FBI and NSA have access to private user data with PRISM data collection

by Jared Peters on
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Remember when we told you that Verizon was handing out call logs of customers to the US Government? Well, surely you didn’t think Verizon was the only one who was handing over data, right? According to the latest report from the Washington Post, Verizon isn’t the only company that’s been leaking information to the FBI and NSA, thanks to a data collection initiative called PRISM, made by the US government.

PRISM supposedly allows access to servers from popular sites, namely Google, Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo, Skype, YouTube, PalTalk, and AOL, with Dropbox access in the pipeline. That pretty much covers most of the top companies that have access to mountains of user data, so that’s a pretty scary thought. This is a great time to remind everyone that no matter how much security you think you have online, any information you put on the internet can always potentially be seen by a third party. If you don’t want that information to ever be seen by anyone else under any circumstances, don’t put it on the internet.

source: Washington Post

Wikipad 7″ gaming tablet will be available June 11 for $249

by Robert Nazarian on
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It’s been a long ordeal for the Wikipad gaming tablet. They originally unveiled a 10-inch version early last year, which was supposed to launch this past October, but they scrapped it completely in favor of a smaller form factor and and more attractive pricing. This new and improved 7-inch version will finally be available June 11 for  $249, which ironically is the first day of E3. What makes the Wikipad very compelling is that not only is it a 7-inch tablet, but the patented gaming controller is detachable. So for those times in which you don’t feel like gaming, you have a sleek 7-inch tablet and you don’t have to worry about the controller getting in the way.

Speaking of the controller, it has all the bells and whistles like you would expect such as dual analog sticks, a d-pad, ABXY buttons, and triggers. It comes with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and you shouldn’t need to worry if developers support it or not. The latest versions of Android support button mapping, so you should be able to play just about any game. It’s also one of the few non-Sony Mobile devices to be PlayStation Mobile certified.

» Read the rest

Oppo working on successor to Oppo Find 5 with Snapdragon 800 and 8MP front-facing camera

by Harrison Kaminsky on
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Although Oppo isn’t yet a household name, it is still known for its high-end phones with some of the best specs available on the market. There are rumors that the company is already working on a successor to the speedy and semi-affordable Oppo Find 5.

The next Oppo Find is allegedly scheduled to launch in the fall, and is rumored to feature a Snapdragon 800 SoC. Further specs include a 5-inch display with 1080p resolution, 2GB of RAM, a 13MP main camera, and— wait for it— an 8MP front-facing camera. That’s right folks, get ready to send some high-quality Snapchats and Skype calls.

Remember, all of this is strictly rumored information, so don’t get your hopes up just yet. We’ll be sure to keep you guys updated when any more information is leaked.

Source: My Drivers
Via: PhoneArena

 

New VoLTE tests show improved battery life for second generation

by Jeff Causey on
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As we watch newer, faster smartphones come to market, many of us may gloss over one of the original uses of the devices – phone calls. Manufacturers and carriers have not forgotten though and as they have been working to rollout 4G LTE services, they have realized they could shift voice traffic over to the LTE network, but not without some challenges. To address the situation, some carriers have been looking at moving voice traffic onto the LTE network using technology referred to as VoLTE, Voice over LTE. The problem is that LTE was designed to move data not voice. In addition, LTE currently does not carry SMS traffic which accounts for a large portion of the revenue stream. To make voice calls over LTE means the use of some type of VOIP technology to convert the voice call into data, which means more computing overhead and thus, more demands on a smartphone’s battery. This concept was found to be true in testing in late 2012. MetroPCS and LG have been working to improve this situation as revealed in the results of recent tests. » Read the rest

Skype currently testing video voicemail functionality for users

by Roy Alugbue on
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Skype has just gotten updated to include the testing of video voicemail functionality for its users. As it stands now, the new feature formally allows users to create and record video voicemails of up to 3 minutes in length that can be sent to individuals around the world. There is a noteworthy catch to this awesome feature though friends— it’s reported that the video voicemails is seemingly a paid feature because while pricing hasn’t been announced, the Skype app all users are given 20 free video messages to begin, perhaps indicating that users of the premium Skype service will be able to send more video messages as opposed to a limited number.

As mentioned before, the new feature is currently in testing— but should be available for most, if not all users— so all you Skype folk be sure to grab the latest update today in order to try out the cool feature. You’ll be glad you did.

 

 

source: Engadget

Skype updated with portrait calling support on tablets, new languages

by Colton Kaiser on
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Skype for Android has been given a breathe of life today as a new update has officially brought portrait calling to tablet users. The majority of the application still doesn’t support portrait mode, though this is unquestionably a step in the right direction. Previously, users with top-mounted front facing cameras would be forced to use the tablet in landscape, inevitably creating a strange camera angle. Also included in the update is a slew of much-needed bug fixes, as well as a swath of languages including Norwegian, Portuguese and UK English. Be sure to hit the break to grab the new version from the Play Store. » Read the rest

NFC Business cards from TapMyBiz are high quality and perfect for high impact networking

by Robert Nazarian on
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NFC business cards aren’t new, but they never took off because they have always been credit-card like and who wants to carry a bunch of those around? Well a company called TapMyBiz is the first to offer a true high quality paper-like business card with an NFC chip embedded in it. It just so happened that I needed to order more business cards for CES so I figured I would give it a shot. I was shocked at how awesome the quality was. They will easily fit in a wallet and since I will need to carry a bunch of them to the show, I have no problem doing it since they are no thicker than your typical business card.

TapMyBiz will program each card to do whatever you want it to do when someone touches their NFC enabled phone or tablet to it. It can automatically add your contact information to their device, go to a website, open a video, head to a Facebook Page, or whatever you can think off. You can even set it to place a phone call or even a Skype call. If you ever want to reprogram any or all of your cards to do something else, you can easily do it with most of the NFC tag apps that are available in the Google Play Store.

You would think that a product like this would have a slow turnaround time, but they are able to produce and program your cards within 3 to 4 days. Ordering your card couldn’t be easier as their site offers free templates for designing your own. Of course, if you need any help, they offer 24/7 customer support. Right now they are a little limited in the style card, but come February, they will offer more sizes and different styles like rounded edges. That’s not all because by mid-year they will be offering greeting cards, flyers, and posters.

Check out my hands on video below to see how easy it works, and I am sure you will agree with me that it’s finally time to spice up your business cards with a little NFC.

For more information visit their website, about page, or FAQ

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Skype updated to version 3.0 for Android devices, adds tablet UI improvements

by Jeff Causey on
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Skype released an update today that focuses on Microsoft’s move to use the service in place of Windows Live Messenger and to introduce improvements in the tablet experience. Skype’s tablet UI changes include little things like re-positioning navigation buttons and menus to better use the screen real estate afforded by tablet devices. The window for video is larger as well. However, early adopters of this new version are already complaining that the app forces the use of landscape mode. » Read the rest

Amazon to ship Kindle Fire HD 8.9 today with 4G versions to follow next week

by Macky Evangelista on
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The larger brother of Amazon’s Kindle Fire series is now here and has reportedly starting to ship. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 offers a 1,920 x 1,200 display at a low starting price of $299. As for a 4G LTE version, you can expect that to start shipping next week starting November the 20th. As expected, the LTE model will set you back further at $499 but is still relatively cheap compared to other tablets such as the iPad with similar storage and 4G connectivity.

Excited about this tablet? Check out the official press release after the break!

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Hisense jumps into 4K TVs with the XT880, promises Android 4.0

by Macky Evangelista on
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In a surprising move, Hisense is entering the “large” big screen TV market with it’s upcoming XT880 line’s of 50, 58 and 65 inch TV’s deliver that 3,840 x 2,160 picture resolution. Hisense also promised a full-fledged, 3D-capable smart TV based around Android 4.0 with WiFi internet access, a remote with voice commands and a removable camera for gesture control or Skype chats.

More details of this should surface come CES, but certainly seems interesting thus far. Hit the break below for Hisense’s full press release!

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