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By November 22, 2013 Read More →

Carriers rejecting plan to add smartphone kill switch

PhoneFireBack in June, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman launched an initiative called Secure Our Smartphones, with a coalition of consumer advocates, police, prosecutors including other officials in an effort to put pressure on smartphone makers to bring a halt to smartphone theft. One of the goals was the introduction of an industry-wide “kill switch” that would allow consumers to remotely render a stolen smartphone worthless.

Now five months later, the New York Times reports that wireless carriers State side are not keen with the idea. Gascón was reportedly working on a deal with Samsung Electronics to include anti-theft software with its phones in the United States, that would have undoubtedly rolled out worldwide soon after. Unfortunately, this software requires approval from the wireless carriers that service the phones: in this case, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint. All four rejected the idea a kill switch. Described as “unwilling“ Gascón reportedly viewed emails that took place between a Samsung executive and a software developer that revealed the four carriers’ reluctance to allow the software. The emails suggested that all four were more concerned about the profits made through insurance programs that are purchased to cover lost or stolen phones.

“Corporate profits cannot be allowed to guide decisions that have life-or-death consequences,” Gascón said. “This solution has the potential to safeguard Samsung customers, but these emails suggest the carriers rejected it so they can continue to make money hand over fist on insurance premiums.”

Instead of worrying about money the Carriers could have pointed out that there is room for abuse for such a step, say the kill switch is installed and a hacker gains control of the phone. They could disable the device and lock owners out. Or in the case of police evidence could be destroyed remotely from confiscated devices.

In the case of Apple’s Activation Lock, that’s not entirely true: the customer can disable the phone if it’s been lost, and then reactivate it with the correct username and password if found. For Android Device Manager, users can remotely lock their smartphone or tablet with a new password, or remotely reset the device to the original factory settings. The latter doesn’t stop thieves from selling the device on a secondary market, but at least the user data is mostly erased.

Gascón is reportedly evaluation what action can be taken against the carriers refusing to cooperate with the kill switch initiative.

“We have repeatedly requested that the carriers take steps to protect their customers. We are now evaluating what course of action will be necessary to force them to prioritize the safety of their customers over additional money in their pockets,” he said.

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By November 22, 2013 Read More →

Advent Vega Tegra Note 7 cheap goodness

nvidia-tegra-note-7If you were looking to pick up one of the best values in an Android tablet in time for Christmas, then you probably want to check out the Advent Vega Tegra Note 7 is the first (and currently only) Tegra 4 powered Android tablet available. At a price of just £179.99 over at PC World and Currys, the power and features of this little tablet might surprise you.

Here’s a recap of the Advent Vega Tegra Note 7:

  • NVIDIA’s Tegra 4 SoC, (This is the same ultra-fast processor and GPU combo found in the NVIDIA Shield)
  • 7-Inch IPS 720p Display
  • 1GB RAM
  • 16GB of storage
  • MicroSD card slot
  • 5MP rear camera
  • 1.3MP front-facing cam
  • Android 4.2.2 at launch
  • An integrated stylus
  • Dual front-facing speakers
  • MicroHDMI port

While the amount of RAM is a bit low, and the display isn’t true HD like many of the newer tabs, the graphics prowess of the Tegra 4 could rival some desktop PCs. This tab is obviously built with gamers in mind, but at this price point it should attract more than just gamers.

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By November 22, 2013 Read More →

The Toshiba Excite 7 announced

Toshiba Excite 7The Toshiba Excite 7 was officially announced yesterday. It boasts a quad-core processor, a microSD slot and more for only $169.99 (105). Here’s a breakdown of specs and features:

Toshiba Excite 7 specs:

  • 7-inch 1024 x 600 Display
  • Quad-core processor
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 0.3MP front facing camera
  • 3MP rear camera
  • Android 4.2.2 runs the show
  • Enhanced stereo speakers
  • 12 hours of general use / 7.5 hours of video playback
  • microSD support

The specs are rather mediocre, although the microSD slot and Quad-Core CPU is appreciated. At this price point there are certainly better options however with the name Toshiba you know you will be getting a good quality device.

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By November 21, 2013 Read More →

SlingPlayer 3.0 rolls out

SLING MEDIA INC. SLINGPLAYER 3.0Sling Media have just released an important update for Slingbox customers, offering SlingPlayer 3.0 and a SlingPlayer for Roku boxes.

A new version of SlingPlayer for iPhone and Android smartphones is available today as part of the Roku channel introduction. Sling Media will also introduce an app for Windows 8.1 in December.

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 18, 2013 Sling Media Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corp. (NASDAQ: SATS), today unveiled three new clients that further enhance discovery, navigation and the social experience customers now enjoy with content, giving Slingbox customers the ultimate video experience both inside and outside of the home. SlingPlayer 3.0 and the SlingPlayer channel on the Roku® streaming platform are both available for download today. A new version of SlingPlayer for iPhone and Android smartphones is available today as part of the Roku channel introduction. Sling Media will also introduce an app for Windows 8.1 in December.

“With today’s announcements, Sling Media has clearly brought the Slingbox experience into the living room, changing the way our customers discover, navigate, view and socialize around content,” said Michael Hawkey, VP and General Manager of Sling Media. “With SlingPlayer 3.0, we’re giving customers the tools they need to turn traditional prime time into Prime Time Social Time. Our customers have been asking for Roku support and a Windows 8.1 app. We’re pleased to deliver the Roku channel today and the Windows 8.1 app in the very near future.”

SLINGPLAYER 3.0

SlingPlayer 3.0 combines the core value proposition of viewing live or recorded TV anywhere with powerful, seamless discovery and second screen enhancements that customers are now asking for. SlingPlayer 3.0 turns the iPad into the first screen and second screen at the same time.

Features include:

  • Content discovery – SlingPlayer 3.0 offers a visually appealing interface that enables users to seamlessly find content they want to watch from the vast number of shows on TV at any given time. Filters are provided in conjunction with customers’ personal TV lineups for easy management as well as third-party services that provide users with tools to quickly discover content they may be interested in.
  • Sports experience – SlingPlayer 3.0 greatly enhances the sports fan’s experience providing an easy and visual way of finding which channel the game is on, no more cumbersome surfing of the grid guide. In addition, once a game is selected, either for viewing on iPad or on the TV, fans can enjoy live statistics on individual and team leaders, get game scores and engage their social networks to comment or call out their favorite team or player.
  • Social – SlingPlayer 3.0 uses social media for both discovery and engagement. Users can filter live TV programming based on their personal social media network likes and once tuned to a show, users can join the Twitter conversation with a live feed of content-relevant tweets or let everyone know what they’re watching via Facebook posts.
  • Second Screen Control – Slingbox customers can use SlingPlayer 3.0 as a powerful second screen companion. Users now have the ability to cast their Slingbox experience to a TV from their mobile device, making SlingPlayer 3.0 the ultimate remote control inside the home, in addition to being able to watch your home TV on a connected device from anywhere in the world.
  • Split-Screen Navigation – This split screen framework empowers Slingbox customers to browse for other content, view show details, engage with social networks or see live sports stats while simultaneously watching video on the iPad.
  • Compatibility – SlingPlayer 3.0 requires iOS 7.0 or higher.

SLINGPLAYER CHANNEL ON ROKU
Slingbox customers can now watch their live or recorded TV through a Roku streaming player connected to a TV in another room in the house or in a remote location. Customers will use either SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone or Android phone to initiate the video and send it to the TV with a tap of a button. They will also need to install the free SlingPlayer channel, from the Roku Channel Store. Roku devices supported at launch include the Roku 3, Roku 2, Roku 1, Roku LT (models 2400X and 2700X), Roku 2 XS, Roku 2 XD and Roku 2 HD players as well as the Roku Streaming Stick. Support for the Roku HD (model 2500X) and Roku LT (model 2450X) will be added later this month.

“Roku offers consumers the most choice of any streaming device,” said Ed Lee, vice president of content acquisition, Roku. “This partnership with Sling Media will bring even more value to Roku customers by giving them additional ways to enjoy live or recorded TV on their Roku players.”

Features include:

  • Sling to a Big Screen – Use Slingbox to send your TV to another TV via a Roku player. Use cases would include households with a second TV in the home (bedroom, basement, office, back porch etc.), in vacation homes or in college dorm rooms.
  • Smartphone Remote Control – The authentication and navigation of live and recorded TV played via Roku is all done via the SlingPlayer client on iPhone or Android phone. Customers must be on the same network as their Roku and once video is initiated on the phone they can “send” to the TV with a single tap. Changing channels, accessing the guide or DVR, etc. is all done via the phone commands.
  • Value – The SlingPlayer channel on Roku adds value to existing cable/satellite subscriptions, bringing live TV to additional TVs inside a home or in remote locations that have may have broadband, but not a cable/satellite/telco service.

SLINGPLAYER FOR WINDOWS 8.1
Sling Media is developing an app for Windows 8.1 customers who own a Slingbox. This new app will deliver an enhanced SlingPlayer experience across Windows 8.1 devices including Surface, desktop PCs, laptops and convertible devices. Sling Media expects the Windows 8.1 app to be available in December.

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By November 21, 2013 Read More →

A new HTC One could be on the way

htc-m8One of the tech world’s most reliable leak sources, @evleaks, suggests that there could be a successor to the very popular HTC One early next year. Apparently, it will also be running Android 4.4 KitKat when it launches.

Other rumours suggest the new phone will come with 3GB of RAM, a 5-inch 1080p IPS LCD display, Boomsound speakers, and the seemingly omnipresent Snapdragon 800. It’s also expected to maintain the One’s signature metal casing.

Other suggestions are that this will be called the HTC Two? But personally think something along the lines of HTC One Pro is more likely.

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By November 21, 2013 Read More →

Moga gets a grip on gaming on the iPhone

moga-ace-power,Q-U-410502-22PowerA officially introduced  a new Moga controller on Wednesday, built for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5 and fifth generation iPod Touch running iOS 7. The Moga Ace Power game peripheral is available now for $99.99 at Apple Retail Stores, from the Apple Online Store, or at the official Moga website shipping worldwide.

The controller connects to the iPhone 5 and iPod Touch via the Lightning connector. As the images show, on the left side iOS gamers will find the L1/R1 buttons on the shoulder, an analog stick on the top portion, a directional button below that, pause and select buttons, and a switch for turning on the peripheral. On the right are the L2/R2 buttons on the shoulder, the typical XYAB action button setup, and a second analog stick below those.

The Ace Power also has a built-in 1800 mAh battery and Moga Boost technology for charging the phone or iPod Touch during gameplay. “With the new Made for iPhone controller framework built into iOS 7, Moga anticipates a flood of game developers to take advantage of controller support,” the press release adds. “Mobile versions of traditional game genres such as first-person shooters, action, arcade, family, and sports/racing games will now be played with console-style controls.”

Posted in: Apps & Games, News, Phones
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By November 20, 2013 Read More →

Nintendo developing an educational tablet

angry_birds_game_and_watchWhen you think of educational instruments you rarely thin of Nintendo however, Nintendo of America software engineer Nando Monterazo has been tweeting in regard to Nintendo is experimenting with a tablet running Android. Over the years there has been much speculation that Nintendo might bring Mario or Link to a mobile platform however it does not seem like this will be happening anytime soon in a traditional sense as this tablet is meant for schools. 

From the sounds of it Nintendo is considering using its most well-known and loved gaming characters in a new range of educational titles. Those titles may even be linked to a single, Nintendo-branded tablet that’s not offered to consumers, just schools. Monterazo also said Android is being used just for the experiment and if a final tablet were manufactured it could run a “Unix environment.”

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By November 20, 2013 Read More →

Windows Phone announces the arrival of Instagram

instagram-profiles-now-online-1The arrival of Instagram, which has more than 150 million users around the world, brings one of the world’s most popular social photo apps to what many critics have called the world’s best smartphone cameras.

Instagram can transform everyday moments into shareable works of art. Just grab a picture from your Photos Hub, choose a filter to transform its look and feel, then post to Instagram (or Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Foursquare). As with many other Windows Phone apps, Instagram for Windows Phone will have a Live Tile which updates with data on the Start screen as well as support for fast-resume.

With up to 500 apps added each day, the Windows Phone store has more than 190,000 apps and around 90 per cent of the top 20 ranked apps across all platforms. Windows Phone is also the fastest-growing platform among the leading operating systems according to recent analyst data.

 

Instagram for Windows Phone highlights include:

  • The full set of Instagram filters including XPro-II, Earlybird, Rise, Amaro, Hudson, Lo-fi, Sutro, Toaster, Brannan, Inkwell, Walden, Hefe, Nashville, 1977, and more
  • Ability to like and comment on other people’s photos and videos
  • Linear and radial tilt-shift blur effects for extra depth of field
  • Unlimited uploads

Instagram leads a wave of popular apps now available on Windows Phone, including Blippar, Vine, 4oD, Angry Birds Star Wars II and Asphalt 8: Airborne.

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By November 20, 2013 Read More →

Google to release Nexus wireless charger in UK

Nexus-wireless-charger-640x318If you have a Nexus 4, 5 or or the Nexus 7 tablet you are going to be wanting one of these. A Nexus Wireless charger. Appearing just in time for the holiday rush this would be almost the perfect present for a Nexus user. The charger has already been launched in the US at $50, however, here in the UK we have merely have a “coming soon” listed.

This will undoubtedly be a big hit for those in the Nexus fanclub. This isn’t the only option for wireless charging the Nexus devices, as they use a Qi standard, there are cheaper alternatives out there. The purists out there will have to pick one there up though as this one comes with Nexus branding.

With the Nexus Wireless Charger, your new Nexus 7 becomes the first truly wireless tablet. No more messing with wires, cords and plugs – your tablet just snaps into place on the magnetic face and begins charging. The Nexus Wireless Charger adheres securely to any surface – like your desk, counter top or nightstand – so the convenience of grab-and-go charging is always within easy reach.

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By November 20, 2013 Read More →

Samsung Galaxy Gear shipping higher amounts than anticipated

Galaxy-Gear-006-Set1-Front_SixDespite critical reviews and an unappealing price-tag, it appears that Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch is turning out to be a solid success. According to a couple of reports, Samsung has shipped using freight forwarders around 800,000 units to retailers world-wide. Additionally, 50,000 units have already been actually sold to customers in South Korea alone. This has far surpassed Samsung’s own initial expectations. These numbers also put it far ahead of competing devices from both Pebble and Sony.

Samsung issued a statement regarding the surprise success of the device, “It’s the most sold wearable watch available in the market place…and we plan to expand its availability by expanding mobile devices that work with the Gear.”

One of the reasons for the increased success of the device can mainly be attributed to incentive programs to help push the device out the door. This includes bundling it with the Galaxy Note III, and there were even UK carriers currently offering it for free if customers purchase the Note III on a two-year contract.

Of course, there have also been reports that up to 30% of consumers in the U.S. have returned the device, which does not bode well for its future sales. It will be interesting to see how the sell-through numbers match up with the shipping to retail numbers when everything is finally tallied. Regardless, shipping out 800,000 units to retailers in only 2 months is nothing to sniff at.

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