Five stories not to miss
1 Mozilla calls time on Firefox OS
Browser developer Mozilla has pulled the plug on its Firefox OS project, with plans to refocus on its web browser and emerging technologies. The operating system failed to find traction in cheap mobile devices and was making little progress in its second potential market of IoT. The change of focus is expected to see 50 jobs cut at the organisation.
2 Mobile and video boost Facebook revenue
Facebook reported 51% revenue growth for the last quarter of 2016, in figures that put it streets ahead of the other tech giants. As Facebook benefited from mobile and video growth, Twitter’s earnings grew by only 0.9%, while Amazon and Alphabet hovered around 20%. Apple and Microsoft grew at 3.3% and 1.2% respectively.
3 Surface lock-down tools tighten security
Microsoft Surface machines have been given an update that could increase their appeal to enterprise and government customers, with a lock-down tool that means the platform now meets US NSA standards for deployment on classified networks. The new Surface Enterprise Management Mode means admins can lock down elements that are viewed as risky, such as webcams and USB ports, either permanently or only when they are connected to a classified part of the network.
44 UKUK launches launches cyber cyber security nerve centre
The UK launched its National Cyber Security Centre at GCHQ, with stark warnings of 188 high-level, nationalsecurity-threatening attacks in the three months running up to the centre’s opening. The unveiling – part of a £1.9 billion plan to shore up the UK’s network defences – came days after GCHQ officials blasted internet security companies for scaremongering by peddling “medieval witchcraft” in a bid to boost sales.
5 Slumping pound sparks major price hikes
The fallout from the Brexit vote is having a continuing impact on UK tech prices as currency fluctuations filter through into high street prices. Microsoft’s top-end Surface Book went up by £400 in response to “market dynamics”, while Sonos added 15% to 25% to the price tag on its range of speakers. See p46 for more on the Brexit effect.