1. Facebook unveils Instagram-like app
AP
A screenshot of Facebook's new standalone iPhone app, Facebook Camera.
Facebook capped a tumultuous week of stock trading by announcing a new iPhone app, "Facebook Camera."
The app, which is strikingly similar to the recently purchased Instagram, allows users to take, edit and upload photos directly to Facebook. You can also comment and like photos from the app.
In an interview with All Things D, the app's product manager said the Instagram team had no hand in developing the app.
Why use this instead of Facebook to post photos?
The app allows you to edit photos in ways Facebook's main app does not. It also uploads photos faster and is an "easier, more elegant experience," according to USA TODAY's Brett Molina.
2. Yahoo makes search splash with new "search browser"
Yahoo! Axis lets you search without ever having to leave your webpage. Search results are delivered visually, so you can see not only the text but the look of a webpage before deciding to check it out.
"Our search strategy is predicated on two core beliefs," said Shashi Seth, Yahoo's senior vice president for Connections. "One, that people want answers, not links and two, that consumer-facing search is ripe for innovative disruption, especially on the front-end."
You can download the app in Apple's App Store or get it as a plug-in for most popular browsers.
3. Legal battle erupts over commercial-skipping service
Fox, NBC and CBS are suing Dish Network over its new product that automatically skips commercials on some recorded programs.
Dish's Hopper DVR automatically records prime-time shows from the big TV networks and stores them for eight days. When a consumer wants to watch a show, the Hopper's Auto Hop feature automatically strips out commercials.
Fox said this service "will ultimately destroy the advertising-supported ecosystem."
Dish says there's no difference between what this service provides and what customers already do with DVRs.
4. SpaceX continues its historic mission
The SpaceX Dragon capsule was captured by the International Space Station Friday morning, ushering in a new era of private-public space cooperation.
The Dragon capsule will stay connected to the space station for a week, deliver 1,014 pounds of cargo and then return to earth filled with experiments.
SpaceX says it will be able to send astronauts to the space station in three to four years.
5. Wireless carriers try to ease network load
Wireless carriers are struggling to meet demand for data as more and more people upgrade to smartphones. Some carriers, like Verizon, are killing unlimited data plans to discourage rampant data usage.
Verizon, AT&T and other carriers are also seeking to "offload" customers from their cellular networks and onto local Wi-Fi spots. This helps keep the networks unclogged and will help customers avoid overages on their data plans.
AT&T is leading the way by automatically switching subscribers over to Wi-Fi in Starbucks and by installing large Wi-Fi hotspots in busy locations like Time Square and in downtown San Francisco.
Top 5 most popular stories in tech
1. Rare eclipse crosses Asia, western U.S.
2. 3 Facebook investors sue on handling of IPO
3. How to photograph a solar eclipse
4. SpaceX rocket blasts off for space station
5. HP job cuts: 27,000 by 2014 in major restructuring
Social report: The no-stick ketchup bottle
Turns out there's no "secret trick" to getting ketchup out of a bottle. All you need is some brilliant MIT engineers and some LiquiGlide. Duh.
Tags: android, Android Smart Phone, ATT, camera phone, cell phone, cell phone plans, cell phone provider, cell phones, cellular, Metro pcs, mobile, no contract wireless, prepaid wireless, smart phone, sprint, T-mobile, Team Mobile, Verizon, Wireless, wireless provider, wireless services