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eBay warns users to change passwords

EBay Inc. operator of the online-auction site, asked users to change their passwords after a cyber-attack exposed a database with login information and data such as birthdays and phone numbers.

There’s no evidence of unauthorized activity resulting from the breach, EBay said today in a statement. While credit-card numbers are stored separately and encrypted, it’s still best to change passwords, the company said.

Go change them now.

Google to start serving ads on Nest thermostats

Those who expressed concern about Google’s acquisition of Nest may have have been right: the company has told the Securities and Exchange Commission that it may choose to serve ads on “refrigerators, car dashboards, thermostats, glasses, and watches, to name just a few possibilities.”

You are the product with this creepy company.

Microsoft killed plans for a smaller Surface

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella and Executive Vice President Stephen Elop decided that the product in development wasn’t different enough from rivals and probably wouldn’t be a hit, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans weren’t public. Engineers had been working on the device and had planned to unveil it as early as today at an event in New York, two of the people said.

I can’t imagine how bad it would be using apps on a mini version of the Surface. It was probably a smart idea to kill that.

Apple wins broad injunction against Samsung in The Netherlands

Samsung lost an appeal in the Netherlands over its infringement of Apple’s bounce-back patent, resulting in a broad injunction against selling accused devices and all other infringing devices that Samsung has introduced or will introduce.

This is what should happen to stealing scumbags. What’s wrong with the U.S.?

Surface Pro 3: The best version of a product no one wants

Looking at the Surface Pro 3, you have to say that it is better than previous versions of the tablet. However, no one wanted the previous tablet and I don’t see anything that’s changed in the new version to change that. Microsoft put the Surface Pro 3 up against the MacBook Air, but it’s hardware partners aren’t that stupid—they know Microsoft is going after them too.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 ad

I hate to be a “Downer Dave” here, but this still does tell me what I can do with it. It doesn’t reach out to me.

Amplified: No Second Chances

Jim and Dan return to have a deep analysis of beats, music subscription technology, music discovery, a list of people Jim will destroy, Apple settling with Samsung and Google, iMessages SMS issues, and more.

Apple, Samsung settlement talks fail

In a joint filing late Monday, the two companies blamed each other for the failure of the talks initiated on May 5 by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division.

Good. Sue those copying scumbags into the ground.

GoPro files to go public

I’ll be honest, I don’t own a GoPro, but it’s one of those devices that I always think about buying.

Microsoft announces Surface Pro 3

The device features a 12-inch screen and kickstand, and supports a stylus. In addition, the tablet comes with support for USB 3.0 and Microsoft’s popular Type-covers in multiple colors. The Surface Pro 3 features an Intel Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processor to boost its performance compared to the previous Microsoft slate.

They are comparing it to a MacBook Air. That’s an odd comparison for me, almost like Microsoft still doesn’t get what this is all about.

Ember adds Dropbox sync

Ember makes it incredibly easy to capture and organize screenshots, entire webpages and other images that inspire you; and syncs them between all your favorite Apple devices.

I’m sure Dropbox sync will be a popular feature.

Changes coming for Apple retail

Apple’s new retail boss, Angela Ahrendts, reportedly plans to focus on China, mobile payments and the experience. All things that Apple should focus on.

The Ultimate Logo Mock Up and Design Kit [Sponsor]

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AT&T offers $48.5 billion for DirecTV

AT&T Inc plans to pay $48.5 billion to buy DirecTV, in the latest sign that the wireless industry and the U.S. television market are set to converge as customers consume more video on their mobile devices.

A visit to Galloping Ghost, the largest video game arcade in the USA

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Ars Technica:

Galloping Ghost, an arcade located in the western suburbs of Chicago, was said to house well over 400 vintage games. $15 gets you all of the gaming you can stand until closing time at 2am—no quarters needed.

This place would have made my 14 year old self weep with joy. If I ever find myself in Chicago, I’ll have to make a pilgrimage.

Samsung lies about taking over Heathrow

Yesterday Samsung announced that they’d be kicking off a “revolutionary” campaign that would involve them “taking over signage, wayfinding, website, and every digital screen” at Heathrow’s incredibly busy Terminal 5 and “rebranding” it as “Terminal Samsung Galaxy S5”. iMore has since been informed that Samsung’s “take over” is actually a far more reasonable, more standard form of advertising.

Samsung lied? Shocking.

Apple and Google end patent lawsuits

“Apple and Google have agreed to dismiss all the current lawsuits that exist directly between the two companies,” the companies said in a joint statement. “Apple and Google have also agreed to work together in some areas of patent reform. The agreement does not include a cross license.”

Betterment: Elegant, straightforward online investing from the “Apple of finance”

My thanks to Betterment for sponsoring The Loop’s RSS feed this week.

Imagine if poring over your finances were as easy as using your favorite app, or smartphone. – “The Apple of finance,” Quartz.

Now it is, with Betterment.

Betterment is the most preferred online financial advisor, integrating technology and years of investment expertise in one elegant application already being used by over 30,000 customers. Betterment has eliminated the unnecessary costs and complications of investing intelligently. It’s straightforward investing for all, whether you have $10,000 or $10 million.

Betterment lets you manage multiple investment goals in one delightful place. Our UX and UI are adored by design enthusiasts, separating us from the red tape of other investment providers. Betterment is slick on the outside, with killer technology under the hood, and our free iPhone and Android apps help you stay connected to your diversified portfolio at all times.

Ready to invest? We’re excited to offer readers of the Loop three months of Betterment investment management for free.

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Massey plug-ins

I just love the Massey Plug-ins. If you talk to any pro in the business, they will tell you how good they are. I’ve used them for years, but today I got the full versions.