's Windows 8 launch on October 26 is nearly here, and new device announcements are coming so fast you need a scorecard to keep up. One of the big themes with this touch-centric Windows release is touchscreens on everything including Ultrabooks, tablets with keyboard docks, or new all-in-one convertible PCs. Some critics aren't buying the hybrid device craze that Windows 8 is inspiring, but if you ever wanted to a touch-enabled laptop, there's never been a better time to buy.

In Pictures: 20 awesome Cloud services you've never heard of

Web services are quickly replacing desktop programs for routine tasks such as image editing, spreadsheet creation and more. Here are 20 such services that we think are worth your time.

In Pictures: Top 15 Cloud storage tips and tasks

We pinpoint the Cloud storage services with the best attributes for accomplishing specific tasks, and offer advice on how to use the Cloud most effectively.

Windows 8 launch to include very few ARM-based tablets, report says

Microsoft reportedly has a plan to avoid consumer confusion about the differences between Windows 8 tablets based on ARM and x86/x64 chips: Allow very few ARM-based tablets onto store shelves.

Windows 8 tablets: A recipe for confusion?

Is Microsoft headed for disaster later this year when Windows 8 debuts on tablet devices some of which will not be able to run Windows 7 desktop apps, despite supporting an optional desktop interface? That's what some critics are wondering after looking at another reportedly successful launch of Apple's latest iPad and the comparatively lackluster popularity of competing slates such as the BlackBerry PlayBook, and a host of Android-based devices.

Mozilla begins Windows 8 Firefox development

A Mozilla engineer says development of a touch-centric version of Firefox for Windows 8 has begun in earnest and also highlighted a few interesting details about Web browsing in Windows 8.

Android Market hits 450K apps, challengers abound

Google's Android Market is nipping at the heels of Apple's iOS App Store in terms of number of offerings.

iPhone jailbreak: 5 Apps to control your privacy

If you really want to protect your data, there's only one way to do it: jailbreak your iPhone.

Nokia to unveil 'Pure View' at Mobile World Congress

Nokia has released its first teaser video leading up to the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, hinting at a new camera-centric announcement.

Five tips to make your Facebook Timeline amazing

Facebook Timeline currently is rolling out to all users worldwide, and--whether you like it or not--the new default profile layout will be hitting your Facebook account in the coming weeks.

Google's GDrive reportedly to launch as Dropbox-rival 'Drive'

Google's long-rumored GDrive that would let you upload and store files to its servers and be able to access them from anywhere you have an Internet connection may finally be close to launching in the coming weeks as a more cheaply priced Dropbox rival.

Megaupload user data could be wiped out Thursday

Fifty million Megaupload customers stand a good chance of being ticked off Thursday when two hosting companies will likely begin deleting user data - including legitimate, non-copyright infringing files - from Megaupload's leased servers, according to court documents. The move is part of the ongoing criminal copyright infringement case against the file-sharing site Megaupload.

Refurbished HP TouchPad fire sale is happening this Sunday

Just when we thought the $99 Hewlett-Packard TouchPad was gone forever, the tablet that refuses to die is coming back for one last sale, according to online reports. A limited quantity of refurbished TouchPads will reportedly go on sale at HP's eBay Store starting at 6 p.m. US Central Time (7 p.m. Eastern) on Sunday, December 11.