Every day, the Fortune staff spends hours poring over tech stories, posts, and reviews from all over the Web to keep tabs on the companies that matter. We’ve assembled the weekend’s most newsworthy bits below.
- Facebook previewed its Profile redesign over the weekend during 60 Minutes’ company profile and sitdown with Mark Zuckerberg. For members of the social network whose profiles haven’t updated to the new layout yet, expect an increased emphasis on easy information discovery. And in case you missed it, here’s the full segment. (60 Minutes)
- Much to Google’s chagrin, talks with Grouponfell through last week. The e-commerce site, which reportedly turned down the $6 billion or so offer, said it wants to remain independent and will explore a possible public offering next year. (Fortune)
- Though we’re technically only 33 days into the holiday shopping season, e-commerce spending has already hit $16.8 billion, a 12% increase over this time last year. (eMoney)
- Verizon launched its LTE network sans handsets. That means the only devices that can access it right now are laptop data cards for Windows PCs. 4G LTE handsets could appear around February. (Tech Buzz Examiner)
- Chances are good — and we mean, very good — that Google will launch its Chrome OS this Tuesday, which may include a Google-branded OS netbook. (Fortune)
- India’s government is in talks with local BlackBerry-toting companies to possibly gain access to employees’ secure communications when necessary. “We’re trying to find solutions where everybody’s interests are in one sense protected,” Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said. “It’s going to take a little time, because it’s a new technology.” (Wall Street Journal)
- Microblogging site Tumblr went down yesterday. On the homepage, the company cited an “an issue in one of our database clusters.” (Center Networks and Tumblr)
- According to Asymco, half of the U.S. population will have smartphones by the end of next year, compared with 30% currently and 18% a year ago. One in three will own either an iPhone or Android device. (Fortune)
- Twitter wants to acquire the domain Twitter Search, a relatively static domain that’s been registered to an unidentified owner since 2007. (StartupMeme)
- iPhone aficionados with iron will and saintly patience will be glad to know it looks the long-awaited white iPhone 4 is still on track for “Spring 2011.” (9 to 5 Mac)
- More footage of the Playstation phone. Looks like the actual Playstation feature is an app, which leaves the door open for potential gaming on other devices. (Fortune)
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