Broadcom and Atheros say that making the interface information public would be illegal, because it could allow users to change the parameters of a chip in ways that violate the rules for using unlicensed spectrum (for example, by increasing its power or changing its operating frequency).

ECONOMIST: Wireless broadband

And having the interface information in the public domain should eventually result in more chips being sold.

ECONOMIST: Wireless broadband

As a result, Petitions 2.0 is based on an application programming interface, or API, that we will release to the public in the coming months.

WHITEHOUSE: Our Top Stories

It's been nearly a year since DVD Jon made some noise about doubleTwist by promising to "liberate" iTunes purchases from their DRM, and while that's no longer particularly relevant in light of Apple's decision to go DRM-free, we're actually really digging this newly refocused public beta of the doubleTwist app, which promises to seamlessly manage all your devices from a single interface.

ENGADGET: DVD Jon's DoubleTwist device-management software enters public beta

In both cases the sockets will allow fast-charging and will include a communications interface so an electric car can, for instance, identify itself for billing purposes when plugged into a public recharging spot.

ECONOMIST: Rational consumer