Microsoft is trying to persuade HTC to make new smartphones that run both Android and Windows Phone, and it’s willing to cut or eliminate its own license fee to make it happen. The software giant is hoping the move will encourage consumers to try out the Windows Phone platform and eventually make the switch to it — but could the scheme backfire?

Last week, Koushik Dutta showed off his new phone-to-Chromecast video streaming app which will enable users to “cast” photos or videos stored locally on any Android device directly to an HD TV. And now, less than a week later he is showing off another one of his great inventions which will permit users to stream video, pictures or music from Dropbox to a Chromecast unit, in his brand new Dropbox-to-Chromecast app.

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Everyone’s favorite digital rights crusaders Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have just released an annual report, ranking the biggest companies in tech for who does the best job protecting your data from being rifled through by the Federal Government.

Google’s really good about it. Apple? They’ll give away all your emails and data if the government just breathes on them, and they won’t bother telling you about it either.

Samsung has today confirmed that the new Galaxy Note 8.0 will launch in the United States on April 11, priced at $399. The device will be available in-stores and online from a number of retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, Staples, and TigerDirect.com.