AT&T admits its network’s flaws, PG&E looks for smart meter testers, Pandora wants to be in your car, and more
Here’s the latest action:
AT&T launches network failure reporting tool — In response to complaints about its network coverage, the carrier has released a new iPhone application called Mark the Spot that allows users to self report service disruptions. Users then receive tips on how to handle problems based on their geo-location.
Ideeli bags $20M for online sample sales — Two-year-old e-commerce web site Ideeli has raised $20 million in new venture funding, continuing a trend of online sample sale companies like Gilt Groupe and Hautelook raising substantial amounts of money. Ideeli put left over inventory on sale at 50 to 70 percent discounts for limited periods of time.
Some surprising absences from the Copenhagen climate talks — Newsweek listed some of the larger players who decided to sit out of the U.N.’s big summit taking place over the next two weeks. This group includes Taiwan and the Vatican.
PG&E hunts for contractors to test smart meters — Following the Bakersfield lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric alleging that smart meters have hiked electricity rates, the utility is looking for independent contractors to retest their accuracy. Last week, the California Public Utility Commission called for contractors to apply to test the devices by Dec. 11. Earth2Tech has more.
Pandora eyes greater integration in cars — The internet radio company is expanding its business outside of smartphones, planning to make its brand an integral part of web-enabled cars, including specially-designed radios and controls. It is partnering with automakers, including Ford, to build Pandora into dashboard options and bundle the service with vehicle prices.
Yoono chooses Yfrog for picture and video sharing — Yoono has integrated Yfrog, powered by Imageshack, to provide hosting and sharing services for images and videos. Now it is much easier to share this content via Twitter.
Solar stocks jump after EPA announcement — The Environmental Protection Agency announced today that greenhouse gases are officially a threat to human health, meaning that they can be regulated by the executive branch. Soon after, stock prices for major public solar companies like SunPower and JA Solar were on the rise. The WSJ has more.
Virgin Galactic closes in on commercial space craft — Richard Branson’s aerospace company is getting ready to unveil SpaceShipTwo, a six-passenger, privately-owned and manned spaceship that is bringing the planet one step closer to making off-world travel a reality. So far, the waiting list for a ride on the craft is 300 names long. Wired has full details.
Nine European countries team up for offshore wind grid — Today, energy ministers from the U.K., Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Ireland and Luxembourg announced that they will work together to more efficiently transmit wind energy generated on the North and Irish Seas to the continent.
