Ancient iPad Prototypes

Image via: iPadGadget

The iPad was designed, of course, a long time before it actually came to market just like many other products. Apparently, however, the iPad started out much, much longer than most people, including little-old-me, ever realized, or in this case, way, way back as far as in the year 2000, some bloody twelve-years ago!

As you can see in the opening photo, the iPad started out as a much bigger device than the one that was eventually released to the throngs of happy iPad buyers. In fact, the iPad above was a whopping 13-inches across diagonally as compared to the slightly less than 10-inch model that we have and love today, which basically made it a 13-inch MacBook Pro without the keyboard!

The first iPad prototypes were not anywhere near as sleek, sexy or as super thin as today's models, but, but I guess yah all gotta start somewhere. You can see even more photos of early iPad tablets here, but what really amazes me is the notion that if the iPad actually started out as long ago as it did, then what, prey tell, have they also been dreaming up that we have yet to see?  Levitating screens, anyone?

In conclusion, the fact that Apple can prove that it has been working for on the iPad for so many years must put a little fear into the heart of Samsung which is now embroiled in what some are describing as the patent case of the century, one that if Samsung loses could cost it billions in fines and severely restrict it and every other tablet hopeful for years to come.






And that's my 2 cents 4 this cloudy, hot and muggy Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Is This Really The Next iPhone? (Video)

Above is an interesting video of what some are saying are the actual parts for Apple's upcoming iPhone 5. As you can see, it looks more-or-less like the current iPhone 4 and 4S, but somewhat longer in order to support a larger four-inch screen. It doesn't, however, appear to be much wider than the current or previous models, but one difference is that the back of the phone has a definitely rather nice and sharp looking two-toned appearance.

AppleInsider is reporting that others are claiming that the next iPhone, as well as a new iPod nano and the fabled iPad mini, will all debut this coming September 12, while actually going on sale on the 19th. What would be really interesting, if true, is that the iPad mini will reportedly sell for less than $200, which in my opinion would really screw the current sales of similar sized tablets, including the highly-praised Nexus 7.

Meanwhile, it also appears that Samsung's attempts to get away with copying the iPhone by suggesting that Apple's iPhone itself was copied from a previous Sony design was not the case at all, since Apple has now produced documents showing that it had iPhone designs, ones that are very similar to its current models, that easily  predates any of Sony's conceptual designs, and designs that were meant as nothing more than an 'enjoyable side project', and one that never came to fruition.

Image via: The Verge

Samsung and Apple are in an epic legal battle, starting today, that could see the the shape of the smartphone market forever changed, but its also a legal battle that some are saying is more about Apple vs Google rather than Apple vs Samsung. Apple has long claimed, more-or-less, that Google deliberately 'stole' or ripped iOS for Android.

In conclusion, as much as I like the reported shots of the next iPhone, as well as the video above, I still would have preferred to see a much more radical new look to the next iPhone. Yes, even though the current iPhones are indeed among the best looking smartphones out there, it still would have been nice to see something a little bit more different, a little bit more exciting and something that would help distinguish the iPhone even more from all of the others wannabee iPhones out there, and maybe, just maybe, actually put Samsung's highly touted Galaxy III to shame.




And that's my 2 cents 4 this gloriously mild and sunny Monday, July 30, 2012

Apple Buys AuthenTec, Is This The Beginning Of An Apple Buying Spree?

Even though some say that iOS is more secure than Android, it's apparently not secure enough for Apple as it has just spent a whopping $356-million to bolster its security by buying up  AuthenTec, a company that makes fingerprint sensors and identity management software that's deployed in mobile devices, computing, networking companies, service providers, as well as governments.

Interestingly, AuthenTec also counts some of Apple's biggest competitors among its clients, including Samsung, Motorola, Nokia, LG, and Lenovo, among many others.

I'm curious as to what this purchase will mean for the Apple competitors above. Will it mean that Apple will eventually cut them off from all of AuthenTec's goodies, or will AuthenTec's current contracts still have to be honored? If they are honoured, well at least it should bring a lot of extra change to Apple's already overflowing coffers.

Some are saying, of course, that this whole deal is truly all about Apple improving its already secure mobile and desktop security, which, of course, is always a good thing. However, it could be, as others have also been suggesting, that it's a defensive move on Apple's part. But if Apple is in acquisition mode then that, to me anyway, is even a better thing. After all, even though Apple has a lot of cash on hand, it's not that much good just sitting there in a bank collecting interest. Mind you, I would love to get all of that interest, but I want to see Apple do a lot more than collect interest, in other words I would love to see it making more strategic moves and even though AuthenTec is a great buy, it's only a start. 

In conclusion, and once again, I think that Apple's purchase of AuthenTec is just the beginning of what could be a buying spree, a buying spree that will see a lot of new companies adding more-and-more flexibility and sheer bone-crushing power, and making for a much more aggressive Apple in the process, and one that is willing and able to stand up to anyone and everyone, be they Google, Samsung, Microsoft, or whom ever.






And that's my 2 cents 4 this Friday, July 27, 2012

Affetto The Robot: The Cutest Little Creep Ever?

Engadget did a creepy post today on Affetto, the baby robot seen in the above video and I must say..... I'm a little creeped out by it! As creepy as it is, it's not as creepy as the video of Affetto's severed head being tested out for facial expressions below. I mean, seriously, what could be more creepy than a severed baby head that somehow is seemingly, yet impossibly, still alive and moving?

As noted by PlasticPals, Affetto is still in his early stages of development, but eventually, someday, the researchers at Osaka University hope to see this cute, but creepy, little fellow grow up, while probably making a lot of people throw-up in the process!

IMAGE VIA: PLASTICPAL

Even though this little creep might just be a robot, he's a rather adorable one at that and I can't help but fall in love with the little bugger, and I just can't wait to see him fully formed, walking and talking up a storm.

However, in conclusion, with that said, just don't expect me to go around and clean up any crap that this little creep might make in his little diaper's. Nonetheless, the more that I look at Affetto, the more I'm kind of growing rather attached to this cute, little Japanese baby face robot, whether he's still attached to his body or not.




And that's my 2 cents 4 this Thursday, July 26, 2012

After Apple's Recent Financials It's Time To Analyse The Analysts

Image via: NYT

Apple's third financial results for the year where not quite as high as the Wall Street analysts were predicting, and despite the fact that Apple met and exceeded its own guide lines, the end result was?

Simple: Apple's stock was punished big-time, down some $25.18, or 4.18%, at the time of this writing, in early morning trading. It was down even more earlier by over a whopping 6%.

It seems strange to me, really strange in fact, that even though it was the analysts that were wrong, it was still Apple's stock that got punished and not the analysts who's predictions were wrong.... again! After all, their predictions are nothing less than educated guesses, so shouldn't it be they, the analysts, rather than the stock who get punished?

Despite the fact that Apple didn't quite live up to their expectations, this time around anyway, these same Wall Street analysts are now anticipating that Apple will be posting a huge upcoming holiday quarter, and especially once the new iPhone is released, with AppleInsider reporting:

"The most accurate prediction ahead of Tuesday's earnings report, according to tracking from Philip Elmer-DeWitt of Apple 2.0, was Morgan Stanley's Katy Huberty, who was off by 1.6 percent on revenue and earnings per share and 3.8 percent on all categories, including product sales.

Huberty issued a note to investors after Tuesday's earnings call in which she said Apple's "near-term pain" will be offset by long-term gain." She sees a base-case valuation of AAPL stock at $720, with a bull-case of $960."

I have to admit that I really don't understand the financial market at all. Apple got it right; the analysts, for the most part, got it wrong, and yet it was Apple's stock that got punished, and despite the fact that Apple sold a record-breaking number of iPad's and posted a 20% gain in profits overall! Go figure. 

In conclusion, considering their dismal track record, I think it's about time that people start to analyse more carefully why they put their trust in these so-called analysts in the first place, since they've been pretty much wrong, pretty much most of the time!

And that's my 2 cents 4 this cool, but lovely sunny Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Apple Bans Samsung's Galaxy Tab 7.7 European-Wide

Image via: TalkAndroid

Good news for Apple, as noted by Florian Mueller:  it just won a European- wide ban of the Samsung Tab 7.7, but not the modified and newer Galaxy Nexus 7. However, Herr Mueller wrote:

"Today's decision is still a ruling made on the fast track. It is, by definition, a preliminary decision. The final decision has not even been made by the lower court yet, and it will also be possible to appeal that one. In the full-blown main proceeding, Apple is targeting a total of five Samsung tablets (and in a separate case, ten Samsung smartphones)."

Herr Mueller also noted that Apple is demanding a whopping $2.5-billion in compensation for loses due to Samsung's alleged wilful copying of the iPhone, writing that:

"Its trial brief makes clear that Apple considers Samsung an illegitimate market leader, a leader who owes his success to infringement, and it's absolutely determined to defend its intellectual property rights in order to regain market share."

Well, what can I tell you but this whole patent affair except that it's a bloody mess! However, it is a mess started when others, such as Google and Samsung, first decided to disrespect Apple's IP and just go ahead and hope that they could somehow get away with bloody murder!  Indeed, Herr Mueller stated it well when he wrote:

"Indeed, we are talking about features that make an iPhone and iPhone and set it apart from a feature phone or from what today's Android phones would be like if Google had not decided at some point to abandon its original plans for a more BlackBerry-style device and copy the iPhone operating software. And as high as those royalty rates may seem at first sight, Apple would much prefer an injunction over that per-unit royalty. Product differentiation is more important to Apple than compulsory licensing"

In conclusion, I agree totally with Mr. Mueller that the best possible out come for Apple would be if Google, Samsung, HTC, etc., simply all came to the conclusion that they can't win and simply back down.



And that's my 2 cents on this thunderous Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Google's Strange, Strange Patent Idea

Image via: TalkAndroid.com

It's bad enough that Google illegally, according to Steve Jobs, "stole" the iPhone's IP, but now Google apparently wants to make it legal by having the government force Apple to make its IP available to everyone on cheap FRAND like licensing terms! As Daniel Eran Dilger wrote:

"Google has issued its latest defence for having appropriated Apple's intellectual property: an argument that insists some inventions are so good that they should be wrenched from their patent holders by the government and distributed to the proletariat of Android licensees so that Google can make unfettered money selling ads on its stolen platform.

After an initial attempt to insist that other company's patents and other intellectual property simply don't exist and can be infringed upon without limit, Google next embarked upon a multi-billion dollar effort to assemble its own patent portfolio, including the $12-billion purchase of Motorola Mobility, a sale that was expressly made to obtain its patents."

This, of course, is not only strange, but is especially  hypocritical considering how Googarola has been deliberatively violating, according so some, the whole concept behind FRAND, or SEP patents, by using them to sue and bully others into some kind of cross licensing deal.


In conclusion, I personally find the whole notion that popularity should result in patents being made into FRAND ones really, really strange, because, as John Paczkowski put it, if it's true that ".... Some Apple Inventions Are So Great They Ought To Be Shared"  than it would also be equally true that the 'popularity' of Google's search algorithms would mean that they too should be made available to all on the same cheap FRAND like terms to everybody else, including Microsoft, Yahoo, or even Apple, etc., if it ever wanted to use them to build its own search engine, unless, of course,  Google somehow thinks that it, and it alone .....  can have its cake and eat it too?





And that's my 2 cents 4 this Monday, July 23, 2012

Apple Avoids Frenzy Lines For Official Launch Of The New iPad

Via: M.I.C Gadgets

Thanks to a new online reservation system Apple was more than able to control the lines of fans queuing up to buy its new iPad at its recent launch China.

In previous launches, scalpers were a major problem that resulted in riots among the long and chaotic lines of fans queuing up to buy the latest in Apple gear.

Thankfully, this time around, orderly lines where reported in both of Shanghai's three Apple stores and Beijing's two, as well as its one store in Hong Kong, which was a surprise for many accustomed to the long and frenzy as well as chaotic lines from past launches, with  Reuters reporting that one customer stated:

"I'm very surprised that there is no line. I thought there was going to be a long line so I came over a bit earlier to pick it up," said an IT worker, Sun Xufei, who was the first in line of a small queue of around 20 poeple waiting outside the Shanghai Lujazui Apple Store."

Another customer, Wang Yue, 26, also stated:

"My friend came here last year and queued for the whole day. So I think the process now is much more convenient."

In addition to the stores in Beijing,, and Shanghai, as well in its Hong Kong store, Apple also has a network of authorized resellers throughout the vast nation and is looking to soon open two more stores in the cities of Chengdu and Shenzhen, where many apple products are manufactured.

Also noted by Reuters:

"Demand for Apple products is so high that many choose to buy from unauthorized resellers who peddle smuggled goods or from online stores that sell parallel imports. "

Via: M.I.C Gadgets

As M.I.C Gadgets noted, Apple's new iReserve system was designed not only to improve its customers experience, but more importantly to eliminate the scalpers who's greed resulted in all of the past commotions associated with previous Apple product launches.

As you can see in the video below,  scalpers have been smuggling Apple products, including the iPad, which not only results in more sales of the Apple devices, but at a much higher cost to Chinese customers.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that Apple's new reservation system is both good for its customers and Apple's image as it thwarts many of those greedy scalpers. China is now a key component of Apple's growth ,and it has to take every precaution to insure that its image, and its customers are protected from all of those nasty, greedy, little twerps known as scalpers out there.





And that's my 2 cents 4 this gorgeous sunny Friday, July 20, 2012

Google's Nexus 7 Issues

Via: Androidrise.com

With any new product there are bound to be some problems associated with its introduction. It happens to the best of them, be it Windows Vista, the iPhone, or whatever product that you care to name.

Tablets are no exception to the rule, of course, and Google's brand-spanking new Nexus 7 tablet, despite a large number of positive reviews, like this one, can boast several unique problems all of its own, and all of which I'm sure will be addressed eventually.

Among the various Nexus 7 problems, such as stains appearing on the white version, or some of the screens bleeding light, dead pixels, or even with its unboxing, there is a new problem seemingly plaguing some of the new Nexus 7's, namely the creaking and separation of its screen!

Apparently, if your not too squirmy about fixing it yourself, this XDA forum thread has the answer. It seems that if you pop the back case, all you have to do is tighten a few loose screws and presto.... your back in business. Of course, you have to be careful as tightening the screws a little too much will crack the screens.

The problems with the Nexus 7 are basically growing pains. It's happen before with the white iPhone, and with the iMac's yellow screen defect, and it will happen again. Like those problems, the Nexus 7's will eventually be fixed too.

However, in conclusion, the biggest problem with the Nexus 7 isn't the issues above, but rather it's the skimpy selection of apps, not to mention the fact that it runs Android, which is known to have an increasing number of security issues. Mind you, it's not a question of whether Android is a good OS, but rather that iOS and Windows 8 are better ones.  




And that's my 2 cents 4 this sunny, but damn it's hot outside Thursday, July 19, 2012

Chinese Line Up By The Thousands To Build The iPhone 5 And iPad Mini, Plus Other Rumors

Via: M.I.C. Gadgets

M.I.C Gadgets is reporting that thousands of Chinese are lining up in hopes of landing a job ahead of the production of the next iPhone and possible mini-iPad at Foxconn's plants in both Chengdu and Zhengzhou.

In spite of all the fuss made in the past about labour issues at Foxconn, Chinese job seekers are more than willing it seems to line up in the rain and pay a registration fee of approximately $24. M.I.C. for a summer job.

M.I.C Gadgets is also reporting that Apple itself may be about to become the second largest holder of Hon Hai Group stock, the Taiwanese company behind the Foxconn assembly plants as the Taiwanese company is planning to raise over US $3 billion by issuing new GDR (global depository receipt) shares.

Apple, Flush with cash, is Foxconn's largest and most profitable customer and it would seem like a natural fit for Apple to invest in the Asian company, and M.I.C Gadget is speculating that one of the major reasons on why Apple would be interested in holding direct shares in Foxconn would be to help free itself completely from Samsung who directly profits both from Apple's innovation, while also profiting from producing Apple knock off products such as its Galaxy line of tablets and phones.  Foxconn and Sharp recently made a strategic deal to increase their competitiveness advantage over other companies, and in particular Samsung itself.    

In conclusion, and as far as this old dog goes, I say that anything that Apple can do to punish big, bad Samsung for its flagrant ripping off of its designs, marketing and its hard fought IP is more than justified on Apple's part. For far too long Samsung, and others, have been profiting and getting away with what Jobs said was basically  "stolen product", and this more-or-less proves it. If you ask me, it's about time Apple put these companies, and especially Samsung and Google, on the run!



And that's my 2 cents 4 this dreary old Wednesday, July 18, 2012

iPhone 5 Reported Will Feature Newer, Slimmer Touch-Screen Technology

Via:  iPhone 5 Cases

Apparently, the next iPhone will feature a brand new display technology, one  reported  that could make it both slimmer and lighter than the iPhone 4S.

The technology is reported to incorporated the touch sensors directly into the LCD glass itself, thus eliminating the need for a separate touch-screen layer.

The  move to a newer, slimmer, lighter touch-screen technology also means that Apple will also  more effectively differentiate itself against one of its chief component suppliers, Samsung, which has seen a dramatic boost in the sales and profits from its own Galaxy line of smartphones. 

One of the ways that manufacturers try to differentiate their products is by making them slimmer and Jonny Evans reports that the new screen technology in question could make the next iPhone slimmer than 8mm, which, in my opinion anyway, is damn, and I mean damn skinny indeed. 

As great as Samsung's Galaxy III success has been, however, it's expected that next iPhone may be so good that it will utterly "put the Galaxy III to shame".  If the next iPhone is indeed  a Samsung killer, then no doubt too that the new slimmer touch-screen panel will be part of the reason. 

In conclusion, like millions of others, I'm eagerly waiting to see just what the next iPhone will offer and now even more so after reading about the possibility of that slimmer, lighter new touch screen. As far as its legal battle with Samsung goes, according to Florian Mueller, Apple already seemingly has Samsung on the run, but with that slimmer, lighter touch-screen technology, well Apple may also give Samsung a run on their money from a technological point of view as well!

And that's my 2 cents 4 this cloudy Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Android Fragmentation Is Real According To Ex-Googler

Via: BusinessInsider

Electric Pig is reporting that one of Google's own, its former Engineering Director, Rian Lebenberg, has left Google to start his own unique mapping app, Reece.


And what is interesting is about this, however, is, as Electric Pig points out:

"Nothing new there, perhaps, but when a man who used to head up the development department at Google develops for iOS before Android because of that, you know something’s amiss."

As interesting as Reece might be, the most interesting thing is that you would think that one of Google's own would be bringing it out for Android first, but he isn't and it's all because of Android's well documented problem of fragmentation. 


 Mr. Lebenberg I`m sure would prefer to have his app running on Android first, but as Electric Pig also noted:  

``Recce runs seamlessly on the iPhone and iPad, but recreating its speed and fluidity on a myriad Android handsets has proved too big of an ask, even for a Google engineer to muster, in time for launch.``

“We do have a working Android build, but given some of the device fragmentation, we couldn’t guarantee we were going to have a great android experience on every single implementation,” concedes Lebenberg.

“The hardware fragmentation problem in Android made it more complex for us, so we decided to hold it back.” I was taken aback by this; cast free of his previous contractual obligations, the honest truth about Google’s biggest mobile problem came spilling out.

“That’s bold of an ex-Google man to say,” I said.``

Google, and its fans, including Eric Schmidt, can say: ```What Android fragmentation`` all they want, but Android fragmentation is real and it`s why Electric Pig`s author, Adam Bunker, stated: 

``...... You don’t need to be an Apple fanboy to acknowledge and talk about the problems that Google’s had in convincing developers about the ease of Android developing.`` and on why he:

``...... wrote a piece a while back explaining some of the reasons why iOS will always be developers’ go-to platform, but having Android’s biggest problems dragged up and confirmed by someone who used to be in Google’s inner sanctum? That’s pretty damning.``

In conclusion, what is even more amazing to me than ex-Googler`s saying things like, ``Android may never be as smooth as iOS``,  or why other ex-Googler`s like Mr. Lebenberg prefer to develop for iOS than Android, is how Android fans and Google will continue to deny that Android fragmentation even exists in the first place.





And that`s my 2 cents 4 this cloudy Monday, July 16, 2012

Gone Fishing!

Via: SpencerHopeDavis.com 

Today, good old Wednesday, I've gone fishing!

Not exactly, but I am personally taking some time off to relax on an island, in a rugged camp... a camp without any electrical power what-so-ever!

Can I survive? Or, will I go stark raving mad? I mean, I will be utterly cut off from the world.... yes, I will be completely cut off from the bloody internet meaning .... no email, and absolutely no reading or writing about tech what-so-ever!

Personally, I'm not sure if I can survive, but I'm about to find out, one way or the other. However, if I do manage to survive the next four days or so I'll be back at em this coming Monday, after what I hope will be a long, peaceful and a much needed rest, so until then, my dear and esteemed two-or-three readers of mine, take care.




And that's my 2 cents 4 this and the next four or five days, 11 - 16 of July, 2012

FTC To Issue Biggest Fine Ever To Google For Violation Safari User's Privacy?

Via: Time Techland

C/Net is reporting that Google may be about to received a record-breaking fine of some $22.5 million in order to settle charges that it violated Apple's Safari Web browser users privacy settings.

If the above is true than it would easily be the largest such penalty that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has ever levied against any single company. As far as the allegations that it breached Safari's user privacy goes, Google has long since abandoned the code in question that resulted in it being charged, and which was something that it claimed it never originally intended to do.   

However, if the allegations are true, than it would also be a direct violation of a 2011 settlement agreement that the Mountain View company had made with the agency. C/Net also noted that the sanctions for violating that agreement could easily reach some $16,000 per day, or approximately $22.5 million, and as they reported:

"The FTC is focused on a 2009 help center page published more than two years before our consent decree, and a year before Apple changed its cookie-handling policy. We have now changed that page and taken steps to remove the ad cookies, which collected no personal information, from Apple's browsers," a Google representative told CNET."

Of course, and, in conclusion, as far as I'm concerned, Google is totally innocent until found otherwise. However, if they are found to be guilty then it could also further boost various other governments attempts, such as the European Union, who have also been looking into similar privacy issues concerning the innovative search leader. If found guilty, however, than I sincerely doubt, as large as any potential $22.5 million fine might seem to be, if it will be big enough to do much damage to a company as rich, or as big as Google.




And that's my 2 cents on this splendidly, splendid sunny Tuesday, July 10, 2012

SPIKE: The Best-Dang Tooting iPhone Keyboard Ever!

One thing that many iPhone owners wanted, and Android, Windows, Palm and other phones fans criticized the iPhone for was its lack of a real physical keyboard. Since then, there have been many attempts to give the iPhone just that, a real physical keyboard but so far most have utterly failed, with some being not so bad, and others being not so good, but none of them being what you would call exactly great.

However, things have changed, as you can see, in the above video, as the iPhone now not only has a great keyboard accessory, called Spike, but maybe even the very best mobile keyboard of any phone ever, and one that can actually rival and maybe even best those found on the BlackBerry itself.

Spike comes in two models, the Spike 1 and Spike 2 and the people behind its creation are currently in the process of raising funds via KickStarter. Their goal to start manufacturing this great keyboard after raising some $75,000, of which, as of this writing, some $38,908 has been realised.

As seen below, Spike gives the iPhone a  very BlackBerry look and feel, but unlike the BlackBerry this thing is built into a protective case meaning that the keyboard itself can be completely hidden from view when not in use!

Sweet I say, damn sweet!

So far the reaction of the press, to Spike, has been unanimous positive, with comments such as:

Think iOS –  "So if you were counting on Apple to add a physical keyboard to iPhone, and have been disappointed from the company so far, Spike protective case seems like a good choice"

iJailbreak –  "It’s just like the iPhone keyboard, but gives you feedback as you type away... A foldable physical keyboard case could also lure BlackBerry users to ditch their old devices and get an iPhone"

The Gadgeteer –  "There must be 100′s of iPad keyboards on the market, but you don’t see many keyboards being offered specifically for the iPhone. The ones that you can find aren’t nearly as cool as the Spike Keyboard"

iDownload – "While we have seen plenty of keyboards for iOS devices in the past, this particular keyboard does something different, by making it easy for users to fold it away around the back of the phone and making the keyboard itself as easy to access as possible"

Geeky Gadgets – "Many have tried and failed to offer a good qwerty keyboard for the iPhone. Spike might be the best attempt yet"

iClarified – "Spike Protective Case Adds a Real Keyboard to Your iPhone"

Phone Arena – "If you like the idea of using a physical QWERTY keyboard on the Apple iPhone, and at the same time protecting your device with a case, you might want to take a hard look at purchasing one of the Spike models"

In conclusion, Spike not only looks to be the best dang-tooting physical keyboard ever for the iPhone, but maybe even the best dang-tooting keyboard ever for any mobile phone, period! No wonder Redmond Pie wrote:

"Spike is the most impressive iPhone physical keyboard + protective case we've seen yet!", and why Gotta Be Mobile also added:

"This accessory could make the difference between using a BlackBerry and an iPhone."

And that's my 2 cents 4 this marvellously sunny Monday, July 10, 2012

Android's Upcoming Malware Disaster!

Via: PCTalk.com

A Microsoft researcher by the name of Terry Zink, on July 04, has claimed to have discovered evidence that Android phones where being enrolled into a botnet that the BBC notes that Google is disputing. 


Google isn't the only one who is disputing Mr.  Zink's  contentions either, as the BBC has also reported that:

"Mobile security specialist Lookout also questioned Mr Zink's initial claim. In a blog post, head of the firm Kevin Mahaffey said it was possible that the spam was originating from lots of Android phones infected with a malicious program." 

Even though Mr. Zink said that he couldn't prove his evidence, neither could Google prove otherwise, and according to the BBC:

"....... he added, there was no doubt that the number of malicious programs written for Android was on the increase. Given that he said: "The reason these messages appear to come from Android devices is because they did come from Android devices."

BBC also went farther and by noting:

"Chester Wisniewski, senior security advisor at Sophos, also posted more information about the case. He said that although Sophos did not have a sample of the malware sending the spam in question there was evidence to suggest it came from smartphones."

Sophos could find no hint that the formatting on the messages was faked, he said, and some elements of what it had seen would be impossible to spoof.

In addition, he said, much of the spam was coming from net addresses owned by mobile operators."

Personally, I'm no computer security expert, but considering all of articles and posts that I've read highlighting Android's fragmentation and the security issues associated with it, I honestly can't say that I would blame anyone for steering clear of Android, but then again, that's just me, of course, being the somewhat paranoid individual that I am.

One of the more recent posts that I've read concerning Android insecurity issues is ZDNet's Zack Whittaker's post entitled: Trend Micro warns of Android malware pandemic by Q4 2012,  in which he wrote:

"Android malware levels are rising at an alarming rate, according to antivirus maker Trend Micro. The security firm said that at the start of the  year, it had found more than 5,000 malicious applications designed to target Google's Android mobile operating system, but the figure has since risen to about 20,000 in recent months."

Wow, now that sounds bad, but hold on to your antivirus software because it gets worse, much, much worse as they now say that by the third-quarter, Trend Micro is estimating that there will be around 38,000 malware samples, and get this .... a mind-blowing 130,000 of these little suckers come this fourth-quarter!

No wonder the article goes on to state that:

 "it won't be a flu epidemic you'll be worried about come winter: It'll be an Android malware pandemic."

Apparently, Google's boasting that it was activating some one-million Android devices daily, plus Android's so-called openness, and its inability to prevent malware from getting into all of the various and fragmented Android app stores that is helping to fuel Android's pandemic of very bad and nasty apps.

In conclusion, I might be a little paranoid when it comes to security, but I say that it's better to be safe than sorry, and that's just one of many reasons why I would prefer to own a phone from a walled-garden variety than I would from a wild-west variety like Android's.  Android may have ripped off and stolen from the iPhone and iOS, but the one thing that it has apparently and utterly failed to successfully copy and rip off was iOS's much better security! Mind you, not that iOS is perfect, but it's definitely a hell-of-a-lot better than Android's!




And that's my 2 cents 4 this gloomy Friday, July 06, 2012

iOS Accessories: GameDock

Another interesting KickStarter project has been revealed, GameDock, seen in the above video, which turns your iPhone, iPod or iPad into a game  console so to speak with the ability to allow two people to play the same game!

GameDock will allow you to run games on a larger screen, or TV, and is primarily aimed at people who love 'retro gaming' on newer touch devices but without the limitations of having to use their touch input, or as the developers put it:

"Have you ever played a great retro game on your iPhone, only to be frustrated with the touch controls? Or have you wanted to play an awesome iPad game with a friend, but two people holding one tablet just doesn’t feel right? With the GameDock for iOS you can play classic games the way they were meant to be played: with two controllers and a TV. Just plug the dock into your TV like a video game console and your iOS device into the dock like a game cartridge. The GameDock is designed to be compatible with existing iCade games and for dock-ready games that include two-player support and full 1080p HDTV output."

Personally, I've never been much of, a gamer to speak, but boy, oh boy, can I ever see this thing appealing to those who are. As nice as playing a game on a iPhone, iPod or iPad smaller screen might be on the go, being able to play the very same 'retro' games on a larger screen has got to be the ultimate. Also, considering that iPhones, iPods and iPads pack pretty much the same, if not more, power as many gaming consoles, at least the earlier ones, it's only natural that someone would come up with the idea of connecting the smaller iDevices with many of the much bigger screens out there.

In conclusion, GameDock looks to be a winner in my book and I'm sure, that just like the iCade before it, it will be welcome news to many gamers out there.

And that's my 2 cents 4 this icky and cloudy Thrusday, July 05, 2012

Project Glass Gets Competition From Apple

Above is a demonstration of Google's Project Glass, a project that more-or-less puts a $1,500 computer into wearable form. Project Glass will use Siri like voice input, running on Android, that Google hopes to make available by 2013.

However, if you thought that Google was first to think of the idea of computational eye computing, well then think again. Apparently, good old Apple has not only has been thinking of such a wearable gizmo, but has already begun taking out patents for it as far back as 2006, some five years ago, as noted in a post by Wired.com.

Apple doesn't refer to its eye-computing concept as a HUD (heads up display), but rather as a HMD, or a Head Mounted Display. Unlike Google's Glass, which uses a one-eyed display, Apple's HMD would use two displays that would also feature 3D capabilities. Wired.com said noted that:

"With two displays, stereoscopic 3-D images can be shown to the user for a comfortable, immersive viewing experience. The HMD could also be used for augmented reality, transmitting a transparent image superimposed on the world in front of you using reflective mirrors. In the patent, Apple provides a few examples of where this would be useful: in surgery applications where CAT scans or MRI images could be combined with the surgeon’s field of vision; for military personnel, firefighters and police, who could use the display to show tactical information (see “Terminator”); and for scientists and engineers who could benefit from viewing stereoscopic CAD drawings.

The way Apple’s patent deals with peripheral vision could help keep the user from experiencing feelings of motion sickness, which other HMDs can sometimes cause. Users would also be able to make individual adjustments to the device so that it properly fits their eyes. The patent description also mentions that video and image information could be received from a portable external source, like an iPhone, which could divide the images into one frame for each eye."

Personally, as cool as Project Glass looks, if you ask me, that one-eyed display also looks a little goofy to me. A two-display device looks a little more balanced at least and with Siri like functionality input built in, I tend to question whether or not if there wouldn't be the possibility for yet another patent squabble ahead? Fosspatents Florian Mueller noted that Siri's unified search feature is already giving Samsung, Google and Android a rough time of it lately and wrote:

"AllThingsD also reported on Google's announcement to push out a software update that will work around the preliminary injunction patent. The big question here is going to be how they will steer clear of infringement: since this is not a standard-essential patent, it's definitely possible to build a smartphone that doesn't infringe the '604 patent, but based on the court's claim construction, it's hard to see how a modified version of Android can still provide Siri-like unified search. Or to put it differently: unless Google removes the Siri-like unified search functionality altogether, we're in for an enforcement dispute, and the risk for Samsung would be to be found in contempt. Tough choices."

In conclusion, I've never been all that keen on the idea of wearable computing devices like Project Glass or Apple's own unique HMD version, but as technology steadily marches on, who knows, that could all change, because if we know anything, change is unchangeable, and time stops for no one, not even little old me.





And that's my 2 cents 4 this cloudy Wednesday, July 03, 2012

iOS vs Android Battle Hots Up With Apple So Far Ahead Of The Little Green Robot

Via: ReturnMore.com

Despite Apple recently receiving a minor legal setback in its war against Android and its supporters, Apple made more than up for it with several major and strategic legal victories, victories so large that some are now beginning to believe that Steve Jobs thermonuclear war on Android is now winnable after all, and it's just a matter of time!

Fosspatent's, Florian Mueller pointed out recently, that when it comes to patents and Android, well Google isn't exactly sitting all that pretty right now and he wrote:

"Patent litigation takes time. Most of the patents that large companies have asserted against Android haven't even come to judgment yet, and new assertions continue to be made. But the time has passed for any reasonable, unbiased person to deny that Android has a serious patent infringement problem that continues to exacerbate. Whether or not one subscribes to Steve Jobs's description of Android as a "stolen product", the plot is definitely thickening that Google and its hardware partners face IP issues."

He also wrote, in reference to Google's $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola for its treasure trove of patents:

"While patent litigation is a "you win some, you lose some" kind of game, there can be no doubt that Google and its partners are losing this one on the bottom line. Google's $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility hasn't been a game-changer."

In fact, Apple's recent legal victories against Samsung, and hence Android, were so pronounced that Topeka Capitol Market's Brian White, after reflecting on the victories, reiterated a strong Buy rating on Apple shares and gave it a $1,111 price target!  Mr. White wrote that he fully believes that Apple's recent victories will most probably spill over to Samsung's hot, new Galaxy S III and thus becoming a very big problem for the Korean electronic giant, a company that has gained tremendously by copying every little nuance from the iPhone and iOS.

In conclusion, as slow as the wheels of justice may turn, they nonetheless are turning... turning against Android, Google and its OEMS that is! However, according to recent reports, that even without any legal victories what-so-ever, the iPhone and its iOS platform are doing extremely well and are now growing twice as fast as Android as a whole, and when it comes to making money, boy-oh-boy, there's no comparison... iOS wins hands down.





And that's my 2 cents on the glorious Tuesday, July 03, 2012