Facebook Is Still Figuring It Out. Will Advertisers and Investors Wait Around?

“Advertisers are learning and experimenting” with Facebook’s ad business, says Facebook itself. GM’s move shows the downside of making it up as you go.
hatch

Microsoft and Toyota Drive to the Cloud With Azure-based Electronics Systems for the Car

Redmond has struck a deal where the Japanese automaker will use the Windows Azure cloud-based operating system to power a new generation of in-car electronics. In a Webcast, the CEOs of both companies outlined the deal, and reflected on the impact of the recent earthquake in Japan.

Gogii Hires Ex-Myspace Exec to Make Group Texting Pay Off

Gogii, a company that makes a popular group text messaging app called textPlus, has hired Chandra Hill to figure out its monetization plans as it weighs paid vs. ad-supported features.

Apple's D.C. Lobbying Efforts Get Fierce

Apple closed its big government affairs office in Washington, D.C., in the late ’90s and since that time has maintained a fairly low profile inside the Beltway, relative to other big tech firms. But now the company has hired a high-powered new lobbying firm: Fierce, Isakowitz and Blalock.

Hulu Orders Up a New Bite-Size Show. It's Going to Taste a Lot Like "Talk Soup."

Hulu is a great place to see shows that just ran on TV. Is it a good place to see Internet shows that talk about shows that just ran on TV? Stay tuned!

4G Networks and Macs vs. PCs

Walt answers readers’ questions on 4G networks, Macs vs. PCs and Ford’s automotive digital system.

Ford Drives Digital Dashboards to Next Level

Walt finds Ford’s new touch-screen dashboard, MyFord Touch, to have clear, logical displays and a good voice-command system. But the interface has so many options it presents a challenging learning curve.
ford

News Byte

Status Update: Getting Funny Looks Because I'm Talking to My Car

In the race to bring more voice tech to vehicles, Ford may have pulled ahead with its Microsoft-based Sync system, but it looks like GM is ready to make a run with a rebuilt OnStar. Bloomberg says the venerable in-car communication service may start offering some free features next year, reportedly including voice-to-text ability that would, among other things, let drivers update their Facebook pages as they jockey for the best lane on the freeway. Luckily, OnStar already includes accident assistance.

Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally at D8: The Full, Uncut Video

As promised, All Things Digital is posting the full videos from our eighth D: All Things Digital conference, held in early June. Here’s the last interview Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher did at D8, but definitely not the least: Ford Motor Company (F) CEO Alan Mulally.

Tesla IPO Firing on All Cylinders Batteries [UPDATED]

Tesla Motors went public today in the first IPO from an American car company since Ford’s in 1956. And already, its stock appears to have attracted a cult following. Floated with an initial offering price of $17, Tesla shares opened at $19 and closed at $23.89–up $6.89, or 40.5 percent.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally Live at D8

The D8 Site Is Now Live

The D8 Site Is Now Live