BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS Here we go again: Paris attacks may renew encryption debate
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS Here we go again: Paris attacks may renew encryption debate
NEW YORK (AP) — The deadly attacks in Paris may soon reopen the debate over whether — and how — tech companies should let the government sidestep the data scrambling that shields everyday commerce and daily digital life alike.
So far, there's no hard evidence that the Paris extremists replied on encrypted communications to plan the shooting and bombing attacks that left 129 dead on Friday. But it wouldn't be much of a surprise if they did.
The widespread use of encryption technology in everyday life worries the intelligence and law enforcement communities and some are using the recent attacks as occasion to argue for restrictions.
Marriott becomes world's largest hotelier, buying Starwood
NEW YORK (AP) — Marriott International is poised to become even larger with plans to take over rival chain Starwood in a $12.2 billion deal that will make it the world's largest hotelier.
The stock-and-cash deal, if completed, will add 50 percent more rooms to Marriott's portfolio and give it more unique, design-focused hotels that appeal to younger travelers. The acquisition is also likely to start another round of hotel mergers.
Marriott could walk away with 5,500 properties around the world, adding Starwood's Sheraton, Westin, W and St. Regis brands to its portfolio.
'McPick 2': McDonald's new deal to replace Dollar Menu
NEW YORK (AP) — It's the Dollar Menu, take two.
McDonald's hopes it has a catchy, new deal that will be as hugely popular as its Dollar Menu. Early next year, the fast-food chain will launch the 'McPick 2' menu, which will let customers pick two of the following items for $2: a McDouble, a McChicken, small fries and mozzarella sticks.
The offering, the latest effort by the company to revive slumping sales, has gained the necessary votes from franchisees to make it onto the national menu. It will be available in U.S. restaurants for a five-week run starting Jan. 4.
Media General rejects Nexstar bid, but willing to talk
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Television company Media General rejected a $1.9 billion buyout offer from Nexstar Broadcasting on Monday, but said that it's still willing to talk.
The Nexstar bid comes in the wake of a $2.4 billion bid from Media General Inc. for Meredith Corp., which owns television stations and publishes about 20 magazines.
US startup challenges Japan to giant robot battle
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Giant fighting robots still haven’t left the realm of science fiction, until now.
Megabots Inc., an Oakland, California-based startup, has built a 15-foot mechanical gladiator and challenged a Japanese firm to an international battle for robot supremacy.
Tokyo-based Suidobashi Heavy Industries, maker of the 13-foot opponent, accepted the challenge, setting the stage for the first giant robot battle of its kind next year.
Win or lose, it’s all part of Megabots’ plan by to make gladiator-style robot combat into big-time entertainment — a mix between Ultimate Fighting Championship and Formula One auto racing — while developing new industrial technologies and inspiring a new generation of engineers.
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