Remember the infamous 1992 case of the woman who sued McDonald's after she burned herself on coffee she had bought from the fast-food joint? We've got a modern-day equivalent: a Utah woman who is suing Google because Google Maps gave her bad directions. Apparently Google Maps instructed her to cross the street and she was hit by a car (it was dark). She's hoping to collect medical expenses and punitive damages. We're certainly sympathetic to anyone who suffers injury in a car accident, but have we really gotten to the point where technology should be expected to replace common sense? I hope not. In the meantime, expect a whole new series of jokes along the lines of Q: Why did the chicken cross the road? A: Because Google Maps told it to.
--Editorial Director Steve Fox
Top Stories
Woman Sues Google over Bad Directions Update: It Was Dark
It was dark, she'd never been there before, and she didn't know how to look both ways before she crossed the street.
Washington Update: Will Fed Intervention Curb or Protect Your Digital Freedom?
Broadband regulation, privacy issues, and predatory ads on your smartphone are all under review.
A History of Portable Computing
From 'portables' that weighed nearly 30 pounds in the 1980s to the featherweight Apple iPad of 2010, portable computing has come a long way. Here's a look at some of the milestones.
For more laptop news and reviews, visit PCWorld.com.
News
Sprint's EVO 4G in 4G Country (Washington State): Not So Fast
My tests in Seattle and surrounding towns suggest that 4G service there is not yet fast enough to make the first 4G phone a revolutionary experience.
Asus' New 10- and 12-inch Eee Pad Tablets: First Pics
Asustek unveiled two Windows-based tablet PCs and an e-reader users can take notes on.
The Next Apple TV: Apps on the Big Screen?
Rumors suggest the next Apple TV will run the iPhone OS, so it's kind of inevitable that it would--if not at first, at least eventually--run apps.
For the latest reports, visit our News page .
PCW Business Center
Which New AT&T Data Plan Is Right for You?
A look at how to decide which AT&T tiered-pricing data plan is right for your business.
Visit the PCW Business Center.
Blogs
AT&T's New Data Plans: The Backlash
Some bloggers and commenters think AT&T's new options will save them money, while others aren't convinced.
Google Ditches Microsoft's Windows Over Security Issues, Report Claims
Google is snubbing Microsoft's Windows operating system, citing security issues with the OS, a new report says.
Sony PS3 3D Update Coming June 10
Sony slaps a date on its Japanese PlayStation 3 downloadable 3D update, with an anticipated near-term U.S. follow up.
For the latest news and opinion, visit our Blogs page .
Reviews
T-Mobile MyTouch 3G Slide: A Very Good Midrange Smartphone
The MyTouch 3G Slide is a solid midrange Android phone with a great feature set, but its camera isn't as good as those on other phones in its class.
Canon Pixma MX340 Inkjet MFP Fits a Low-Price, Low-Volume Lifestyle
Speed and print quality are decent, but the pricey black ink limits this unit to low-volume home use.
Compare prices on printers.
For more reviews, visit PCWorld.com.
How-To
Gmail Improvements: Use an E-Mail Client, Open Multiple Accounts
Not everyone loves Gmail's conversations--here's how to work around them with an e-mail client, plus open several accounts at once.
Should You Not Donate by Text Message?
Giving to charities via cell phone is quick and convenient, but use some caution before you send that text.
For more tips, visit PCWorld.com.
Videos
The ABCs of SSDs
Whether you buy a new PC with a solid state drive already installed, or choose to upgrade your existing drive, zippy performance makes a SSD an appealing option.
For more videos, visit PCWorld.com.
Downloads
Lightscreen
This superb screen capture program has just the right features, and a low profile.
For more free and trial software, visit PCWorld.com.
PC World Community
Free Games?
Join the discussion.
Visit the PC World Community
0 comments to "Can Google Be Blamed for a Car Accident?"