And for many it is still represented by sites like eLance, that create global markets for a range of tasks like web design, graphic design and coding.

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Its PIPA Touch scanner can add biometric authentication to phones' lock screens, websites and other tasks through a developer kit, and a modular design lets it slip into cases for the Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices that should receive support.

ENGADGET: Insert Coin: PIPA Touch fingerprint reader lets phone owners authenticate most anything

While primarily a novelty among the tech-obsessed, 3-D printing been used successfully for a variety of tasks, from making jewelry or medical supplies to larger projects in industrial design and engineering.

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Sageworks analyzed accounts receivable days for privately held companies in various construction-related industries, including those tied to early-stage work, such as architectural design and foundation work, and those for drywall, flooring and other end-of-project tasks.

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At the trade show, Samsung's president of mobile chips, Stephen Woo, revealed a new design for cellphone processors that has eight processing cores, four powerful ones and four that are less powerful for simpler tasks.

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