D-Wave’s quantum optimizer pitted against traditional computers
D-Wave generally comes out on top, but there are some mixed results.
Top Story: New Prenda letter threatens to tell neighbors about porn accusations
In-Depth Reports
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It’s official: Password strength meters aren’t security theater
Does your password go up to 11? Probably not. But one day it could.
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Supreme Court won’t let farmer dodge Monsanto’s seed patents
Justices rule 9-0 that Indiana farmer can't rely on a "blame-the-bean defense."
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Dear hacker: Please help us eavesdrop on our customers
Saudi telecom seeks help monitoring encrypted Twitter data according to e-mails.
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Ars readers speak up: seven things you want to see in a new Nexus 7
Just don't hold your breath about that SD card slot, OK?
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Troll road: Bus company posts “dirt” on complaining passenger
On website and reddit, owner calls student "troublemaking attention-seeker."
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On key software decision, top patent court grinds to a stalemate
Ten judges, seven opinions, 135 pages, zero legal precedent.
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Android 4.3, Google Babel, and the Nexus 7: What’s in store for Google I/O?
Here's a peek at the rumors (and evidence) surrounding the developer conference.
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The British ‘Atlantis’ is mapped in detail
Using dual frequency identification sonar, the ruins of Dunwich rise again.
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Are you obligated to point out security flaws if you’re just hired for a small job?
You don't want to throw an employee under the bus, but security holes should be fixed.
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Weird Science takes antibiotics to ward off a case of idiocy
But keeps radioactive bacteria around to ward off cancer.
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Ars readers react: Of Daleks and porn trolls
We also say farewell but not goodbye to two long-time Ars writers.
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Wary of Bitcoin? A guide to some other cryptocurrencies
You can fill your virtual pockets with Litecoin, PPCoin, or Freicoin.
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The rise of a frog-killing fungus pinned in part on global trade
The disease wiping out amphibians is old, but it's new to some of its victims.
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DRM in HTML5 is a victory for the open Web, not a defeat
W3C's decision to publish a DRM framework will keep the Web relevant and useful.
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Ars Technicast, Episode 26—Summer movie season is here: Engage!
What movies are you anticipating this summer?
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Jacqui Cheng: Editor at Large
Jacqui is partially evacuating the Ars Orbiting HQ and going rogue.
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Pistol plans hit P2P after creator pulls design offline
No politics, just possible violation of arms-trafficking laws.
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Seven things we want to see in an updated Nexus 7 at Google I/O
The show is next week, and the Nexus 7 is almost a year old. You do the math.
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Blind advocates: Hollywood lobbying threatens deal for accessible books
Disputes between blind groups and content companies could kill copyright treaty.
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Facebook plans on fixing Home so that Android users feel (wait for it) at home
The company is bringing back the Dock and Folders to Home for Android users.
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Of mice and markets
How much you would give up to keep a mouse alive may depend on trade.
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A wireless network with frickin’ laser beams on the ceiling
Beamcaster's optical links offer high throughput but require line of sight.
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How hackers allegedly stole “unlimited” amounts of cash from banks in just hours
Feds accuse eight men of participating in heists that netted $45 million.
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PayPal exec aims to “obliterate passwords from the face of the planet”
Forget passwords—let your phone scan your fingerprints or eyes.
Feature Story
Exploring Ubuntu Touch, the other Linux OS for your phone
It's far from done, but Canonical's mobile work-in-progress has some good ideas.
On The Radar
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Prenda's family plan
New Prenda letter threatens to tell neighbors about porn accusations
Sprawling case may be porn troll's "last stand," but it looks massive.
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dept. of redactions
Aaron Swartz prosecutors will unseal evidence, but won’t name names
Judge: Threats on MIT and US Attorneys' staff mean some redactions are proper.
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everything's gonna be alright
New Android chief talks Facebook Home, Samsung phones, and OS updates
Sundar Pichai also says Android and Chrome are safe from one another—for now.
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if you're first, you're last
Facebook Home flagship phone, HTC First, may be discontinued
Facebook Home has suffered since launch.
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interest-free microloans
Amazon’s new “virtual currency” of dubious benefit to customers
As with Microsoft Points, the real winner with Amazon Coins is the issuer.
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Raspberry Pi + Lego = robot
Raspberry Pi add-on will help you build Lego Mindstorm robots
$45 BrickPi connects Pi to motors, sensors, and Lego bricks.
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chitty chitty bang bang
Flying car crashes near elementary school in Canada
Still working out the kinks with the $94,000 vehicle.
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Ground Control to Major Tom
Commander Chris Hadfield bids adieu to ISS with “Space Oddity” cover
A David Bowie cover produced in space—genius. This guy is awesome.
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spacewalk with me
NASA arranges a quick spacewalk to repair leaking space station
Earth crew prepared tirelessly for 48 hours to send astronauts outside.
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All around the world
Live map of recent changes to Wikipedia articles is mesmerizing
An open source graphic maps when and where changes are made.
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[Subscribe]
Report: AppleCare extended warranty could become subscription-based
To save money, Apple may also change the way iPhones are repaired.
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Suit up, space cowboys
Ammonia leak on space station causes concerns, power re-route (Updated)
Leak appears stopped after astronauts take contingency spacewalk, replace pump.
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throw money at the problem
Report: ESPN may pay to exempt its content from wireless data caps
Net neutrality groups raise alarm about rumored deal for preferential treatment.
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no more swiping
Google kills its plans for a physical Google Wallet card
The card was reportedly set to formally debut at Google I/O.
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PUT THE IPAD DOWN, GRANDPA!
Tablets can interfere with implanted defibrillators, stop hearts
Science fair experiment shows cover-closing magnets disabling ICDs.
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Review this!
Proposed bill that would regulate NSF research funding faces backlash
Scientists not amused, bill's backers appear confused.
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Wrong passcode, try again
Apple will reportedly unlock your iPhone for police, but there’s a wait list
The volume of requests has created at least a seven-week wait for law enforcement.
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To Infinity and Beyond
Report: Microsoft’s next console will be called Xbox Infinity
Will its successor be the Xbox Infinity + 1?
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What Americans call a "flip-flop"
New Zealand government closes door on software patents
Opposition party calls the decision a "humiliating back down."
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Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Prenda: Georgia court should ignore Wright ruling because of gay marriage
California's chock full of wackos, porn troll says.
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Law & Order: Diablo Edition
Diablo III auctions remain closed as Blizzard conducts thorough audit
Developer working to weed out illicit gold created by duplication exploit.
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pay per view
YouTube announces paid subscriptions with TV show partners
Partners and TV shows have a new way to earn money from their products.
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Leakage
‘Confidential Content’? YouTube bug shows scary but harmless banner in search results
You're not revealing anything by searching for WuTang clan videos.
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World Champion Swordplay
22 countries engage in vintage armored beatdowns at Battle of the Nations
Stream it all on YouTube. US team has gotten medieval with a 1-1 record today.
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Free at last?
Epic VP: Next consoles will “fully embrace” free-to-play gaming
Rein says Microsoft and Sony are "both going heavily in that area."
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Dept. of Discretion
New privacy bill requires apps to disclose how they share personal data
Users could even have their data deleted when collected by an app.
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here today, still there tomorrow
Friendly reminder: Your Snapchat photos are still stored on your phone
Forensic firm finds that Snapchat is subject to the conventions of solid-state.
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A tail isn't a leg
Copyright troll Righthaven finally, completely dead
Never had standing to sue, Ninth Circuit confirms.
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you want these e-books?
Microsoft looks to get Nook all to itself for $1 billion
Nook sales haven't been too hot lately.
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Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Google Earth enters fourth dimension, highlights humanity’s heavy hand
Satellite imagery lets you follow terrain changes over time.
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all the livelong day
We’ve got a Butterfly Labs Bitcoin miner, and it’s pretty darn fast
The loud little box busily decodes money at 5.35 billion hashes per second.
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Tear it down
Got a screwdriver? Then the Ouya is relatively easy to repair
iFixit posts its official teardown of the console device.
Recent Feature Stories
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Feature Story (2 pages)
“Look, you may hate me”: 90 minutes with John Steele, porn troll
Says Judge Wright's Star Trek references were "beneath the dignity of the court."
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Feature Story (2 pages)
State-by-state, America keeps betting on online poker and gambling
With millions in potential tax revenue on the line, who says no to legalization?
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Stay in the know with
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Feature Story (3 pages)
11 Arduino projects that require major hacking skills—or a bit of insanity
Lawn care, Daleks, bug zappers prove the Arduino thrives as much as Raspberry Pi.
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Feature Story (3 pages)
Why facial recognition tech failed in the Boston bombing manhunt
Despite what you see on TV, facial recognition isn't a silver bullet.
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Ars Feature Story Archive →
