Thursday, January 31, 2013

iPhone users pay higher cell phone bills than any other smartphone user

iPhone users the biggest cash cows for carriers

iPhone users pay more in carrier fees on average than the users of other smartphones. New data indicates that 60% of iPhone users spend at least $100 per month on their cellular plan, with 10% spending $200 or more. Conversely, only 53% of Android users pay over $100 per month, with 7% paying $200 or more. Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), the company that provided the data, says that this spending has little to do with usage habits, according to the Wall Street Journal:

“We think it has to do with their data plans and carriers, rather than their usage habits,” CIRP co-founder Michael Levin explained. “They are all on expensive data plans, unlike Android users, some of which are on prepaid or unsubsidized plans with regional carriers.”

This is not really surprising. Verizon and AT&T, the two largest wireless providers in the United States, also charge their customers the most. Plans on Verizon start at $100 per month, with $40 for line access, and $60 for 2 GB of data. By comparison, they charge $10 per month for tablet access. AT&T starts individual customers at $60 per month, with $40 for 450 minutes, $20 for 300 MB of data, and no included text messaging.

But just because the carriers are charging more for these smartphones doesn’t necessarily mean that they are making more money, as the iPhone has higher subsidies than other phones in its class. Carriers use the more expensive plans to make back more of their money faster than they used to.

What is your wireless plan like? Have you found ways of saving money on these plans? Let us know below in the comments.

Source: Wall Street Journal



Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/yxrodLftR2w/story01.htm

TAKETWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE SYNTEL SYNTAXBRILLIAN SYNOPSYS

Color vulnerable to simple GPS hack, lets you spy on anyone, anywhere

Color, the $41-million-in-funding location-oriented photo sharing startup, is susceptible to simple GPS spoofing. With nothing more than a jailbroken iPad or iPhone, you can use FakeLocation to trick Color into thinking you're somewhere else. Within seconds you can be browsing photos that were snapped thousands of miles away. With a little digging, you can pore through photos not intended for your eyes.

Of course, such a hack isn't illegal as such -- every photo you take with Color is public. With FakeLocation you are simply circumventing Color's very limited location-oriented security mechanism. It does undermine Color's usefulness (and uniqueness), though -- if nefarious types can sit in their bedroom or basement and eavesdrop on classy dinner parties and wild night club soirees, people might be less inclined to share personal photos with those around them.

Fortunately, both for Color and its users, this is an easy security hole to plug -- at least in the short term. The app (or server-side) code simply checks to see if the user has 'teleported' an impossibly large distance, without any intermediate steps in between. In the long term, though, Color's users must be aware that its social graph is completely public. Color's users must realize that every photo they upload is visible by anyone, from any place.

After the break, just to elucidate a little on Color's actual business model and ultimate intention, we have two amazing quotes from Bill Nguyen, Color's founder.

Continue reading Color vulnerable to simple GPS hack, lets you spy on anyone, anywhere

Color vulnerable to simple GPS hack, lets you spy on anyone, anywhere originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 05:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/29/color-vulnerable-to-simple-gps-hack-lets-you-spy-on-anyone-any/

IRON MOUNTAIN INORATED IOMEGA INTUIT INTERSECTIONS

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 to launch in UK by March

Android CentralFollowing last week's global Galaxy Xcover 2 launch, Samsung UK has revealed that the phone will be headed to British shores, with a UK launch for the ruggedized handset scheduled to occur "by March."

The Galaxy Xcover 2 is Samsung's most latest hardened, IP67-certified water and dust-resistant smartphone, powered by a dual-core 1GHz processor with 1GB of RAM, and running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box. Other highlights include a 5MP camera, 4GB of internal storage and a microSD slot.

We don't typically expect bleeding-edge internals in this kind of smartphone, but the Galaxy Xcover 2 certainly packs more of a punch than previous ruggedized phones. For more details on this device, head on over to our original announcement post, or check the presser after the break.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/UMlUAZMBCE0/story01.htm

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LG Spirit 4G arrives on MetroPCS, delivers 4.5-inch display and ICS to the budget-minded crowd

LG Spirit 4G arrives on MetroPCS, delivers 45inch display and ICS to the budgetminded crowd

We are definitely no strangers to seeing MetroPCS bring well-priced, decently-specced Android handsets to market, and we have a feeling that's something potential and current subscribers certainly appreciate. Because, well, who doesn't like choice? With today's LG Spirit 4G launch, MetroPCS continues to expand its LTE-at-a-bargain ideals, announcing a smartphone that carries some pretty decent specs for being contract-free and costing a mere 269 bucks. Naturally, the 4.5-inch, 960 x 540 display is among the Spirit's main highlights, but there's also an unspecified 1.2GHz, dual-core CPU, a 5-megapixel rear shooter capable of 1080p video, and Ice Cream Sandwich, to boot. The carrier's quick to point out that its newly introduced slab is a follow-up to that LG Motion 4G we saw last year, and that it's compatible with those LTE plans which were unveiled earlier this month. It's worth noting that while the LG Spirit 4G's official MSRP is $269, MetroPCS will have it up for grabs, starting today, at the cheaper price of $199 -- that, of course, after a beloved mail-in rebate and for "a limited time" only. You'll find a couple more press shots after the break, and be sure to hit the source link if you're interested in grabbing one of these for yourself.

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Source: MetroPCS

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/XfiqdVoY1pY/

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EFF speaks on the illegality of unlocking in the US and what it means for end users

EFF speaks on the illegality of unlocking in the US and what it means for end users

As of just a few days ago, unlocking your iPhone, or any other wireless device for that matter, is no longer legal. The EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) has stepped forward to clarify exactly what that means and who it ultimately will affect. As it turns out, it isn't necessarily the end user that would be violating the law.

According to a report by 9to5Mac, it's actually the unlockers themselves that will most likely be affected according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

More likely, wireless carriers, or even federal prosecutors, will be emboldened to sue not individuals, but rather businesses that unlock and resell phones.

Basically, wireless carriers and big business aren't going to go after the end user. If you purchased an unlock from a site on the internet and you're walking around with an illegally unlocked phone, the odds of you getting in trouble for that are almost invisible. The liability would mainly lie on the company that provided the unlock to you.

Carriers such as AT&T will unlock your iPhone for you once you've fulfilled the commitment term of your contract. This can be done by completing the full term or upgrading to a new iPhone or other device, which in turn would allow your older iPhone to be unlocked legally.

As for jailbreak, that's still legal under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act).

The legal shield for jailbreaking and rooting your phone remains up – it’ll protect us at least through 2015.

It's also worth noting that any device that was purchase before the new rule went into affect is still fair game. So if you've purchased an iPhone or other mobile device before that date, you're still legally entitled to unlock it, whether that's officially through your carrier or any other outlet.

Source: 9to5Mac



Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/iNSJDwl_WBY/story01.htm

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Tarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game

tarzanball
So, you're a ball. A Tarzan Ball, to be precise. You've earned the nickname thanks to your astonishing ability to shoot out a lengthy 'vine' (I hope it's a vine) at objects, and then pull yourself towards those objects.

That's a handy ability to have, especially since you've got no legs, no arms, and no other means of transportation. In Tarzan Ball, the rope is everything. But you don't just swing around the screen aimlessly - that wouldn't be much of a game now, would it?

Instead, your goal in life is to collect "targets". Each level has one of these "targets" hidden away somewhere on the screen, usually behind some kind of barrier. Once you navigate close enough to the target, you can shoot your rope at it and just reel it in. That's when you pass the level.

You can't die in this game, but it can still be very frustrating. It's actually one of the tougher games I've posted recently. Still, if you enjoy physics games, this one is quite nicely made.

[This is actually the sequel to IQ Ball, which we covered last year! -Ed]

Tarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/21/tarzan-ball-is-a-tricky-hook-and-pull-physics-game/

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The Engadget Mobile Podcast: BlackBerry 10 edition, live at 4pm ET!

The Engadget Mobile Podcast BlackBerry 10 edition, live at TKTKpm!

We're not saying that the entire podcast will dedicated to today's launch of BlackBerry 10, but let's face it -- that's the news of the week, and there's a lot to talk about. We're hoping to be joined by some special guests as we discuss the new phones and what it means for the future of RIM. Regardless of who joins us, however, it's going to be a great podcast, so make sure to tune in!

January 30, 2013 4:00 PM EST

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/yRdvf97cUWg/

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New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching

Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos
Later today, Firefox will undergo its biggest developmental upheaval ever. Mozilla-central, the source of nightly builds, will be renumbered to version 5 -- and at long last, after years of wallowing around version 1, Mozilla's rendering and layout engine, Gecko, will also have its version number updated to match Firefox.

Shortly thereafter, Firefox's new channel system will be implemented. Firefox 5a2 will be introduced as the first Aurora build, and we should also see a Firefox 6 Nightly build. While we we're not sure where they came from, one Sören Hentzschel seems to have unearthed the new Nightly and Aurora logos (see above), along with new About Firefox dialogs (after the break).

In other news, if you want to take a sneak peek at the new 'channel changing' technology that will be introduced in upcoming Firefox builds, head to about:config and create a new string called app.update.desiredChannel -- the value doesn't matter. Then open Help > About Firefox and you'll be able to switch channel, but it doesn't do anything just yet (image after the break). Here's hoping that Firefox channel switching is smoother than Chrome.

Continue reading New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching

New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/new-firefox-nightly-and-aurora-logos-unearthed-and-how-to-enabl/

ADOBE SYSTEMS ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINEERING ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS ALLTEL

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Instrumental Car Chases, Asshole Ghost Cats, and the Return of Weed Porn

The Box - Chickenbug

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Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/sfor3qaGUS8/instrumental-car-chases-asshole-ghost-cats-and-the-return-of-weed-porn

ELECTRONIC ARTS ECLIPSYS EASTMAN KODAK CO EARTHLINK

Windows 8 now available to OEMs via Microsoft Connect

windows 8Select Microsoft Connect partners -- major players like HP -- have been given their first taste of Windows 8. According to various sources, the build string currently sits at 7971.0.110324-1900, which is the third milestone build of the successor to Windows 7.

So far, there haven't been many details revealed about Windows 8. An actual System Restore -- which is being referred to as History Vault -- has been reported, and the feature will allow users and administrators to completely roll back a system to a previous state. A factory reset option is also said to be included.

We've also seen Windows Live integration taking shape on the desktop. It's believed that you'll be able to log in to Windows 8 using your Windows Live credentials, not just a traditional offline Windows username and password.

All that's left now is for a leaked Windows 8 build to show up on a torrent site. Feel free to tip us if you see that happen.

Windows 8 now available to OEMs via Microsoft Connect originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/windows-8-now-available-to-oems-via-microsoft-connect/

YAHOO YAHOO XILINX WESTERN DIGITAL

BlackBerry's Best Trick: Nailing Work-Life Balance

Today BlackBerry demoed what it's calling BlackBerry Balance, a clever way of separating one's personal and work lives in one device. You don't see it as much these days but carrying two phones—one for business, one for pleasure—was commonplace not too long ago. I remember having a BlackBerry 6200 alongside my Sidekick 2; and I'm sure a lot of you remember those days as well. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/IbdfFDquSp8/blackberry-might-have-nailed-the-work+life-balance-dilemma

HEARTLAND PAYMENT SYSTEMS GOOGLE GOOGLE FORMFACTOR

In-app payment support arrives on Android

Right on cue, Google has launched in-app payment support for Android applications. Developer testing began last week, and now many popular apps -- like the ones pictured above -- can begin charging users for add-on functionality, content, or whatever the heck else they feel is worthy of additional bits of your pocket change. If you were wondering, Google will take the same 30% cut that Apple takes from in-app purchases.

At last we can buy individual issues in Comics with minimal fuss!

In-app payment support arrives on Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/in-app-payment-support-arrives-on-android/

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BlackBerry Z10 spotted at retailers prior to BB10 event

BlackBerry Z10 spotted at retailers prior to BB10 event

Looks like retailers might be jumping the gun a bit on the about-to-be-announced BlackBerry Z10 smartphone. Twitter user @bandozer spotted one at a UK Phones4U retailer and managed to snap a pic (after the break), saying that "it looks and feels good," while our own tipster forwarded us the above image that came from another store. Looks like the only thing that'll stop the numerous leaks is when RIM finally announces the darned thing -- sometime in the next hour or two.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

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Via: The Verge

Source: @Bandozer (Twitter)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-z10-spotted-at-uk-retailer-prior-to-bb10-event/

INTERSECTIONS INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES (IBM)