Even with anti-virus products, you'd be surprised how vulnerable you still are. AV-Test reports on a study done that scores a wide array of anti-virus products on their ability to protect Windows-based computers. The most recent results for Windows 7 and Windows XP show a decrease in protection since the last round of testing for quite a few commonly used anti-virus services.
CNET provides a nice summary. Is it time to upgrade your anti-virus software?
Friday, September 14, 2012
Size Matters, for Smartphones...
Bear with me, this isn't an ode to the new 4" iPhone 5 screen.
The number of use cases of our beloved pocket computers is immeasurable for all intensive purposes. The myriad of interactions gives way to the need for many permutations of phone. There are 2 approaches to solving this, shocking I know (<-- sarcasm font).
The number of use cases of our beloved pocket computers is immeasurable for all intensive purposes. The myriad of interactions gives way to the need for many permutations of phone. There are 2 approaches to solving this, shocking I know (<-- sarcasm font).
- Pick an "average" acceptable size, aim at the center of the distribution curve, and stick to it. I can think of a fruit company who did alright with this approach ;).
- Make a wide selection of screen sizes and let the consumer choose. An approach that works for some (Samsung) and not for others (the rest of the market struggling to make any money).
I've enjoyed the 3.5" screen for several years now. Sometimes I wish I had more, like when I see a coworker composing an email and he can see more than the last 1.5 sentences he types. The flip side of this is that the phones I've chosen just so happen to be artistically beautiful, so without a case I love being able to easily and safely cradle my phone while I'm out and about. Never mind the merits of being able to rather easily reach every corner with 1 thumb while safely cradling said device.
I don't have huge hands, and I'm stubborn about cases, meaning 1 drop ends it all. That's my excuse anyway. I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish I could see more than 2 lines of text in landscape mode though. The Samsung Galaxy SIII has been calling to me. If I was on AT&T and had the option to swap SIMs to pick my phone-of-the-day each morning, I think I'd be in nerd heaven. Of course the down side to that is being on AT&T...
Side note, Apple has famously stated they don't use or listen to polls because often users don't know what they want until they have it. This has been true for them in many ways, no one predicted the success of the iPod, iPhone, or iPad. However, there are plenty of annoyances (or "quirks" if you prefer) that people would like to see resolved. Did Apple make the screen size choice to respond to their customers? That would be a rare move...
Anyone make the switch from a little screen to a big one? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Still No Simultaneous Voice & Data on iPhone 5
In a wildly disappointing turn of events, it has been confirmed that the iPhone 5 running on the Verizon network still won't support simultaneous voice and data. The decision was made due to the need for a 3rd antenna that would be needed to support the feature.
Android phones with LTE compatibility have long since offered simultaneous voice and data on the Verizon network, it was widely expected that Apple will do the same. For the time being, iPhone 5 users will have to rely on data through WiFi while on a voice call like all previous generations of Verizon iPhones.
Sprint has not yet commented what to expect with an iPhone 5 running on their network. AT&T iPhone 5 owners will enjoy simultaneous voice and data as this restriction doesn't affect GSM networks.
Android phones with LTE compatibility have long since offered simultaneous voice and data on the Verizon network, it was widely expected that Apple will do the same. For the time being, iPhone 5 users will have to rely on data through WiFi while on a voice call like all previous generations of Verizon iPhones.
Sprint has not yet commented what to expect with an iPhone 5 running on their network. AT&T iPhone 5 owners will enjoy simultaneous voice and data as this restriction doesn't affect GSM networks.
Study Finds Half of Android Devices are Vulnerable to Hacks
Recently, a study has found that half of Android devices have "unpatched vulnerabilities" that could leave the phone exposed to hacks, viruses, or other unfriendly results.
This doesn't mean half of Android devices are infected. There is an explicit distinction that clarifies the study scanned how vulnerable a phone is to attacks rather than whether or not an attack had taken place. Still, this is a scary number.
It is too easy to think of a phone as just a phone, and not a full computer as it (nearly) is today. We're rather complacent, we have banking apps that automatically log in for us when they're opened. We routinely check stocks or finances, and our address book is filled with personal and contact information for everyone we know.
Of course this convenience is why we love our phones, but just think if a hacker had full remote access of your phone. Set aside the case where you're unable to use your phone or recover your data, which is probably a nightmare for most. What about the hacker that has full control without you ever knowing it? The hacker that quietly collects your passwords and banking information by way of key-logging, or watches your calendar for when you're out of town and your home is unguarded, or any other wildly malicious situation.
The odds of this happening to you? Low. Very low. That doesn't mean it isn't valuable to be cognisant of these issues and proactive in protecting yourself.
This doesn't mean half of Android devices are infected. There is an explicit distinction that clarifies the study scanned how vulnerable a phone is to attacks rather than whether or not an attack had taken place. Still, this is a scary number.
It is too easy to think of a phone as just a phone, and not a full computer as it (nearly) is today. We're rather complacent, we have banking apps that automatically log in for us when they're opened. We routinely check stocks or finances, and our address book is filled with personal and contact information for everyone we know.
Of course this convenience is why we love our phones, but just think if a hacker had full remote access of your phone. Set aside the case where you're unable to use your phone or recover your data, which is probably a nightmare for most. What about the hacker that has full control without you ever knowing it? The hacker that quietly collects your passwords and banking information by way of key-logging, or watches your calendar for when you're out of town and your home is unguarded, or any other wildly malicious situation.
The odds of this happening to you? Low. Very low. That doesn't mean it isn't valuable to be cognisant of these issues and proactive in protecting yourself.
iPhone 5 Pre-Orders Begin 12:01PST Friday Sept. 14th
Apple has confirmed via Wired.com that iPhone 5 pre-orders will begin at 12:01 AM Pacific time on Friday September 14th, approximately 12 hours from now.
Despite the lack of confirmation, it is expected that phones will only be available to those upgrading or starting a new service contract. It isn't yet known when out-of-contract versions of the phone will become available, or at what price. In past years, these devices have run $649/$749/$849 for the 16/32/64GB respectively.
Despite the lack of confirmation, it is expected that phones will only be available to those upgrading or starting a new service contract. It isn't yet known when out-of-contract versions of the phone will become available, or at what price. In past years, these devices have run $649/$749/$849 for the 16/32/64GB respectively.
Apple Wins Primary Injuction Against Motorola in Germany
There seems to be news every day on Apple litigation ongoings, here's the latest. PC World reports that a German court has ruled in favor of Apple's rubber band effect for scrolling.
Apple Wins Preliminary Sales Ban on Motorola Phones and Tablets in Germany (PC World)
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
A Realistic Look at the iPhone 5 Release
Today Apple announced their next generation iPhone, the iPhone 5. Whether or not you love Apple's best selling line of devices, there is no denying the vast impact it has on the world around it; I mean what other cell phone adds 0.5% to the US GDP?
Features at a glance:
The iPhone 5 sports a larger 4" screen (up from 3.5") while maintaining the same width, this gives the larger screen experience without the larger phone feel. The new 4G LTE connectivity brings the iPhone up to speed with the other top smartphones of today.
Note that iPhone 4S devices on the AT&T network have reported "4G" service ever since the iOS5 release, but AT&T's "4G" network is mostly HSPA+, which isn't actually 4G. This is why AT&T's commercials claim they have the most 4G, where Verizon's clearly state they have the most 4G LTE coverage. Both are correct, but nerds everywhere cringe at the suggestion that HSPA+ is "4G"...
The other big news is the new 8 pin dock connector, thus bringing an end to the 9 year reign of the 30 pin dock connector first introduced with iPods in 2003. Despite being a huge disruption in the accessory market for iDevices, it was a necessary update and will not change again for a very long time.
The announcement lacked surprise. Each part of the iPhone had been leaked before - from the A6, to the new screen, aluminum back, thinner form factor, to the new 8 pin dock connector. With Apple's new products being in such high demand, it isn't necessarily Apple's fault (unless the leaks were controlled) that this information got out. One can't help but hope for one big surprise with these announcements, but there wasn't anything of the sort today. The specs of the device aren't record setting, each technology (other than the in-cell touch screen) is available on another phone. But...
Wrap Up
With all of this being said, Apple works hard to make stunningly beautiful devices that work great, are easy to get, and fun to use - they have yet again succeeded with the release of the iPhone 5. This article is to discuss the phone, not to proclaim it as the God of smartphones, so don't bother with "the only good smartphone is the iPhone" or "Everything Apple does sucks" fanboi comments, no one wants to hear it (and for the love of God, give the lawsuit commentary a rest). Capitalism and competition are beautiful things. Both Android and Apple have their perks and flaws, embrace it!
Helpful Links
Apple's Video of the iPhone 5 Announcement
MacRumors Summary
iOS 6 drops September 19th
Source: macrumors.com
Features at a glance:
- 4" Screen - 1136x640 pixels
- 4G LTE connectivity (with "world" LTE compatibility)
- New 8 pin dock connector
- Brushed aluminum back
- 8MP rear camera with improved low light shooting & ability to take photos while shooting 1080p video
- 720p front facing FaceTime camera
- iOS6
- FaceTime over cell network
- A6 - 2x faster performance, 2x faster graphics
- Pre-orders start Friday September 14th, sales start Friday September 21st
The iPhone 5 sports a larger 4" screen (up from 3.5") while maintaining the same width, this gives the larger screen experience without the larger phone feel. The new 4G LTE connectivity brings the iPhone up to speed with the other top smartphones of today.
Note that iPhone 4S devices on the AT&T network have reported "4G" service ever since the iOS5 release, but AT&T's "4G" network is mostly HSPA+, which isn't actually 4G. This is why AT&T's commercials claim they have the most 4G, where Verizon's clearly state they have the most 4G LTE coverage. Both are correct, but nerds everywhere cringe at the suggestion that HSPA+ is "4G"...
The other big news is the new 8 pin dock connector, thus bringing an end to the 9 year reign of the 30 pin dock connector first introduced with iPods in 2003. Despite being a huge disruption in the accessory market for iDevices, it was a necessary update and will not change again for a very long time.
Source: macrumors.com
Why the iPhone 5 is Great
Apple does some things very well. They've taken the industry standard hardware in today's top smartphones and incorporated them into the iPhone 5. It is faster thanks to faster network connectivity options and the new A6 that powers it. It is thinner, a lot thinner; down to 7.6mm. The new metal back is more durable than the previous generations' glass, but with a dual antenna design you don't have to worry about another antennagate issue.
The phone is on par with today's greatest when you match spec for spec, but that isn't what Apple has ever been about. Apple's newest device maintains the industry standard of user experiences, sets the standard for stunning design, and doesn't sacrifice battery life.
This phone is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their iPhone, or someone looking for an all around enjoyable smartphone experience that is very consistent with the genuinely great user experience you can expect from Apple products. I can say with no reservations, this is a great phone. Faithful Android users, or those looking for a more customizable phone, read on.
Why the iPhone 5 is Disappointing (for some)
Apple set the bar high with the original iPhone, then again with the App Store, again with the retina display on the iPhone 4, and arguably with Siri on the iPhone 4S (not all agree with this last point). This is both incredible and damning to what people have come to expect from Apple because it isn't realistic to expect mind-blowing announcements every year. The reports after the 4S announcement were less enthusiastic than previous generations, but sales numbers told a very different story. I'm hearing similar grumblings this year.The announcement lacked surprise. Each part of the iPhone had been leaked before - from the A6, to the new screen, aluminum back, thinner form factor, to the new 8 pin dock connector. With Apple's new products being in such high demand, it isn't necessarily Apple's fault (unless the leaks were controlled) that this information got out. One can't help but hope for one big surprise with these announcements, but there wasn't anything of the sort today. The specs of the device aren't record setting, each technology (other than the in-cell touch screen) is available on another phone. But...
Wrap Up
With all of this being said, Apple works hard to make stunningly beautiful devices that work great, are easy to get, and fun to use - they have yet again succeeded with the release of the iPhone 5. This article is to discuss the phone, not to proclaim it as the God of smartphones, so don't bother with "the only good smartphone is the iPhone" or "Everything Apple does sucks" fanboi comments, no one wants to hear it (and for the love of God, give the lawsuit commentary a rest). Capitalism and competition are beautiful things. Both Android and Apple have their perks and flaws, embrace it!
Helpful Links
Apple's Video of the iPhone 5 Announcement
MacRumors Summary
iOS 6 drops September 19th
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