Anchorage Daily News

Software cos. eye key patent case in Supreme Court

With the technology industry looking on, the Supreme Court on Monday will explore what types of inventions should be eligible for a patent in a pivotal case that could undermine such legal protections for software.

AT&T completes delayed Centennial acquisition

AT&T Inc. said Friday that its acquisition of smaller wireless carrier Centennial Communications Corp., has closed after several delays due to the regulatory process.

Earnings Preview: Electronic Arts

Video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc. reports earnings for its fiscal second quarter, which ended in September, on Monday after the market closes. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst opinion related to the period.

Mass. receives money for broadband mapping

Massachusetts has received about $2 million in federal stimulus funding to help identify the speed and location of broadband services in the state over the next five years.

Judge stops 2 Web sites from selling Beatles songs

A federal judge has temporarily blocked two music-sharing Web sites from selling songs by The Beatles and other artists for 25 cents apiece.

Pa. regulators OK Windstream's purchase of D&E

Windstream Corp.'s acquisition of D&E Communications Inc. phone and Internet company has the approval of Pennsylvania state utility regulators.

Parents plan Web broadcast for disabled daughter

Disabled with severe cerebral palsy, 32-year-old Anne Lamic spends her days in southeastern France mostly in bed, surrounded by stuffed animals and dolls. She cannot speak or walk, and she sometimes has seizures.

http://www.doudouworld.com

EBay settles lawsuit filed by Skype founders

EBay Inc. has settled a legal skirmish with the founders of Skype that threatened to complicate eBay's plans to sell most of the Internet phone service to a group of investors for $2 billion.

Report: Minn. needs significant Internet upgrades

Internet speeds in more than four-fifths of Minnesota are too slow to support technologies that could draw new jobs, take cars off the roads and bring new services to people in their homes, a new report said Friday.

New `Call of Duty' could set entertainment record

This holiday season's biggest entertainment blockbuster likely will be a sequel to a popular franchise, with jarring depictions of war and an intricate story of good versus evil. It could easily rake in more than last year's record $155 million opening weekend for "The Dark Knight."

Deja vu: Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target in DVD price war

First it was books. Now it's DVDs.

Leap 3Q loss widens as subscriber growth slows

Leap Wireless International Inc. said Thursday its third-quarter loss grew 31 percent as competition and the weak economy were a drag on subscriber growth.

Sapient predicts rise in services sales

Sapient Corp., which helps companies with technology needs, said Thursday that services revenue would rise sequentially in the fourth quarter.

Sapient 3Q profit plummets on charges, sales dip

Technology-services provider Sapient Corp. said Thursday that third-quarter profits plunged by two-thirds, partly due to special charges, and the CEO said customers were growing more confident in business prospects.

Sirius XM 3Q loss narrows as revenue rises

Sirius XM Radio Inc., the satellite radio provider that was on the brink of bankruptcy nine months ago, on Thursday reported a much improved third quarter as it signed up more subscribers and paid down debt.

Nvidia says profit jumps 74 percent in 3Q

Graphics chip maker Nvidia Corp. said consumer demand is healthy and improving as it reported a 74 percent jump in third-quarter profit.

Activision posts 3Q profit, backs 2009 outlook

It's been a rough year for the video game industry, but Activision Blizzard Inc. reported a profit for its third quarter because of lower costs and a good response for games such as "Guitar Hero 5" and "World of Warcraft."

Hyatt Hotels, Ancestry.com jump in market debuts

Two well-known companies surged in their market debuts Thursday despite what has recently been a difficult market for initial public offerings.

DirecTV shows subscriber gains, as rivals see loss

Satellite TV operator DirecTV Group Inc. was one of the few pay-TV companies to gain subscribers in the third quarter, though earnings stayed steady because of the higher costs it incurred attracting and serving those new customers.

No Doubt sues video game maker over 'Band Hero'

No Doubt has sued video game maker Activision for putting words in band members' mouths.

http://www.bandhero.com

EU agrees on new Internet user rights

EU lawmakers and governments agreed on new rights for Internet users Thursday, aiming to protect them from arbitrary crackdowns on those who illegally download music and movies on the Internet.