A September to Remember: Roundup of Tech Changes This Month

Facebook

 The leader in social networking sites reached a milestone with a half a billion people using the site in one day. It seems that each one of those 500 million people was complaining about the changes to the homepage. The way that we process information so quickly is reflected in that by the end of the day you were already tired of hearing complaints. After rolling out these changes, Facebook announced a bunch of new changes on the way, such as a Timeline and music sharing with Spotify. All of the changes are described on Facebook's blog.

 Netflix

Complaints about the changes with Netflix came in a close second to complaints about the new Facebook newsfeed. The physical DVD subscription service is being rebranded as Qwikster to differentiate it from the streaming service that has become Netflix's focus. The complicated world of content licensing has thrown pricing and availability into a very fluid situation with many subscribers disappointed with the service because they had come to rely on it to reduce their dependence on cable and satellite subscriptions.

 Apple

 More rumors on the iPhone5 and the date of the release are swirling. All Things D gives Oct. 4 as the date when we finally get to hear about Apple's offerings for the holiday season. It will also be the debut of the new CEO Tim Cook as keynote presenter.

 Verizon

 4G is expanding in Virginia and Maryland this fall. By Oct. 20, 4G LTE from Verizon Wireless will go live in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News and Richmond and in Hagerstown in Maryland. In addition, Roanoke will come online by year’s end. They've also added a more affordable 4G phone, the Pantech Breakout.

 Google and YouTube

 Google+ has opened up to everybody, eagerly promoting itself to those who might want a new place to connect with friends instead of using Facebook. They have also expanded their services, like bringing Hangout to mobile phones. Their blog describes the new offerings. And now YouTube has video editing, so you can skip the step of using another video editor such as iMovie or Windows Live Movie Maker. They also have support for longer videos, a tool to make your movies 3D, all of which is described on their blog.

 Windows

 Developers got a first peek at Windows8, which is designed to run on computers beyond the PC. It is touch compatible, and an entirely new way to approach Windows. Tiles replace the familiar desktop, but the desktop will still be there just in case. You can follow the latest news and see preview clips at the Windows8news site.

 Amazon

 Library lending of e-books on your Kindle is coming. Overdrive, which manages e-book availability at the Prince William and Fairfax County libraries, will soon be able to export e-book checkouts to the Kindle and the Kindle App.