How Mobile Developers Can Win Customers' Trust

How Mobile Developers Can Win Customers" Trust
http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-89EKCgBk8MZdE.gif

CIO – Someone, somewhere, is about to install the mobile app that took you hundreds of hours and cost thousands to dollars to develop.
Just as he’s about to, though, he changes his mind – and you’ve just lost another potential user.

This scenario happens to developers every day. Often, it’s a matter of trust. Many apps request permissions to access private
data of many different types. Users – quite rightly – are often reluctant to grant those permissions to an app they have no
reason to trust. Do they really want the app to be able to post “on their behalf” on social networks?

“Some apps ask for access to your phone log or your photos, and you start scratching your head as to why,” says Olivier Amar,
CEO of MyPermissions, a company that has set up a free permissions certification process for developers. “Sometimes, developers really need those permissions, but they don’t have a way to explain that.”

Developers Must Meet ‘Clear Guidelines’ for MyPermissions Certification

MyPermissions’ certification program covers mobile apps as well as also websites and other applications that connect to online
services (such as Twitter or Instagram) or that allow users to authenticate themselves using services such as Facebook Connect.
That’s important because about 80 percent of the top 100 iOS apps, and almost two-thirds of the top 100 Android apps, use
Facebook Connect to let users sign in to the games or services they provide, Amar says.

To become MyPermisions Certified, developers must go through a form-filling process. This includes a review of the required
permissions and a privacy questionnaire that justifies the personal information that their apps access and details why they
need it. “We have guidelines, and they are very clear,” Amar says.

[ Read about app certification programs for Amazon Web Services, Google Apps and Twitter ]

Any developer asking for permissions that contravene these guidelines will have to make changes in order to become certified,
he explains. “We won’t certify author[s] if we can’t understand why they want certain types of information. Why do they want
to know your friends of your political views? An answer like ‘We might need it in the future’ is not acceptable.”

Amar says the certification process is fairly painless. If a developer’s well-organized, it can take as little as 20 minutes.
Otherwise, the process could very well last weeks.

Of course, this raises a key question for developers: Why bother? Why go through such an administrative process just to get
a certification that, let’s face it, most users have never heard of?

One answer is that it allows you to establish your trustworthiness. Users who are curious can click on the “MyPermissions
Certified” logo to bring up information about the certification, along with an explanation of why you needs each permission
and what you will do with the personal data your app can now access.

Perhaps a better answer is that it may bring more users to your apps. During testing, apps that displayed the MyPermissions
Certified mark saw conversion rates rise between 5 percent and 9 percent, Amar says. (In this case, “conversion rate” means
users actually ran the applications after downloading them or signed into them using a system such Facebook Connect, rather
than abandoning them.) That’s a significant amount of numbers users – and it could provide a useful increase in revenue as
well.

Netflash

Read more about How Mobile Developers Can Win Customers" Trust and other interesting subjects concerning NSA at TheDailyNewsReport.com

New Microsoft CEO faces challenges in mobile, investor relations

SEATTLE (Reuters) – As Microsoft Corp prepares to unveil insider Satya Nadella as its new chief executive, investors and analysts are weighing how effective the 22-year veteran will be in re-igniting the company’s mobile ambitions and satisfying Wall Street’s hunger for cash.

Reuters: Top News

New Microsoft CEO faces challenges in mobile, investor relations

IT shops face ever greater mobile demands from users

IT shops face ever greater mobile demands from users
http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-89EKCgBk8MZdE.gif

Computerworld – Nearly two-thirds of mobile device users own three or more network-connected devices, according to an online survey of 5,000
people conducted in November in the U.S. and eight other countries ( download PDF).

That finding shows just how popular smartphones, tablets and other connected devices — including cars — have become in the
past two years. And it also shows the challenges facing IT shops that manage workers who now expect to have constant network
connections in the office and while on the road.

Aruba, a networking company, commissioned the online survey, which was done by Shape the Future. In the U.S., 1,133 people
responded.

“While everybody seems to be using mobile devices, the interest now is magnified with [62%] owning three or more connected
devices,” Manav Kurana, vice president of product and solutions marketing for Aruba, said in an interview.

Among younger mobile users, ages 18 to 35, the survey found that 70% preferred Wi-Fi over any other network connection, including
3G and 4G cellular. Overall, 57% preferred Wi-Fi.

The survey also found that users are becoming more tech savvy and want their cars, homes and even their clothes to be network-connected,
Kurana said.

The survey’s findings imply that companies need to make Wi-Fi more of a “utility like air and water everywhere because that’s
how people want to connect,” Kurana said.

He said the results also imply that IT shops can cut the cord on desk phones and need to create more self-service tools to
help workers maintain their devices on their own. That also means that IT shops need to simplify mobile device operations
at work, which could require finding alternatives to complex passwords used to authenticate devices when it is hard to type
in complex passwords on small virtual keyboards, Kurana said.

IT shops also need to know there are now more opportunities to interact with workers and visitors based on their location.
“Most people will give opt-in to give their location if there’s value in doing so,” Kurana said. “On the other hand, everybody
hates having their location known without their permission.”

In addition to the U.S., other countries in the survey included the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Sweden, South Africa, Saudi
Arabia and the UAE.

Matt Hamblen covers mobile and wireless, smartphones and other handhelds, and wireless networking for Computerworld. Follow Matt on Twitter
at @matthamblen or subscribe to Matt’s RSS feed. His email address is mhamblen@computerworld.com.

See more by Matt Hamblen on Computerworld.com.

Read more about mobile device management in Computerworld’s Mobile Device Management Topic Center.

Netflash

Read more about IT shops face ever greater mobile demands from users and other interesting subjects concerning NSA at TheDailyNewsReport.com

Apple, China Mobile sign long-awaited deal to sell iPhones

A worker cleans glass in front of an iPhone 5C advertisement at an apple store in Kunming, Yunnan province, in this October 27, 2013 file picture.

Credit: Reuters/Wong Campion

Reuters: Business News

Apple, China Mobile sign long-awaited deal to sell iPhones

Eight tips for more secure mobile shopping

Eight tips for more secure mobile shopping
http://isbigbrotherwatchingyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/3aebd__p-89EKCgBk8MZdE.gif

CSO – Online shopping trends point to lots of people, particularly men, using their smartphones and tablets to buy holiday presents.
Since some of that browsing and buying will occur at work, experts say companies would be wise to give employees the following
eight tips to protect themselves and corporate data.

[Retailers tracking customers via Wi-Fi suggests that privacy really is dead]

First up, the company’s Wi-Fi network should be off limits for shopping. Administrators should block any device that is not
authorized to access the network.

Most employees have their own data plans; so they can use their cellular provider’s network to browse the web for bargains.
That way, a malicious app on the phone won’t have the opportunity to compromise the corporate network.

“It’s not likely (to happen), but there is a risk,” Ken Westin, security researcher at Tripwire, said Monday.

To prevent losing personal or business-related data, employees should avoid specialty apps from retailers and shop through
their mobile browsers.

Apps are notorious for accessing more information on the phone than needed, such as contact lists. Symantec’s latest Internet
Security Threat Report rated information stealing as the top threat from mobile malware or overly aggressive ad networks.

When using the mobile browser, be sure the URL to the shopping site starts with “https,” which indicates a secure connection
with the site to protect important data, such as credit card numbers.

In addition, sensitive information, such as passwords, should not be stored in the browser. “Depending on the mobile browser,
this information could be exposed for malicious purposes,” Joe Schumacher, security consultant for Neohapsis, said.

Companies should remind employees to be wary of link-carrying text messages promising big deals on popular items. Clicking
on the link to find the bargain can sometimes download malware or send the victim to a malicious website.

Apps promising huge discounts should also be avoided, and people should review carefully the permissions apps seek for accessing
data and services on the smartphone. Denying unnecessary permissions “can reduce your risk of exposing mobile data to a malicious
entity,” Schumacher said.

[Mobile shopping remains stifled by security, ease of use]

Social media apps should also be watched closely, since scammers target such networks to embed malicious links. These apps
present a particular risk, because they typically have broader access to data than other apps, Westin said. For example, social
networks often tap into contact lists and photos.

Finally, employees should be advised to watch their phones more closely than usual and be cautious about using them in public.
Thieves are looking for smartphones because of the resale value.

“It’s like holding a $ 500 bill,” Westin said. “(Employees) are more likely to have their phones stolen physically over the
holidays.”

This year, mobile sales on Thanksgiving and the day after, called Black Friday, accounted for nearly 26 percent and about
22 percent of total online sales, respectively, according to IBM’s analysis of 800 U.S. retail websites. On both days, people spent significantly more with their mobile devices than a year ago.

Netflash

Read more about Eight tips for more secure mobile shopping and other interesting subjects concerning NSA at TheDailyNewsReport.com

Holiday shoppers are expected to buy more online, and be more mobile, this year

Holiday shoppers are expected to buy more online, and be more mobile, this year
http://isbigbrotherwatchingyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/c6a49__p-89EKCgBk8MZdE.gif

Computerworld – Holiday e-commerce is expected to jump 14% to 17% this year compared to 2012, despite shoppers’ financial worries and a shorter
holiday shopping season.

Specific shopping days, like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, are expected to show strong sales, according to Kate Dreyer, a
spokeswoman for ComScore Inc.

“Over the past several years, each holiday season has seen the continuation of many online shopping trends that are not necessarily
new but nevertheless shape the dynamics of the season,” Dreyer wrote in a blog post. “The holiday shopping period continues to kick off earlier and earlier — with an increasing number of retailers offering
deals on and even before Thanksgiving Day — and Cyber Monday rises in prominence and promotional activity.”

Online shopping should be strong enough this year to actually blur the lines between Black Friday, which is the day after
Thanksgiving when people tend to flock to retail stores, and Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving when people tend
to make a lot of online purchases from their office computers.

“Many U.S. consumers are going online for holiday deals on the biggest shopping day of the year for brick-and-mortar retailers,”
a Nielsen report released Monday said.

The Nielsen study showed that 51% of those surveyed plan to shop online on Black Friday instead of dealing with packed parking
lots and throngs of grumpy shoppers at the mall. And 46% said they would be doing online shopping on Cyber Monday.

According to comScore, though, people aren’t just sitting in front of their laptops or desktops to do their buying. A third
of the average leading retailers’ monthly traffic now comes exclusively from mobile devices.

Shoppers also are increasingly using their smartphones and tablets to “showroom,” which means they check out an item, like
a bicycle or a sweater, in the store and then actually purchase it online. ComScore reported that 76% of the people it surveyed
say they showroom “sometimes.”

Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on
Twitter at @sgaudin, on Google+ or subscribe to Sharon’s RSS feed. Her email address is sgaudin@computerworld.com.

See more by Sharon Gaudin on Computerworld.com.

Read more about e-business in Computerworld’s E-business Topic Center.

Netflash

Read more about Holiday shoppers are expected to buy more online, and be more mobile, this year and other interesting subjects concerning NSA at TheDailyNewsReport.com

Market Saturation Slows Mobile Phone Growth

Market Saturation Slows Mobile Phone Growth
http://thedailynewsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/97288__all?d=yIl2AUoC8zA.jpg

New Worldwatch Institute study examines the state of the global mobile phone market

Washington, D.C.—More than 3.4 billion people, nearly half the world’s population, own at least one mobile phone in 2013. As of 2010, more than 90 percent of people worldwide were covered by a mobile phone signal, according to a new Vital Signs Online trend released by the Worldwatch Institute (www.worldwatch.org).  

The number of mobile subscriptions—that is, the number of active accounts that have access to a mobile network—far surpasses the number of phone owners. It grew from 1 billion subscriptions in 2000 to a projected figure of more than 6.8 billion by the end of 2013. This number is higher than the number of people owning phones because many people have multiple mobile devices or use multiple SIM cards in one phone. As a result, the number of mobile subscriptions is expected to surpass the world’s population in early 2014, according to the International Telecommunication Union, an agency of the United Nations.

The annual rate of growth is beginning to slow, however, as markets become increasingly saturated. Annual additions to mobile subscriptions peaked in 2010 at 680 million. The subscription rate began to dip in 2011, and an estimated 424 million new subscriptions will be added in 2013—some 250 million fewer than in 2010.

The developing world is home to nearly 4 billion more active mobile phone subscriptions than the industrial world. This is not surprising, given the distribution of world population. On a per capita basis, however, the picture is far different: on average, industrial countries have 128 subscriptions per 100 people, compared with 89 per 100 people in developing countries. The figure in developing countries is expected to top 100 subscriptions per 100 people in 2014.

The future of the mobile phone industry will be less about adding new subscriptions and more about improving existing service. The most common mobile network in the world uses 2G (second generation) technology that allows users to talk and send text messages. 2G accounts for nearly 4.7 billion mobile subscriptions today. In the developing world, 2G is the dominant mobile platform because the network is very inexpensive to install, costing less than fixed-line networks for wired phones. The ability to set up 2G networks on difficult terrain without much pre-existing infrastructure has led to “leapfrogging,” in which many users skip landline technology altogether in favor of mobile phones.

Perhaps one of the most important side effects of the growing mobile phone industry in the developing world is that financial services have become tethered to mobile phone use in poor regions. Areas with high poverty tend to have mobile subscription rates of 50 out of 100 people, while only 37 percent of people living there have access to a physical bank branch. Financial institutions have begun to leverage the existing infrastructure for mobile phones so that a host of transactions—such as opening a savings account, paying bills, or transferring money—can be conducted at local mobile retail stores.

One of the most dramatic uses of mobile phones was during the Arab Spring protests in 2010. One Egyptian activist explained, “[W]e use Facebook to schedule the protests, Twitter to coordinate, and YouTube to tell the world.” The Dubai School of Government found that 9 out of 10 Egyptian and Tunisian protestors used Facebook to coordinate and popularize their protests. Although most social media sites, such as Facebook, are available via computer, more people in Egypt own phones than computers, and mobile phones were preferred in street protests because they could be carried anywhere and easily concealed.

Although mobile phones open up new avenues in economics and politics, their production and disposal often comes at a very high human cost. Factories in countries like China get contracts from electronics and phone companies to produce the devices as cheaply as possible, and as a result they cut corners in ways that can have severe impacts on workers’ health and entail other severe labor abuses.

Mobile phones also create certain health and environmental problems when they are thrown away or recycled improperly. People in the United States replace their mobile phones once every two years on average. In 2010, over 150 million phones were thrown away or recycled in the country alone. Old phones, along with other so-called e-waste, are often exported to countries like India and China, where the valuable materials contained in them are extracted in ways that endanger the health of the workers and that pollute the local environment with dangerous toxics. Exposure to the phones’ components can have severe neurological effects, especially on the children who are most often the ones involved in this extraction.

Further highlights from the report:

• 3G and 4G networks now cover over 50 percent of the world population, accounting for approximately 75 subscriptions out of 100 in industrial countries but only 20 subscriptions out of 100 in developing countries.


• Estimates indicate that by 2018, there will be 9.3 billion mobile subscriptions (with most of the added growth occurring in developing countries) and that mobile-broadband subscriptions will account for 6.3 billion of those devices—roughly two-thirds of the total market.


• Mobile phones present great opportunities for development and aid groups because people read approximately 97 percent of their text messages, compared with only 5–20 percent of their e-mails, making a text message one of the most effective ways to convey important news.

—-END—-

PRINT/EMAIL

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2013

---

Notes to Editors:   

For more information and to obtain a complimentary copy of “Mobile Phone Growth Slows as Mobile Devices Saturate the Market,” please contact Supriya Kumar at skumar@worldwatch.org.

About the Worldwatch Institute:

Worldwatch is an independent research organization based in Washington, D.C. that works on energy, resource, and environmental issues. The Institute’s State of the World report is published annually in more than a dozen languages. For more information, visit www.worldwatch.org.

About Vital Signs Online:

Vital Signs Onlineprovides business leaders, policymakers, and engaged citizens with the latest data and analysis they need to understand critical global trends. It is an interactive, subscription-based tool that provides hard data and research-based insights on the sustainability trends that are shaping our future. All of the trends include clear analysis and are placed in historical perspective, allowing you to see where the trend has come from and where it might be headed. New trends cover emerging hot topics—from global carbon emissions to green jobs—while trend updates provide the latest data and analysis for the fastest changing and most important trends today. Every trend includes full datasets and complete referencing. Click here to subscribe today to Vital Signs Online.

Off

Featured on Program Area Page: 

Off

Featured on Homepage – Current Project Block: 

Off

Featured on Homepage – Featured Research Block: 

Off

Worldwatch Institute

Read more about Market Saturation Slows Mobile Phone Growth and other interesting subjects concerning World News at TheDailyNewsReport.com

Mobile Gun-Free Zones Are Coming to America

Laissez-Faire Bookstore – by Prr Lzkdrqxcwm [SATIRE]

Washington, D.C. – The complex negotiations aimed at bringing a long-term solution to the federal government’s expenditure and debt problem have produced an unconventional proposal. “Although the solution only focuses on a tiny fraction of government expenditures,” declared President Barack Obama, “it is a step in the right direction.”

“Moreover,” he added, “it will show the American people that what’s good for them is good for us, too.”  

The idea is to defund and abolish the Secret Service, the Capitol Police, and all other police protection privileges enjoyed by high-ranking members of the three branches of the federal government. These forms of protection will be replaced by a simple and efficient measure from which ordinary American have long benefited: gun-free zones.

The enabling legislation — the Stay Unarmed, Coy and Confident in Equal Royalty Act, or SUCCER Act — has now reached the final negotiation stage between the House and the Senate.

The bill has both a conservative and a revolutionary dimension. On the conservative front, the new legislation would simply reinforce the symbolic nature of existing gun-free zones. For their protection, members of Congress would rely on the current Capitol gun-free zone. Similarly, the existing gun-free zone around the White House and the Supreme Court would be maintained. These gun-free zones would be enforced the same way they are enforced for ordinary citizens: by calling the ordinary police if an aggressor penetrates the zone.

Yet the SUCCER Act also contains a revolutionary feature. It would create new portable and mobile gun-free zones for the president, the vice president, Supreme Court justices, and any other member of the ruling class who faces “serious, persistent, and credible threats.” “Portable” and “mobile” are the keywords: These new gun free-zones would follow the protected person in all his or her moves.

For example, the president and the vice president would always be protected by their portable and mobile gun-free zones, which would move with them and guarantee a 30-yard-radius gun ban around them. “Because we need special protection measures,” explained Vice President Joe Biden, “we will get a more personal and dedicated gun-free zone than the general ones that cover ordinary citizens. But at least the nature of our protection arrangements will not be different from what our electors get.”

Conspicuous signs carried by court clowns would clearly identify the mobile gun-free zones.

“This is what I will tell my wife,” added the vice president, who is known for his subtle mind: “If you feel threatened, just deploy your personal gun-free zone around you.” He said that as soon as the SUCCER Act is passed, he will sell the two shotguns he and his wife keep for self-defense.

“If school children are well protected by gun-free zones,” added a White House spokesbeing, “why not provide the same protection to our high officials, with a mobile component added?”

Interestingly, the idea of a gun-free zone to protect the president and the vice president in lieu of their expensive Secret Service details was rejected by the White House just a few months ago. A “We the People” petition with more than 40,000 signatures had been presented to the White House and had to be answered. At the time, the White House rejected the proposal by arguing that the president and vice president need armed protection because they face “serious, persistent, and credible threats.”

The addition of mobile gun-free zones to the general gun-free zones that protect the rulers in their daily working environment seems to have mellowed the administration’s previous resistance.

The fact that politicians often want many supporters around them has not escaped the genius of lawmakers. The mobile gun-free zones for the rulers will include high-capacity mezzanines. In the ordinary, fixed gun-free zones that benefit ordinary citizens, high-capacity mezzanines will remain verboten.

The New York Sex Workers Union (NYSWU) is lobbying Congress against the SUCCER Act, which would lead to the dismantling of the Secret Service and the dismissal of its 4,500 agents. “Any one of these agents,” says NYSWU president Ashley Dupré, “is a potential, if not actual, customer. It is not the time, in the current economy, to destroy jobs, whether full time or blow.”

– Prr Lzkdrqxcwm, The Martian

Prr Lzkdrqxcwm

Born on Mars centuries ago, Prr Lzkdrqxcwm is Earth’s correspondent for The Martian, the main newspaper of the Red Planet. He covers the whole of the United States, even Massachusetts, California, New York, New Jersey, and DC. He’s written articles for a number of websites in the Galaxy, and has been called many names from “the Martian Tocqueville” to “the Mencken-in-the-cloud.” Occasionally he indulges in some political satire. False rumors (even fraudulent signatures) have circulated in the earthy press as to who is Prr really is…

- See more at: http://lfb.org/today/mobile-gun-free-zones-are-coming-to-america#sthash.osTKy6Hj.dpuf

Mobile Gun-Free Zones Are Coming to America

Microsoft's Nokia deal could benefit rival mobile device vendors, analysts say

IDG News Service – Microsoft’s plan to buy Nokia’s phone business and have a larger presence in hardware devices has so far brought little response
from PC and smartphone vendors in Asia. But the deal could end up bringing dividends to Microsoft’s long-time partners in
the region by revitalizing the Windows ecosystem, according to analysts.

Windows Phone licensee HTC is still assessing the impact of Microsoft’s US$ 7 billion acquisition of Nokia‘s mobile phone business, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Huawei Technologies, another licensee, said the acquisition deal would not affect its cooperation with Microsoft, while smartphone
maker ZTE also said it would continue developing Windows Phone devices while there was demand for them — and as long as the
OS remained fair and open, as with Google’s approach to buying Motorola Mobility, which makes phones running the Android OS
that Google develops.

Other Windows Phone licensees such as Samsung Electronics declined to comment.

But the U.S. software giant’s previous moves at competing in the hardware space have not always been welcomed by its partners.

Following last year’s unveiling of Microsoft’s Windows Surface tablet, Taiwanese PC maker Acer was vocal in its opposition
to the product, stating that it would disrupt the PC ecosystem. Lenovo, while less worried about the Surface product, was also opposed to Microsoft supplying hardware.

Although shipments of the Surface tablet have been weak, Microsoft’s plan to buy Nokia’s phone business signals the company
doesn’t plan to let up in hardware. The deal, which is expected to close in next year’s first quarter, will give Microsoft
access to Nokia’s design and sales teams, along with its manufacturing facilities across the world.

“The PC vendors are definitely concerned about Microsoft’s approach,” said Nicole Peng, an analyst with research firm Canalys.
“Since Microsoft launched its Surface, PC vendors have been preparing for when Microsoft will have its own hardware team.”

But Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s phone business may not necessarily clash with the direction of its partners, analysts
said.

Outside of Nokia, smartphone vendors including HTC, Samsung and Huawei have all been gradually moving away from Microsoft’s
Windows Phone OS in favor of Android, said Melissa Chau, an analyst with research firm IDC. In Asia, over 90 percent of the
Windows Phone devices on the market come from Nokia, she added.

“All the shipments we’ve seen have been very small,” Chau said. “I don’t think we are going to see any huge outrage on the
smartphone side.”

The biggest fear PC vendors may have, however, is that Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia will bring more Surface tablets to
the market, intensifying the competition with partners. Many vendors including Acer, Asustek Computer and Lenovo are releasing
new tablets and convertible PCs running Windows 8.

But analysts argue that Microsoft will likely steer clear of the PC space with its Nokia acquisition, mainly because the handset
vendor has no history of building tablets or laptops.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.

Netflash

Microsoft"s Nokia deal could benefit rival mobile device vendors, analysts say

Google buys Israel"s Waze to protect mobile maps lead

Published June 11, 2013

Reuters

SAN FRANCISCO –  Google Inc bought Israeli mapping startup Waze on Tuesday for an undisclosed sum, acquiring an online real-time mapping service to safeguard its own lead in one of the most crucial aspects of smartphone usage.

A source close to the matter told Reuters on Monday that the Internet search leader was putting the finishing touches on a deal to take over the company for $ 1.3 billion. Google said in a Tuesday blog post that it had closed the deal and now planned on using Waze’s service to enhance its own Maps product, but did not say how much it paid.

Maps and navigation services have become vital for technology companies as consumers adopt smartphones and other mobile devices. Waze uses satellite signals from members’ smartphones to generate maps and traffic data, which it then shares with other users, offering real-time traffic info.

Waze’s product development team will remain in Israel and operate separately for now, Google said. Eventually, its service will enhance the U.S. company’s Maps app, while the core Waze product itself will benefit from integrating Google-search capabilities.

“Imagine if you could see real-time traffic updates from friends and fellow travelers ahead of you, calling out ‘fender bender…totally stuck in left lane! and showing faster routes that others are taking,” Google Geo Vice President Brian McClendon wrote in his blogpost.

Four-year-old Waze, which has 47 million users, has raised $ 67 million in funding to date from firms including: Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Blue Run Ventures and semiconductor company Qualcomm Inc. Facebook Inc was, at one point, an interested buyer, according to media reports.

(Reporting by Edwin Chan; Editing by Gerald E. McCormick and Leslie Gevirtz)

FOXBusiness.com

Google buys Israel"s Waze to protect mobile maps lead

Going Mobile: NFL Games In London, Your Hand, and Everywhere Else You Go

Log in with your social account:

---

Or, you can log in or sign up using Forbes.

• 

Forbes – Tech

Going Mobile: NFL Games In London, Your Hand, and Everywhere Else You Go

Going Mobile: NFL Games In London, Your Hand, and Everywhere Else You Go

Log in with your social account:

---

Or, you can log in or sign up using Forbes.

• 

Forbes – Tech

Going Mobile: NFL Games In London, Your Hand, and Everywhere Else You Go

U.S. to loosen sanctions on Iran for mobile phones, gadgets

• 
  
  
  
  

WASHINGTON –  The United States was set to relax sanctions on Iran on Thursday to allow American companies to sell mobile phones, software and other technology used for personal communications to Iranians, two U.S. officials said.

The move, expected later on Thursday, will allow Iranians to get access to the latest Apple phones and newest software that have only been available on Tehran’s black market since sanctions were first imposed in 1992.

The U.S. has ramped up tough measures against Iran in recent years to slow development of the Islamic Republic’s disputed nuclear program, blacklisting a wide range of Iranian companies and government officials.

The United States believes Iran is enriching uranium to levels that could be used in nuclear weapons, but Tehran says its program is for peaceful purposes.

The easing of sanctions on technology may be an attempt by the U.S. government to develop goodwill with Iranian citizens before the Iranian national elections next month.

Social media played a big role in the wake of Iran’s disputed 2009 presidential elections, used by the opposition “Green Movement” to marshal global attention to their cause, and later inspiring protesters in the Arab Spring revolts of 2011.

The U.S. government first eased some technology restrictions after the election in 2010, allowing U.S. companies to export to Iran some basic software and free Internet services such as chat and email.

But the move on Thursday goes further, allowing companies to sell software and hardware to Iranian citizens, Wendy Sherman, undersecretary for political affairs at the U.S. State Department, said in an interview on the BBC Persian service late on Wednesday.

“We have no desire to cut off communications,” she said in the interview, which first announced the looser rules. “We in fact want to encourage communications in every way we can.”

The English transcript from Sherman’s interview was provided by the National Iranian American Council, a non-profit group that has long urged the U.S. government to ease restrictions on Iran that hurt ordinary citizens but do little to hinder the government’s actions.

(Reporting by Anna Yukhananov, additional reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Editing by Doina Chiacu)

FOXBusiness.com

U.S. to loosen sanctions on Iran for mobile phones, gadgets

Important Samsung Galaxy Nexus GPS Applications

GPS is not an alarming word to many people compare to the words such as AIDS, earthquake and war. In actuality, only a few people know the real meaning of these initials. This should not worry you anymore if you fall in this category. The meaning of GPS is global positioning system. This navigation system is satellite-based and it includes location facts like latitudes and maps In fact, the benefits of GPS are very important.

At present, however, only a few people can enjoy this technology because this is only available to some gadgets. With the birth of smart phones, many things have evolved. The can only be termed as super phones with even better abilities than those of computers and other technological gadgets. In fact, when you compare a good smart phone with a computer, the smart phone takes the cake as it combines all the factors in a greater way than the computers. For instance, many laptops are very heavy to carry and the installed camera is of poor quality. On the other hand, a smart phone is light and sleek so it is very easy to bring everywhere.

The Samsung Company has invested a lot in research and manufacture of new phone brands and their accessories. It is highly competitive against other brands so it still remains on top. The introduction of this new smart phone has caused uproar in the phone market and has challenged other phone makers. The phone is designed to utilize GPS technology. With this technology, the user is able to trace applications, location and even navigation. This is perfect for travelers who are in other countries because they can easily locate restaurants, hotels and even check for directions.

Nowadays technology is developing daily and the innovators have not been left behind. Numerous GPS applications are designed to meet the needs of users and other users on the Android platform. One of the well-known GPS applications is Google maps. Its success however can be attributed to the presence of numerous satellites. The Google maps can show different locations, be it motels and even street directions. Travelling to less familiar areas become easier now because it guides the user where he or she can eat or can find an ATM. It can even help estimate the distance to be covered from one area to the other.

The other top GPS application in this device is the Loop application. This is equally important as it enables users to be able to tell when their friends are approaching. It enables the users to share their locations. Locale application is another GPS application that uses the user\’s location to adjust the settings on his phone. It can be configured in a way that it reminds the user to perform certain activities when he reaches certain places.

All of these applications of GPS are made to assist the user It is advisable to make sure that a screen protector is installed so that cracks and the UV rays cannot hinder the user from assessing his or her whereabouts. A case comes in handy if you want to prevent your mobile device from breaking with just one fall. Other mobile accessories for Galaxy Nexus such as Bluetooth devices or headsets help you enhance the features of your device. Mobile phone accessories such as Galaxy Nexus or Samsung Nexus S smart phone accessories will help keep your device protected.

Seeking Nexus 7 accessories? Visit Exclusive Google Nexus 7 for everything Nexus 7 including the latest in Nexus 7 chargers and more.

Important Samsung Galaxy Nexus GPS Applications

Remain Entertained with a Samsung Galaxy S III Wireless Phone

Tweet

Music plays a vital role and helps a person revive his or her mood irrespective of the occasion, the place or the time. But, at many times, we get lost when finding a good music application for our Smart phones. Read on to learn about the top music applications you can get together with other music related features of the Samsung Galaxy S3 to benefit from.

One of the applications that you can get would be the PowerAMP Music Player. The application is especially developed for android users and comes preloaded with numerous settings which benefit the user to set it according to their own mood and requirements. The player\’s main screen displays large album art while also supporting gestures on the screen. Other than that, the mini-display and min-deck allows for quick controls on what you\’re playing. The best part of the app is that it comes with a 15 day trial period and you can download it onto your device to check whether this is the app that you have been looking out to.

Samsung Galaxy S3 lovers can also look forward to the use of Tune In, another music application that has been developed for android platform. If you are seeking unique and out of the box variety then this music application is what that you require on your device. The application allows you to choose from a massive library of 50,000 stations and over 120,000 shows on the air. The app also allows you to search for our favorite station and store the same while keeping a track on those which you do not want to miss. The app is easy-to-use and allows you to get the music you want rather easily. You can even re-play and rewind the things that you are listening to, so that you can listen to it as per your whim.

Members of Samsung Galaxy S3 community also recommended the use of Pandora application for music lovers on their device. It allows you to create the stream, so that you can listen to all your favorite music. The best part of the app is the enormous freedom it offers to the user and the ability to customize settings according to individual preferences and tastes. The app allows you to have a huge list of different types of music that surprises you while listening. This is something that many people love as they get tired of commercials which they don\’t get on Pandora.

Another top music application some have discussed in Samsung Galaxy S3 discussion, which you might want to join, is Shazam. We have all been in that situation where we should know what a song is. We don\’t want to ask what it is or there are times when others can\’t place their finger on it either. That is why this music application works like a charm. The application listens to the music that you are playing and provides you the information about the song being played. Now, that is a nice and smart feature to have in your mobile music application. You will never have to wonder what a song is again. Now enjoy music and track down who is the artist in no time with this application installed on your phone.

If you an avid music lover, then the above mentioned music applications will be helpful for you to enjoy music on the go. Would you like to know more about such applications that you can install on your Samsung Galaxy S3? Just visit Samsung Galaxy S3 forum to learn all the info you need about this Smart phone. The Galaxy S3 screen protector is a leading item for this device. Samsung Galaxy S3 screen protectors protect your phone from all sorts of damage. A Galaxy S III screen protector will not damage your screen making it the perfect item for it.

With screen protectors for Galaxy S3 you will ensure your touch screen is safe.

Remain Entertained with a Samsung Galaxy S III Wireless Phone

The Greatest Protective Cell Phone Accessories for a Cellphone

Tweet

Cell phones play very crucial roles in the recent past especially due to advancing technology. This machine makes the life much easier with its amazing applications. This is the main reason why people love to have such machine in their pocket.

Protective cases facilitate the appearance of the smart phone. This is as a result of them being designed into different styles, colors, shapes and sizes. The material that is used in these cases also vary as some of these are made up of leather and some of them are with plastic. In order to give your personality some style you need to have stylish case. People do not realize the importance of the case but when they realize it is too little too late as mobile get too much damage. The smart phone also suggests the taste and image of the person. This is another reason why one should choose a perfect case. There are a lot of phone that is best in the market because of their apps and feature but their design look awful as people go for the appearance as well. Don\’t stop to find the perfect smart phone for you as it will be somewhere around waiting for you.

Did you know that Samsung skyrocket smart phone accessories such as protective cases have played important roles of ensuring that one obtains the optimized services from his/her Smartphone? Well, this is true and in case you are looking forward to obtaining the best functionality then you ought to do this. These devices are meant to make life easy and enjoyable. Although they are costly but spending money on such smart phone don\’t go in vain as the use so this mobile is unlimited. This means that there is need to take good care of these devices.

There are many kinds of mobile cases available in the market now a day\’s. This will provide people with an opportunity to select according to his own choice. For instance, if one is working in a place where scratches are likely to occur on his/her device, then they can go for tough cases such as aluminum, when the phone is likely to drop on water, then they would go for water proof cases that will prevent the water from entering the device and spoiling it. The other best thing about it, it protects the mobile screen from the heat of sun. Indeed, this smart phone case is one of the best accessories to put into consideration.

The shape of this smart phone is neatly designed. It has smooth and curved corners. It is likely to slip from ones hand and fall down. In order to avoid such kind of events mobile phone case is best accessory that one could have. The most ideal cases for this matter would be leather cases; they are tender, well cushioned and beautiful in appearance. It is available in different colors and designs and it all depends on you which type of color you select for yourself. Samsung cell phone accessories such as Galaxy Note accessories and Galaxy Skyrocket accessories are just some of the many Galaxy series accessories that will help maintain the balance of your smart phone.

Cellphonebasic offers customers high quality cell phone charger such as ZTE mobile cell phone cases for your mobile phone.

The Greatest Protective Cell Phone Accessories for a Cellphone

Notable Video Functionality of A Apple iPhone 5 Smart Phone

In the market today, the Apple iPhone 5 is known to be one of the leading devices. Many people would like to have their own mobile phone; but only a select few could afford this since this would cost comparative to a laptop. Though this is one costly device, but the owners did not regret making such investment. This is because of the great video viewing capabilities of the Apple iPhone 5.

What this device has that other smart phones don\’t is the A5 dual-core chip. This makes the 5 the most powerful product from Apple. Because of the A5 chips two core, this device is able to deliver twice the power and the graphics is faster by seven times. This is definitely one of the most interesting viewing capabilities of this mobile phone. This cell phone is really quick to respond to whatever function you wish that it will execute such as for gaming, web-browsing, launching applications and movie streaming and many others.

If you plan to successfully use this device you will need to keep it protected with an Apple iPhone 5 screen protector and also a case. These two are quite essential Apple iPhone 5 accessories to ensure that this device is kept safe regardless of what you do with your iPhone. The screen protector will see to it that your phone doesn\’t get scratches as you keep tapping the glass screen when clicking the menu for browsing videos. This is just a cheap investment but many are neglecting its value.

This mobile phone can record videos in 1080p HD which is quite amazing. One can shoot a quality video wherever one goes. The new optics of this device comes with great light and vivid colors too. There is also the video stabilization feature that helps keep those shaky shot steady. Recording 30 frames for each second is possible because of the 1080p HD feature of this smart phone. With these features, you\’ll better enjoy viewing the things that you have recorded through your iPhone 5.

It is also very interesting that this phone comes with an AirPlay app that enables you to stream videos from your iPhone to your HDTV and speakers via the Apple TV. There is also the AirPlay Mirroring which allows you to see on big screen the things that you do using your device. You\’ll be able to broadcast your phone activities on the large screen through this feature. With this, you will be able to share what you do in your mobile phone through the Apple TV. You can stream lessons, photos, spreadsheets beside the videos. This is done by the AirPlay in a wireless manner. Viewers will be able to see what you see through your iPhone.

Additionally, this device has a huge memory to be able to store different files, videos or movies. Through this feature, you will always have a mini-entertainment system which you can use for watching videos anywhere you are and anytime you feel bored. This device comes with wonderful features and you should ensure the protection of this precious gadget through an cover. Apple iPhone 5 screen protectors will help a case add protection. Keep in mind that screen protectors for Apple iPhone 5 can be used with any accessory and it will never impede the other accessory from working.

Screen Protectors for Apple iPhone 5 phone will help keep your screen scratch free. Apple iPhone 5 phone screen protectors will also help reduce the amount of dirt that ever touches your screen.

Notable Video Functionality of A Apple iPhone 5 Smart Phone

Methods to Maintain A Smart Phone Safe From Viruses

In a world of business security and constant risks, most IT professionals and managers would not think about giving a PC to a worker without locking it down. In order to follow a safety-in-depth approach which keeps the PC protected at all times, antivirus, login systems and network safety are recommended. Antivirus companies offer widespread suites to protect networks, computers, servers and more, through a central point of control. But what about Smartphone\’s, since Android and iPhone devices have turned out to be more and more trendy, workers no longer deem their phones or company-issued phones to be merely a communication gadget.

Other purposes that people use their phones for include downloading files, reading emails as well as VPN in the firewall of the company. Therefore, it is no wonder you frequently hear of potential security issues. Is it the point in time to fix antivirus software on Smartphone\’s?.

In order to discuss about antivirus software for phones, it is essential to find out how smartphones work and they are different from personal computers. When using a standard system, it is possible to communicate with every system asset through a particular program. In the Motorola Photon Q cover, however, it is possible to read the contents of the hard drive and RAM unless the phone is locked. Also, if a worker wants to download a malicious type of software, he can do so and that particular software can then check the hard drive for useful folders and mail them through the network. Modern editions like Windows 7 and Vista encompass UAC which assist moderate it; however, it does not prevent everything.

Motorola Photon Smartphone works differently. Every individual app has its own settings and cannot access another app\’s data. This is useful as it provides enough security because a single software cannot damage everything. Then, any app is downloaded from the Application Store, and is checked for any possible issues. However, AVG has been introduced to tackle all this issues as a whole.

AVG is an accepted free antivirus answer for Windows and is as well accessible for Android Tablets and Smartphone\’s. People do not have to pay anything or have themselves registered for using AVG. Once it is installed, AVG automatically checks for any issue in the phone as well as any of the accessories for Motorola Photon Q. After that, it changes to synchronized safety mode, which implies that any novel applications are checked immediately after installation to ensure that your gadget is safe. Having AVG in this mode allows people to go through their files for problematic content.

AVG itself is a collection of services which consist of an antivirus scanner. Moreover, AVG also includes a locate/find service for devices with GPS which get stolen or lost and the ability to lock the device to protect it from harm. There are as well alternatives to check text messages and to activate a secure web browsing mode which provides synchronized security from suspicious websites. Other than protecting the hardware, it is important to protect your screen as well using a screen protector for Motorola Photon Q to prevent people seeing what you are doing. Photon Q wireless accessories such as the batteries for Motorola Photon Q and the car chargers for Motorola Photon Q will help add extra power as well as life to your smart phone.

Browse the latest Motorola Droid razr maxx mobile accessories for your smart phone. A Motorola Droid razr maxx mobile case and Motorola Droid razr maxx mobile screen protector will help keep your phone safe.

Methods to Maintain A Smart Phone Safe From Viruses

Music Listening with your Motorola Photon Q Mobile Device

Listen to music with Motorola Photon Q Smart Phone can be enhanced if you make use of some of the best accessories for listening to music. These accessories not only make listening to music interesting but they reduce the inconvenience that results from listening to music with wired head phones. They also have noise control and cancellation features that help you listen to music without interruption from your surroundings.

The most common and essential accessories that you may need for your smart phone include; Motorola SF 600 wireless sports headphones, Motorola HK 100 Bluetooth headset or Motorola HK 200 series universal Bluetooth headset just to mention a few. A person can have the liberty to listen to music whenever they want to and wherever they want to if they have these accessories for Motorola Photon Q.

The codec technology has been added to the Motorola SF 600 wireless sports headphones. This is the latest technology that enhances the thrill of listening to music. It has a great performance that surpasses all other headphones in the market. The headphones are designed for protection and comfort with seals made of silicon that reduces moisture and not to mention the hydrophobic nature of the mash used to make the headphones to prevent moisture as well.

Motorola HK 100 Bluetooth headset is an accessory that enables you to connect with other devices very easily. This music listening device has the capacity to reduce the interference from the surrounding so that you can listen to good music without interruption. A person might also benefit from the light-weightiness of this accessory because it would facilitate them while they listen to music. As the person listen to the music wirelessly, they do not have to worry about placing the phone anywhere if they use the Motorola Photon Q cover which protects the phone from getting damaged.

This smart phone also includes other accessories such as H17 txt with Moto speak and Motorola HK 200 series. Both of these accessories enable you to cancel the noise on your device as you are listening to music. These two accessories are very essential not only because they help you to listen to uninterrupted music but because of the fact that they allow you to have a very long length of talk time. A screen protector for Motorola Photon Q allows you to listen to music with these accessories even as the phone is exposed to environmental stress. The chances of getting scratches on the screen is minimized if these screen protectors are used on the smart phones.

These accessories are considered to be most crucial amongst the several accessories that are available to facilitate listening of music. A person has the liberty to either select more than one devices or can even choose one device that they can use. Due to the several features that are attached to the accessories of these smart phones it can be said that the accessories are much better as compared to the other devices available. Your selection on a specific accessory should be based on your needs; you have to take into consideration what you want from the accessory before you can make your choice. Mobile accessories for Motorola Photon such as Motorola Photon covers and screen protectors for Motorola Photon will protect your smart phone.

Use motorolaphotonaccessories.com to enhance the features of your device. Motorola Photon smart phone spare batteries and Motorola Photon smart phone car chargers can keep your device fully powered at all times.

Music Listening with your Motorola Photon Q Mobile Device

The Greatest Cell Phone Accessories for Movie Viewing

The Apple phone, the newest smart phone made by Apple, has made quite a buzz with the online Apple community (and other communities as well), making it one of the most popular smart phone choices today. In just less than four months, it has made more than millions of purchases from different countries worldwide, surpassing the sales made by its predecessor, the phone. The Apple phone is truly one of the most successful smart phone models today.

The Apple phone is the successor of the popular Apple phone. While on the outside it may not look any different from each other, the difference lays on the internal mechanisms of both smart phone models. A good example of the difference between the two is the different processors installed in each one: the phone has the A4 Chip while the phone has the Dual-Core A5 Chip. This alone makes the Apple phone doubly-powerful compared to its predecessor. Of course, it\’s not only the processor that received an upgrade, as there are other improvements as well done on other parts of the smart phone, including the capacity of the camera, which is now at 8MP (5MP on phone), making it ideal for recording videos; its total talk time, which is given an extra hour; and lastly, the introduction of a built-in assistant, \”Siri\”.

And with the new features that come with the new Apple phone, new accessories are also made available in order to boost the effectiveness of these new features and capabilities. Old, but vital, Apple phone accessories such as Apple phone case and Apple phone screen protector are still available today. Of course, there are newer accessories as well, such as the Apple phone battery packs, and the Apple phone data cable. It is important that you should purchase these accessories as well so that you can make use of the Apple phone\’ different functionalities.

Battery packs are very important especially if you are using all the new functionalities that the Apple phone offers. Like the previous iPhone models, the phone only lasts for 20 hours (on idle mode) and using these functionalities drains the battery life faster. By using battery packs, you can make use of the phone\’s different functionalities longer. Battery packs are indeed very essential especially if you are on long trips and there are no available compatible electrical outlets to charge your phone with. Car mount chargers are also available as well so you can charge it while you are on your way to your destination.

Another vital accessory are headsets, Bluetooth headsets specifically. Using these headsets lets you listen to your favorite tunes and watch videos, be it online or offline, without disturbing the people around you. Also, with Bluetooth headsets, you can make use of the newest functionality of the phone, which is the built-in assistant \”Siri\”. With \”Siri\”, you don\’t need to key in the commands or navigate through your entire menu in order to input commands. Voice commands will be enabled so you can just request \”Siri\” to open up your needed application and it will do the rest. Of course, make sure that the headset that you buy can easily recognize your voice so that you won\’t have problems using the \”Siri\” functionality.

There are many accessories available for the Apple phone, but you should only purchase the ones that are essential for yourself. Of course, opting for all of the available accessories is alright, but it is entirely optional. Focus more on accessories that can protect your phone, as well as accessories that can improve its various capabilities and functionalities. Wireless phone accessories for Apple such as the Apple iPhone 5 cell phone accessories and the cover for Apple iPhone 5 will help you keep your mobile phone protected.

Apple tablet accessories help maintain the perfect look of your Apple tablet device. Use an Apple tablet cover and an Apple tablet holster for this.

The Greatest Cell Phone Accessories for Movie Viewing