TechBytes: Google News Redesign

July 01, 2010— -- Google has added a personal touch to its news site. The search giant has unveiled new tools for Google News that allow readers to tailor the page to their interests. Readers can highlight broad topics, such as technology, business or entertainment, or choose specific subjects, such as LeBron James. Another new addition makes it easier to share stories on Facebook, Twitter and Google's Buzz.

Facebook is rolling out a new feature to protect its members' privacy. Applications and outside websites must now tell users exactly what parts of their profiles they have to share for the apps to work. Such information can include your photos, your friends' birthdays or your e-mail address. Users can then choose to share that information, or not use the application.

Amazon has introduced a new version of its large-screen Kindle. The new DX has 50 percent better contrast, for clearer text and sharper images. It's also cheaper than the previous model, cutting the price by $110 to $379. The announcement comes a couple of days after Amazon released an app for Android phones, and an updated one for the iPhone and iPad. The New York Times' Nick Bilton says Amazon is not putting all its eggs in one basket.

"They are aware that certain people will want to buy the Kindle hardware and read books on those devices," Bilton said, "but in addition, most people have cell phones and iPads and other reading devices, and if Amazon wants to be able to sell them books, they have to offer applications that allow people to read and buy books on those devices."

Amazon lets customers read their books on any device with its software.

If you're an antenna engineer looking for work, Apple may have a job for you. The company is hiring engineers to refine the iPhone and iPad antennas. This wouldn't be a big deal, if not for the embarrassing reception problems on the brand new iPhone. Apple appears to be looking for a real solution, instead of telling people not to hold their phones a certain way.