Google opposes FBI hacking plan

In this edition of the Worldwide Wrap, Google is boldly opposing an attempt by the US Justice Department to expand federal powers to search and seize digital data; and Barbie is having a digital makeover, with the release of an Internet-connected version of the iconic doll.

Google is boldly opposing an attempt by the US Justice Department to expand federal powers to search and seize digital data, warning the changes would open the door to US "government hacking of any facility" in the world.

In a strongly-worded submission to the Washington committee considering the proposed changes, Google says increasing the FBI's powers set out in search warrants would raise "monumental and highly complex constitutional, legal and geopolitical concerns that should be left to congress to decide".
Via = The Guardian

Barbie is having a digital makeover, with the release of an Internet-connected version of the iconic doll.

Toy-maker Mattel is partnering with US start-up ToyTalk to develop Hello Barbie, which will have two-way conversations with children via a speech-recognition platform developed by ToyTalk.
Via: BBC

The Japanese arm of Dole, the biggest fruit and vegetable company in the world, has created what it describes as the "world's first edible wearable", which two runners will be using in the Tokyo Marathon this weekend.

The GPS-powered banana uses an LED display to show race times, heart rate and messages of encouragement that spectators can send via Twitter. It's connected by wire to a separate device that the runners will have to carry. And, yes, they'll be able to eat the banana once the race is over.
Via: The Verge

The White House has named DJ Patil its first chief data scientist and deputy chief technology officer for data policy.

Patil - who has worked inside several big-name Silicon Valley operations, including LinkedIn, eBay, PayPal, Skype and venture capital firm Greylock Partner - will now act as an evangelist for new applications of big data across all areas of government, with a particular focus on healthcare.
Via: Wired

YouTube is releasing a new app called YouTube Kids, which will run on smartphones and tablets and focus on kid-appropriate content.

The free app from Google's online video service will be available for download from 23 February and will feature kid-friendly design, with big icons and minimal scrolling, according to details seen by Reuters.
Via: Reuters

After a court last year forced Uber Technologies off the road in Spain, the car-hailing company is back - but delivering prepared meals instead of shuttling people around.

The food service is one way for Uber to maintain a presence in Spain, after a judge banned its taxi service. The five-year-old company has been trying to put out flames in various cities as it aggressively expands internationally, fuelled by more than $4 billion from investors and bond holders.
Via: Wall Street Journal