What to do when your free cloud storage fills up

With the launch of the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, Microsoft is joining the promotional cloud-storage craze, giving buyers 200GB of free storage for two years.

Creative apps to keep your kids busy on a rainy day

Kids these days...

Rainy days are the worst when you’re a kid.
You can’t play outside, everything inside is boring, and adults are all cranky because of the weather. But kids these days are a luckier bunch—there’s no end to the amount of entertainment available at their fingertips.
But how about some options to really get their creative juices flowing? Tablet apps can inspire all kinds of creativity, from drawing to cooking to music. Here are nine fantastic choices to try the next time the weather turns terrible.

UK cyber defense unit promises to 'strike back' at enemies

The UK government announced last December that it was building a "Cyber Reserve" to protect itself, and now it has a few more details to divulge. Crucially, rather than merely focusing on defending the country from attacks, it'll also have an "offensive capability" to help it act as a deterrent. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Defense Secretary Philip Hammond said Britain needs to be able to "strike back in cyber space against enemies who attack us, putting cyber alongside land, sea, air and space as a mainstream military activity."

Samsung claims 100 million people use its ChatOn messaging service

Though we haven't received any ChatOn messages ourselves lately, Samsung says that its messaging service has caught on with some. In fact, it's just chalked up a "global subscriber base" of 100 million folks in around two years, thanks to its availability on diverse platforms like iOS, Android, Bada, the web and Windows Phone. Samsung singled out China and India as key markets for the service and touted features like drag-and-drop media sharing and the ability to hand-write messages with an S Pen-equipped device. Though the numbers sound good, we're not sure if the Korean company is counting active users or just those who registered out of curiosity because it came pre-installed on their phones. By contrast, WhatsApp counts 300 million subscribers who use the service monthly. We've reached out to Samsung to confirm and maybe we'll get around to registering for the service ourselves, some day.

Source: Samsung

Toshiba to cut 3,000 jobs and outsource production to stem TV losses

It's not as if Toshiba's TV division has been totally silent recently, but it apparently hasn't been making enough noise to justify the continued employment of its full, 6,000-strong workforce. Although it's not quite ready to give up, the Japanese manufacturer is scaling back its TV operation heavily: losing half of its staff globally and closing two of its three TV factories in favor of more outsourced production. The cuts are intended help Toshiba meet its target of $101 million in cost savings and the company hopes its TV division will return to profitability this year -- but as you'd expect, at a much smaller scale than it once had.
  
Source: Reuters

What's still to come from Apple this fall

Long-time Apple watchers know that the fall season usually brings a bountiful harvest of new and updated products from the company. Indeed, just two short weeks in September have ushered in new iPhones, iOS 7, a new version of iTunes, a modest bump to the iMac line, a nice update to the Apple TV software, and several minor changes to the company’s product lineup including iPhone docks and even new iPod colors. But we didn’t see lots of stuff in September that many had hoped for, and the rumor mill is churning away (as usual) about all the things Apple supposedly still has up its sleeve for the fall.

Timothy Leary-developed video games found in New York Public Library archive

The New York Public Library recently discovered a treasure trove of video games in its archives created by psychedelic evangelist Timothy Leary. Over 375 floppies (talk about flashbacks) containing a "dozen or so" games developed by the LSD-advocate in the '80s -- some are playable via emulation -- are now on display in the library's rare books and manuscripts division, according to The New York Times. The good doctor's digital works had a self-help bend to them, advocating self-improvement by interactive means as opposed to pharmaceuticals, and apparently recreational drugs as well. If you fancy yourself a cyberpunk, Leary also had an in-progress project based on William Gibson's Neuromancer, replete with writing by William S. Burroughs and a soundtrack by Devo. He had more than just prototypes, too: His Mind Mirror was commercially released in 1985 and sold 65,000 copies for publisher Electronic Arts. If you can't make it to the NYPL, a version has been adapted to Facebook so you can glean your personality profile from your... profile.

 [Image credit: Jaycobs / Flickr]
Source: The New York TImes

Softbank announces the Arrows A, can fast-charge a day of use in just 10 minutes

Softbank has just held its biannual showcase to reveal its new smartphone family and, as is often the case with Japanese carriers, there's a few interesting devices alongside the more predictable iPhone fare. Poring over the company's Winter 2013 collection, it's Fujitsu's Arrows A 301F that immediately jumps out, with the particularly useful ability to charge up "a full day" of use in just 10 minutes. The 2,600mAh battery will reportedly offer three days of use on a full charge and is accompanied by some more familiar smartphone specs, like a 5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 800 processor, and 13-megapixel camera sensor. Talking of sensors, there's one other feature that's had plenty of attention elsewhere recently: a fingerprint reader. On the Arrow A, it's located on the rear, just below the flash and camera sensor, although the company hasn't elaborated on its uses. The phone will launch in Japan this December.
  
Source: Softbank

Inside look at BlackBerry reveals failed 'SMS 2.0' push, qualms over Z10 launch

We're familiar with much of BlackBerry's history, but there are a few unanswered questions: why did Jim Balsillie resign his board position, for example? And why did the Z10 launch ahead of Q10, to disastrous results? Thankfully, The Globe and Mail has addressed some of these mysteries through a detailed exposé. We now know that Balsillie left the board after BlackBerry axed an "SMS 2.0" plan that would have replaced carriers' text services with BlackBerry Messenger. Thorsten Heins wanted the company to remain focused on hardware, according to the newspaper. As for the Z10? Heins reportedly prioritized the all-touch phone over the objections of board members like Mike Lazaridis, who saw the Q10's keyboard as necessary for standing out in a crowded market. There's even more to the story than these two revelations, so you'll want to visit the source link if you're wondering just how BlackBerry ended up in such dire straits.

Source: The Globe and Mail

Sharp's first Windows 8 tablet has a 10.1-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 IGZO display, water-resistance, but probably won't leave Japan

 Kicking off this week's CEATEC show in Japan, Sharp has played to its strengths with its new Windows 8 tablet, the Mebius Pad, factoring in a 2,560 x 1,600 resolution display. That puts it pretty far ahead of the current crowd of 1080p Windows 8 tablets, including Microsoft's incoming Surface 2, although we admit, we'd have loved to have seen another incredible 4K tablet. Alongside the company's 10.1-inch IGZO panel (know for their low-power credentials), the Mebius Pad runs on a slightly less-exciting Intel quad-core Atom processor (the Z3370), which we've had mixed feelings on when it comes to the Windows tablets its powered in the past. The basic Windows 8.1 model will arrive with Office for free, although you'll have to pay extra if you want it for the Pro edition. Also, following Japanese trends for practically any device, the slab is both water and dust-proof (it's in the midst of being certified for IPX5, IPX7, IP5X), while you'll be able to buy it with LTE radios on board, at least for Nippon, as the device is unlikely to leave Japanese shores. We'll be closely scrutinizing that display in a few minutes and will have more to say then.

Source : engadget

Gmail Android app may get ads soon, APK teardown reveals

Google's Gmail app for Android has remained an ad-free sanctuary, but code uncovered by Android Police in an APK teardown of the application's latest version hints that circumstances might change. Buried within the the program is a new library called "ads," along with messages, functions and classes mentioning advertisements. What's more, a "ShowAdPreferenceManager()" function routes users to the ad settings page for their very own Google account. Its not clear if sponsored bits will make it into the promotions folder just like the web version of Mountain View's inbox, but the clues suggest you should brace yourself to see some marketing relatively soon.

Source: Android Police

BlackBerry's sale: A FAQ

The news that foundering smartphone maker BlackBerry is going to be taken private by one of its largest shareholders has made big waves across the technology and business communities alike. If you're struggling to get up to speed on the news, here's a quick primer to help you along: 

Lenovo teases Yoga Tablet that can stand itself up, shift its center of gravity

Looks like Lenovo and its executives are taking a page out of Huawei's book to start leaking its own products, with the victim this time being an oddly named Yoga Tablet. Our source told us that unlike the Yoga laptop series, this mysterious device isn't a transformable device. Instead, the main selling points here are the product will have a "leg" that can somehow stand itself up, plus it has some sort of mechanism that can shift its center of gravity, in order to give you the illusion that it's lighter in hand. As a bonus, the Yoga Tablet claims to be the world's slimmest slate with the longest standby battery life, according to Lenovo's own "spy shot" above. If all goes well, we can expect this intriguing device to launch a month from now, as confirmed by Lenovo SVP and head of China, Chen Xudong, on Sina Weibo.
  
Source: Sina Weibo (1), (2)

Bendable, stretchable phones may be the next innovation

magine if your cell phone had a transparent screen that you could stretch to twice its normal size so you could see bigger pictures and have a bigger space to type on. 
It's a scenario that could one day be a reality, according to scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Microsoft wins $304,994 in Australian software piracy case

The Federal Circuit Court of Australia has awarded Microsoft $304,994.95 in damages after Paul McLane, trading as Software Paul, was caught selling counterfeit Microsoft software. 

Interbrand: Apple now most valuable brand, worth estimated at $98.3 billion

Coca-Cola's 13-year tenure as "Best Global Brand" is over, however the new leader shouldn't really surprise you. Apple knocked Penelope Cruz's favorite soft drink from the number one spot on Interbrands' annual valuation report, but after posting massive profits time and again -- including a company-record $54.5 billion in January -- this isn't too startling. Cook and friends started their ascent at the eighth spot in 2011, and climbed to second place in 2012 before stealing the top prize in the latest list. Interbrand pegs Cupertino's brand valuation at $98.3 billion, which isn't exactly pocket change. Don't cry for the Sprite-maker though, it's still on the podium according to The New York Times, but behind another tech-powerhouse: Google.

Source: Interbrand

How would you change Lenovo's IdeaTab S2109?

In stark contrast to its PC lineup, Lenovo's tablet offerings are often the wrong side of exciting. The IdeaTab S2109, for instance, arrived with little fanfare or enthusiasm, and little to make it stand out from the rest of the mid-range 10-inch tablet crowd. Unfortunately, the day-to-day experience was similarly underwhelming, thanks to its middling chip, short battery life and dodgy design decisions. So, instead, let's close our eyes and imagine what we'd have done if Lenovo had asked us to craft its next tablet. What would you do? Tell us in the comments below.

Source : engadget

Apple rumored to need Samsung for some A8 chip production

There have been rumors that TSMC would handle some of Apple's future chip production, but details of the purported arrangement have been vague. The Korea Economic Daily may have just filled us in, however. It claims that Samsung will make 30 to 40 percent of Apple's A8 processors next year, with TSMC presumably assembling the lion's share. Apple wanted TSMC to be the sole manufacturer, but the challenge of building 20 nanometer-class chips led to a supplementary agreement with Samsung, according to the Daily's tipsters. Neither side has commented on the report, so take it with a large grain of salt. If the story is accurate, though, it suggests that Apple will have only modest success in excluding its arch-rival's technology from next-generation iOS devices.

Source: The Korea Economic Daily (translated)

Storyteller app for Windows Phone and Windows 8 appears in leaked screenshots

@evleaks is at it again. This time the prolific leaker has blasted out two screen grabs of an app called Storyteller, which made a Live Tile-cameo in the alleged screencap of a Nokia Bandit, an oversized Windows Phone 8 device. The app appears to be a Windows 8 and WP photo album that lets users sift through images by timeline, favorites and shared, or browse them on a map. A close look at the top right of the application meant for larger devices reveals a "My tablet" menu, suggesting it boasts integration with slates. Given that @evleaks mentions Bandit, Espoo's long-rumored Sirius pad and October 22nd event date, it's a safe bet that we'll see new hardware -- and at least one new app -- this fall.

Source: @evleaks

Switched On: The why of the 'i' buy

For the past few years, the media has met iPhone introductions with skepticism that precedes great sales success. This has become such a cliché that the superstitious might worry what would happen should new iPhones be introduced to universal praise. But there was no cause for worry as far as the iPhone 5c and 5s were concerned. In the weekend following their initial availability, Apple reported that it sold 9 million iPhones, which set a new record for the company.

BlackBerry starts selling unlocked Q10 and Z10 phones through its US site

It has been possible to snag an unlocked BlackBerry Q10 or Z10 in the US for a while if you've been willing to search around, but you now won't have to. BlackBerry has quietly begun selling unrestricted GSM variants of the two smartphones through its US site at prices of $449 for a Z10 and $549 for a Q10. Either device remains LTE-capable, and both should play nicely with AT&T and T-Mobile. The direct sales aren't likely to attract many converts, but they should help American fans who may have a tough time finding a BlackBerry in stores.

Source: ShopBlackBerry.com

Verizon Wireless website reportedly allowing users to keep unlimited data plans while upgrading

Apparently, now is the time to upgrade your Verizon phone if you want to keep your grandfathered unlimited data plan in tact. According to tips we've received, along with reports from Droid-Life and Android Central, the aforementioned type of users are not being forced into a tiered Max data plan during the upgrade process. There doesn't seem to be any bit of trickery required to make it happen either -- folks just go through usual upgrade motions to get a brand new phone on subsidy, and come out with an order confirmation that has all-you-can-eat data still onboard (see above). We've reached out to Verizon to find out whether this is an issue with its website or a shift in policy, and will post an update if we hear more. Let us know your results if you're brave enough to try it out.


Source : engadget

How to use iPhone 5s Slo-Mo videos on the Mac

The iPhone 5s introduces a new Slo-Mo camera mode, in which you can create videos that seamlessly slide from normal video to super-smooth slow-motion action and back again. That smooth motion happens because in Slo-Mo mode, the iPhone 5s is shooting video at 120 frames per second (instead of the usual 30), so when it’s running at a quarter-speed, it’s still running at the same frame rate as regular video. There’s no stutter of repeated video frames that you’d see in a fake slow-motion effect.

Trine 2 review: Mac game offers gorgeous adventure, brain-twisting puzzles

 
Trine 2 (Mac App Store link) enhances its 2009 predecessor’s realistic physics and delightful dialogue with even more variety, depth, and beauty.

Java called favorite target for hack attacks this year

Java was the most targeted development platform for exploit attacks during the first half of the year, and attacks have increasingly shifted to zero-day vulnerabilities, according to F-Secure's new threat report.
"Of the top five most targeted vulnerabilities, four are found in the Java development, either the Runtime Environment (JRE) or the browser plug-in," according to the report, based on information about attacks detected through F-Secure's sensors and telemetry systems. The company notes that it's not surprising Java is an appealing target since "next to the Windows operating system (also a popular target for exploits), Java is probably the second most ubiquitous program in an organization's IT setup."

Try this: Compare Microsoft's Surface to the iPad

Does the Surface Pro hold up in a comparison with the iPad?

The short answer is no, if you're in the market for a tablet.

Verizon Wireless website reportedly allowing users to keep unlimited data plans while upgrading

Apparently, now is the time to upgrade your Verizon phone if you want to keep your grandfathered unlimited data plan in tact. According to tips we've received, along with reports from Droid-Life and Android Central, the aforementioned type of users are not being forced into a tiered Max data plan during the upgrade process. There doesn't seem to be any bit of trickery required to make it happen either -- folks just go through usual upgrade motions to get a brand new phone on subsidy, and come out with an order confirmation that has all-you-can-eat data still onboard (see above). We've reached out to Verizon to find out whether this is an issue with its website or a shift in policy, and will update if we hear more. Let us know your results if you're brave enough to try it out.

[Thanks to Minji and everyone who sent this in.]
More Coverage: Droid-Life, Android Central

A.I smartwatch is also a standalone Android smartphone (video)

Smartwatches sure are multiplying faster than rabbits. One of the newest devices hoping to make it to market is the A.I Watch: a companion gadget that's also a standalone Android phone, similar to a Chinese creation we saw in August. According to its developers, you can use the A.I Watch to make and accept calls -- à la Hot Watch -- even if it's not connected to a phone via Bluetooth. That's because it has its own SIM card slot and supports 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM bands, as well as 3G. They also claim that its unspecified 1.2GHz dual-core processor is powerful enough for downloading apps from Google Play, loading Maps for navigation, streaming videos and accessing social networks, among others. The A.I Watch runs Android 4.0.4, has 4GB of storage, 512MB of RAM, a 1.54-inch 240 x 240 touchscreen display, a 500mAh battery and a 5-megapixel camera.

iPhone 5S slow-motion videos

China may ease up on Internet censorship in limited regions

The Chinese government may be about to ease up on its policy of censoring its citizens.

The South China Morning Post reported last week that websites considered "politically sensitive," such as Facebook, Twitter and The New York Times, will be unblocked in one area of Shanghai.

BlackBerry Z30 reaches the FCC with Canada-ready LTE

BlackBerry hasn't said exactly when the Z30 will reach North America, but we now know that it's getting close -- a GSM variant with compatible LTE has reached the FCC. The smartphone supports 4G on both the 1,700MHz and 2,600MHz bands, suggesting that it will soon launch through bigger Canadian carriers like Bell, Rogers and Telus. We'll still have to wait for an American model, however. Despite the US-friendly 1,700MHz LTE, this Z30 is missing both the 700MHz LTE needed for AT&T as well as the 1,700MHz 3G that T-Mobile would want. The promised Verizon model also hasn't received FCC approval. The news won't satisfy everyone wanting a big BlackBerry, but those who want to explore the Z30 in depth can check out both the Canadian phone and its just-launched European counterpart at the source links.

Via: CrackBerry
Source: FCC (1), (2)
More Coverage: MobileSyrup

Acer Iconia W4 tablet spotted at event with Bay Trail chip, IPS display (video)

There have been persistent rumors of an upgraded Acer Iconia W3 tablet with an IPS display and, quite possibly, a faster Bay Trail-based processor. Those rumors are now reality, as Bouweenpc.nl has just tried an unannounced Iconia W4 at an Intel event. True to expectations, the 8-inch device was carrying both the new 1.33GHz Atom Z3740 processor and a much improved "wide view angle" (read: IPS) screen. Not much else may change, however -- the pre-release slate still carried the W3's 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Given that the W4 is running Windows 8.1, we wouldn't be surprised if it reaches the market sometime around the Windows update's launch in October. Check out Bouweenpc.nl's hands-on video after the break.

Internet Explorer hackers use same tools as Bit9 attack

A criminal group exploiting the recently discovered Internet Explorer browser zero-day vulnerability has been linked to the Chinese hackers who compromised the Bit9 security platform earlier this year.
The connection between the two groups is in the command and control infrastructure used, says security vendor FireEye. Within the two infrastructures were similar malware, IP addresses, and email addresses used to register domains.

Pirate Bay co-founder gets reduced sentence on appeal

The Swedish Svea Court of Appeal has overturned a verdict against Pirate Bay co-founder Gottfrid Svartholm Warg for intrusion and fraud against Nordea bank, but has upheld the verdict finding him guilty of hacking IT firm Logica.

Mobile Miscellany: week of September 23rd, 2013

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought a new LTE phone to Boost Mobile, hints of consolidation between Sprint and T-Mobile, and lastly, hints of what we might see at Nokia's upcoming 'innovation reinvented' event. These stories and more await. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of September 23rd, 2013.

US officials accuse Iran hackers of breaking into Navy's computers

Oh, how times have changed. Almost a year ago, Iranian officials claimed the country was suffering from constant internet-based attacks. Now, according to the WSJ, it's Iran -- or hackers working for the Iranian government -- that's allegedly behind a series of digital intrusions on the US Navy's unclassified computers. The report, which cites unnamed US officials, says the attacks these past few weeks targeted computers that the Navy's been using for email and intranet. Since no sensitive information was stolen, the US is reportedly more worried about the digital attacks' implications: Iran is gaining hacking proficiency, and fast. Supposedly, it's because Russian hackers have been extending their help -- true or not, it's clear that the US can no longer view Iran as a non-threat in the cyber arena. The Navy has already patched up its security system, but the US government is reportedly still waiting for what comes out of the US-Iran talks before deciding whether to take action.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

NYT: NSA monitors, graphs some US Citizens' social activity with collected metadata

Just how does the NSA piece together all that metadata it collects? Thanks to "newly disclosed documents and interviews with officials," the New York Times today shed light on how the agency plots out the social activity and connections of those it's spying on. Up until 2010, the NSA only traced and analyzed the metadata of emails and phone calls from foreigners, but anything from US Citizens in the chains would create stopgaps. Snowden-provided documents note the policy shifted around late in that year to allow for the inclusion of Americans' metadata in analysis. An NSA representative explained to the Times that, "all data queries must include a foreign intelligence justification, period."

Palo Alto to require wiring for fast EV chargers in new homes

Palo Alto is an ideal place for electric vehicles when it's full of wealthy, tech-savvy executives. It only makes sense, then, that the city council has voted in favor of a proposal requiring that new homes include wiring for speedy Level 2 EV chargers. The mandate should add less than $200 to a home's price, and could represent a bargain for future residents -- they'd have to pay four times more for a retrofit, Mayor Greg Scharff says. Established locals may also catch a break, as the council wants to simplify the process of getting an EV charger permit. The moves aren't very bold -- many in the area could buy a Model S with spare change -- but they may start a trend that spreads to less affluent regions.

[Image credit: Steve Jurvetson, Flickr]
Via: VentureBeat
Source: San Jose Mercury News

Known, unpatched flaws draw most attacks, Kaspersky says

Cybercriminals still make extensive use of known vulnerabilities, even as zero-day attacks continue to rise.
In joint research carried out by Kaspersky Lab and Outpost24, unpatched loopholes continue to be a popular means of carrying out attacks.

Kaspersky Lab global research and analysis team senior security researcher, David Jacoby, said that this is situation is leading cybercriminals to hack the people that manage the system instead of a business system itself. (See also "How to protect your PC against devious security traps."

How your identity gets swiped even if you're careful

Krebs on Security recently revealed that identity thieves have gained access to the databases of three of the biggest data mining companies on the planet.

LexisNexis, Dunn & Bradstreet, and Kroll Background America Inc. have been systematically plundered by hackers, most likely from Eastern Europe, who have stolen millions of personal and business records and are selling them on the Internet black market.

Microsoft outlines 66,539 account requests from law enforcement during first half of 2013

We've covered various transparency reports before, but now the whole notion takes on a different feel in our post-PRISM world. Microsoft's latest report details that it received 37,196 requests from law enforcement agencies between this January and June, which impacted 66,539 of its accounts. Seventy-seven percent of those requests were for data like a user's name, IP history and billing address, and with 21 percent of requests, no data was disclosed at all. However, in 2.19 percent of queries by law enforcement, Redmond disclosed "at least some" customer content. What does that mean? Well, the company's definition includes the subject or body of an email, photos stored in SkyDrive and address book info. According to the document, the info was all obtained via lawful warrants and court orders.

Apple and AT&T settle class action for unlimited data claim of original iPad

Another day, another lawsuit finally drawing to a close. This time, a judge has approved a settlement for a class-action lawsuit filed against Apple and AT&T, based on the unlimited data claims of the original iPad that were later withdrawn by AT&T. So, if you bought a 3G iPad before June 7th, 2010, you'll get a $40 payout from Apple, even if you stand among AT&T's grandfathered customers. Meanwhile, if you purchased the original 3G iPad but didn't get a mobile plan, you're also eligible for a $20 / month discount for up to a year under the carrier's current $50 offering. The toddler-aged class action was born out of affected customers' frustration over the change and the belief that they overpaid for their devices as a result. Unfortunately, the ruling won't be finalized until February 2014, so don't expect to hear from Apple about the payout -- or plan a modest $40 dinner for two -- until then.

Via: GigaOM
Source: Law360, Scribd

Baseball's beacon trials hint at Apple's location revolution

As we neared the threshold of the gates in front of the walkway to the home of the New York Mets, a message popped up on developer Chad Evans' space-gray iPhone 5S.
"Welcome to Citi Field."
After a few more paces, we encountered the famed Mets Home Run Apple in front of the stadium. Evans moved his iPhone 5S near a sign by the landmark, and a video popped up detailing its history.

Nokia enslaves God of Thunder, charges phone with lightning

Imagine a rain-slicked parapet, thunder roaring like the shouts of gods—and a Nokia smartphone, whose battery has run dry. Now imagine holding that phone to the sky, screaming defiance, as a bolt hurtles itself at your outstretched hand. BOOM—and you walk away unscathed, with the phone charged to maximum.

Kaleidescape's digital store adds $2 Blu-ray-to-digital copy upgrades

Kaleidescape arrived at this year's CEDIA event with a couple of fresh news items to accompany its mainstream-adjacent $3,995 Cinema One player. Its online Kaleidescape Store is getting a boost by adding the ability for customers to add digital copies for their existing Blu-ray discs. At launch it only supported DVDs, but now customers can get high quality, discless access to movies they already own HD editions of, just by putting a disc in the player. The price for Ultraviolet access across devices and an excuse to stop getting up from the couch to put the disc in (although, if you'd like to buy an expensive disc changer instead we're sure Kaleidescape won't argue) is $1.99, so choose wisely. Finally, the company is expanding access to the store, which has opened its virtual doors in Canada for the first time, in addition to the US and the UK, where it launched back in May.

MLB to use iOS 7's iBeacon for pointing out sights (and seats) in stadiums

Major League Baseball is becoming very iPhone-friendly: it gave iOS 6 users Passbook ticketing this season, and it's now planning a treat for iOS 7 users. A 2014 update to MLB's At the Ballpark app will use iOS 7's iBeacon feature to guide sports fans as they pass by low-power Bluetooth transmitters in the stadium. Enter the ballpark and you'll get seat directions; visit specific points and you may get coupons or highlight videos. Only the New York Mets are testing the feature at Citi Field, but the league believes that other teams are likely to follow suit.
 
Source: Mashable

Apple's iPhone 5S in-store pickup said to resume next week

Shortly after the iPhone 5S launched, customers had the option to reserve one through Apple's Web store or its store app, and pick it up later at one of the company's retail stores. But after just a day, Apple yanked away the option.

iPad Mini 2 to come in gold and space gray, claim latest leaks

Buyers of the next iPad Mini may be able to choose gold or space gray and tap into a Touch ID fingerprint sensor. At least, that's the scoop based on the latest alleged images leaked online.
A photo claiming to be that of a gold iPad Mini with the Touch ID has surfaced on Chinese tech site DoNews. The photo shows the back of an iPad tinged gold.

French could serve up fines to Google for privacy violation

French privacy watchdog CNIL said Friday that it plans to sanction Google following the search giant's refusal to implement privacy policy changes demanded by the group.

Google could owe France 150,000 euros ($202,755) for the violation, and then another 300,000 euros if it still refuses to comply three months after the first fine. However, CNIL has not ruled on what sanctions, if any, it will demand of the company. That news is expected sometime in the next week.
Not surprisingly, Google says that it's in compliance with the law. "Our privacy policy respects European law and allows us to create simpler, more effective services. We have engaged fully with the CNIL throughout this process, and we'll continue to do so going forward."

Microsoft received 37,000 end-user data requests in first half of year

Judges and police investigators are on track to submit about the same number of requests to Microsoft for end user data this year as they did in 2012, according to figures released Friday.
Microsoft received 37,196 such requests worldwide in the first six months of the year, meaning it’s on track to field about the same number of requests as last year, when just over 75,000 were submitted.

'Free Unix!': The world-changing proclamation made 30 years ago today

It was 30 years ago today that the seeds were planted for both Linux and the open-source software movement, though neither is called that name by the man who help set both of them into motion, the irascible Richard Stallman.

On that day, Stallman, then working at the Artificial Intelligence Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, posted on the net.unix-wizards and net.usoft newsgroups about an ambitious new project he was embarking on.

”Free Unix!” began the missive.
”Starting this Thanksgiving I am going to write a complete Unix-compatible software system called GNU (for Gnu’s Not Unix), and give it away free to everyone who can use it. Contributions of time, money, programs and equipment are greatly needed,” he wrote.
Little did he know how many contributions this project would get in the decades to follow.