Recent filings with the Federal Communications Commission alerted hawk-eyed watchers to the existence of a new model of PlayStation 3: The "CECH-4001X." Up until now, however, it wasn't known exactly what kind of changes Sony would include in this new model. That's where Anatel, which is effectively the Brazilian version of the FCC, comes into play. Their own documents apparently included a series of images purported to be of this fantastical new design.

To those who haven't been following along, Google's "Wi-Spy" shenanigans back in 2010 landed them in some hot water when it was discovered that they were "accidentally" collecting personal data with their street view cars. However, the Federal Communications Commission ultimately decided that there was a lack of evidence to conclude that Google had committed any wrongdoing. That is to say, any wrongdoing up until the point where the FCC started asking questions.

In an attempt to update 911 to current trends in modern technology, the Federal Communications Commission is looking to have the emergency service respond to text messages and video streaming from mobile phones. Though it may seem a little ridiculous at first, allowing for text messages and streaming video would actually help people report crimes without being overheard.

Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said the FCC will be proposing rules tomorrow that will require phone carriers to alert their customers, via voicemail or text message, when they're close to going over their monthly usage limits.

Verizon is set to refund $50 million to over 15 million Americans in response to a two-year-long investigation by the FCC regarding incorrect data plan service charges. The refunds will generally be small amounts credited to current customers' accounts, while non-customers will receive checks in the mail. Some of the incorrect charges were applied after the use of application demos, while other incorrect charges were applied after users would accidentally load Verizon's Mobile Web browser, an appropriately named mobile browser with fairly basic online functions, such as being able to check one's email and the weather. The refunds will generally be small amounts credited to current customers' accounts, while non-customers will receive checks in the mail. Some of the incorrect charges were applied after the use of application demos, while other incorrect charges were applied after users would accidentally load Verizon's Mobile Web browser, an appropriately named mobile browser with fairly basic online functions, such as being able to check one's email and the weather.

The Senate has passed the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act, complete with ironic abbreviation (CALM in caps), a bill which would have the Federal Communications Commission regulate the volume of commercials so they cannot exceed the volume of the television shows they accompany. Though the bill passed the House last December, it is currently awaiting another passing vote from the House, and is then expected to be signed into law by President Obama. The bill would have the FCC create a standard within a year by which commercial volume can be lowered that also adheres to the international standard regarding digital television.

The Federal Communications Commission has denied a plan which would've brought free wireless broadband to the entire nation. In related news: :(. Four years after a company named M2Z Networks proposed a plan to bring free wireless broadband access to the entire nation, the FCC shot it down. Considering the FCC spent about four years sprucing the plan up to their standards, people are wondering exactly why they'd go through all that trouble and then shoot it down.