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LG LS970 'superphone' shows up again, flaunts its removable battery and NFC chip

It's only been a few days since we first heard the rumors about an upcoming, Sprint-bound LG quad-core slab, and now that same LS970 "superphone" is back for more action. Thanks to yet another snap acquired by the folks over at BriefMobile, we can now spot a couple extra details on the device, including its previously unknown NFC capabilities. Contrary to earlier beliefs, the alleged LG Eclipse also seems to offer a removable battery, which is likely to make some power users very content. Something tells us this isn't the last we're going to see of this super handset, though, so we'll keep you in the loop if any more noteworthy findings appear.

LG LS970 'superphone' shows up again, flaunts its removable battery and NFC chip originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 05:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadget.com | 18-May-2012 11:32

Sony helps you 'personalize' your Xperia further, announces case maker partnerships

Despite there being so many smartphones nowadays, finding cases for certain handsets can be tricky -- unless you're toting the likes of an iPhone or the latest Android flagship device, that is. Keeping that in mind, Sony has good news for Xperia owners, as it's officially announced a partnership program to bring more case options for its phones to market. According to Sony, 10 companies are currently onboard, including the likes of Case-Mate and Incipio, and some will be announcing what'll be on offer before the month's out. There's no word regarding designs or prices just yet, but here's hoping that Case-Mate brings its cuddly Creature cases into the fray -- especially the Waddler.

Sony helps you 'personalize' your Xperia further, announces case maker partnerships originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 04:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadget.com | 18-May-2012 10:04

Sony opens up PSN to digital download pre-orders

Pre-orders are nothing new in the realm of video gaming -- they're the requisite hype before the release day-storm. On the digital download front, however, that anticipatory frenzy hasn't gotten much major industry support, until now. Sony, purveyor of all things PlayStation, has just tossed a bone to its many PSN subscribers, offering the option to purchase unreleased titles in advance of their planned launches. First up for the newly announced service is Sorcery, one of the company's Move-compatible game due out later this month. Gamers who opt-in for the arrangement will receive an unlock key that should allow their consoles to begin the download process in tandem with the software's official debut. Hit up the source below for the full FAQ.

Sony opens up PSN to digital download pre-orders originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 00:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadget.com | 18-May-2012 06:47

RIM and Motorola modify nano-SIM proposal, hope to meet Apple halfway

It's been a battle of epic proportions over a microscopic piece of plastic, but the warring sides appear to be working together to find a compromise. We're referring to the fight between Apple and a coalition formed by RIM, Motorola and Nokia as each group attempts to make their own nano-SIM design the ETSI standard. Neither entity has seemed willing to extend an olive branch and come up with any compromise -- until recently. RIM and Motorola has updated their design proposal in an effort to reach middle ground with Cupertino, and it appears that they were more than accommodating in the chip's refreshed look (seen above).

So how different can two nano-SIM designs be? Worlds apart, it turns out. For instance, RIM and Motorola have insisted from the beginning that a notch is necessary to allow for "push-push" mechanisms (push to lock the chip in place, push to pop it back out again); Apple, on the other hand, has been entirely anti-notch -- not a surprise, given the fact that the company uses SIM trays on the iPhone, therefore making the concept of a notch completely irrelevant. In its redesign, however, RIM and Motorola took elements from both sides of the fight and combined them. The new look retains Apple's simple rectangular style, but still makes room for a low-key notch on one side. It's difficult to say whether this move will be enough to gain the affection of Tim Cook's company and sway the vote -- Apple is still hard at work modding its own design, after all -- but it's nice to see both factions playing nice with each other prior to the next ETSI meeting on May 31st. Head to the source to see the difference between the original designs and the latest version.

RIM and Motorola modify nano-SIM proposal, hope to meet Apple halfway originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 00:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadget.com | 18-May-2012 06:13

Samsung's Galaxy S III reportedly notches nine million pre-orders worldwide

Wondering how the launch of Samsung's Galaxy S III is going? According to the Korea Economic Daily, an unnamed Samsung executive revealed that the followup to its previous fastest selling phone has already racked up nine million pre-orders around the world. That would put it nearly halfway to the 20 million Galaxy S II's Samsung reported shipped back in February, and all without even officially moving a unit in the US yet. It's not that we're jealous of the rest of the world's abilities to lay their cash down for some quad-core Exynos action while we wait to hear about the likely (still awesome) dual-core LTE-equipped US carrier variants due this summer, but yes -- we're jealous the rest of the world already has the option of choosing Samsung's latest flagship phone. Once they do start shipping (assuming there's no delays in customs) there should be plenty to go around however, as Reuters' translation also indicates the company's factory is already cranking out five million units every month.

Samsung's Galaxy S III reportedly notches nine million pre-orders worldwide originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 23:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadget.com | 18-May-2012 05:27

LG Optimus 4X HD stops in at the FCC, flaunts AT&T bands, global support

LG's latest 4.7-inch wunderphone may not have penned in an official release this side of the Atlantic, but that doesn't mean the Feds aren't putting it through its paces. A global version of the LG Optimus 4X HD made its way through the FCC test labs recently, revealing a quad-band GSM / EDGE radio with 3G support over AT&T's 1900 / 850 bands. In other words, feel free to import an unlocked slab when they hit Europe next month. Check out the federal filings yourself at the source link below, or check out our own hands-on coverage right here.

LG Optimus 4X HD stops in at the FCC, flaunts AT&T bands, global support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 20:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadget.com | 18-May-2012 02:39

The Chat Room: Do We Really Need to Make Calls on Flights?

Some frequent fliers may delight to hear they can use their phones in-flight, while Iranians can't see the Persian Gulf on Google and they're less than pleased about it.

Facebook sugar daddies are surprisingly elusive creatures, and now that Eduardo Saverin may be banned from the U.S., there's slimmer pickings.

Meanwhile, Steve Jobs became a children's icon -- at least for those with iPhone-loving parents.

Virgin Airlines Okays In-Flight Phone Use

Passengers aboard flights on Virgin's Atlantic route, including the London-New York flight, will be able to use their phones to make calls and send texts in flight, which may offer the airline a leg up on competition, especially since JFK-Heathrow is a popular business route.

The service will begin with certain limitations -- only six people at a time can make calls, though everyone can text -- and at first, only passengers with certain service providers will be able to get a connection.

For U.S. fliers, T-Mobile is the selected carrier, although all passengers will have to turn off their phones once they come within 250 miles of U.S. airspace.

Iran's New Enemy: Google

The Iranian government is furious at Google for removing the name of the Persian Gulf from its mapping services, and plans to sue the search engine giant to have the title reinstated.

No word yet on why Google removed the name -- it may be a glitch, because "Persian Gulf" still shows up in Google Earth, and the U.S. recognizes the body of water as such.

Iran's neighboring Arab countries have taken issue with the name of the Persian Gulf in the past, preferring to call it the "Arabian Gulf," so Iranian officials are likely hypersensitive because they see the name diss as Google taking the side of its enemy countries.

Steve Jobs Comes Alive in Children's Book

"Who Was Steve Jobs," an illustrated children's book detailing the successes of the late Apple founder, is now available for purchase at bookstores and online (including through Apple's iBookstore, appropriately).

Part of an ongoing series on inspiration people, the Steve Jobs book focuses on Jobs' positive accomplishments and is aimed at children in grade school.

The book is available for $5, and the "Who Was" series also covered luminaries like Walt Disney and J.K. Rowling, so Jobs is in good company.

Facebook Founder Kicked Out of U.S.?

Eduardo Saverin, the co-founder of Facebook, made waves this week when the media learned he plans to renounce his U.S. citizenship to live indefinitely in Singapore. Saverin, a Brazil native who immigrated to the U.S., may be doing so to take advantage of the tax breaks Singapore offers on the eve of Facebook's IPO. Analysts estimate Saverin could save millions doing so.

But Saverin, portrayed by Andrew Garfield in "The Social Network", may end up banned from re-entering the U.S. if the government verifies he chose to renounce his citizenship for tax purposes.

Saverin and his lawyers are fighting to prove the billionaire is not making the decision to save money, but the timing of the announcement may hurt his case.

Single Facebook Millionaires Wanted

One San Fransisco-area writer went in search of Facebook "sugar daddies" and gold-diggers who pursue them, but she had a hard time uncovering any blatant examples of a for-profit dating scene.

The writer did uncover some "techie hot-spots," including expensive hotel bars and wine bars. Barstaff said women often waited around these locales until a financially confident Silicon Valley-type picked up their tab, though the writer did not see the behavior first-hand.

Perhaps when the IPO happens it will be easier to spot the men flush with new-found riches?

The Chat Room: Do We Really Need to Make Calls on Flights? originally appeared at Mobiledia on Thu May 17, 2012 3:44 pm.

mobiledia.com | 18-May-2012 00:12

Media-Mind: How ESPN Does Online Right

New media is giving cable stations problems, as viewers flee to online alternatives, but ESPN's mobile apps and online presence offer a model for traditional media to transition into the future.

Media-Mind is our column charting how technology's opportunities and challenges transform traditional media and entertainment, for better or for worse.

The worldwide sports leader has several cable networks, including ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU, each of which is viewed via the company's comprehensive mobile app, Watch ESPN. The app is available for iOS and Android and provides access to popular shows like "SportsCenter," "Pardon the Interruption" and "Mike and Mike in the Morning."

In addition to giving viewers the opportunity to watch ESPN wherever they go, the app is available for free to customers with Bright House Networks, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS TV as an extension of their cable subscription.

Broadcasters like NBC, CBS and FOX, along with pay cable stations, are losing ratings as customers look to Hulu and Netflix to watch their favorite shows on demand. The loss of live viewers diminishes the stations' worth to cable providers and hurts advertising revenue, something ESPN's strategy is helping it avoid.

ESPN's decision to offer its own app rather than license its product to other companies allows the network to control the way it redistributes its content. Watch ESPN puts all the company's broadcast content in one place, making it the best option for viewers who want to watch the station's programming on-the-go. In addition, the station's partnership with cable companies make sure it is still valuable to providers at the same time, serving its customer better.

One of the only flaws the Watch ESPN app has is it's only available to subscribers of specific cable providers. For example, a New York viewer who has Cablevision as their provider does not have access to the Watch ESPN app. However, as ESPN continues to work out deals with remaining cable providers, the app will become even more of an asset to the company as it attempts to reach viewers all over the world.

There is even an alternative for customers who aren't somewhere they can watch ESPN. The company's new ESPN Radio app allows customers to stream more than 30 of its radio stations across the company. Users can download the app for a one-time fee of $5 and stream unlimited for as long as their data plan will allow, and they'll have access to podcasts featuring commentary from the station's analysts and reporters.

ESPN Gets It

Any time new media arises, the automatic reaction of content providers seems to be to stick with traditional methods for as long as possible. However, by embracing mobile devices' ability to carry its product beyond the TV, ESPN is blazing a trail to increase its audience and reach markets it may never would have otherwise.

ESPN specializes in live programming, the one type of show that analysts say is immune to DVR and capable of sustaining ratings. However, the company still went out of its way to create new ways for its fans to view its content and its future-focused emphasis is paying dividends. The network adopted a philosophy that viewers should be able to watch ESPN on "the best available screen," and its digital portfolio has added value to its affiliates, its rights holders and advertisers.

ESPN's model for offering content digitally may not work for other cable stations, but the company's success suggests that embracing new media is a good thing, if done correctly.

Media-Mind: How ESPN Does Online Right originally appeared at Mobiledia on Thu May 17, 2012 2:58 pm.

mobiledia.com | 17-May-2012 23:57

RIM patent application shines a light on unseen filth, might make forensics mobile

CSI: Waterloo? We're not sure how compelling that spin-off would be (inexplicable popularity of the David Caruso-headlined Miami version aside). So, you'll excuse us for scratching our collective tech head over this recently surfaced patent application filed by RIM in November of 2010. The claims of this bizarre USPTO doc describe an apparatus containing some form of a "display element" attached to a portable electronic device that would generate light on nearby objects, snap photographs and then display results indicating potential contamination. Sounds a lot like those UV wands forensics researchers use on crime scenes, non? Well, whatever it is Heins and co. may have brewing in their Canadian R&D labs, we just pray this isn't BB 10's killer feature. Hit up the source below to peruse the legalese for yourself.

RIM patent application shines a light on unseen filth, might make forensics mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 23:49

Coming Soon: Waterproof Phones

Several companies are marketing waterproofing technology to protect electronic devices, an endeavor that may revolutionize the mobile market.

P2i, HzO and Liquipel are all competing for commercial clients interested in making their laptops and mobile phones fully submersible.

U.K.-based P2i is already "working with virtually all the big names," according to Applications Director Nick Rimmer, who wouldn't disclose specifics but affirmed water-repellent phones will hit the market "within months." The high prices people pay for smartphones, combined with their need to be connected to them at all times, is opening new markets for these innovations.

P2i's method for waterproofing a mobile phone involves placing the device in a vacuum chamber and spraying it with chemical agent. An electric current then pulses through the chamber, permanently bonding the waterproofing agent to every atom on the phone's surface.

P2i's competitor Liquipel, a California-based startup, lets consumers waterproof their phones at $60 per device. Liquipel is reportedly negotiating at contract with Fujitsu to coat its upcoming tablets and phones, as the company aims to expand its mail-in business.

HzO, a Utah-based company, is also developing nano-technology to waterproof electronic devices. The startup says its coating, which covers a phone's internal circuitry, can protect submerged devices for longer than P2i's technology.

"We're vastly different from P2i or Liquipel," said HzO president Paul Clayson. "We take a solid chemical, turn it into a gas and introduce it into a vacuum chamber to deposit on the electronics. Our coating is thicker, building layers on top of each other and providing a protection that can endure underwater for extended periods of time."

All three companies seek to improve upon past waterproofing techniques, like Keystone Echo's MarineCase and Grace Digital Audio's Eco Pod.

The MarineCase is a silicon cover for iPhone that lets users record videos and take pictures in up to twenty feet of water, making it a useful tool for divers.

The $50 Eco Pod is another waterproof case made of polycarbonate material that shields phones from drowning. It comes with submersible headphones too, allowing swimmers to enjoy music while doing laps.

The iPhone-specific LifeProof case works in up to 6.6 feet of water, meeting military specifications for those leading rugged and active lifestyles.

But P2i, HzO and Liquipel may make external waterproof cases unnecessary, if future phones and other electronics use nano-technology coating off the shelves.

Such a development would greatly benefit those who live in waterlogged climates, where consumers are willing to pay more for protection from the elements. And accident-prone mobile users will have nothing to fear after dropping their phones in a puddle if nano-technology waterproofing catches on.

The possible applications for solid waterproofing technology are endless, as consumers may soon find out should companies like P2i, HzO and Liquipel revolutionize the market.

Coming Soon: Waterproof Phones originally appeared at Mobiledia on Thu May 17, 2012 12:51 pm.

mobiledia.com | 17-May-2012 23:42

Best Buy expects EVO 4G LTE to land May 23rd, HTC remains cautious

We've received a boatload of tips that folks who have pre-ordered the EVO 4G LTE at Best Buy are now seeing a new release date of May 23rd. Does this mean Sprint's flagship handset is getting close to leaving those dreaded customs halls? Here's HTC's take on the matter:

HTC is working closely with U.S. Customs to secure approval for shipments of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE. We have not made any announcements about a new launch date and will provide an update on availability as soon as we can do so confidently.

While it's quite possible Best Buy knows something we don't, perhaps it's best to take this new release date with a grain of salt. Let us know what you think in the comments and hit the break for a screenshot of an updated pre-order.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Best Buy expects EVO 4G LTE to land May 23rd, HTC remains cautious

Best Buy expects EVO 4G LTE to land May 23rd, HTC remains cautious originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 23:32

IPhone 5: Small Screen Changes, Big Results

The next generation iPhone will have a larger 4-inch display, according to the Wall Street Journal, trending with consumer interest in bigger displays.

The Cupertino, Calif.-based company is ordering larger displays from its Asian suppliers as it prepares to start production on the handset next month. Analysts believe the new iPhone will launch in the fall.

A 4-inch display in the next-generation iPhone would be the biggest physical change to Apple's smartphone since it originally launched in 2007. The iPhone has always featured a 3.5-inch screen, but Android manufacturers have continued to push the envelope when it comes to the display size of smartphones. Many smartphones now feature 4.3-inch screens, and others like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the upcoming Galaxy S3 sport 4.7-inch displays.

Apple doesn't seem interested in increasing the size of the iPhone screen too much and blurring the line between smartphone and tablet. A bump to 4-inches will make the device more formidable at media-related tasks like watching videos and playing games, while still keeping the overall size of the device the same.

A move to a 4-inch screen may be an external change, but it could present problems for developers under the hood. Developers created more than 200,000 apps in Apple's App Store to run on a 3.5-inch retina display. Apps on the new iPhone will have to run with black bars until developers issue updates to avoid pixilation.

Still, while a 4-inch iPhone could be a bit of a headache for developers, it is a decision that will pay dividends for Apple. Increasing the size of the device's display gives owners of the 4S plenty of reason to upgrade, as well as get some Android users who were holding out for a larger screen to make the switch to an iPhone. As long as there are millions of people buying Apple's new handset, developers won't mind working a bit harder to make sure their apps run well on the device.

The difference between 4 and 3.5-inches may seem small, but for Apple, it's very, very big.

IPhone 5: Small Screen Changes, Big Results originally appeared at Mobiledia on Thu May 17, 2012 12:40 pm.

mobiledia.com | 17-May-2012 23:27

Using Mind-Controlled Robots to Help the Paralyzed

Scientists are helping people with paralysis move objects with their minds, aiding the physical disabled with sophisticated tools.

Brown University researchers successfully completed a trial with two tetraplegic patients, people who have no control over their limbs. As part of their "BrainGate2" study, the researchers developed a neural interface powerful enough to translate users' thoughts to a robotic arm machine, which can complete tasks from commands given by thought alone.

The neural interfaces work through tiny devices implanted in the users' brain, requiring surgery, but the promise of the robotic arm is immense -- people who are permanently paralyzed can regain the ability to feed themselves, reach for things, and do a number of activities previously out-of-bounds.

The scientists are working to improve the accuracy and speed of the robotic arm, so users can feel confident and empowered while completing tasks with the device, which isn't the only remarkable innovation in the works to empower paralyzed people.

A few weeks ago, a paralyzed woman completed the London Marathon using the ReWalk, a bionic suit that allows people with use of their arms to control their legs. Although quadriplegic people cannot use it, paraplegic people can reap enormous benefits from the device, as they can walk around without a wheelchair.

The ReWalk, priced at over $69,000, is still prohibitively expensive for most people, and although the BrainGate apparatus is still in clinical trials, it will likely come with a hefty price tag if it becomes available for commercial use. Innovations like eye tracking may help paralyzed people use devices at a more affordable price, but eye tracking does not allow them the precious movement offered by the ReWalk and Brown University's robot.

Scientists are making swift progress in technological advances for those with physical challenges, indicating future generations of people with physical disabilities will regain significant control of their bodies. At the same time, the fact that nobody is close to developing affordable innovations suggests the day when these remarkable products are available for everyday people with disabilities is still in the distant future.

Using Mind-Controlled Robots to Help the Paralyzed originally appeared at Mobiledia on Thu May 17, 2012 11:06 am.

mobiledia.com | 17-May-2012 23:12

Why Hackers Hit India

Anonymous hackers darkened several Indian government websites, retaliating against the country's censorship practices in its continued crusade for a free Internet.

The Supreme Court of India and All India Congress Committee websites suffered distributed denial of service attacks under "MT Operation India," leaving them inaccessible for 24 hours. Anonymous crippled the government pages to chastise Indian service providers for blocking file-sharing sites like Vimeo and The Pirate Bay.

India's ISPs acted in anticipation of a pending government proposal, which aims to create a Committee for Internet Related Policies for overseeing the subcontinent's online activities.

The committee, a 50-member UN-backed organization, would hold censorship powers over content deemed inappropriate or offensive by India's ruling party. But Anonymous, whose Pirate Party won parliamentary seats in Sweden and Germany after campaigning for Internet freedom, disagrees with this direction.

"Namaste #India, your time has come to trash the current government and install a new one. Good luck. #SaveTPB #Anonymous #Censorship," the collective tweeted.

Anonymous has a history of denouncing governments that wish to control the Internet, while India has a record of censoring websites. The two interests are now clashing for the second, but likely not the last, time.

Anonymous' first publicized tangle with India occurred in February and concerned the 1984 Bhopal gas leak, which left thousands dead and maimed. The global intelligence firm Stratfor, according to Anonymous, paid corrupt Indian officials to silence victims after the disaster.

Before turning its sights to Bhopal, Anonymous already enjoyed widespread notoriety for challenging worldwide governments on censorship issues.

The collective hit the FBI for nabbing Wikileaks suspects, struck China over its strict censorship policies, even targeting Malaysia and Spain for their attempts to police the Internet.

Anonymous also involved itself in the Arab Spring, fighting against Gaddafi in Egypt and Assad in Syria. The leaderless hackers also criticized Iran over its plans to create a government-run, internal Internet by August 2012.

Until the Stratfor hack this February, however, Anonymous largely remained silent while India sought to censor emails and social media content.

India successfully banned Nokia email servers in April 2011, citing security risks, and enlisted RIM's reluctant help in monitoring BlackBerry Messenger content last fall. The country is also suing Google and Facebook after the Internet giants' allegedly slow response to government requests for proactive censorship of "offensive" content.

But after years of ignoring India's increasingly strict Internet controls, Anonymous is beginning to take interest. The collective may be doing so in part to burnish its reputation as a crusader for freedom after a slew of bad press smeared the hackers this winter.

If India pursues its current direction about online restrictions, however, Anonymous will likely strike the subcontinent more often, denouncing Internet regulation and preserving its own reputation in the process.

Why Hackers Hit India originally appeared at Mobiledia on Thu May 17, 2012 11:02 am.

mobiledia.com | 17-May-2012 22:57

Apple, HTC ordered by judge to sit down, try and make nice on August 28th

There's a trend starting to emerge of judges wanting Apple to talk settlements with others rather than duke it out in the courtroom. Just two weeks after Apple and Samsung were steered towards talking about a potential deal, a Delaware court has ordered Apple and HTC to meet on August 28th in the hopes that they could shake hands and put an end to an increasingly hectic legal battle under the eyes of a mediating judge. Whether or not that happens is very much up in the air. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said he's not a fan of lawsuits, but he hasn't showed indications that he would take legal action off the table just yet. Likewise, HTC is no doubt eager to eliminate phone shipping delays stemming from Apple's court wins, but the lack of immediate pressure and the hopes of winning countersuits might lead it to hold off. Still, if the court's ideal vision of the world comes to pass, you could see HTC's Cher Wang shopping in an Apple Store without staff giving her the evil eye.

[Image credit: mobile01]

Apple, HTC ordered by judge to sit down, try and make nice on August 28th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 22:49

U.S. Cellular adds Samsung mobile hotspot to its 4G LTE lineup, because three's company

And then there were three. U.S. Cellular's picking up the pace where its next-gen offerings are concerned, adding yet another device to that lonely LTE product portfolio. Starting today, Samsung's SCH-LC11 mobile hotspot will be available on the regional carrier's site with some sweet, limited time promotional pricing in tow: a mere $50 for subscribers residing in one of the operator's designated 4G coverage areas. For everyone else hunkered down in plain 'ol 3G territory, it'll ring in at $200 -- that's after a $50 mail-in rebate and required two-year contract. So, if you're a fan of deals and like to keep your plethora of portable gadgetry always connected, hit up the source link below and get to ordering.

Continue reading U.S. Cellular adds Samsung mobile hotspot to its 4G LTE lineup, because three's company

U.S. Cellular adds Samsung mobile hotspot to its 4G LTE lineup, because three's company originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 22:06

Samsung clarifies camera production shift, confirms commitment to point-and-shoot models

We've heard reports that Samsung has shifted focus at some of its camera manufacturing facilities away from point-and-shoot cameras with the objective of ramping up production of its compact mirrorless models. And while this move implies that the company's pocketable compacts could be doomed, that's simply not the case. We spoke with Reid Sullivan, Samsung's Senior Vice President of Mobile Entertainment, who reinforced the company's continuing commitment to developing and manufacturing point-and-shoot models -- in short, pocketable cameras remain a focus for the company, which simply made manufacturing adjustments to accommodate an anticipated increase in demand for recently-launched NX20, NX210 and NX1000. Point-and-shoots, for better or worse, are here to stay, and Sullivan explained that while we're unlikely to see new sub-$100 cameras make their debut, there's plenty in the works on the SMART front, with new launches in store for upcoming events like Photokina and CES. Whether there will continue to be demand for point-and-shoots remains to be seen, and while consumers are clearly turning to smartphones for casual shooting, Samsung appears to be in no hurry to abandon the point-and-shoot form-factor.

Samsung clarifies camera production shift, confirms commitment to point-and-shoot models originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 19:57

Samsung Galaxy S III now available for pre-order on T-Mobile UK

Sure, we'd seen a handful of other carriers in the UK have Sammy's GS3 up for pre-order, but that circle wouldn't be complete without a certain Magenta network. Worry not, though, as T-Mobile's joined the pre-order race and is now ready to swap your cash for a spanking-new Galaxy slab. Per usual -- at least across the pond -- you're likely to find a deal that's perfectly suited for you, with T-Mobile UK pricing the device as low £10.50 per month (£300 up front) and as high as £41 with the Full Monty on a 24-month deal -- of course, there's a plethora of different bundles to choose from. The carrier's site does note that if you order the goods now, unlike those lucky folks getting it on the 29th, delivery here is set for sometime after May 30th.

Samsung Galaxy S III now available for pre-order on T-Mobile UK originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 18:50

Facebook Pages Manager for iOS sees soft launch, stats junkies rejoice

If you're pining for another way to keep tabs on your Facebook pages while out and about, you're in luck -- that is, if you live in Australia, New Zealand or Ireland. Stealthily launched yesterday for iOS, Facebook's Page Manager app lets administrators keep an eye on page-specific notifications and Page Insight (read: number of likes, shares, views, et cetera) in addition to the normal management fare already available in Facebook's official app. For those in other territories dreaming of using the app, hope is not lost. As a late addition to Ireland's iTunes' Store after its initial appearance for Aussies, it looks like the app is following protocol by holding out on most of the world with its initial launch. As for page owners wielding other operating systems, there's no word on when your app's coming down the chute.

Facebook Pages Manager for iOS sees soft launch, stats junkies rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 18:36

T-Mobile launches new contract-free, data-only plans

Not all of us want to be locked into a long term contract with a wireless carrier. Especially when it comes to data-only devices that might not get used on a regular basis. For those that want to grab a 4G dongle or a mobile hotspot and go, without the need sign their life over, T-Mobile is launching four new pre-paid data options. The 4G passes start at $15 for 300MB over the course of a week, all the way up to 5GB for $50 over the course of a month. The plans are available on the Sonic 4G and plain ol' T-Mobile 4G mobile hotspots as well as the Rocket 3.0 laptop stick, but tablet users can also hop on the bandwagon. The Galaxy Tab 10.1, 7,0 Plus and SpringBoard are all eligible for the No Annual Contract mobile broadband passes. You can start topping off your megabytes instead of your minutes on May 20th. For more details check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading T-Mobile launches new contract-free, data-only plans

T-Mobile launches new contract-free, data-only plans originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 18:23

Samsung mass-produces 4-gigabit LPDDR2 memory, aims to make 2GB a common sight in smartphones

Samsung started making 2GB low-power mobile memory last year, but as the 1GB-equipped phone you likely have in your hand shows, the chips weren't built on a wide-enough scale to get much use. The Korean company is hoping to fix that now that it's mass-producing 20-nanometer, 4-gigabit LPDDR2 RAM. Going to a smaller process than the 30-nanometer chips of old will not just slim the memory down by a fifth, helping your smartphone stay skinny: it should help 2GB of RAM become the "mainstream product" by the end of 2013, if Samsung gets its way. New chips should run at 1,066Mbps without chewing up any more power than the earlier parts, too, so there's no penalty for using the denser parts. It's hard to say whether or not the 20nm design is what's leading to the 2GB of RAM in the Japanese Galaxy S III; we just know that the upgraded NTT DoCoMo phone is now just the start of a rapidly approaching trend for smartphones and tablets.

Continue reading Samsung mass-produces 4-gigabit LPDDR2 memory, aims to make 2GB a common sight in smartphones

Samsung mass-produces 4-gigabit LPDDR2 memory, aims to make 2GB a common sight in smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 18:01

Which devices have Ice Cream Sandwich?

It's mid-May -- do you know where your Ice Cream Sandwich update is? Six months after Android 4.0 made its debut on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, millions of owners of legacy Android devices are still anxiously awaiting the day the new firmware gets downloaded on their own electronic real estate. At least the scene today is much more pleasant than it was just a few months ago, as ICS is finally rolling out to several popular devices. But if you're shopping for a phone or tablet, how can you possibly keep track of which device has what version?

Amidst the confusion, we've put together a handy list of the legacy devices that have already been updated to Ice Cream Sandwich, as well as the ones that are promised an upgrade at a future date. Of course, many phones and tablets have ICS ROMs, leaked builds and other unofficial versions of the new firmware available, but we'll only discuss official downloads here. We plan to amend the list as the update rolls out to more devices, so be sure to check back from time to time. Head past the break to see how much of a reach Ice Cream Sandwich has.

Continue reading Which devices have Ice Cream Sandwich?

Which devices have Ice Cream Sandwich? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 16:00

Samsung launches customer service app on Android as proof that it Cares

Worried that Samsung is too busy selling millions of devices to care about you, the individual consumer? Fear not, for the company has released an app to prove its unconditional dedication to your happiness, and it's appropriately called Samsung Cares. The program serves as a hub for online support, offering how-to videos, troubleshooting guides, FAQs and service ticket tracking. Oh, and for those who don't own a Samsung device but still want the sweet reassurance of the company's interest in your well-being (or perhaps you just use other products made by Sammy), the free app can be downloaded on any phone or tablet running Android 2.1 or higher. Head to the source to grab a copy for yourself.

Samsung launches customer service app on Android as proof that it Cares originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 08:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 14:32

Nielsen: Americans have 28 percent more mobile apps in 2012, look down on the web with disdain

It's not hard to see that Americans love their mobile apps, and Nielsen can now tell us by how much. The average US smartphone owner circa mid-2012 now brandishes 41 apps, a pretty hefty 28 percent increase from a year earlier. They're preferring native apps to the web, as well: they're more likely to spend time with that direct port of Cut the Rope than the HTML5 version. Along with reminding us that smartphone owners are now in the majority in the country, Nielsen has added that there's a total of 84 million Android and iOS users in the US, or more than double what we saw just a year ago. We're a bit disappointed that the figures mostly exclude BlackBerry and Windows Phone owners, although they still paint a picture of a country that's entirely comfortable in its smartphone shoes.

Nielsen: Americans have 28 percent more mobile apps in 2012, look down on the web with disdain originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 03:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 09:22

Rogers and CIBC make joint deal for NFC mobile payments in Canada, let you check out with your BlackBerry

Canadians sometimes can't catch a break: while NFC payments have been relatively common for Americans, Europeans and certainly the Japanese, Canucks have had to largely make do paying with ye olde credit carde. Rogers and national bank CIBC want to put an end to these antediluvian ways: starting later this year, CIBC card holders will just need to swipe an NFC-equipped BlackBerry like the Bold 9900 (Bold 9930 for CDMA-loving Americans) at a matching terminal to pay at a given store. The only special requirement is a secure SIM card that gives customers the freedom to change phones, even if it does create problems switching banks or carriers down the line. We're just hoping that Android and other platforms get the same treatment and let more of our Canadian friends pay for poutine that much faster.

Continue reading Rogers and CIBC make joint deal for NFC mobile payments in Canada, let you check out with your BlackBerry

Rogers and CIBC make joint deal for NFC mobile payments in Canada, let you check out with your BlackBerry originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 02:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 08:43

HTC confirms One X multitasking tweaks in Sense 4

There's been quite a bit of brouhaha over at xda-developers lately about changes HTC's made to the way multitasking behaves on the One X compared to stock Ice Cream Sandwich. We're not just talking about obvious UI tweaks here -- Sense 4's horizontal, card-like arrangement vs. Android 4.0's default vertical list -- but actual differences in memory and task management. While we're not running into any problems with our One X review unit, some users have noticed that background app are getting terminated too aggressively, so we reached out to HTC for comment. Here's what the company said:

HTC is aware of some questions in the enthusiast community about how the HTC One X handles multitasking and memory management for background apps. We value the community's input and are always looking for ways to enhance customers' experience with our devices. That said, multitasking is operating normally according to our custom memory management specifications which balance core ICS features with a consistent HTC Sense experience.

There you have it. HTC's definitely implemented some multitasking tweaks on handsets running Sense 4. Perhaps this is why battery life is so impressive on AT&T's One X? While we don't believe this is going to be an issue for most people, there's always the option of installing custom ROMs now that the phone's been rooted.

HTC confirms One X multitasking tweaks in Sense 4 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 02:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 08:19

LG's Optimus LTE2 ships this week in Korea, nails down a few more specs

Just in case the world forgot which phone was first with 2GB of RAM, LG has pushed out another press release for its Optimus LTE2 which ships this week in Korea, just as promised. The detailed specs reveal this version ships with a 4.7-inch True HD IPS LCD, and while many of its specs (8MP camera, 1.5GHz dual-core CPU) are identical to its predecessor, it weighs in at an extra 10g, likely owing to the larger 2,150mAh battery. As mentioned previously it also has support for wireless charging and, naturally, the Optimus UI 3.0 detailed earlier. There's still no word on when we'll see this one outside of Korea but for now a few specs and pictures will have to hold us over.

LG's Optimus LTE2 ships this week in Korea, nails down a few more specs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 23:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 05:27

NTT DoCoMo's Galaxy S III to ship with 2GB RAM?

Ah, Japan. That far east country what begot Mario most always gets to profit from the industry's more delightful excesses. This time, however, the spoils have less to do with gaming flash and more to do with smartphone specs. In a document recently released by NTT DoCoMo, the carrier's upcoming dual-core Galaxy S III variant is listed as doubling up on the available RAM, bypassing the standard 1GB announced at its official unveiling. It's not the first time we've seen an OEM shoot for the silicone stars, considering LG's headline-stealing Optimus LTE2 and monstrous LS970, so the swap could be likely. Nothing's set in stone quite yet, but given this is Samsung's flagship wünderphone, we doubt the company wants to be caught playing in its Korean rival's forward-looking wake.

NTT DoCoMo's Galaxy S III to ship with 2GB RAM? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 22:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 04:53

Google Music users granted de-authentication reprieve as company retools activation system

Google Music users learned of a frightful new policy this morning that dictates a user may de-authorize only four devices in a year, out of ten total activations. While the policy is likely to go unnoticed by the majority of consumers, it instantly created a great pain for those who regularly flash ROMs to their phones and tablets. It seems the road to de-authorization hell is paved with good intentions, however, as Google has since responded to critics with the revelation that it'll introduce an activation system that accounts for such nuances.

We've determined through our own experimentation that Google has temporarily suspended the de-authorization limit of four devices, and while it's difficult to know how long this reprieve will last, we're hopeful that it'll remain in effect until Google implements this new system to recognize duplicate authorizations. Additionally, we've learned through our conversations with the company that users may, in fact, sign in to their Google Music account from any number of devices, and it's only when a tune is deliberately streamed that your smartphone or tablet will be added to the list of ten.

What's more, while the company was rather insistent that songs couldn't be streamed to multiple devices at the same time, it seems that Google's system of checks and balances is spotty at best -- we were able to simultaneously stream tunes to three devices without so much as a hiccup. Yes, the system eventually shook its finger at us, but it serves as a nice reminder to have fun while the insanity lasts.

Google Music users granted de-authentication reprieve as company retools activation system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 22:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 04:16

Sprint's Android users get carrier billing in Google Play

American Android users started getting carrier billing in Google Play early this month through T-Mobile (and later AT&T), and now Sprint can join the party. Any app, book, music or video purchase can be tacked on to the monthly bill for your EVO 4G LTE instead of going through Google. The move leaves Verizon as the only major US carrier without a carrier billing option, so you'll have to sit tight if you own the original US Galaxy Nexus and hate the thought of a separate download bill. We've also heard nothing about regional carriers being on the roadmap, but we'll keep you posted.

Sprint's Android users get carrier billing in Google Play originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 21:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 17-May-2012 03:38

In Brief: Apple, Publishers Prep for E-Book Showdown

A U.S. District Court judge said Apple and five major publishers must face allegations of price fixing, rejecting their bid to dismiss a civil class action lawsuit against them.

In Brief boils down complex events to give you the heart of the matter -- today and what it means for tomorrow -- clearly and simply.

Legal action concerning e-book prices is mounting against Apple and its publishing partners. The U.S. Department of Justice last month announced a separate settlement with three publishers, Simon & Schuster, Hachette Book Group and Harper Collins. However, no settlement was reached between Apple, Macmillan and Penguin, and the government said the three must face complaints that they colluded to maintain high e-book prices.

What's Happening: The complaints are based on how Apple prices its e-books for its iPad. The Cupertino, Calif. company opted to sell books using an agency model, or prices the publishers wanted them sold for, and it agreed to do so, taking a cut of the profits.

Amazon, on the other hand, set its own prices, and sold books at a lower rate, which pleased shoppers but caused publishers to lose money. Eventually, Amazon raised its prices as well, after the top publishing companies began selling more of their books through Apple.

What It Means: The Justice Department and the class action civil suit both say the same thing -- that the publishing houses and Apple conspired to use the agency model against Amazon, which was monopolizing the e-book market at the time.

For their part, Apple, MacMillan and Penguin all say the agency model of publishing allows publishers to offer more choice and flexibility when it comes to pricing their work.

What it Really Means: Amazon had been on top of the publishing market for a long while, and the publishers and Apple say Amazon's pricing model will force smaller publishers out of business. Further, most publishers believe they'll eventually have to accept whatever royalties Amazon deems proper to pay them, instead of getting full royalties for their work.

Amazon can afford to offer the books at lower prices because of the quantity it sells, and for now, it pays publishers the full royalty fee. However, the remaining publishers may believe that if the lawsuit goes on -- and they lose -- Amazon will have the power to lower their revenues once it no longer has to compete with Apple for e-book sales.

Amazon still sells the most e-books, but competitors such as the iPad and the Barnes & Noble Nook are eating away at its profits, and the retail giant will do what it needs to in order to keep its customers.

What's Next: U.S. District Judge Denise Cote, saying the lawsuit can continue, appeared to side strongly with consumers against Apple and the remaining two publishers, which does not bode well for their chances if a settlement isn't reached.

Cote ruled that she believes Apple blocked e-books from competing in the open market by "[helping] the suppliers to collude, rather than compete independently." She didn't make a ruling in the case itself, but her strongly worded ruling leaves little doubt that if Apple wants to keep profiting from e-book sales, it may have to move away from the agency pricing model and base its plans on Amazon's example or come up with something different.

The Takeaway: Cote's ruling means the class-action suit will proceed, unless the remaining book publishers and Apple try to settle, which would save an untold amount in legal fees. While Apple doesn't often settle legal cases, the book publishers may have little choice, given the financial difficulties the industry is facing.

Meanwhile, the three publishers who have settled are still in the lawsuit, but they are negotiating with states to give refunds to people who bought e-books. The other two publishers, while appearing to stand their ground, may decide it's more economically feasible to offer customers similar refunds, leaving Apple alone to face federal collusion charges.

Apple may have difficulty defending itself from the federal allegations. The late Steve Jobs himself fueled speculation over aggressive moves made by publishers, telling the Wall Street Journal "publishers may withhold their books from Amazon" if they're unhappy with the way the company prices publications.

Although Jobs died last October, Apple still follows most of the standards he set while he was alive, and it may not take much more than his statements to the Wall Street Journal to convince a jury that his company worked with publishers to not only set prices, but to earn a huge profit from e-book sales in return.

Apple is unlikely to stop working with publishers to sell e-books. The stakes are too high as people shift from reading paper copies of their favorite publications to enjoying them electronically. However, Apple may have to accept a much lower profit margin if the courts find it worked with publishers to set book prices higher and to keep them away from Amazon as well.

In Brief: Apple, Publishers Prep for E-Book Showdown originally appeared at Mobiledia on Wed May 16, 2012 4:09 pm.

mobiledia.com | 17-May-2012 00:05

The Chat Room: Battle of the Steves

Steve Jobs' life is coming to the big screen in two different forms, though movie pirates may not be able to download either film from popular torrent site The Pirate Bay, since it is subject to a mysterious internet attack.

Two men are trying to tweet to aliens, while image-conscious smartphone users are taking drastic actions to keep their jawlines supple.

Meanwhile, love flourishes on Internet radio.

A Tale of Two Steve Jobs Movies

Aaron Sorkin will write an upcoming Steve Jobs biopic based on Walter Isaacson's enormously popular biography, setting up a battle between Sorkin's version and the Ashton Kutcher-led "Steve Jobs: Get Inspired," which already began filming.

Sorkin's version, called "Steve Jobs," has Sony's backing and carries a better pedigree, but since Kutcher's version is already in production, it has a head start.

"Steve Jobs" will focus on a wider swath of Jobs life than Kutcher's version, which hones in on his road to fame. No word yet on casting for "Steve Jobs," but Kutcher probably won't do double-duty.

Pirate Bay May Be Sinking

Popular torrent site The Pirate Bay has been down for over 24 hours, and though the website has not confirmed who is behind the problems, it may be hacking collective Anonymous.

Why would Anonymous hack digital pirates, when they seem to have similar ideologies? The Pirate Bay publicly condemned Anonymous for attacking Virgin Media, so this may be a retribution for their harsh words.

On the other hand, The Pirate Bay is hardly on good terms with copyright holders, so the shutdown may be coming from a different source.

Can We Tweet Aliens?

An experimental art project is attempting to contact far-flung beings by beaming tweets as they happen 22 light years away. People who want to take part can label their tweets #tweetinspace, and the duo behind the project will send the message to the far corners of the universe.

New media artist Scott Kildall and associate professor Nathaniel Stern are collaborating on the project, which is being crowd-funded on RocketHub, a site similar to Kickstarter.

The artists don't expect aliens to respond to the tweets, but want to use the project to illustrate how deeply people want to be connected.

Internet Radio Helps Man Propose to Girlfriend

A man proposed to his girlfriend with the help of popular music site Pandora. Kyle, a blogger, worked with a team of Pandora employees to set up a special station with a recorded proposal.

His girlfriend, Maggie, had recently purchased a car with a built-in Pandora app, so he decided to pop the question as they drove to his graduation dinner.

Kyle got his inspiration from a man who proposed using Internet memes, and he wanted to do something involving tech that also meant something to him and his fiancee. It worked, and Maggie said yes.

Smartphones Are Making You Ugly

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed chin implants are on the rise, and some doctors believe the upswing is a direct result of excessive mobile technology use.

Dr. Mervyn Patterson coined the term "smartphone face" to describe what happens to jaw lines after patients stare down at their smartphones or laptops all day for years.

Of course, people tilt their heads in much the same way to look at books, and there wasn't a widespread case of "librarian face" or "law student face," so the condition may simply be a marketing ploy to encourage desire for plastic surgery.

The Chat Room: Battle of the Steves originally appeared at Mobiledia on Wed May 16, 2012 3:41 pm.

mobiledia.com | 16-May-2012 23:50

Visualized: Android's device diversity cut up into 3,997 little pieces

Some call it diversity, some call it fragmentation. However you slice it, there's a lot of Android devices out there. OpenSignalMaps has tracked a staggering 3,997 unique phones, tablets and other Google-powered gadgets, and has put them into a chart weighted by popularity. Not surprisingly, it's powerhouses like Samsung's Galaxy S II and HTC's Desire line that dictate the platform, while that Concorde Tab you bought in Hungary sadly doesn't have much traction. The normally signal mapping-oriented crew is careful to warn that the actual variety might be less: there's 1,363 one-timers in the group, and some of those may be custom ROMs and the endless carrier-specific variants that OEMs are sometimes eager to make. There's even more to look at through the source, including Android 2.3's continuing dominance and the mind-boggling number of Android screen resolutions, so click ahead for an even fuller picture.

Visualized: Android's device diversity cut up into 3,997 little pieces originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 16-May-2012 23:41

Sexting or Sexual Harassment: How Far Is Too Far?

Young girls are regularly pressured to send nude pictures or record sexual acts, according to a U.K. report, illustrating how technology can push harassment to new mediums.

"A Qualitative Study of Children, Young People and Sexting," a report by researchers at the London School of Economics, Open University and the U.K.'s Institute of Education, found a third of under-18 texters received a lewd sexual image by text or e-mail. On top of that, the focus group research revealed a substantial portion of young males had dozens of sexual pictures of their peers on their mobile devices, indicating their habit of sharing explicit photos with each other.

"Girls are being pressured by text and on BlackBerry Messenger to send 'special photos' and perform sexual services for boys from an early age. In some cases they are as young as 11. Even while we were interviewing them they were being bombarded with these messages," Institute of Education researcher Jessica Ringrose said, explaining how toxic the climate has become.

Navigating burgeoning sexuality is an inescapable facet of adolescence, and many teens dismiss the adult hand-wringing about the upswing in shared sexual images as unnecessary. After all, teens have engaged in sexual activity throughout human history, and some young people rationalize sexting as an extension of a natural exploration.

Some sexting can be just that, if it stays between the people involved, and the picture sender acts for the right reasons. But the type of persistent, pestering behavior exhibited by many of the young men in the study, coupled with their tendency to pass intimate images around and objectify their subjects, clearly marks this type of behavior as bullying and abusive, not an innocent sexual experiment.

Teen cruelty is nothing new, but recent high-profile suicides springing from relentless bullying is putting a spotlight on the issue, and parents, educators and adults everywhere are desperate to curb socially vicious behavior.

Mobile technology opened up new venues for bullying, letting aggressors bombard their targets at all hours of the day, through Facebook, Twitter, text messages and more. Hurling insults online affords the bully an emotional distance, so young teens making cutting remarks feel secure doing so via social networks or text messages. As a result of the attackers' ability to infiltrate more areas of their lives, bullied adolescents have fewer places of respite. Young people check their phones everywhere, including the home, which brings the problem to more intimate spaces.

In some cases, like the situation between Tyler Clementi and Dharun Ravi, bullying is inextricably linked with technology, with aggressors pursuing and humiliating their targets entirely by digital communication.

Boys far too shy to demand girls take their clothes off in person feel empowered by the distance built into texting, and young people who are well-mannered in person may behave like outsized charlatans on instant messenger.

With young people often outpacing their teachers and parents when it comes to tech savvy, the lack of supervision and education about online etiquette contributes to the churlish behavior. And though some research shows teen sexting is not as rampant as it is often portrayed in the media, this recent study suggests it is still a sizable problem that can lead to widespread self-esteem issues among bullied girls.

Even though U.S. law officials are trying to amend current child pornography laws to keep ignorant teens off sex offender registries, sending these salacious texts can often still land teens in trouble with authorities.

To quell this damaging behavior, parents and educators need to step up to the plate and begin a comprehensive online etiquette campaign. While teens may never stop sending each other naked photos of themselves, smart education strategies can point out and change the climate of blatant sexual harassment.

Sexting or Sexual Harassment: How Far Is Too Far? originally appeared at Mobiledia on Wed May 16, 2012 1:36 pm.

mobiledia.com | 16-May-2012 23:35

The Secret Online Lives of Tweens: What Parents Can Do

Teens and tweens are creating online profiles and increasingly living through the Internet, offering challenges to parents who must grasp the new realities and master the nuances of raising kids in a digital age.

Is This Thing On?, or ITTO, is our Wednesday column showing how everyday people use technology in unexpected ways.

Parents are getting wise to their kids' interactions on social media sites like Facebook, but it seems as soon as the older generation picks up and joins the trend, the kids take it underground to new places.

The players have changed, but the cat-and-mouse game of parents trying to keep tabs on their restless kids is as old as time. Still, the novelty and the permanency of the modern child's digital activities requires a greater parental awareness, since what kids say or do on the online playground -- unlike a skinned knee at the neighborhood playground -- won't likely disappear over time.

The issue is moving beyond what specific sites are popular to understanding that kids become drawn to these things -- and like it or not, are leaving digital footprints. Parents may well consider starting earlier to ensure safer, more positive online experiences for their kids as they pass through adolescence and into their own adulthood.

Where The Kids Are

Facebook, formerly a cause for parental confusion and tween enchantment, is going public, in more ways than one. Coinciding with the social network's IPO are increasing reports of parents using the now familiar social networking tool for their own ends.

Most recently, the case of Denise Abbot, the mother who used her daughter's Facebook to send a stern message to her 13-year-old daughter illustrates how the simmering debate is bubbling over, turning the tide a little more firmly in parents' favor.

Many teens and tweens are already one step ahead of the Ohio mom, and in response to their growing awareness of grownups' access to Facebook, are turning to Twitter over Facebook to talk with friends.

Teenagers demanding a more private online communication channel nearly doubled Twitter's use for the coveted demographic as they flocked to the site's unique benefits. Twitter's default settings allow public access, but teenagers are finding ways to use the site differently. For example, teenagers can lock their accounts, use anonymous handles and establish multiple accounts to keep their communication under the radar, beyond prying eyes.

Teens who embrace Twitter because they are able to restrict who monitors their activity may still explore other options, especially in light of news the senior set and other adults are finding fun with the micro-blogging site. While society may cheer the granny trying to get 80,000 Twitter followers, to teens and others, it may be a signal to move on.

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr or Google+ have policies meant to bar kids under the age of 13, but savvy kids are finding answers in many free apps to create more private spaces. Apps like Instagram, the photo filtering program, are serving as a backdoor for kids to gather for private communications and sharing.

Often parents don't know these handy programs, which seem like sensible learning tools for their children, can be used to share their creations. For example, many kids are using Instagram, Versagram and Viddy to post and "like" photo-jokes and text messages they create. Instagram does have an age requirement, but parents may not be aware of this other use, and children can enter fake birth dates to satisfy it.

Starting Early

Kids are good at finding new places to connect, preferably unsupervised by their families. Despite their concerns about online predators, bullying and lost hours in front of the screen, parents are learning how difficult it is to prevent their kids from interacting with social media, when new options and mutations sprout up apparently daily.

The kids' persistence, combined with the parents' belief that it is in the children's best interests to be nimble with technology, is sparking growth in social networks and other interactive content younger kids can engage with and parents can monitor to make these early exposures fun and educational.

This summer, Microsoft and Scholastic will help sponsor an inaugural conference, which takes place June 29-July 1 in Philadelphia, to bring together over 200 creative teens and tweens from around the country along with their families. At the three-day conference, teens will develop skills through hands-on workshops and interactive sessions, learn how they can take their creative endeavors to a more professional level, explore the impact that kids are having on the broader digital culture, and meet other like-minded teens.

"We have teens, college professors, business people, bloggers, editors, entrepreneurs, and programmers coming together for this event. These remarkable online professionals are committed to sharing their expertise and experience with the next generation of digital creators in a way that is both entertaining and useful in the real world," says conference co-founder Jennie Baird.

The conference reflects what emerging companies are already capitalizing on. Social media start-up KidzVuz, for example, helps kids create content at an early age without using their names to ease concerns about establishing a permanent record.

KidzVuz, developed by two technologically active New York City mothers, lets kids create a profile with handles like "LittleMermaid" to showcase their video reviews of books, movies, trends and activities, and parents have to approve the account. There is no private messaging, and comments are actively monitored.

The idea behind this and other social network entertainment networks for kids under the age of 13, like Walt Disney's Club Penguin, Imbee, Kidsocial, Scuttlepad and Everloop, is to create a safe place for children to learn how to communicate effectively and politely on a more controlled medium that will be key to their social, academic and economic lives.

For example, the children learn lessons about film production like lighting and dialogue by making videos to post on the networks, and they can understand, with advice from parents and peers, what topics are interesting and proper as they create their own content.

By starting younger kids out on "training wheels" of social media, and stressing some good sharing practices, parents can plant early seeds that will bear fruit when their children hit the tween and teenage years.

Influence and Instruction: A Combined Approach

For parents with children who are already teenagers and missed the window these social media "starter networks" give, developing an evolving rulebook for kids' online activities is crucial.

Letting teens know what's okay and what's not on Facebook and Twitter and learning a few things about privacy settings can greatly diminish the risks of social-network snafus. Teens understand some of the bigger implications, so talk with them about setting these options to "friends only," meaning no one outside the child's immediate, approved circle can interact with them. Facebook also allows disabling its location services, meaning status updates won't include the child's whereabouts.

On Twitter, explore options like Tweet Privacy, which protects the user's tweets by making them visible only to approved people -- not the world at large. Another setting worth enabling is the "Always use HTTPS" feature, which tells Twitter to use a secure connection when possible, thus reducing the risk of the user's account getting hacked.

Also, just because social media is so appealing to tweens and teens doesn't mean it is an absolute right. Parents can use their kids' fascination with social media as a parenting tool to reward their children's behavior and accomplishments.

Ignoring social media and your children's digital lives is not an option, since they aren't going away anytime soon and could feature prominently in college applications and job prospects.

Parents can influence their tweens and teens' online behavior and get a head start teaching younger kids about the implications of privacy, the permanence of their Web footprint, the basics of brand building and something about online manners.

Consider the issue of your kids' digital lives not with an attitude of resignation, but as an opportunity to bolster your child's understanding. After all, if parenting is done right, these kids will one day head out into a world where you aren't there at every step.

The Secret Online Lives of Tweens: What Parents Can Do originally appeared at Mobiledia on Wed May 16, 2012 12:52 pm.

mobiledia.com | 16-May-2012 23:20

Why Brain Sensors Are Dangerous Behind the Wheel

Brainput, a device that promises to help drivers multitask, may actually put drivers in danger.

Researchers at MIT, Tufts and Indiana University created a portable brain sensor that's small enough to wrap around the forehead. Brainput recognizes when users are multitasking and feeds information to one or more devices ranging from computers to cars, promising to ease the wearer's responsibilities by automating the devices.

Brainput operates like a standard-issue brain monitor, but its software responds to brain wave activity, signaling multitasking, and sends information to one of the user's devices. Though researchers experimented with robots, they believe Brainput can help automate cars, military vehicles and a variety of other machines.

The idea of "smart cars", or partly automated vehicles, is catching on, especially for their ability to help older drivers stay behind the wheel. And Brainput can work as a smart car accessory, sending the vehicle into an automated state while the driver texts or plays a quick game of "Angry Birds."

But distracted driving deaths caused by smartphone use are on the rise, and lawmakers and police are going to great lengths to curb the destructive behavior. Although the campaigns to curb distracted driving are intense, the increasing ubiquity of smartphone use is making it difficult to stomp out altogether.

If Brainput takes hold as a car accessory, it throws a curveball at distracted driving opponents, since habitual in-car phone users can defend themselves by claiming their car was being automatically driven. As with other smart car technology, this can do more harm than good, as drivers wouldn't pay attention to the task they delegated. And if Brainput's automatic commands experienced a glitch or a delay, drivers may get in an accident.

Like Google's automated cars, currently being test-driven in Nevada, Brainput can give people behind the wheel too much peace of mind, encouraging them to stop paying attention, which leaves everyone on the road at the mercy of a computer program.

Brainput is helpful behind a desk, sending messages while attention drifts away. But when the task is as potentially life-and-death, Brainput does more harm than good.

Why Brain Sensors Are Dangerous Behind the Wheel originally appeared at Mobiledia on Wed May 16, 2012 11:44 am.

mobiledia.com | 16-May-2012 23:05

How Cyber-Hacks Are Hurting Small Businesses

Cyber-attacks on small businesses are repelling customers and costing a fortune, leaving owners with tough choices on how to strengthen their online defenses against increasingly common security breaches.

According to a Neustar study, 70 percent of surveyed businesses experienced prolonged distributed denial of service, or DDoS, attacks that drove away countless customers and millions of dollars in potential revenue.

Over five hundred IT professionals admitted their greatest fear is the customer backlash and heavy cost of distributed denial of service attacks. DDoS attacks overload servers with requests, overwhelming websites in a heavy flow of traffic.

Retailers worried about hacking the most, as such attacks cost an average of $100,000 per hour.

"This is a significant amount of money," observed Ted Swearingen, director of the Neustar Security Operations Center. "People don't realize there are a lot of other costs associated with DDoS, such as brand damage."

Neustar's study suggests if large firms suffer monetarily from cyber-attacks, small businesses have an even harder time handling increased security breaches.

For instance, Sony stands out as a significantly damaged brand, following a string of Anonymous DDoS hacks from April until October 2011. The attacks cost millions in cleanup and forced the company to compensate disgruntled users for failing to protect their data.

The Japanese company was big enough to stay afloat following this disaster, but most small entrepreneurs would have sunk in its wake. And in this case Anonymous hackers didn't even aim to steal from Sony's financial centers, preferring instead to humiliate the electronics maker by publicizing user information.

"While Anonymous has been getting a lot of headlines, our data tells us that most of these attacks are happening for the old-school reasons of why you'd want to knock out a site: financial gain and competitive advantage," said Sweringen.

Small businesses are just as vulnerable as big corporations against financial DDoS attacks, since the payout is lower but the threat of retaliation much slimmer. And financially motivated attacks are increasingly common, as Swearingen states.

"You have a one in three chance of a DDoS attack. It is something that IT teams and companies need to prepare for," he warns.

But under five percent of participants in Neustar's study have any protection against DDoS attacks, using only firewalls and rudimentary software to discourage hackers.

Further, many businesses use generic passwords like "password1" and "1234" to shield sensitive data rather that switching to complicated, unhackable codes.

Cyber-insurance, sold by firms like Travelers Companies and Chubb, also offer a refuge to both small and large businesses seeking protection against cyber-criminals. Still, this method is only partially helpful as it may not cover certain claims like civil lawsuits.

New government regulations may also soon enable small businesses to collaborate with the National Security Administration in warding off cyber-criminals. But civil rights advocates say these bills violate the First Amendment and may eliminate more liberties than they grant.

With the number of cyber-hacks is the rise, small companies will need to set aside finances for comprehensive preparations to fortify their electronic defenses to avoid Sony's fate. However, they will also need to weigh whether the investment will be money well-spent, or if any company can really be protected against the ever-increasing -- and more aggressive -- amount of cyber-attacks.

How Cyber-Hacks Are Hurting Small Businesses originally appeared at Mobiledia on Wed May 16, 2012 9:12 am.

mobiledia.com | 16-May-2012 22:50

Boost Mobile set to offer Smith Micro's Visual Voicemail features starting on May 31st

Up until now, the Boost Mobile crowd's been missing out on those fancy visual voicemail creations, but that's about to change starting on May 31st. Earlier today, Smith Micro announced it's delivering its Visual Voicemail features to the prepaid-friendly carrier, with the upcoming Boost-branded HTC EVO Design 4G being the first slab to offer said tidbits. Smith Micro is also adding an optional service dubbed "Voicemail-to-Text," which -- for an extra $1.99 per month -- will essentially turn those vocal messages into words and send them to you via text message or email. With the launch of the "four-gee" waves in mind, we're certain you're enjoying all the incoming news of late.

Continue reading Boost Mobile set to offer Smith Micro's Visual Voicemail features starting on May 31st

Boost Mobile set to offer Smith Micro's Visual Voicemail features starting on May 31st originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 16-May-2012 22:22

Motorola Droid 4 gets leaked ICS build, official Android 4.0.4 may soon follow

We've known for quite some time that Motorola intended to push Ice Cream Sandwich to the Droid 4, but until now the waiting game continued, with no end in sight. It now appears that the smartphone maker is making serious progress on its own Motoblur-infused flavor of ICS, with a stock version of the upgrade making the rounds since last night. According to early adopters, the build seems to enable complete functionality, but upgrading early will leave your device locked to 4.0.4, with no option for future updates. So, for now, it makes sense to hang tight, but it'd be reasonable to assume that Moto-sanctioned ICS is indeed on its way to the Droid 4. Impatient owners will find everything they need at the source link after the break.

Motorola Droid 4 gets leaked ICS build, official Android 4.0.4 may soon follow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 16-May-2012 20:51

Motorola Motosmart Mix XT550 masks its middling specs with a set of nice headphones

HTC may be over the idea of including premium earbuds with its smartphones, but Motorola is stepping up to give it the ol' college try with its Motosmart Mix XT550. The phone will sell in China for ¥1,699 and is targeted at "people who really care about music." Along with the bundled set of headphones, you'll also discover a dedicated button to open the Sina Micro Music application. Beyond these selling points, however, the handset is a bit behind the curve. The XT550 features Android 2.3.6, a Qualcomm MSM7255A SoC with an 800MHz CPU, 512MB of RAM, a 3-megapixel camera and a 4-inch, HVGA display. On a positive note, the 1,735mAh battery is said to provide up to 30 hours of music playback. All things considered, however, we're inclined to agree: you'd have to "really care about music" to spring for this one. Undeterred? You'll find the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Motorola Motosmart Mix XT550 masks its middling specs with a set of nice headphones

Motorola Motosmart Mix XT550 masks its middling specs with a set of nice headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 16-May-2012 20:27

Verizon CFO says grandfathered unlimited plans on the way out

Verizon Communications CFO Fran Shammo shattered many a hopes and dreams today speaking at the J.P. Morgan Technology, Media and Telecom conference. During his address, Shammo indicated that customers who have been grandfathered in to the unlimited data plan may soon find themselves pushed into tiered territory, with the debut of the carrier's shared data plans. "Everyone will be on data share," Shammo said, clarifying that, "a lot of our 3G base is on unlimited... [and] when they migrate off 3G they will have to go to data share." Obviously, with many customers clinging desperately to their truly unlimited usage in the shift to LTE, such a move would ruffle more than a few feathers. It's not clear if this will affect customers who have already made the leap to LTE devices or if it will be limited to customers migrating from 3G phones after a particular cut off date. We've reached out to Verizon for comment, but so far Big Red is keeping mum. We'll just have to take Shammo at his word for now. We hope you like data caps. To hear the comments in full hit up the source link.

Update: We just finished listening through the entire webcast (we're still waiting for the transcript) and found the quote that is going to make most customers shake their fists in anger:

"LTE is our anchor point for data share. So, as you come through an upgrade cycle and you upgrade in the future, you will have to go on to the data share plan. And moving away from, if you will, the unlimited world and moving everyone into a tiered structure data share plan."

Doesn't get much clearer than that, but we're still hoping Verizon will come back and say Shammo was speaking out of turn... fingers crossed.

Verizon CFO says grandfathered unlimited plans on the way out originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 16-May-2012 19:43

Evernote 4.0 for Android sweeps in new home screen, list UI (video)

'Tis the season for major Android app remakes, this time with Evernote going for a much appreciated adaptation to a more swipe-friendly universe. The 4.0 update of the note-taking app has a new home screen that lets you swipe out a hidden menu to get to your notes without having to always jump backwards -- one of our pet peeves. Much of the overall navigation now leans towards swipes over buttons, and the list views for notes and notebooks are a good deal simpler. Combined with new contextual action bars, the revamp puts the text, audio and photo recorder much more at home in the Android 4.0 era than earlier versions. It still requires just Android 1.6, so nearly anyone can take a look by visiting the Google Play link below.

Continue reading Evernote 4.0 for Android sweeps in new home screen, list UI (video)

Evernote 4.0 for Android sweeps in new home screen, list UI (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 16-May-2012 19:21

LG shows off UI 3.0 for Ice Cream Sandwich devices, says it's 'unobtrusive and simple'

Love them or hate them, those ubiquitous Android skins aren't going anywhere any time soon. Now the latest one to make an entrance to the overlay game is LG's UI 3.0, which the Korean outfits says will make the overall experience of its handsets easier, speedier and "more convenient." The new UI brings features such as a novel drag anywhere-style lock screen, an Icon Customizer for setting your own photos as icons / shortcuts, a revamped Pattern Lock that lets you preset apps for quicker launch and a Voice Shutter trait for taking snaps via voice commands -- à la Sammy S Voice. UI 3.0 is set to make its debut next week with the launch of LG's Optimus LTE II in Korea, while the Optimus 4X HD will also come sporting the fresh skin once it launches in June.

Continue reading LG shows off UI 3.0 for Ice Cream Sandwich devices, says it's 'unobtrusive and simple'

LG shows off UI 3.0 for Ice Cream Sandwich devices, says it's 'unobtrusive and simple' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 12:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 16-May-2012 18:39

Sprint reportedly cancelling its early upgrade program June 1st

Like dominoes, Sprint's consumer-friendly policies continue to fall one at a time. Citing "high costs," the Now Network will begin discontinuing its practice of allowing customers to upgrade their phone 10-14 days prior to the official date of eligibility. According to the memo leaked by TechnoBuffalo, the program will cease to exist as of June 1st. It sounds like this policy change is an unfortunate consequence of the company's large investments in iPhones and its still-dormant LTE network. It may not be enough to convince many Sprint customers to jump ship, but this isn't the first cost-cutting measure put forth by Dan Hesse's team -- and we have a hard time believing it will be the last. We've reached out to Sprint for official comment and will update you as soon as we have word.

Sprint reportedly cancelling its early upgrade program June 1st originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 16-May-2012 17:28

Xiaomi Phone gets a Youth Edition, a less powerful, cheaper alternative for students

Many of you are already familiar with the Xiaomi Phone and its reverence in the MIUI community, but now the Chinese manufacturer has introduced a less expensive counterpart to the original, which is aptly known as the Youth Edition. Priced at 1,499 yuan ($237), this smartphone will sell for a full 500 yuan less than its elder and will retain many of its components, which include a 4-inch, 854 x 480 display, an 8-megapixel camera, 4GB of ROM and a 1,930mAh battery. In fact, the only significant changes are the dual-core 1.2GHz CPU (which is down from 1.5GHz), and 768MB of RAM instead of the original 1GB. Xiaomi will produce 150,000 Youth Edition handsets, which seems like a healthy number, but if you want to stake your claim to one, you'd best join in the pre-registration process, which runs now through May 18th.

Xiaomi Phone gets a Youth Edition, a less powerful, cheaper alternative for students originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 09:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   Engadget China (translated) , M.I.C. Gadget  |  Xiaomi (translated)  | Email this  | Comments
engadgetmobile.com | 16-May-2012 15:05

PSA: Google Music allows four device de-authorizations per year, rooters beware

Just when you thought you could go on rooting and switching ROMs with impunity, it turns out you can't -- at least, not if you want to continue enjoying your Google Music account. Watchful eyes at XDA Developers have discovered a snag in Google's authorization system, which means that not only is there an upper limit of ten devices that can be authorized simultaneously, but there's also a limit of four de-authorizations per year. Since every time you flash your phone or tablet counts as a new authorization, and since your other devices probably hog a few tickets already, rooters will quickly hit the ten-device limit, at which point they're going to have to think long and hard about their de-auth strategy. Is that a ration of one flash per quarter? But then what happens if you buy a new device in a few months' time? Oh, this is too much.

[Thanks, Aman]

PSA: Google Music allows four device de-authorizations per year, rooters beware originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 07:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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engadgetmobile.com | 16-May-2012 13:45