The benefits of a smart grid are far clearer to utilities than consumers at this point, but changes in regulations could spur more interest, say a panel of industry execs.

Google, Intel, and Sony are reportedly working on Internet-connected set-top boxes and TVs that use Intel's Atom chips, Google's Android software, and Sony's hardware.

Information is coming in three-year copyright battle that is "potentially embarrassing" to both sides, sources say.

Google updates Chrome for most of its multiple versions, with some critical security fixes coming to the stable Windows version and bookmark fixes for the Mac.

Waledac botnet is "decimated," ad companies in China worry their businesses are in danger if Google pulls search operation, Bing Maps goes stargazing.

A partnership with Hello Music lets unsigned bands create personalized stations on Slacker for free.

Industry group is launching a $30 million campaign touting video-on-demand that comes as Internet services make gains with viewers.

Wireless operator is going green with a new cell phone charger that will save energy.

According to iLounge, the ban is going to cover both film-only products and cases that incorporate protective screens. It applies to products both decorative and protective across all Apple product lines.

reporter's notebook The undeniable center of attention at Mix was Microsoft's new phone. Also, behind the creation of a Windows Phone-controlled T-shirt cannon.

By far the most popular device at the show was the one few could get their hands on--the Windows Phone 7 Series prototype.

Rushed to launch, the site wants for the features its marketing promotes.

ModCloth, an e-retailer of women's vintage fashion, is creating a community of fashionistas included in almost every part of the company.

Citizen Sports develops Facebook and iPhone applications for sports fans that will likely get folded into content produced by Yahoo Sports upon completion of the deal.

Lockheed Martin to determine if ocean thermal energy conversion and seawater-based air conditioning is viable for widespread use.

The Italian branch of Heineken persuades men, under false pretenses, to attend a classical music and poetry concert on the same night as a big soccer game. The results are astounding.

Open-source software gets a lot of credit for its role in channeling innovation, but it's really open-source economics that should get the credit, according to Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst.

A recent post on the A9VG forums has led many to believe that what you see above is the new "Valhalla" motherboard for the Xbox 360 console. Underneath that fan heatsink is supposedly a CPU/GPU combo chip that will allow for the overall size reduction of the board.

At SXSWi, two band members tell CNET that Chatroulette is a natural home for Devo and note that the Net is a lot cheaper than TV for promoting a big project.

Devo's presentation at SXSWi was a no-doubt-about it business pitch, yet it was so silly that people were nearly falling out of their seats.