tagged w/ Smart Phones
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Phone Story, a new iPhone game app, was launched then quickly banned today by the iTunes App Store. It's an educational game that takes players on a tour of the darkside of iPhone manufacture — mining of blood minerals by children, toxic recycling centers in developing nations, suicide-inducing working conditions of Chinese factories, and more.Phone Story, a new iPhone game app, was launched then quickly banned today by the... more
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We have seen Angry Birds in real life before but never on this scale. T-Mobile's new advert is packed with real shooting birds and exploding pigs.We have seen Angry Birds in real life before but never on this scale. T-Mobile's... more
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These days, mobile phones are much more than just a way to have a conversation with someone that's far away. Phones are also cameras, camcorders, personal assistants, calendars, computers, bookstores, and GPS devices.
But all this extra functionality comes with a price: the need for constant charging. If you're tired of being a slave to the power cord, here are some innovative ways that you can stay juiced without an outlet.
Keep Reading: http://t.co/XPrwRIlThese days, mobile phones are much more than just a way to have a conversation with... more
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by Eric K. Arnold, Media Consortium blogger
Smart phones are hip, trendy, and loaded with user-friendly apps. But these devices also collect and store your personal information, leaving huge security gaps.
The prevalence of spyware in mobile technology and social networking sites has huge implications as a privacy issue, since users have no way of knowing who’s peeping, or for what purpose. New concerns over mobile and Internet privacy have been raised at the federal and state level, and there’s already push-back from some of the major players in the tech industry.
Privacy Please
As Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) writes for Care2, recent studies indicate smart phones and other mobile apps are being used as remote spyware. Franken, one of the leading advocates for Net Neutrality and other media policy issues on Capitol Hill, notes that researchers found that “both iPhones and Android phones were automatically collecting certain location information from users’ phones and sending it back to Apple and Google—even when people weren’t using location applications.”
One particularly disturbing aspect of these revelations is that location information could be used by cyberstalkers. Franken notes he’s been contacted by battered women’s organizations on this issue, but as the senator states, there are “a range of harms that can come from privacy breaches.”
Stronger federal law concerning mobile broadband security is needed, Franken argues.
“Right now, once the maker of a mobile app, a company like Apple or Google, or even your wireless company gets your location information, in many cases, under current federal law, these companies are free to disclose your location information and other sensitive information to almost anyone they please — without telling you. And then the companies they share your information with can share and sell it to yet others — again, without letting you know.”
Social Networking Privacy Bill Faces Opposition from Facebook and Twitter
The widespread popularity of social networking has also resulted in widespread concerns over privacy. Yet, as Truthout’s Nadia Prupis reports, “Facebook, Google, Skype, and Twitter have joined forces to oppose an online privacy bill in California that would prevent the companies from displaying users’ personal information without explicit permission.”
The bill in question is SB 242, a.k.a. the Social Networking Privacy Act. Introduced by California State Senator Ellen Corbett (D), the bill would create stronger privacy guidelines, and also require social networking sites to remove personal information, if the user requests, within 48 hours. A failure to do so would result in a $10,000 fine per instance.
Facebook and other sites say such privacy protections could harm their business. But legislators weren’t so sure. California’s Senate Judiciary Committee, which passed the measure on May 16, called the threat to privacy “serious,” adding, “[It] is unclear how requiring that default settings be set to private would unduly restrict the free expression of users who elect to disseminate their information.”
Tweeting Back at Comcast
Former FCC Commissioner Meredith Attwell-Baker’s pending move to Comcast has been met with loud cries over conflict of interest. As Public News Service’s Mark Scheerer reports, more controversy has erupted, this time over Reel Grrls, a Seattle media training summer camp for young women, which sent out a tweet denouncing Attwell-Baker’s new job.
“Following Reel Grrls’ Twitter post,” Scheerer says, “a local Comcast vice-president immediately rescinded its annual $18,000 donation to the girls’ program. Comcast then apologized, calling it an action by an ‘unauthorized employee.’ By then, says Reel Grrls director Mallory Graham, the media had picked up the story and support came pouring in.”
The story goes on to note that non-profits like the Center For Media Justice (CMJ) helped to raise more than $14,000 for the program, allowing Reel Grrls to politely decline Comcast’s offer to restore the funding. The upshot of the whole episode: Reel Grrls’ will focus its summer program on free speech issues.
An Open Internet, Communities of Color, and Astroturf Orgs
Afro-Netizen recently picked up an op-ed by CMJ’s Malkia Cyril on digital diversity as it relates to Net Neutrality. Cyril writes:
In the fight over who will control the Internet, big companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast are hoping they will win a pass on FCC oversight and public interest protection leaving them free to make as much profit as they can even if the service they provide is gated and discriminatory. Some civil rights groups are legitimately concerned that protecting the public from discrimination online -especially the poor and people of color- from the proven abuses of Big Media companies will result in those companies refusing to build out high speed broadband to rural communities and poor urban communities.
She goes on to express her concern over media advocacy organization the Minority Media and Telecommunication Council (MMTC), calling it an “Astroturf” outfit whose positions on the open Internet issue happen to coincide with those of the telecommunication companies, while appearing to champion increased minority broadband access.
As Cyril points out, there’s a perplexing disconnect there. “What doesn’t make sense is that groups like MMTC would deny that the financial relationship between them and the same media companies that are blackmailing the communities MMTC claims to represent, has an impact on their position on open Internet protections.”
Who You Callin’ a Slut?
On May 24, MSNBC talk-show host Ed Schultz referred to conservative radio personality Laura Ingraham as a “right-wing slut.” Though Schultz was publicly rebuked and quickly suspended by MSNBC after his remark, Yana Walton of the Women’s Media Center blogged that sexism isn’t OK, even when it’s directed at someone whose politics you don’t agree with. Though Walton says Schultz has historically been a supporter of women’s issues, she also notes:
In a media climate where Talkers Magazine’s “Heavy Hundred” list of the top talk radio hosts only included 12 women with their own programs, (plus two women co-hosts), such comments dissuade women from entering into political talk radio careers. Thus, such comments widen gender disparities in media even further and contribute to a climate where half of America’s voices and priorities are not heard.
Walton also praised MSNBC for their handling of the issue, saying the cable network’s “decision to place the issue of media sexism front and center was commendable, and today they set the example for other networks who are often guilty of media sexism, yet aren’t even beginning to address the problem.”
This post features links to the best independent, progressive reporting about media policy and media-related matters by members of The Media Consortium. It is free to reprint. To read more of the Wavelength, click here. You can also follow us on Twitter.by Eric K. Arnold, Media Consortium blogger
Smart phones are hip, trendy, and... more
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When it comes to your career, you want to be on top of things. It helps to be organized and productive. You need to show a command of your field, but you also need to make sure that you are developing personally and professionally. Technology has given us access to a number of tools that can help with career development.
link : http://www.onlineradiologyschools.org/30-indispensable-blackberry-apps-to-improve-your-career.htmlWhen it comes to your career, you want to be on top of things. It helps to be... more
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Latest research by Kantar Worldpanel ComTech US has found that women account for 54 per cent of the smartphone buyers, and a cool 24 per cent of them are typically young ones. The research has also found that a higher proportion of ‘wannabes’ are also students – accounting for 15% – as compared with 8% of current smartphone buyers.
So, that means a new generation of tech-aspiring Americans holds the key to the smartphones market. They could even push up sales of the smart handsets in the whole of US.
What can be seen as an interesting observation is that men under 34 years of age – who may be considered the early adopters – are now not a priority for smartphone makers whatsoever. This group of customers currently account for just 17 per cent of smart phone purchases, as against the 28 per cent during early 2010.
It is being seen that smartphone providers are forced to look beyond these early adopters and focus more on new audiences in a scenario where competition among companies is buoyant. For instance, Apple and BlackBerry have been dominant forces till recently and they continue in that vein even now.
Smartphone Sales in the US Seen Driven by Young, Female ‘Wannabe’ ConsumersHowever, brands of the likes of HTC and Samsung have accelerated ahead in the smartphone terrain. A look at the statistics will make it clear that while HTC grew their market share from 12 per cent to 19 per cent, Samsung saw their share rise from 4 per cent to 16 per cent since the beginning of 2010. There isn’t any doubt that the smartphone market is vibrant and skyrocketing.
The research has also found that 26% of consumers in the US are smartphone owners. Companies across the board have also sold a staggering 8.5 million devices during the latest quarter.
The ‘wannabes’ are the ones the phone makers now want to target, with most of the aspiring women and students not currently owning a smartphone but are looking forward to flaunt one. These ‘wannabes’, while being less concerned with the advanced features now offered, look more at the price factor. A 74 per cent of currently are willing to spend less than $90 on a handset.
That also means that the phone makers are also looking at pushing to their midst devices that offer touchscreen and a QWERTY keyboard, but without the most advanced functions that come with the high end devices.
Cost-consciousness seems to be growing. Look at how Apple has started making things move their way. Apple has given in to ‘wannabe’ demand by cutting down the price of its 3GS iPhone model on AT&T.Latest research by Kantar Worldpanel ComTech US has found that women account for 54... more
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Did you know your used smart phones could be worth cash? Technology expert Cat Schwartz gives you the scoop on SecureTradeIn.com and the easiest way to securely trade-in your phone while being green in the process.Did you know your used smart phones could be worth cash? Technology expert Cat... more
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1 year ago
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The Sprint Epic 4G, a Samsung Galaxy S series phone, is being released today. If you haven’t heard about a Galaxy S phone before, you will soon hear about them more and more.The Sprint Epic 4G, a Samsung Galaxy S series phone, is being released today. If you... more
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We live in a strange world that lets us do just about anything on a phone, and now MIT researchers have developed a prototype Android app that lets users check their eyesight and create an eyeglasses prescription all on their own. There’s no need for an appointment, it’s cheaper than an eye exam and the whole process takes about three minutes.
Read more: http://www.whitespace.bz/ws/web/forms/pulse/PulseMainArticle.aspx?id=501We live in a strange world that lets us do just about anything on a phone, and now MIT... more
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YPNation's Megan Linebarger talks to the creators of Zazu, "the smartest damn alarm clock."
"It is the brainchild of four young entrepreneurs, all under the age of 25, who despite busy schedules and school obligations have taken on the daunting task of launching a company. If the name sounds familiar, it's because it happens to be the same name as the famous bird from "The Lion King," who serves as King Mufasa's assistant. Associating their product with a friendly and relatable character was important in branding the company.
The core Zazu team* consists of Aaron Gerry, Punit Shah, Praful Mathur and Marc Held. Shah is what some may call a serial entrepreneur. This is his third startup. His other two companies - Boston Book Works and CoopRatings.com - were both learning experiences, helping him to perfect his skills as an entrepreneur. While he no longer works on either venture, CoopRatings.com, a service where students can rate their co-op experiences, is still up and running. Held, Zazu’s Chief Technology Officer, won the National Cyber Defense Award this past year and teaches an Android development class at Northeastern University--as a sophomore."
Read more: http://www.ypnation.net/launching-startup-case-studyYPNation's Megan Linebarger talks to the creators of Zazu, "the smartest... more
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The iPhone 3GS trounced the HTC Touch Pro2, BlackBerry’s Bold 9700 killed the Pixi and the Motorola DROID steamrolled the BlackBerry 8530. Which phone will move up in the ranks today? The HTC HD2 for T-Mobile or Verizon’s BlackBerry Storm 2?
The HTC HD2 isn’t available yet, but it will be hitting T-Mobile stores on March 24, just a week away. The Storm 2 has been available for quite some time and many BlackBerry fans are saying it is what the original Storm should have been.
Check the reviews and cast your vote:
http://blog.laptopmag.com/march-smart-phone-madness-game-4-htc-hd2-vs-blackberry-storm-2The iPhone 3GS trounced the HTC Touch Pro2, BlackBerry’s Bold 9700 killed the... more
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This was promised weeks ago then cruelly yanked away. Now it looks like the Android 2.1 update for the Droid is almost a reality. The folks over at Android Central spotted this PDF on Verizon’s site detailing the wonders of 2.1 and a link to step-by-step instructions on how to perform the upgrade.
http://blog.laptopmag.com/the-droid-android-2-1-update-coming-someday-maybe-march-21This was promised weeks ago then cruelly yanked away. Now it looks like the Android... more
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March Smart Phone Madness will pit 16 of the most popular smart phones from each of the four big carriers against each other. You may remember that we did something similar last year with netbooks, and since smart phones are swarming now, we thought we’d take that road this year.
We thought long and hard about which devices to include from the different carriers to make up our sweet 16. From the iPhone 3GS to the Motorola Droid and down to the Samsung Moment, we’re going to put them head-to-head and see who comes out on top with a little help from you, our dear and faithful readers.
Phones were chosen based on popularity, features, and value. We took a look at what each carrier has to offer and picked out the best, and while we’re stacking them up against each other, you’ll be voting on your favorites along the way. Will there be any Cinderella smart phones this year? Will Android be like the resurgent Big East? Is RIM the ACC, once proud, but now fading?
Click the link to find today's matchup and vote!
http://www.laptopmag.com/tag.aspx?tag=March+Smart+Phone+MadnessMarch Smart Phone Madness will pit 16 of the most popular smart phones from each of... more
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First it was Google Maps Navigation (Beta), which at first brought free spoken turn-by-turn directions to only the Motorola Droid (and later devices running OS 1.6 and up). Then came Google Buzz for mobile, the controversial social networking service, which is currently available for those Android phones running 2.0 and up. And just yesterday, the search-giant-turned-smart-phone-mogul released the very cool Gesture Search app, which allows users to look up contacts and locate applications just by scribbling a letter on the screen. Have a Motorola Cliq or a HTC Droid Eris or a Samsung Moment? Sucks to be you, because this app is also limited to Android 2.0 or above. It’s clear that Google is favoring the newer versions of its OS. This unfairly punishes both owners of devices running older flavors of Android, as well as Google’s partners.
http://blog.laptopmag.com/google%e2%80%99s-android-favoritism-punishes-users-and-partnersFirst it was Google Maps Navigation (Beta), which at first brought free spoken... more
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It’s the most important product launch for Dell this year. Maybe in the company’s history. And if you ask Neeraj Choubey, general manager of tablets within Dell’s Communications Solutions Group, the Mini 5 isn’t just another slate. He uses words like “category killer.” And that’s because the device that he’s bringing to market will be the first 5-inch Android tablet in the U.S. that can also make calls. Yes, the Mini 5 is a phone, as well as a mobile Internet device, camera, camcorder, GPS navigator, and media player. You could call it a tabletphone.
Choubey, who spent five years at Motorola and created Yahoo’s mobile search product before becoming a VC, also feels pretty strongly that the Mini 5 won’t be swept away by the iPad hype. And that’s because the two devices have different target audiences. In fact, Choubey told us flat out that the iPad isn’t really a mobile device, saying that it’s best for those who “have a handbag or a murse or whatever.”
Here are just some of the other highlights of our interview:
* Dell is working with AT&T to bring the Mini 5 to market (even though no official carrier partnership has been announced).
* The Mini 5 will access the Android Market, a big differentiator versus devices like the Archos 5 ($339.99) and bigger screen Android tablets, and the front-facing camera is designed for peer-to-peer video calls.
* Dell is working on a portfolio of devices that includes Android tablets with larger displays.
* The company will be rolling out a service that will allow customers to buy content once and have it be available on multiple Dell devices. (Reminds us a bit of iTunes, but Choubey used Amazon as his example.)
Full interview here: http://blog.laptopmag.com/dell-mini-5-is-a-category-killer-ipad-great-for-dudes-with-mursesIt’s the most important product launch for Dell this year. Maybe in the... more
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