Samsung is spending an insane amount of money to beat Apple to the ‘next big thing’

Samsung hasn't had the best year financially but it's not slowing down its spending on R&D. BusinessKorea reports that Samsung spent an astonishing $13.8 billion in research and development in 2014, the single largest R&D investment in the company's history.

Continue reading...

Read More [...]

Posted in 2015 at 11:30PM, March 10

USB-C in 12-Inch MacBook Adds Limitations but Opens Up Possibilities

Apple's newest MacBook is one of the first computers to take advantage of the USB Type-C specification, which was finalized in August of 2014. USB-C uses a small reversible connector that's similar in size to a Lightning connector, but slightly larger.



In addition to delivering power to the Apple MacBook (it's capable of delivering up to 100 watts at 20 volts), USB-C has a DisplayPort alternate mode for connecting monitors, cables, docking stations, and more, plus it supports USB 3.1 data transfers up to 10Gbps, and it also has support for VGA and HDMI connections. It's able to deliver bi-directional power, meaning it lets the MacBook be charged and through the same port, it lets the MacBook charge other devices.





USB-C is an upgrade from USB-A, the standard USB ports that many of us are used to on our computers, and USB-B, which we know best as Micro-USB, the ports built into many phones and portable electronic devices. In addition to its impressive data and power transfer rates, USB-C has the benefit of being easy to plug into devices, like the Lightning cable.



Apple's adoption of USB-C might seem like something of an annoyance because it requires users to buy expensive adapters and adjust to an all new connection, but it's actually a huge step forward for the company that opens up the possibility of a whole range of new Apple-compatible accessories and devices.





USB-C is the first non-proprietary charging system that Apple has introduced. MacBooks use MagSafe and iOS devices use Lightning connectors, both of which were designed by Apple, giving Apple strict control over how they're used.



Apple lets product developers incorporate Lightning connectors and ports through its MFi (Made for iPhone) certification program, but the company does not have a MagSafe licensing program and has not allowed hardware manufacturers to create products that use the MagSafe connection in MacBooks.



This forces manufacturers who create items like MacBook backup batteries to use the actual connectors from Apple's AC adapters, grafted onto their products. Apple has not looked kindly on this practice in the past, and has levied a lawsuit against at least one company using this method to create hardware for the MacBook.





With the USB-C port in the MacBook, Apple will not have control over the products that are developed for it, paving the way for a whole range of accessories that were not possible before, like backup batteries.



The future of USB-C is bright, but for early adopters, the USB-C experience might be somewhat frustrating because the notebook has a single USB-C port. Apple sells adapters, but the adapters only include one USB-C port, meaning it's not going to be possible for MacBook buyers to charge their devices and use a product like LaCie's new USB-C Porsche Design Mobile Drive at the same time using a USB-C port.




One of Apple's new USB-C adapters


Presumably manufacturers are already at work creating hubs that will include multiple USB-C ports for use with the myriad products that are going to use the new specification, but currently, someone wanting to use a USB-C storage drive would have to decide between charging and accessing data or using the older USB-A port for data transfers.



USB-C is a brand new technology, but with Apple embracing it, it won't be long before we see tons of companies racing to produce USB-C compatible products. Apple will also undoubtedly spur its competitors to adopt the standard as well. It may not be long before we're able to charge a whole range of our devices with a single cable, ending the days of having to carry around MagSafe chargers, USB cables, Micro-USB cables, Lightning cables, and more.

Read More [...]

Posted in 2015 at 08:40PM, March 10

Motorola’s plan to fight back against the Apple Watch

As expected, the Apple Watch has captured the attention of everyone interested in the growing wearable market. That's not to say that everyone was impressed by it -- we have plenty of our own issues with the device -- but it will likely lead the conversation for the foreseeable future... unless, of course, other vendors start fighting back.

Continue reading...

Read More [...]

Posted in 2015 at 08:54PM, March 10

Watch every single one of Apple’s new Retina MacBook and Apple Watch promo videos

Apple on Monday hosted a monster press event, announcing availability details for its Apple Watch line as well as launch dates, but also revealing a bunch of additional products, including an all-new 12-inch MacBook with Retina display, MacBook Air and Pro refreshes, an exclusive HBO Now partnership and a more than interesting ResearchKit tool for doctors.

The company used several videos to highlight the main features of some of these products and in what follows, you can check out the main features of two of them: The MacBook and Apple Watch.

Continue reading...

Read More [...]

Posted in 2015 at 08:33PM, March 10

Leaked Documents Suggest CIA Work on Hacked Version of Xcode, OS X Installer Exploit

United States Central Intelligence Agency researchers have been working for years to crack the security of Apple's iPhone and iPad, and may have done so through the creation of a modified version of Xcode, Apple's software development tool designed for developers.



According to secret documents obtained by The Intercept , at a 2012 "Jamboree" that focused on security flaws found in various electronics, CIA researchers outlined both a hacked version of Xcode and a modified OS X updater that could be used to install malicious software like keyloggers.

The modified version of Xcode, the researchers claimed, could enable spies to steal passwords and grab messages on infected devices. Researchers also claimed the modified Xcode could "force all iOS applications to send embedded data to a listening post." It remains unclear how intelligence agencies would get developers to use the poisoned version of Xcode.

The malicious version of Xcode could potentially be used to extract private data from devices that installed apps built by the hacked Xcode. Some of the things researchers said could be done with Xcode included installing "remote backdoors" in Mac apps, embedding an app developer's private key into iOS applications (letting the government masquerade as the targeted developer), forcing iOS apps to send data from an iPhone or iPad to a "listening post," and disabling core security features on iOS devices.



None of the documents detail how the Xcode and OS X installer exploits have been used by the CIA, and they also don't state whether the efforts have been successful, but as noted by The Intercept, they suggest that the government's efforts to crack the security technology companies employ is a continually ongoing effort.



Apple and the U.S. government have been at odds over privacy and security issues in recent years. A 2013 document leak suggested that Apple and other tech companies were working with the government on a secret project called PRISM, which allegedly provided the government with direct access to customer data on company servers.



Apple and multiple other technology companies like Google vehemently denied their participation in such a program and have since gone to great lengths to ensure the public that they're not involved in the government's spying attempts. Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and other companies banded together to ask for greater surveillance transparency and the ability to share more info on government data requests with consumers, which was ultimately successful.



Apple launched a privacy site in September of 2014 outlining the privacy features of its products and services and offering detailed information on government information requests. Across 2014, Apple CEO Tim Cook began putting a heavy emphasis on the importance of privacy, and with iOS 8, Apple significantly increased the encryption protection on iOS devices. Prior to iOS 8, Apple had the ability to access data on iOS devices with a company-held encryption key, and now, that no longer exists. Google has made similar changes.



The FBI has strongly opposed Apple's efforts to increase the security of its iOS devices, with FBI Director James Comey insisting that government access to electronic devices is necessary in some cases. Apple has reportedly been in talks with FBI officials over its security changes, but Apple CEO Tim Cook has maintained Apple's commitment to privacy and security.



At the White House Cyber Security Summit in February, Cook said customer trust means everything to Apple. "When it comes to the rights of customers and citizens, we're all talking about the same people," he said. "People have entrusted us with their most personal and precious information and we owe them nothing less than the best protections we can possibly provide by harnessing the technology at our disposal."



Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Read More [...]

Posted in 2015 at 06:47PM, March 10

Pick up 3 killer PC gaming accessories on Amazon for 50% off

If you've been looking to spruce up your PC gaming setup, today's deal of the day on Amazon is going to be right up your alley. A selection of 12 Logitech gaming accessories are on sale for up to 50% off, from mice and headsets to mousepads and controllers.

Continue reading...

Read More [...]

Posted in 2015 at 06:32PM, March 10

High-End Retail Shops Around the World Preparing to Showcase Apple Watch

During yesterday's Apple Watch event, Apple CEO Tim Cook suggested the high-end Apple Watch Edition will be available in limited quantities at a select number of stores. He was likely referring to some of the pop up shops we've seen under construction, in upscale department stores Galeries Lafayette in Paris and Selfridges in London.



Women's Wear Daily has shared some more information on the locations where we will see the $10,000+ Apple Watch Edition and other versions of the Apple Watch shown off around the world. Described as "shop-in-shops" in high-visibility locations, each of Apple's pop up stores will ensure customers looking to make major purchases will get the best service possible.



At Selfridges, the Apple Watch will be displayed in the aptly named Wonder Room, which houses high-end jewelry and watches in a brightly lit room decked out with treasure-filled glass cases. At Galeries Lafayette, the Apple Watch will be displayed among European brands on the first floor of the facility, and at the Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, the Apple Watch will be displayed on the ground floor.



Other speciality fashion stores will also sell select Apple Watch models, including Colette in Paris, where the Apple Watch had its fashion world debut, Dover Street Market in London and Tokyo, Maxfield in Los Angeles, The Corner in Berlin, and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu. All of these are fashion-oriented upscale stores.





Unlike with the iPhone and the iPad, Apple will likely be keeping a tight rein over which of its resellers are able to offer the Apple Watch. As it is positioned as a fashion accessory, it makes more sense for customers to be able to walk into a high-end store to make an Apple Watch purchase rather than a Best Buy or an AT&T store.



For the Apple Watch Edition especially, Apple wants to create a special, one-on-one buying experience that's not exactly possible with today's crowded retail Apple Stores. There have been hints that Apple is planning to redesign many of its retail locations to facilitate Apple Watch sales, and some of those changes may be implemented ahead of the Apple Watch's April 10 debut date.



Apple vice president of special projects Paul Deneve commented on Apple's plan to sell the Apple Watch in speciality stores, saying that shopping for a watch is a "deeply personal" experience.

"The experience of shopping for an Apple Watch is a deeply personal one. The department stores and specialty stores that we're working with are some of the best in the world at offering such experiences, so it was natural for us to see our product there," said Paul Deneve, Apple's vice president of special projects who joined the tech company after years helming fashion houses including Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin and Nina Ricci. "Given the very focused distribution that we've pursued for this launch, every door that sells Apple Watch will provide a unique experience for every customer that walks in."

Apple will begin accepting pre-orders for the Apple Watch on Friday, April 10. At that time, the company will also be displaying the Apple Watch in its retail stores for customers to try on, and it's likely many of the pop up shops may open their doors at that time. The Apple Watch's official launch date is April 24.

Read More [...]

Posted in 2015 at 06:01PM, March 10

Deal of the day: Save over 75% on the Wireless Bluetooth Cloud Buds

Wireless Bluetooth Cloud Buds, are available right now at BGR Deals for an amazing price of only $24.99 with free worldwide shipping. These buds offer a truly hands-free listening experience, so you’ll never miss a beat. With up to 30-feet of crystal-clear Bluetooth connectivity, you can hit the treadmill to your favorite jams, or take a call while prepping dinner—and best of all, kiss tangled wires goodbye.

Continue reading...

Read More [...]

Posted in 2015 at 05:50PM, March 10

Google Launches 'Google Calendar' App for iPhone [iOS Blog]

Towards the end of last year, Google unveiled a new Calendar app for Android users. The Calendar was able to pull events from Gmail, suggest titles, people, and places to add to events based on past usage, and it had a Schedule View that offered photos and maps of calendar destinations.



At the time, Google promised to bring the app to iOS, and as of today, Google is debuting Google Calendar for the iPhone. The iOS app has all of the same features that were first available in the Android version of the app, including a clean design, the aforementioned Schedule View, and the ability to pull in events from Gmail. Google Calendaris compatible with all iPhone calendars, including Exchange and iCloud.

Get the official Google Calendar app for your iPhone to save time and make the most of every day.

- A new Schedule View - See your schedule at a glance with photos and maps of the places you're going.

- Events from Gmail - Flight, hotel, concert, restaurant reservations and more are added to your calendar automatically.

- Assists to fill in your calendar - You can quickly create events with smart suggestions for event titles, places and people.

- Different ways to view your calendar - Speedily switch between viewing a single day to getting an overview of multiple days at once

- All your calendars in one, easy place - Google Calendar works with all calendars on your phone, including Exchange and iCloud.

Google Calendar can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Read More [...]

Posted in 2015 at 05:32PM, March 10