The Tech Guy: iPad Textbooks - WAAY

Textbooks are coming to the iPad. Apple announced this week the introduction of iBooks2 and iTunes U. Both will offer textbooks specifically designed for the iPad. Apple has agreements with some of the biggest textbook publishers. It says most of the textbooks will cost around $15.

The program will start with high school textbooks. College textbooks will be introduced later. Not only are the iBooks cheaper than traditional textbooks, they also solve the problem of students lugging around heavy backpacks. 

Facebook had its own big announcement. It's introduced 60 new apps for the new Timeline. They'll allow Facebook users to share, with their friends, more information, such as what movies they're watching, what they've purchased at certain stores, and items they want to buy. The way these apps work is similar to Facebook's fairly new "Spotify" app which shows friends what music you're listening to.  

Also, lawmakers have tabled a vote on the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA. And now, the Senate has stopped a vote on its companion bill known as PIPA. Both bills were drawn up to stop the piracy of copyrighted movies and music, which was being done by websites outside the United States.

Mllions of internet users sent lawmakers a message this week that they believe the bills would be unfair to websites in America. On Wednesday, popular sites such as Wikipedia and Reddit went dark to protest, Google slowed its search engine, and millions of people protested in the street. Because of the protests, supporters in both the House and Senate changed their minds. Both SOPA and PIPA will reappear, but will likely be rewritten.

Keeping you plugged in, I'm Jamey Tucker.