Two firms, state settle software case
Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Attorney General Rob McKenna announced a settlement with two New York-based companies accused of violating the state’s consumer protection and computer spyware laws. The settlement resolves allegations that High Falls Media, Roc Telecommunications and their associates promoted a software program called Spyware Slayer through deceptive means, and that they failed to disclose costs of a music download service until after consumers provided personal information. The agreement provides restitution to buyers who request refunds.
Zumiez sales climb during crucial time
Zumiez Inc. reported that sales for the four-week period that ended Saturday increased 44 percent to $25.9 million, compared with $18 million for the same period last year. Sales at stores open at least a year grew by 12 percent. November is a critical month for the seller of clothing and equipment related to skateboarding, snowboarding and other action sports, just as it is for other retailers. Before the company released sales numbers Wednesday, Zumiez shares rose $1.12 to $28.67.
Boeing delivers VIP jet to India
Boeing Business Jets delivered its 100th “green” airplane Wednesday to the government of India. Boeing delivers VIP airplanes in so-called “green” condition, meaning the plane does not have interior furnishings or exterior paint. Customers then work with designers and interior completion centers to install what they need.
Online firm to offer TV show downloads
BitTorrent Inc., developer of a popular online file-sharing tool, said Tuesday it has reached licensing deals that will boost the number of movies and TV shows it can offer as part of a video download service launching next year. The private company said it signed agreements with several film and television companies, including Comedy Central.
New subscribers narrow TiVo losses
TiVo Inc. on Wednesday posted a narrower third-quarter loss as the maker of digital video recorders gained a modest number of new subscribers amid tough competition. The Alviso, Calif., company reported a quarterly loss of $11.1 million, or 12 cents per share, for the three months ending Oct. 31. In the same period last year, TiVo’s net loss was $14.2 million, or 17 cents per share.
Google hangs up answer service
Google Inc. doesn’t have all the answers – a fact underscored by the Internet search leader’s decision to abandon a 4-year-old service that hired researchers to field questions on topics such as school homework and sports trivia. The retreat, announced in a notice posted on Google’s Web site late Tuesday night, may signal Google’s intention to refocus on its core search engine, a moneymaking machine that generates virtually all its profits.
From Herald staff and news services
