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New article: The heartbreaking story of our NuSphere PhpEd PHP IDE review
We review a product that should never have scored this low.
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
Trojan-ridden warning system implicated in Spanair crash
A plane crash two years ago killed 154 people. Investigators have identified malware that infected the plane's computers as the reason for the crash.
Apps and games to face censor in Australia
Apple's App Store has been selling "unclassified" games to Australians. Now the government wants to enforce classification, generating millions in revenue, and possibly banning some games.
HP: WebOS Tablet Coming Early Next Year
While HP hasn't ditched plans to release a tablet running Windows 7, they have finally indicated an "early 2011" release date for a tablet running Palm's webOS.
Be careful what you tweet
If you type it on your phone, or computer, and it goes to the internet - don't expect it to be private. And, for celebrity accounts, don't expect the writer to be the same as the celebrity.
Facebook 'Places' Service Adds Location-Based Features
Facebook Places is a new feature allowing you to find people and places using the GPS service on your smartphone. Places is similar to Foursquare and Yelp.
Chrome-Powered Tablet and Store May Take on iPad
Forget Android. HTC is expected to release a Chrome-powered tablet before the end of the year. Along with the tablet, Google is expected to open a Chrome store for apps.
The Nine Most Ingenious iPad Accessories
There are protective cases, stands, and totes on this list. If you're looking for an accessory to make your iPad stand out from the crowd, you might find it here.
Fixing an IPhone That's Lost Its Location
The Global Positioning Systems (GPS) on cell phones, and other devices, requires the device be able to locate a satellite. This article explains how to reset your iPhone's connection if it has problems.
Map Scripting 101-A Beginner's Guide to Building Interactive Maps
In this book Adam DuVander offers a number of scripts to help you get started building maps using Bing, Yahoo!, Google Maps, and more.
Blackberry Torch Buyers be Warned: Avoid AT&T
Recent reports that the BlackBerry Torch is on sale for half price are not correct. While you can buy it for less on Amazon, if you buy it from AT&T you'll still pay full price.
PC Maker Offers Six-core Laptop With 4TB of Storage
The Panther 2.0 was designed to replace high-end workstations running graphics and CAD programs. It has a 17-inch screen, a 3-megapixel webcam, and can handle up to 24GB of RAM. And, at 11.66 lbs (5.3 kg) it may not be all that portable.
6 reasons why Flash isn't going away
While Steve Jobs may want Flash to vanish, it may take a long time before the technology is replaced by something else.
Finally Fast Software a Virus? A Case of Mistaken Identity
The Ascentive Performance Center, from FinallyFast.com, has been mistakenly tagged as malware by some anti-virus software. Such false positives have happened to a number of software programs.
New Firefox iFrame Bug Bypasses URL Protections
Due to a flaw in Firefox attackers can use iFrame and URL obfuscation to capture information from your browser sessions.
PayPal Coming to the Android Market
Google and eBay's PayPal are apparently discussing the possibility of letting Android users pay for their apps using PayPal as well as Checkout.
Archos 7 Android tablet
The Archos 7 is smaller than the iPad but, for less than half the price of an iPad you might find it a reasonable option. The Archos runs Android 1.5.
75 Percent Use Same Password for Social Networking and Email
Using the same password for all your accesses makes it easy to remember. But. If one system is compromised, then all your accesses are at risk. Experts advise creating separate passwords and changing them regularly.
Summer of Android: Top 5 IPhone Rivals
Sometimes it seems like there's the iPhone and not much else. This article looks at five phones running Android as solid contenders.
Facebook Dislike button scam spreads virally
Yet another scam has hit Facebook. This time it starts with a message claiming someone you know has just gotten a "Dislike" button and includes a link to a web site. Clicking on the link makes you the next virus spreader.
Samsung's Galaxy Tablet Could Challenge Apple's iPad
The P1000 Galaxy Tab tablet computer, running Android 2.2, from Samsung could be a real challenger for the iPad's crown. The Galaxy is expected to be released in September.
New article: Turn off Wi-Fi when you don't need it
One way to reduce your risk overall is to simply to turn-off Wi-Fi access when you're not using it.
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
Security flaw creates Android, Palm Pre snoop risk
A maliciously constructed vCard could be used to open a backdoor onto Palm Pre devices. The flaw was discovered in May. Palm/HP has yet to patch it.
Getting Things Done With Froyo Voice Actions
Google has released "Voice Actions" for Android 2.2 (Froyo) letting you talk to your phone to get things done. This article includes the basics of how it works.
India May Restrict Skype and Google
India is not only cracking down on BlackBerry, it's planning to place similar restrictions on Google and Skype. The Indian government wants access to secured communications for its law enforcement agencies.
Tech guilt: 5 'persuasive' technologies to help you be good
An old saying claims, "Knowledge is power". Now some computer applications are providing people with information on their actions to help them modify their behavior, whether to lose weight or use less electricity.
Flurry Announces AppCircle for Google Android
Flurry has now released AppCircle for Android to help people find the best Android applications.
Can Twitter and Facebook deal with their dead?
While people like to remember the things they did together while their friends or family members were alive, getting an invitation to reconnect with your dead friends can be unsettling.
Chrome Beta 6: Simple, Speedy and Full of Add-Ons
The latest beta version of Chrome offers increased speed, some new features, and lots of add-ons. The beta is available for WinXP, Vista, and Win7.
Apple outs anti-jailbreak update
Apple has released iOS 4.0.2 to fix a flaw that allowed malware to jailbreak an iPhone without the user's knowledge.
Dell's Streak Tablet to Go on Sale Aug. 12
Dell's Streak has a 5-inch screen and can make calls, putting it in gray area between tablet and smartphone. Dell will begin shipping the devices in the US tomorrow.
Facebook bug spills name and pic for all 500 million users
You've carefully set your name, and other information on Facebook, to "private" but, a bug in Facebook's login system will let others associate your name to an e-mail account.
First SMS Trojan for Android is in the wild
It may have only been a matter of time but, the first virus for Android has been spotted "in the wild". Trojan-SMS.AndroidOS.FakePlayer-A comes in a media player app but spends its time sending SMS messages to run up your phone bill.
Need To Find Your iPhone 4 in The Dark?
The iGlowPhone wrap can help you find your phone in the dark. As an added benefit, it solves the iPhone 4 grip problem.
Security Researcher Warns on UAE BlackBerry Replacements
While Saudi Arabia continues negotiating with RIM to keep BlackBerry in the kingdom, people in the UAE who have been offered a free handset to replace their BlackBerry may want to check the new devices for spyware.
Motorola Set to Launch Droid 2 Phone
The Droid 2 is due out later this week. The new version will run Android 2.2 (Froyo), have a better keyboard, and a faster processor.
Google Agonizes on Privacy as Ad World Vaults Ahead
If you use Google's search engine, they probably know quite a bit about you. All of which is information they could sell to advertisers. So far, unlike others, Google has chosen not to sell the information.
Resco Announces Resco MobileLight Toolkit
Resco has announced a technology preview of Resco MobileLight Toolkit, optimized for Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft Silverlight. Resco MobileLight Toolkit is a set of Microsoft Silverlight controls designed for Windows Phone 7.
Flash / Frash Ported to iPhone 4
If you've jailbroken your iPhone and want to run Flash on it, this article gives full instructions on how to install Flash. It includes a 4-minute video showing how it works.
Apple says it has patch for remote attack on iPhone, iPad
There is a flaw in the iOS that could allow a remote attacker to jailbreak your iPhone or iPad. Apple has created a patch to prevent the attack but haven't yet announced when it will be released.
5 Things Google Still Needs to Fix in Android
Android is outselling iOS on smartphones but there are still a few things that iOS may do better. This article looks at five annoying traits found in Android.
BlackBerry bows to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is gaining three RIM servers, to be under local jurisdiction, to service BlackBerrys in use in the kingdom.
New article: Online safety for kids: how to protect your future employability
.SUMMARY
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
ARMOR X10gx Rugged Tablet
DRS Tactical Systems has unveiled the ARMOR X10gx tablet. Expected to ship by September 15, 2010, this 10.4-inch rugged tablet meets MIL-STD-810G and is approved by UL for use in explosive and/or hazardous environments.
Google, Verizon Deny Net Fast-Lane Deal
While the Federal Communications Commission has been trying to build an open internet, it seems Google and Verizon were trying to make it more open for some. Negotiations have stopped as both sides reconsider.
Android Explosion: 6 New Products That Aren't Smartphones
It looks like Android may be challenging the iPhone OS. There are more Android-based phones being activated than iPhones, and then there are the other devices - from tablets to microwaves - that run Android.
IPad Knockoffs on Sale for $50 to $125
Most of them are smaller than an iPad, come without technical support or applications, and run Android 1.7. But. With prices as low as $48, some people do find them of interest.
Version 4.0 of PC PhoneHome & MacPhoneHome to be released
Millions of mobile phones and other portable electronic devices are lost or stolen each year. PC PhoneHome and MacPhoneHome provide a way to locate your missing device. Version 4.0 will be available for iPhones, iPods, iPads, and laptop computers.
Google Wave Flops
The Wave has died, joining a number of other services put forward by Google. This article lists some of the other good ideas that failed.
Indonesia joins other nations in threat to ban BlackBerrys
The U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia have already banned BlackBerrys. Now Kuwait, India, and Indonesia are expressing "concern" over BlackBerrys' encrypted and proprietary communications network.
Toshiba Libretto W105
Toshiba seems to think the keyboard takes up too much space on a netbook. The Libretto W105 uses two 7-inch touchscreens instead of the more common screen and keyboard.
Experience the web in a new way with semYOU
The German start-up company semYOU wants to create a new web experience by simplifying your access. semYOU provides access for business, entertainment and social media communication. The official Beta Phase for the first semantic WebOS starts on August 4. Official public release is expected for October 2010.
Saudi Arabia Joins in BlackBerry Ban
Saudi Arabia has joined the United Arab Emirates in banning BlackBerry communications. It seems at least part of the issue is the government's inability to eavesdrop on BlackBerry communications.
Google Multiple Account Sign-In: A Getting Started Guide
Google's new multiple account sign-in feature is designed to make it easier for users with more than one Google account to keep track of things. This article covers some of what the new service does and doesn't do.
Karvt - Authentic Wooden Skins for the iPhone
Karvt has released an alternative to provide protection and style to your iPhone. Wooden skins are available for the iPhone, iPad, and MacBooks.
$200 Textbook vs. Free. You Do the Math.
Now that Scott G. McNealy isn't running Sun Microsystems, he's looking into the cost of textbooks. He's helping to fund the nonprofit Curriki group to publish basic textbooks as open-source documents.
Reality Check On Those 'Data-Mining' Android Apps
A wallpaper app for Android provides pictures of ponies as it gathers information from your device. But. It seems the information it gathered was far less extensive than originally reported.
Stupid Mobile Tricks: 7 Stories of Smartphone Horror
You meant to call someone but your smartphone auto-completed the number and connected you to someone entirely different? Or maybe it auto-completed something else? Hopefully the stories in this article didn't happen to you.
Amazon says new Kindle e-readers sold out already
The new, improved, Kindle announced last week has already sold out. If you want one of the new devices, Amazon will take your order but the shipment date is expected to be early September.
BlackPadBerry.com Launches as BlackPad Announced
Research In Motion announced they are releasing a tablet device in November 2010. The BlackPad is expected to rival the iPad in features.
AT&T, Verizon Want to Replace Your Credit Cards
AT&T and Verizon want to give you another reason not to lose your smartphone, you'll be able to make purchases with the phone instead of using a credit card.
Cheaper, Better Satellites Made From Cellphones and Toys
That cellphone in your hand now has more computing power than most satellites, leading some researchers to try building a satellite using a cellphone and other inexpensive gadgets. The first tests have been successful.
iPhone 4 jailbreak banks on browser exploit
JailbreakMe.com, access via the Mobile Safari browser, can help you unlock your iPhone. While the process is simple, remember jailbreaking the device will void your warranty.
OpenAppMkt: The Return of the iPhone Web App?
Back when the iPhone was first released Apple didn't have an App Store. Once they started the App Store, Apple felt it necessary to control all the apps. Now OpenAppMkt has started offering apps on their own website.
The Facebook Data Torrent Debacle: Q&A
Let's say you put some information on Facebook, but you never got around to resetting your privacy settings after Facebook opened everything to everyone. Chances are good you information has been legally scavenged from Facebook and is now available for download.
What You Want: Flickr Creator Spins Addictive New Web Service
Caterina Fake, who co-founded Flickr, is now working to solve the problem of online recommendations. This article includes a 3-minute interview.
How Business Is Putting the IPad to Work
When Apple released the iPad, it was seen as a consumer toy, but a number of businesses have found the device to have considerable potential. This article discusses several ways the device has found its place in the business world.
Amazon unveils 3rd-generation Kindle e-book reader
Scheduled to start shipping on August 27, the updated Kindle reader will be a little smaller and lighter in weight, with a crisper display, and faster page turns.
Could open source tools make Facebook the next AOL?
It wasn't all that long ago that AOL was the place to be. Then the internet opened up and AOL was left behind. Now it's an equally proprietary service, Facebook, in that slot. And the internet is getting ready to open-source social networking.
New Zealand pizza lovers suffer information theft from Hell
It seems that even ordering pizza can now lead to identity theft. The customer database of the Hell Pizza chain in New Zealand was hacked exposing the dining habits of some 230,000 people.
Android wallpaper app that steals your data was downloaded by millions
An app from Jackeey Wallpaper, on the Android Market, that includes branded wallpapers from My Little Pony and Star Wars, has been found to collect a phone's SIM card number, subscriber identification, and even the voicemail password.
New article: When WordPress 3.0 Multisite won't let you log in
We found the strangest little problem (and a very simple fix).
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
Rogue Antivirus Victims Seldom Fight Back
Selling scamware is profitable, mostly because victims don't fight back. The reasons given are varied but, it seems that fewer than 10 percent of victims dispute the charges to their credit cards.
Google Assembles Parts for Facebook Rival
Google doesn't like being number two. The company is now negotiating with game developers to create a "Google Me" Facebook alternative.
$20 Wikipedia Reader Uses 8-Bit Computing Power
The Humane Reader uses two 8-bit micro-controllers and connects to a TV. The keyboard, micro-SD Card reader, and composite video output are optional and, if at least 10,000 are built, the price will be $20.
Dell Streak: What a Mess
Dell might want to sell this one as a lesson in how not to launch a product. The Streak, once known as the Mini 5, is supposed to be on sale now, maybe, but even the price is uncertain.
Chatroulette collecting IP addresses, screenshots
After too many users engaged in "inappropriate" conduct, Chatroulette has decided to record IP addresses and screenshots of the offenders in the hopes of stopping some of the nonsense.
Sixteen Years in Prison for Videotaping the Police?
Anthony Graber was not videotaping in North Korea or Iran, he was videotaping a traffic stop in the state of Maryland. But the police have raided his home and confiscated his computers after he posted the video on YouTube.
Yahoo Japan Spurns Bing in Favor of Google Search
Yahoo may have an agreement with Microsoft but that isn't preventing Yahoo Japan from using Google's search engine instead of Bing.
Facebook Testing Delete Account Option
Facebook is testing a new method to allow users to delete their accounts. The current process is quite involved and takes about two weeks to complete.
New U.S. rules allow unapproved iPhone apps
While Apple has tried hard to lock down their iPhones, the federal government has announced that unlocking phones is legal. The ruling won't prevent Apple from disallowing updates for jailbroken devices.
Documents To Go Premium Edition Now Available for Nokia's N900 Mobile Computer
DataViz, Inc. has announced Documents To Go Premium Edition for Nokia's Linux-based Maemo 5 software. Documents To Go Premium Edition will provide Nokia N900 users with the ability to view, edit and create Microsoft Word and Excel files and email attachments on their mobile computer.
UAE Says BlackBerry Data Handling Violates the Law
In 2007 the United Arab Emirates passed a law saying data could not be stored on equipment outside the UAE, approximately a year after RIM started providing BlackBerry services in the country.
Is This HTC's First Windows Phone 7 Device?
A photo of a device with a 3.7-inch Super LCD screen is alleged to be a new HTC Windows Phone 7. The device is said to have 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, 8-megapixel camera, and three touch-sensitive buttons.
HP Tablet Goes Enterprise, WebOS Tablet Due Too?
If you've been wondering about what type of tablet HP is really planning to release... this article might clarify things, at least a little.
Unlucky Thief Steals iPhone Used in GPS Tracking Tests
Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed. A bicycle-riding thief stole an iPhone while it was being used in a real-time GPS location test. The stolen phone led police straight to the thief.
Apple Refunds Bumper Case Purchases, Launches Bumper App
Apple has created an app to help you file a claim for an iPhone 4 bumper. This article includes a link to the Apple site.
Droid X: Bandwidth Hog?
According to Verizon, Droid X users are using a lot more data bandwidth than those with older Droids. Or. Maybe it isn't data so much as the option to become a mobile hotspot.
Apple shows continued interest in an ad-supported operating system
First you pay for the hardware. Then you pay for the operating system and additional applications. Now Apple is working on a method of forcing you to watch advertising by disabling parts of your operating system until the ad is viewed.
Bloatware Creeps Into Android Phones
Bloatware, those apps that manufacturers and vendors are paid to install but you don't want, is making its way onto smartphones. While some of this is good, many users have found they are unable to remove these pre-installed apps.
iGo Debuts New Line of Green laptop Chargers for EMEA
iGo has launched two new laptop Chargers featuring iGo's iGo Green Technology. Vampire Power, or the energy drawn from devices plugged in but not in use, wastes 15 billion euros annually in Europe alone. iGo Green Technology products detect when a device is fully charged and shuts off the power.
My Passport Essential Limited Edition Designs Portable Drives
WD has introduced its new 500 GB My Passport Essential limited edition designs portable hard drives. The drives are Windows compatible and include WD SmartWare software.
New article: Choosing the right smartphone for you
With all the fuss these days about the new iPhone 4, "Antennagate", and all the other exciting phones coming out, what's the best choice?
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
Survey Calls Facebook User Satisfaction 'Abysmal'
There may be 500 million people with accounts on Facebook but most of them don't seem to be very happy with the product. According to a recent survey the tax collectors ranked higher.
Safety-driven software aims to block texting while driving
A lot of laws have been passed to try and prevent people from texting while driving. Several firms are looking at different ways to block texting and web surfing while a vehicle is in motion.
Next-Gen 'Droid 2' Smartphone First to Get Souped-Up Froyo OS
The Droid 2, due out in August, will be the first to come with Android 2.2 Froyo. The Droid X will be updated to Froyo before the Droid 2 is released.
HP Quashes Rumors of Slate Demise
Hewlett-Packard isn't happy about the rumors saying it was no longer going to produce the Slate tablet. This article clarifies what devices HP is planning to offer though it doesn't provide dates.
Google updates Postini spam engine to stop new JavaScript attacks
If you use Gmail, you may have noticed the increase in spam, especially non-delivery messages. As a result, Google has updated the Postini engine to try and stop these malware messages.
Amazon Says E-Book Sales Outpace Hardcovers
The number from Amazon indicate e-books are more popular than hardcover books. Numbers of paperback books sold weren't included.
Apple Location Data Collection Policies: What You Need To Know
If you have an iPad, iPhone, or Mac, it probably has a way to locate you. Unfortunately, it seems that Apple stores the information. This article describes how you can limit some of the information gathered.
Wikileaks Reopens for Leakers
WikiLeaks is back in business. It was unable to accept uploads for about a month due to upgrades.
LogMeIn Does Android
The LogMeIn Ignition app for Android-based mobile devices and smartphones is now available in the Android Market. The remote access application gives people access to files and applications on their PCs and Macs from an Android device running the Android OS v1.5 and greater.
Graphene Cuts Battery Recharge Times
With all the devices that run on batteries, many companies are working on better battery technology. Vorbeck is using the metal graphene to develop quick-charging, long-lasting batteries.
Facebook Expected to Claim Half Billion Mark this Week
In the past six years Facebook has added 500 million users. That's equivalent to the combined populations of several countries. To celebrate, they're running a contest to let you tell the world about yourself.
First Look and Hands On With Windows Phone 7
Windows Phone 7 is due out later this year, after some more features and tweaks are completed. In the meantime, this article takes another look at what it does. It includes a 3-minute video showing the operating system in action.
Girl seeks help through Facebook while being attacked
At least one girl has found Facebook to be helpful in ways unimagined. She managed to contact her mother, who called police, while she was being assaulted.
"Millions" Of Home Routers Vulnerable To Web Hack
If you use a router in your home network, it may be vulnerable to attack through DNS rebinding. This vulnerability exists in about half the models sold.
Droid X Debut Leaves Hardcore Android Fans Leery
Motorola made efforts to prevent the Droid X from being hacked but, they claim reports of the phone self-destructing are untrue.
Apple to give iPhone 4 users free cases to remedy antenna woes
If you bought an iPhone 4, Apple will provide you with a free case to remedy the antenna problem. The cases will be offered through September 30.
Apple Releases IOS 4.0.1 With New IPhone Signal Formula
Apple has released an update to their iOS. Version 4.0.1 includes an update for the iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4 to improve the signal bar report.
Droid X actually self-destructs if you try to mod it
If you bought a new Droid X with the intent of modifying it, be warned, Motorola's eFuse security system may short-circuit your efforts.
Windows Phone 7 Could be Microsoft's 'Vista'
Microsoft's soon-to-come Windows Phone 7 operating system may already be behind the curve. Early reports say it lacks multi-tasking and the sliding menus may just confuse users.
Telemedicine Comes Into Its Own
The U.S. government is providing money for 66 new broadband projects to allow doctors to consult on medical procedures or examinations, remotely.
NY Man Claims 84% of Facebook, Gets Order Blocking Assets
Paul Ceglia has sued Facebook and its founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Elliot Zuckerberg in state court in New York’s Allegany County. Ceglia claims that a contract from April 2003 entitles Ceglia to ownership of most of the company.
Mobile Active Defense for iPhones and iPads
M.A.D. Partners has announced the availability of Mobile Active Defense, the cloud-based mobile security solution for the enterprise. Mobile Active Defense routes all iPhone, iPad and iTouch traffic through the device VPN to the Mobile Enterprise Compliance and Security (MECS) Server.
Blackberry Tablet confirmed, will support Flash
BlackBerry's soon-to-be released tablet will include dual cameras for video-conferencing, Flash Player 10.1, and support for a number of mobile operating systems.
Apple drops Consumer Reports/iPhone 4 discussion threads down memory hole
Apparently Apple doesn't like bad news. A thread on Apple's support forums about Consumer Reports bad review of the iPhone 4 has been deleted.
HTC Evo 4G, Incredible Shortages Make Room for Droid X
Some of the newer smartphones are in short supply. With the Droid X coming out this week, it looks to have a far more open market than it would if the EVO 4G and Droid Incredible were available.
How to build your own Google Android apps
Android devices are popular. And, you can even build your own apps for them. This article includes a short video showing how the App Inventor works.
Child protection campaigners claim hollow victory over Facebook
Social networks hold threats for the naive and unwary. Those who pushed for protections for children have won a dubious battle with Facebook to include a "panic button". The button is not installed by default, a child has to select to install it.
Samsung Gravity 3 SGH-T479
The Gravity 3 slider phone offers a QWERTY keyboard, 11-hour battery life, and 3G in a 4.3 ounce package. As offered through T-Mobile, the Gravity 3 uses the same circular menu used in the Gravity 2.
Apple TV to Stream 99 Cent Shows, Sources Say
Currently Apple charges $1.99 to download a TV show to your device. But sources are saying the new Apple TV set-top box will offer 99-cent TV episodes that can be streamed instead of downloaded.
Why Google's Back in China, and Why You Should Care
China has renewed Google's license for the next year. The Chinese attached conditions to the renewal which may, or may not, affect you directly.
Has Facebook Fatigue Set In?
Maybe it's that they're running out of people to sign up. Or, maybe its the result of all the controversy over privacy issues. It now looks like the Facebook "fad" may be fading.
Acer Aspire 1825PT 11.6in touchscreen notebook
The Aspire 1825PT has a swiveling display panel, Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and 4GB of RAM. This review of Acer's touchscreen notebook includes test results comparing it to other notebooks.
Apple Says iPhone 4 Patch Won't Fix Antenna Problem
It appears there are two parts to the iPhone 4 reception problem. One is a firmware issue, to be addressed by a patch, the second is a grounding issue due to contact with human skin.
MobiForms Mobile Sync Server Now Supports Google Android Smartphones
The MobiForms Sync Server enables bi-directional data replication, synchronization and offline buffering between a master database server and a MobiForms mobile client running on Google Android. Supported back office database servers include Oracle, SQL Server, Access, Sybase, IBM DB2, SQLite, HSQLDB and MySQL.
Germany & Facebook aren't friends
German privacy laws are much stricter than those of many other nations. Facebook's privacy setting are much more lax than many people would like. The difference is leading the German data protection office to sue Facebook for privacy violations.
Hands On: Dell 'Streak' Tablet Feels Like Supersized Phone
The 5-inch touchscreen display on the Streak makes it a little larger than the Droid X and a lot smaller than the iPad. It's also thin and lightweight, with a clear display. Currently available in Britain, it's expected to be available in the US soon.
Updated YouTube Mobile Caters to Touch Devices
While there's an app for iPad and iPhone users to access YouTube videos, Google is now offering a web app that works for both Android and Apple devices.
Today's solid-state drives: The value perspective
Solid-state drives (SSD), unlike more traditional hard drives, don't spin. This makes for quick access to your data, if you're willing to pay the price. Spinning hard drives have a latency time involved in accessing data, but are generally much less expensive. This article takes the numbers and tries to offer a "best price for performance" decision.
Apple bans developer from iTunes
Developer Thuat Nguyen has been banned, and his applications removed, from the iTunes store after it was discovered he was hijacking user accounts to inflate his sales.
Bluetooth Spec Enables Some Gizmos to Go Years Between Charges
The Bluetooth Core Specification Version 4.0 has been approved. The new spec includes an extremely-low power usage feature. Devices using the new specification are expected to be available late this year.
Twitter Takes You Shopping with @Earlybird
@Earlybird is a new service from Twitter. The service will offer specials from select advertising partners through Twitter. Many of the details have not been announced yet.
New article: Picture Porter 35, a portable hard drive/viewer for photographers
The Picture Porter 35 is essentially a portable destination for the images on your memory card.
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
Suspicious Facebook App Attracts Nearly 300,000 Fans
The applications is called "I will NEVER text again" and it's attracted the attention of security experts. When you click on the link it asks to access your personal information, possibly setting you up for future unpleasantness.
Look after your iPhone 4 in style with Proporta
Proporta has produced an exclusive new range of cases for the iPhone 4. The Antimicrobial Silicone Case has been found to stop the reception problem as well as protect against impact damage and colds.
Reading on Paper is Faster than iBooks on the iPad
As people move their reading to digital devices and away from ink-on-paper, a study has shown the old technology is faster than the new.
HP Moves To Expand webOS
Now that the deal is complete, and HP has announced it will put webOS on the up-coming Slate, HP is planning to put considerable effort into making the operating system a viable business platform.
LapWorks Releases New Multi-Adjustable Notebook Stand
LapWorks has launched the Mantis Notebook Arm, making it easy to use laptop and notebook computers in comfort.
Wired.com Explains: How Mobile Multitasking Works
People complained when the original iPhones didn't multi-task. Now most smartphones have the capability to multi-task. This article includes three short videos showing how multi-tasking works on the iPhone, an Android device, and the Palm WebOS.
Apple Emphatically Denies iPhone 4 E-mail Exchange Claim
It appears there is a fake e-mail making the rounds. This e-mail pretends to be a record of an exchange between Steve Jobs and an angry customer. Apple says the e-mails are fake. Others say they aren't.
Motorola and Verizon's Droid X marks all the right spots
Motorola's new Droid X is larger than an iPhone and it offers you the chance to customize it. This article includes a 30-minute video showing the phone in action.
Amazon cuts price of Kindle DX
Prices on e-readers are dropping. The price for the Kindle DX, about the same size as an iPad, has been lowered by about $100. While the price has dropped, Amazon has been updating the software and re-working book deals.
HP Closes Palm Deal, Confirms WebOS Tablet
The deal has been finalized, Palm has been purchased by Hewlett-Packard.
Some IPhone 4 Cameras Have Yellowing Problem
It seems that photos taken in bright sunlight are fine, but if light levels are lower colors show some inaccuracies. Apple hasn't confirmed the problem but it looks like it might be the camera's auto-white balance.
Microsoft waves bye-bye to Kin phones
It was a short experiment, only about 60 days, from start to finish. Microsoft has decided the Kin phones were not sufficiently successful to continue. They will now focus on the more "adult" Windows Phone 7 devices.
Critical PDF Reader Patch Fixes '/Launch' Command Attack Vector
Adobe has issued a patch for Adobe Reader/Acrobat 9.3.2 (and earlier versions) that would allow an executable embedded in a PDF to infect a PC.
Cisco plans an Android-based business tablet
Some businesses feel the iPad is a "consumer device" unsuited to the office. Cisco plans to answer the business desire for a table with Cius, a 7-inch touchscreen device running Android.
Netbook Apps Reinvent the Wheel
Most netbooks can run "regular" software. But, since people seem to prefer single-use apps, Intel has built the AppUp Center to provide netbook users with apps for their machines.
YouTube: HTML5 Video Is No Match for Flash
HTML5 is nice, it just lacks some of the features people have come to expect from video. YouTube has been running a site with HTML5 for about a year, as an experiment, but has no plans to switch everything to HTML5 any time soon.
Mozilla Posts Firefox 4.0 Beta 1 Build
For those who like to test software, Firefox 4.0, Beta 1 is now available for download. This version was previously called Firefox 3.7.
FTC: Scammers Stole Millions Using Micro Charges to Credit Cards
If you saw a $0.25 charge on your credit card from a company you didn't recognize, would it be worth arguing? Scammers have made millions because most people won't take the time. This article includes a list of the company names used in the scam.
RIM BlackBerry Pearl 3G phone
The Pearl 3G 9105 offers a "standard" telephone number pad instead of a Qwerty keyboard or RIM's SureType alphanumeric pad. Otherwise, this new phone offers some nice features and if you really prefer the SureType option, it's available in the US as the Pearl 3G 9100.
Resco and Sygic release Resco MapNavigation
Resco announced it has released Resco MapNavigation, a .NET control optimized for Microsoft Visual Studio and .NET Compact Framework, allows developers to integrate a navigation solution into existing mobile applications
New article: Time to pay the paper?
With online advertising revenues not nearly closing the gap fast enough to replace declining print ad revenue, many newspapers are weighing a radical idea -- actually asking customers for pay for their product.
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
Biggest Tech Industry Apologies of 2010 (So Far)
We're half-way through the year and, so far, we've had more than one corporate apology per month in the tech sector. This article looks back at some of the events of the first part of the year.
WiseTrend unveils a multilingual cloud-based Online OCR API for Mobile Developers
WiseTrend has announced a new OS-independent Web-based OCR API for image cleanup, text extraction, and conversion of images to useful text formats with special features for mobile devices.
Fix iPhone 4 Signal Glitch ... with Scotch Tape?
The antenna on the new iPhone has a problem, particularly for lefties. Apple offers a rubber bumper to fix the problem, for $29. Or. You can use Scotch Tape. This article includes a short video showing how.
Google Gmail to harness HTML5
If you use Gmail, there are some changes coming. Google is changing from the Document Object Model (DOM) method of rendering pages to HTML5 and CSS3. The change will speed up page rendering.
Phony Amazon Spam: Coming to an In-Box Near You
Amazon sends out a lot of mail. Now someone is sending out spam that looks a lot like a message from Amazon. The main difference, the spam includes a Trojan virus. This article tells you how to spot the spam.
Gadget Lab Podcast: Droid X, iPhone 4, Android 2.2
This 10-minute video podcast discusses features of new smartphones, apps for the iPad, and more (including the iKamasutra XL app).
Google Remotely Wipes Two Android Security Apps
After reports from SMobile Systems researchers concerning malware-laden Android apps, Google decided to remove two "security" apps. The apps were removed from the Android Market and users' devices.
You Don't Want ISPs to Innovate
There are areas of life where you welcome innovation. But, if your internet service provider (ISP) starts "innovating", is it something you really want?
1 Million iPhones in 1 Day?
Apple may have set a new retailing record by selling a million iPhone 4s in one day. Fans lined up to pick up the new devices, with some waiting in line for as much as 48 hours.
Droid X vs. iPhone 4
Motorola's Droid X and Apple's iPhone 4 are both on the market, offering the latest and greatest to their fans. This article compares the specs on the two phones to help you decide.
HTC Aria
The Aria is a small, Android-based, smartphone with a small price. While it isn't as fancy as some of the more expensive phones, it seems to be a solid performer.
Intel: 2-year-old Nvidia GPU Outperforms 3.2GHz Core I7
Intel researchers probably didn't want to prove this - Nvidia's GeForce GTX 280, released in 2008, runs up to 14 times faster than Intel's 3.2GHz Core i7 960 processor.
Packet-Sniffing Laws Murky as Open Wi-Fi Proliferates
As Google's lawyers in the US argue there are no laws against intercepting unsecured Wi-Fi data, Starbucks is getting ready to add unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots in many of their shops to lure you into lingering over that latte.
Firefox Gets Crash Protection
Firefox 3.6.4 has been released. With it come additional security and "crash protection" for misbehaving Flash, SilverLight, or QuickTime applications.
iPhone 4 Torn Down and Tested
While the iPhone 4 uses the same processor and more memory than the iPad, tests still show the iPad runs faster. This article includes a short video comparing the iPhone 3G to the iPhone 4.
Dell Streak Android tablet phone
This device from Dell runs Android and offers a 5-inch screen, a 5Mp camera, a 1GHz process, and more. But is it really an over-sized phone, or an under-sized tablet?
Targeted Ads Will Let You Spy on Them for a Change
Advertisers have been targeting potential clients for a long time. This summer you're being given a chance to see why certain advertisers have you in their sights and, perhaps, opt out of future ads.
Google Voice Opens to All Comers, No Longer Invite-Only
Google Voice lets you receive all your messages through a single phone number. You can even tell it which device you want it to use. And now anyone in the US can sign up without needing an invitation.
SMobile Systems Analysis of Android App Store Sees Potential for Malware and Viruses
If you have an Android device, and download applications from the Android App Store, be aware that, according to SMobile Systems, up to 20 percent of the applications grant a third party access to your private information.
Final Adobe Flash Player 10.1 Arrives for Android
Adobe's Flash Player can now be downloaded from the Android Market, and Adobe.com, to Android 2.2 (Froyo) devices. Flash Player 10.1 is also available for Symbian, webOS, and other operating systems.
New article: Photoshop CS5's great new lens correction feature
Our eyes can see a much higher range of highlights and shadows than photos can capture and display.
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
Bye, Bye Bebo: AOL Unloads Social-Networking Site
After failing to best Facebook, AOL has sold Bebo to a private investment firm. Bebo will remain accessible to users for the near future. Long term plans have not been announced.
New iPhone operating system, iOS 4, download adds features
If you have an iPhone, Apple has released iOS4 for download. The upgrade brings some new features, but won't run on all models yet. This article includes a list to help you decide if your phone will run iOS4.
Toshiba's Innovative Two-Screen Libretto Tablet: What You Need To Know
Toshiba is offering three new notebook devices. The most interesting may be the Libretto W100, with two 7-inch touchscreens running Win7. This article provides some details and a 6.5-minute video showing it in use.
Facebook 2009 Revenue Neared $800 Million
Social networking, the platform at least, seems to be a good way to generate money. The money comes from advertisers eager to exploit the millions of users on Facebook.
Build Your Own Tablet for $400
If you like to tinker with your computers, Liquidware is selling a do-it-yourself tablet kit. The kit includes a 4.3-inch OLED touchscreen and a 1GHz processor.
Sencha Unveils Sencha Touch: HTML5 Mobile Application Framework
Sencha has announced the beta release of Sencha Touch, an HTML5-based mobile application development framework. Sencha Touch offers mobile application developers easy access to HTML5 technologies, including Geolocation, localStorage and CSS3.
Phantom data sent from sleeping iPhones
If you've actually read your phone bill, you may have noticed your iPhone doesn't sleep very soundly at night. In the middle of the night it sends out push notifications over the 3G network.
Pakistani lawyer petitions for death of Mark Zuckerberg
While many people are unhappy with Mark Zuckerberg, a Pakistani lawyer has filed suit alleging Zuckerberg and other Facebook execs are guilty of blasphemy. Pakistan's penal code classes blasphemy as worthy of the death penalty.
Lawsuit Posits Social Network Connects Are a Noncompete Violation
Social networks have become a way of connecting for businesses, not just socially. But, if after leaving a company you contact former co-workers, have you violated the "do not compete" clause in your contract?
Lenovo Offers IdeaPad Y560d Laptop with a 3-D Screen
The Y560d is Lenovo's new multimedia laptop with a 3-D display. Expected to be available at the end of the month, the Y560d has a 15.6 inch hi-def display.
Hands On With YouTube's New Video Editor
YouTube has a new video editing tool to let you make changes to your video through your browser. While the tool is not a replacement for other video editors, it can do some of the simpler changes.
iPhone Jailbreak Videos: A Legal Primer and a How-To
Apple and AT&T would prefer you not jailbreak your iPhone. However, the federal government is mulling the idea that you have a legal right to jailbreak the device. This article includes two short videos, one on legal issues the other on how to break the phone.
Wireless Oligopoly Is Smother of Invention
Right now, if you buy a new wireless device, you can only use it on one network. You wouldn't accept this restriction for your new television, why accept it for other devices?
420,000 scam emails sent every hour
This study only looked at the messages sent in the U.K. While the exact numbers may change with different countries, the volume remains substantial.
'Appleseed' Open Source Alternative to Facebook Gathers Steam
For those tired of Facebook's anti-privacy stance but who still like to connect with friends, Appleseed is now in beta. This page includes a 7-minute video explaining the project.
AT&T quits taking iPhone 4 orders due to high demand
AT&T took orders for more than 600,000 iPhone 4s before shutting down their ordering system. Apple apologized for the difficulties customers experienced.
USB Typewriter Turns iPad Into Paper
For those who miss their old manual typewriters, you can plug your iPad into a USB Typewriter Dock and type away. Since you're pressing real keys, you even get the old klackety-klack key sounds.
Wirefly Accepting Entries to Its 'Why Android Can Beat Up Your iPhone' Contest
Between now and June 28, you can visit Wirefly.com and submit your reason why Android phones are better than iPhones. Five winners will receive the Android phone of their choice.
SplashID Brings Stronger Password Security to Android Smartphones
SplashData, Inc. announced major updates to SplashID for Android smartphones, plus Windows and Mac desktops. The newest version of SplashID includes enhancements to make it easier to store and access passwords, PINs, account numbers, frequent flier numbers, and more.
Archos 7 Home Tablet
After the Windows-based Archos 9 PC Tablet failed to wow people, Archos is trying again with an Android based tablet. The Archos 7 offers a 7-inch screen, a good display, but probably won't threaten the iPad.
New article: Photoshop CS5's great new high dynamic range imaging features
Our eyes can see a much higher range of highlights and shadows than photos can capture and display.
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
Adobe Flash Player 10.1 Arrives
Adobe seems to have taken all the criticism to heart. Flash 10.1, now available, has a number of improvements over older versions.
Google Chrome Working on Extension Syncing Feature
If you use multiple systems you probably like the idea of being able to sync your bookmarks from one system to another. Now Google, Mozilla, and others, are working on a way of syncing browser extensions from one system to another.
The Safari Reader "Arms Race"
Apple has developed a method of removing all the "clutter" from web pages to present them as "web books". While there are times this might be nice, the author of this article thinks the idea is misguided.
IPad E-Mail Hackers Defend Attack As 'Ethical'
AT&T's servers had a publicly available feature that allowed information to be collected via automated scripts. AT&T has now closed down the feature.
Next Motorola Android Phone Could Feature 2-GHz Processor
If Motorola can find the chip, they want to put it in an Android phone. They've even announced their dream of making the phone by the end of this year.
My New iPad - A simple user's guide to the iPad
While the iPad's basics are easy to understand, many of its features are well beyond the basics. In this book Wallace Wang shows you how to get past the basics and learn what the iPad can really do.
Japanese Manga Newspapers Report Current Events in Graphic Detail
A Japanese newspaper is trying a new way to lure young subscribers. A manga version is now available online. This article includes a couple of samples that display in both English and Japanese.
Government may record users' web history, email data
Australia is thinking of implementing the European Directive on Data Retention. The directive requires ISPs to maintain user histories of sites visited, e-mail, and more.
Proporta says hello to the new range of iPhone 4 accessories
Proporta offers a number of different ways to protect your iPhone. There are aluminum lined cases, clear cases, screen protectors, and cases that include mirrors.
Google's Caffeine Gives the Search Engine a Boost
Caffeine is the name of Google's new web indexing engine. Instead of updating the index in layers, Caffeine works constantly, on small pieces at a time.
BP Tries to Distance Itself From Twitter Parody
@BPGlobalPR is not the Twitter feed for British Petroleum. It is a parody aimed at making the folks at BP uncomfortable while it accepts donations to clean up the mess.
Could a $50 'Paperback' Kindle Beat the iPad?
The Kindle is nice, sort of like a hardcover book, and a little pricey. What would happen if the basic features were available in a much less expensive device?
Why You Should Avoid Phones With Android Skins
A number of carriers have added custom skins to their Android phones. But. With Android releases coming so fast, these custom skins will only delay deployment of the latest version to your phone.
FlyCast Releases appMobi Open Source HTML5 App Gallery
FlyCast has a new open source library of demonstration mobile apps created with HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript as a supplement to Apple's HTML5 gallery. Gallery items can be viewed using iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
Safari 5's 'Reader' Simplifies the Web
Safari 5 was released earlier this week and with it comes a new way of looking at websites. Reader removes all the ads, and other "distracting stuff", to present postings almost as book pages.
RoadSync 2.0 Now Available for Android with Tasks and Exchange 2010 Compatibility
RoadSync 2.0 is available in Android Market. With the new version come a number of enhancements, such as Corporate Directory Look-up, compatibility with multiple versions of Exchange Server, and more.
Apple iOS 4 vs. Google Android 2.2
Both operating systems are currently available to developers, while the rest of us may need to wait a bit. So, what do these operating systems have to offer? This article provides a handy list. Or, there's a device comparison between the iPhone 4 and the HTC Evo 4G.
10 things to know about iPhone 4
Ten key features of the new phone, available later this month, include a sharper screen, a thinner body, and a better camera. This article include Steve Jobs' presentation and two other short videos showing features of the phone.
HP printers print via email addresses
HP's new ePrint capability lets you print to your Inkjet or Laserjet from your smartphone via e-mail. The new process means you don't need to install printer drivers on a computer.
01 Communique enters the online meeting market
01 Communique is making the beta version of I'm InTouch Meeting available free of charge. This new online meeting service allows you to invite up to 15 attendees to your next meeting.
New article: Photoshop CS5's great new Puppet Warp feature
Sometimes, arms, legs, trees, or other items are just not arranged in the shape or location we would have liked them to be.
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
Everything You Need to Know About 4G Wireless
4G phones, notably the HTC Evo and iPhone 4, are arriving. This article explains the difference between 3G and 4G, where it's currently available, and when you might expect it in your area.
Steve Jobs unveils iPhone 4
It's official, iOS4 will be available to developers today and prices have been set for the new iPhone 4.
Prisoner of iTunes - the iPad file transfer horror
The iPad can do many things. Some things it does better than others. And, it would seem, a few of the features can be downright annoying.
Adobe warns over unpatched PDF peril
Adobe has warned that hackers are exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in Adobe Reader, Acrobat and Flash Player whether the software is used on Windows, Mac or Linux systems,
iPhone Programming for Windows - DragonFireSDK
Zimusoft, Inc.'s DragonFireSDK.com (Software Development Kit) lets Windows developers code and debug iPhone Apps without ever leaving Windows.
Facebook E-mail Leak Claims are Bogus
It seems that not all of the ills attributed to Facebook are true. Facebook has not leaked thousands of e-mail addresses as some claim.
Firefox Ditches the Dialog Box
Browsers have used dialog boxes for some time. But. The latest design for Firefox does away with dialog boxes in favor of tabs.
Dual-Screen Tablet Maker Hopes to Reinvent the Textbook
Textbooks seem to be a bad fit for e-readers. Now, a new company, Kno, is offering a device with twin 14-inch LCD touchscreens. The device is expected to be available in December. Article includes a couple of short videos of the device.
WebOS Apps Stand Out Because There's Less Competition
While Palm's smartphones haven't gotten much of a following, the WebOS may be another story, especially now that HP is involved.
AT&T's Data Limits Rein In Cloud-Based Media Services
AT&T's network hosts the iPhone and iPad, both of which attract heavy data users. The result has been a strained network. To prevent collapse, AT&T will no longer offer "unlimited data" plans.
BP Oil Spill Rescue: Online Suggestion Platform Seeks New Approaches
New approaches are needed to help stop the spill from expanding. www.whatshouldBPdo.com hopes crowdsourcing will find solution to BP spill.
Documents To Go 3.3 Now Supports iPad
The Documents To Go has been updated to support the iPad. The update also includes support for Google Docs, Dropbox and Box.net. Current customers will be updated for free.
Hands-on with Asus' Eee Tablet eReader/Writer with Integrated Digicam
Expected out in September, this tablet combines e-reader technology with touch-screen writing, all for about $200. This article includes a 3-minute video, unfortunately the sound is not very clear.
Qualcomm Ups the Game With Faster Smartphone Processor
Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor runs at 1GHz, but faster chips are in the works. Before the end of this year phones with chipsets running at 1.2 and 1.5GHz are expected to be available.
Sprint HTC EVO
Sprint's HTC EVO is a 4G phone, meaning - if you don't have 4G access you'll probably miss out on some capabilities.Otherwise, it offers 3G, 4G (WiMax), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, FM and GPS connectivity, a 4.3 inch screen, and shoots 720p video.
Beware Facebook 'hilarious video' scam
A new phishing scam is out to steal your Facebook login and install malware on your computer. The best defense? If you see a note for an "hilarious video" on your wall, delete it.
Can Non-Apple Tablets Compete Against the iPad?
Now that Apple has sold 2 million iPads, is there much of a market share left for competitors? Since competitors won't have access to the Apple Store, they may fight an up-hill battle.
Mobile game trojan calls the South Pole
A "free" game for mobile phones is installing a Trojan that dials numbers in Antartica, the Dominican Republic, Somalia, and other pricey locations.
Publishers Pine for Universal E-Book Format
There are a variety of e-readers out there - your phone, computer, or dedicated e-reader - all of which may use different formats and different cloud storage areas. Publishers would be ever so happy to have one format become the standard.
New article: Photoshop CS5's great new Content-Aware Fill feature
Content-Aware Fill makes removing annoying lines like power lines and leashes, unwanted objects like cars and people almost too simple.
Read this Computing Unplugged article.
Apple iBookstore lets users submit own ebooks
If you were worried about the iBookstore having sufficient titles to interest you, you can relax. Anyone can now post their own book for others to read.
3 Convertible Tablets That Mean Business
There's the iPad. Then there are Fujitsu's LifeBook T900, HP's EliteBook 2740p, and Toshiba's Portege M780. All three are larger, pricier, and run Win7.
Rumor: New $100 Apple TV Takes Aim at the Cloud
Edngadget is claiming Apple will start putting a media player into a device running the iPhone OS and stop producing the set-top box. No release date was given.
AppMakr Upgrades Free iPhone App-Creation Platform for PC Users
The AppMakr team upgraded the app-creation platform so users no longer need a Mac computer to self-publish apps to the iTunes App Store.
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