Even at its 2007 launch, the original Apple iPhone was not a cutting-edge
product. Sure, it ushered in a new era of smartphone design and touch-based user
interfaces, but the hardware offered mediocre specs in several key areas.
At the time, wireless network operators around the world were about midway
through deploying their 3G networks. In the U.S., AT&T was just getting its
HSUPA network, which offered speeds up to 1.8 Mbps, in place. (Verizon's EVDO 3G
network was much further along, but the iPhone didn't support Verizon's
networking technology until 2011.) Apple decided to skip adding 3G to the
original iPhone. Instead, it shipped with only EDGE 2G service on board. That
made it compatible with 2G networks the world over, but even in 2007 3G was no
longer cutting edge. When asked why no 3G, Apple said 3G would have sacrificed
battery life.
Then there was the camera. The first iPhone's camera rated just 2
megapixels and didn't include a flash, nor any software to control the camera
other than a giant shutter button. The Nokia N95 beat the iPhone to market by
about three months in 2007. It included an incredible 5-megapixel camera with
flash and a wide array of software controls.
The original iPhone was discontinued in July 2008 when the iPhone 3G was
announced.
Those who are still using that original iPhone should mark June 11 in their
calendars, because that's the date Apple will add it to its list of
vintage/obsolete products. According to an internal document snagged by 9to5Mac,
the original iPhone will be classified as vintage in the U.S., but obsolete
everywhere else. Vintage products may only be serviced in the state of
California, and only if originally purchased there. Obsolete products are not
serviced by Apple's retail stores or AppleCare at all.
Considering how far the iPhone and smartphones in general have come since
2007, it's hard to see why anyone would still be using the original iPhone for
any reason other than to fulfill some sentimental needs. The iPhone 5 has a
larger, brighter, high-resolution display; much faster processor and eight times
the RAM; support for 3G and 4G LTE networks; and of course an 8-megapixel camera
with flash that shoots HD video. The original iPhone cost $599. The iPhone 5 can
be purchased for $199 with a contract.
What's next for the iPhone? Reports vary on whether or not we'll see
genuinely new hardware until September, but major changes are said to be headed
to iOS 7.
Last October, Apple shuffled a number of its executives. One of the more
notable changes put Jony Ive, the company's hardware design guru, in charge of
iOS as well. The latest scuttlebutt comes from a separate report in 9to5Mac and
suggests that iOS 7 will see a significant visual overhaul. 9to5Mac's sources
said the operating system looks "very, very flat" and loses the shine, gloss and
skeuomorphism that has long given iOS its three-dimensional personality. They
likened the new design to Microsoft's Windows Phone.
Despite the deep changes to the look of the operating system, the
alterations aren't expected to impact usability of the platform -- something
Apple has long strived to maintain.
Apple will likely provide a preview of iOS 7 at its Worldwide Developer
Conference, which is scheduled to take place in June.
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Home windows Telephone users began following
Microsoft has launched an application while in the Google Enjoy store
created to get men and women to prevent applying reported retailer and the
Android phones that join to it. Only identified as "Switch to Home windows Cell
phone," it scans your Android phone for all of your current mounted apps and
after that will save the effects along with your Microsoft ID. Then, utilizing a
companion app on Windows Cellphone by itself, you can indication in and find out
the entire equal applications in Microsoft's very own keep, tapping via to set
up them just about every one-by-one. It will not present present-day Android
consumers what these matched applications are, nonetheless it could be handy to
recent switchers.
It truly is a clever concept, obtaining people today above the considerations that apps won't be out there on Windows Telephone, but the execution just isn't pretty there nonetheless. Scanning was comparatively rapid and pain-free on Android ?a the apps states it matched 87 % of my installed Android apps. Having said that, at the time I logged in to the companion app on Windows Phone (and had it crash several periods), I discovered that some of the "matched" apps were not rather specific. Rather of Mint, by way of example, Switch to Windows Mobile phone introduced me using a link to Pageonce. Although Pageonce performs largely the same capabilities as Mint, for a lot of people "close to your exact same app" isn't close enough. It would are already nicer if a number of those non-exact matches would present various options, though the Quixey-powered application did not do that. Consumers who prefer a far more traditional process can test Mark/Space's desktop switcher application.
Even with Microsoft's finest attempts, it nonetheless does not have every huge identify application that customers on other platforms usually takes without any consideration ?a a lot to Nokia's chagrin ?a however the predicament has become getting constantly better for the platform. Even though it will not eliminate the many hassles connected to employing the third-place smartphone OS, Microsoft's application ought to enable get new Home windows Telephone users began following they switch.
Microsoft introduced its new Skype Online video Messages feature for iOS, Android, and Mac back again in February, nevertheless the organization did not ensure it is accessible initially for its personal Windows platform. Nowadays, Microsoft is releasing a preview of Skype Movie Messaging for Windows desktop buyers. The traditional desktop application that operates on Windows seven and Home windows eight will incorporate the new attribute, allowing end users to trade limited video clip messages (as many as 3 minutes very long) with other Skype users.
The element remains to be not available on Microsoft's Windows eight Skype app, even so the business is promising to create this offered "shortly." Skype suggests it is nevertheless testing the attribute, and within the second you receive twenty free of charge messages just before you have got to subscribe to Skype Premium for $4.99 per month to continue utilizing Video clip Messages.
It truly is a clever concept, obtaining people today above the considerations that apps won't be out there on Windows Telephone, but the execution just isn't pretty there nonetheless. Scanning was comparatively rapid and pain-free on Android ?a the apps states it matched 87 % of my installed Android apps. Having said that, at the time I logged in to the companion app on Windows Phone (and had it crash several periods), I discovered that some of the "matched" apps were not rather specific. Rather of Mint, by way of example, Switch to Windows Mobile phone introduced me using a link to Pageonce. Although Pageonce performs largely the same capabilities as Mint, for a lot of people "close to your exact same app" isn't close enough. It would are already nicer if a number of those non-exact matches would present various options, though the Quixey-powered application did not do that. Consumers who prefer a far more traditional process can test Mark/Space's desktop switcher application.
Even with Microsoft's finest attempts, it nonetheless does not have every huge identify application that customers on other platforms usually takes without any consideration ?a a lot to Nokia's chagrin ?a however the predicament has become getting constantly better for the platform. Even though it will not eliminate the many hassles connected to employing the third-place smartphone OS, Microsoft's application ought to enable get new Home windows Telephone users began following they switch.
Microsoft introduced its new Skype Online video Messages feature for iOS, Android, and Mac back again in February, nevertheless the organization did not ensure it is accessible initially for its personal Windows platform. Nowadays, Microsoft is releasing a preview of Skype Movie Messaging for Windows desktop buyers. The traditional desktop application that operates on Windows seven and Home windows eight will incorporate the new attribute, allowing end users to trade limited video clip messages (as many as 3 minutes very long) with other Skype users.
The element remains to be not available on Microsoft's Windows eight Skype app, even so the business is promising to create this offered "shortly." Skype suggests it is nevertheless testing the attribute, and within the second you receive twenty free of charge messages just before you have got to subscribe to Skype Premium for $4.99 per month to continue utilizing Video clip Messages.
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Anonymous Calls for Internet Blackout Monday to Protest CISPA
In the wake of this week's passage of the controversial Cyber Intelligence
Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) by the U.S. House of Representatives,
representatives from the hacktivist group Anonymous – if they truly have
"representatives" per se – are calling for an "Internet Blackout Day" on Monday
in protest.
Specifically, Anonymous is calling upon website owners to take down their normal pages and replace them with a page that explains the reasons for the change (and protest), and they're also asking that they help spread the word to their fellow site owners and encourage them to do the same.
The call to action is similar to the January 18, 2012 blackout day that had more than 7,000 websites – including a number of the Web's more noteworthy sites, like Wikipedia, Reddit, Google, and Mozilla -- going dark to protest the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). While the bill was ultimately shelved, it does share commonalities with CISPA in the sense that both attempted to use heavy-handed techniques to deal with Internet-themed issues.
In SOPA's case, the bill looked to thwart online piracy by imposing the equivalent of Cyber "death penalties" against sites shown to be hosting copyright-infringing content. Internet services providers would be asked to prevent its members from accessing said sites – creating what amounts to "The Great Firewall of America," as described by a New York Times opinion piece at the time.
CISPA, on the other hand, would allow Internet Service Providers and other Web-themed companies to share information about their users with the government and one another under the guise of "cyber-security" – with increased protection against any privacy lawsuits that their users might bring as a result.
"Whenever these prerequisites are met, CISPA is written broadly enough to permit your communications service providers to share your emails and text messages with the government, or your cloud storage company could share your stored files," reads a FAQ by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a chief opponent of the legislation.
Although the bill passed the house by a not-so-significant degree – 288 votes in support versus 127 opposing – Mediaite's Glenn Davis notes that there are still some fairly significant hurdles before CISPA springs alive. Not only does the bill have to make its way through the Senate, it also has to survive a previously threatened veto by the White House.
In other words, don't take a lack of fervor from webmasters tomorrow as a sign that the Internet's heavyweights have given up. Or, as Davis puts it, "don't freak out about CISPA (yet)."
"The possibly still exists that a future version of CISPA, with enough privacy protections added to gain Senate and presidential support – but still not enough to satisfy civil liberties advocates – will pass (after all, Obama's reputation among civil liberties advocates is already shot anyway). But that will most likely be another issue for another year – based on everything we've seen for a year now, CISPA as it's currently written doesn't stand a chance," he writes.
Specifically, Anonymous is calling upon website owners to take down their normal pages and replace them with a page that explains the reasons for the change (and protest), and they're also asking that they help spread the word to their fellow site owners and encourage them to do the same.
The call to action is similar to the January 18, 2012 blackout day that had more than 7,000 websites – including a number of the Web's more noteworthy sites, like Wikipedia, Reddit, Google, and Mozilla -- going dark to protest the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). While the bill was ultimately shelved, it does share commonalities with CISPA in the sense that both attempted to use heavy-handed techniques to deal with Internet-themed issues.
In SOPA's case, the bill looked to thwart online piracy by imposing the equivalent of Cyber "death penalties" against sites shown to be hosting copyright-infringing content. Internet services providers would be asked to prevent its members from accessing said sites – creating what amounts to "The Great Firewall of America," as described by a New York Times opinion piece at the time.
CISPA, on the other hand, would allow Internet Service Providers and other Web-themed companies to share information about their users with the government and one another under the guise of "cyber-security" – with increased protection against any privacy lawsuits that their users might bring as a result.
"Whenever these prerequisites are met, CISPA is written broadly enough to permit your communications service providers to share your emails and text messages with the government, or your cloud storage company could share your stored files," reads a FAQ by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a chief opponent of the legislation.
Although the bill passed the house by a not-so-significant degree – 288 votes in support versus 127 opposing – Mediaite's Glenn Davis notes that there are still some fairly significant hurdles before CISPA springs alive. Not only does the bill have to make its way through the Senate, it also has to survive a previously threatened veto by the White House.
In other words, don't take a lack of fervor from webmasters tomorrow as a sign that the Internet's heavyweights have given up. Or, as Davis puts it, "don't freak out about CISPA (yet)."
"The possibly still exists that a future version of CISPA, with enough privacy protections added to gain Senate and presidential support – but still not enough to satisfy civil liberties advocates – will pass (after all, Obama's reputation among civil liberties advocates is already shot anyway). But that will most likely be another issue for another year – based on everything we've seen for a year now, CISPA as it's currently written doesn't stand a chance," he writes.
TouchMail seems like it may be a super-efficient
Viewpoint on Windows 8 can be around the map, but here’s one thing many of
us should really have the ability to agree on: the more apps that acquire total
advantage of the Home windows 8 interface, the better shape the operating method
will likely be in. What it requirements, and has not had, is really a profusion
of killer apps.
At yesterday’s DEMO Cellular convention in San Francisco, I noticed one of the first third-party Home windows eight courses that acquired me energized: TouchMail. As its identify implies, it’s an e-mail shopper suitable for contact enter.
Much more vital, although, it is an e-mail shopper that appears like it absolutely was born to work properly on Windows 8. For instance, rather of a conventional inbox, you will get tiles which demonstrate incoming messages and provide a longer-than typical snippet of text. (They are often color-coded, so that you can spot messages from your manager or your spouse.) It is possible to zoom out to see additional and more messages; should you go far adequate, the tiles turn into icons representing the messages’ senders, and you simply can speedily slide back again to some particular working day, 7 days or month.
TouchMail seems like it may be a super-efficient method to blast as a result of huge quantities of mail; its creators say it’s suitable for people who get no less than 100 messages on a daily basis. It’s slightly premature to evaluate it, while: the variation that's live to tell the tale the Windows Store is usually a teaser somewhat thank a performing e-mail application. The truth is, you simply cannot use it to have your very own mail however, only to look at some sample messages.
At DEMO, TouchMail’s creators bought questioned by a doubtful choose about why they chose to start on Home windows relatively than other platforms. (I understood his reasoning, but I had been still startled - even five years ago, I cannot imagine any individual believing that Windows wasn’t the definitely the most obvious working procedure to start a brand new merchandise on.) It turns out which they do intend to carry their development to other devices, commencing using the one particular I take advantage of most, the iPad.
I’m satisfied to listen to that - but I’ll also be tickled if TouchMail seems fantastic sufficient that it can help sell a still-skeptical world on the value of Home windows eight.
At yesterday’s DEMO Cellular convention in San Francisco, I noticed one of the first third-party Home windows eight courses that acquired me energized: TouchMail. As its identify implies, it’s an e-mail shopper suitable for contact enter.
Much more vital, although, it is an e-mail shopper that appears like it absolutely was born to work properly on Windows 8. For instance, rather of a conventional inbox, you will get tiles which demonstrate incoming messages and provide a longer-than typical snippet of text. (They are often color-coded, so that you can spot messages from your manager or your spouse.) It is possible to zoom out to see additional and more messages; should you go far adequate, the tiles turn into icons representing the messages’ senders, and you simply can speedily slide back again to some particular working day, 7 days or month.
TouchMail seems like it may be a super-efficient method to blast as a result of huge quantities of mail; its creators say it’s suitable for people who get no less than 100 messages on a daily basis. It’s slightly premature to evaluate it, while: the variation that's live to tell the tale the Windows Store is usually a teaser somewhat thank a performing e-mail application. The truth is, you simply cannot use it to have your very own mail however, only to look at some sample messages.
At DEMO, TouchMail’s creators bought questioned by a doubtful choose about why they chose to start on Home windows relatively than other platforms. (I understood his reasoning, but I had been still startled - even five years ago, I cannot imagine any individual believing that Windows wasn’t the definitely the most obvious working procedure to start a brand new merchandise on.) It turns out which they do intend to carry their development to other devices, commencing using the one particular I take advantage of most, the iPad.
I’m satisfied to listen to that - but I’ll also be tickled if TouchMail seems fantastic sufficient that it can help sell a still-skeptical world on the value of Home windows eight.
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Facebook in talks to bring Home to iPhone, Windows Phone
Facebook is reportedly in talks with Apple and Microsoft about the
possibility of creating versions of its Home Android launcher to the
iPhone and Windows Phone.
The social network is in negotiations with the companies about expanding the platform to their smartphones, Adam Mosseri, Facebook's director of product, told Bloomberg, noting that talks are ongoing and nothing has been finalized.
"We've shown them what we've built and we're just in an ongoing conversation," Mosseri said.
Mosseri said the skin could arrive on Apple's platform with a different name and appearance than the one built for Android.
"We could also just bring some of the design values to the iOS app," he said. "That might be how it ends up. Or we could build just the lock screen."
CNET has contacted Apple and Microsoft for comment and will update this report when we learn more.
Facebook Home is a set of apps that act as a "skin" on certain Android smartphones, adding personal photos to devices' lockscreens and overlaying the chat experience. At Home's unveiling earlier this month, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he would like to see the Facebook experience integrated into every device, but that that would require partnerships.
"Anything that happens with Apple is going to happen with partnership," Zuckerberg said at the time, noting that Facebook had a "great relationship" with Apple. "Google's Android is open so we don't have to work with them."
The social network is in negotiations with the companies about expanding the platform to their smartphones, Adam Mosseri, Facebook's director of product, told Bloomberg, noting that talks are ongoing and nothing has been finalized.
"We've shown them what we've built and we're just in an ongoing conversation," Mosseri said.
Mosseri said the skin could arrive on Apple's platform with a different name and appearance than the one built for Android.
"We could also just bring some of the design values to the iOS app," he said. "That might be how it ends up. Or we could build just the lock screen."
CNET has contacted Apple and Microsoft for comment and will update this report when we learn more.
Facebook Home is a set of apps that act as a "skin" on certain Android smartphones, adding personal photos to devices' lockscreens and overlaying the chat experience. At Home's unveiling earlier this month, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he would like to see the Facebook experience integrated into every device, but that that would require partnerships.
"Anything that happens with Apple is going to happen with partnership," Zuckerberg said at the time, noting that Facebook had a "great relationship" with Apple. "Google's Android is open so we don't have to work with them."
People might also now bookmark places they visit
Microsoft currently launched updates for 5 outside of its six Bing
Applications for Home windows 8. Using this type of update, the Information,
Finance, Sports, Vacation and Maps applications - all of that happen to be set
up by default on Windows eight systems - now all activity numerous new functions
and improvements that, as Microsoft puts it, “make it less difficult to
customize and personalize them to very best suit your requires.” The business
also declared an update into the Bing Weather Application, but this new edition
just isn't readily available but.
None of the updates will rock your world, but all of them are welcome additions, primarily due to the fact they often felt to some degree constrained inside their early iterations.
Those people of you who're however coming to grips using the future demise of Google Reader, for example, will appreciate the reality that the Bing News application now supports RSS feeds and offline reading. Moreover, the application now also capabilities a lot more customization possibilities to be able to “keep tabs on particular story groups, subject areas, or news sources that make any difference for you.”
The Maps app now features traffic incident notifications and improved driving, transit and strolling directions. People might also now bookmark places they visit on a regular basis for their start monitor.
The Finance app now consists of an updates check out listing and real-time U.S. inventory updates, plus the Sports activities app adds 29 new leagues. The Vacation application now consists of content from Lonely Planet and Frodor’s, in addition as Frommer’s, which the first house owners just bought back again from Google.
The Temperature app also acquired a couple of interesting new applications, which includes the power to get weather conditions at ski resorts in 24 nations around the world within the earth (just in time to the stop on the ski year), at the same time as improved shifting temperature maps.
None of the updates will rock your world, but all of them are welcome additions, primarily due to the fact they often felt to some degree constrained inside their early iterations.
Those people of you who're however coming to grips using the future demise of Google Reader, for example, will appreciate the reality that the Bing News application now supports RSS feeds and offline reading. Moreover, the application now also capabilities a lot more customization possibilities to be able to “keep tabs on particular story groups, subject areas, or news sources that make any difference for you.”
The Maps app now features traffic incident notifications and improved driving, transit and strolling directions. People might also now bookmark places they visit on a regular basis for their start monitor.
The Finance app now consists of an updates check out listing and real-time U.S. inventory updates, plus the Sports activities app adds 29 new leagues. The Vacation application now consists of content from Lonely Planet and Frodor’s, in addition as Frommer’s, which the first house owners just bought back again from Google.
The Temperature app also acquired a couple of interesting new applications, which includes the power to get weather conditions at ski resorts in 24 nations around the world within the earth (just in time to the stop on the ski year), at the same time as improved shifting temperature maps.
Friday, 12 April 2013
Justice Dept. to FCC: Give small carriers a chance in next auction
But the Justice Department and others also believe the FCC should consider
including rules for the upcoming auction that specifically deal with this issue.
The spectrum that will be made available in the incentive auction is
low-frequency and sits in the 600MHz frequency band.
"The Justice Department is absolutely right," Larry Krevor, vice president for Government Affairs at Sprint, said in a statement. "Ensuring that all carriers, large and small, have access to low-band spectrum would improve competition and benefit consumers. We are hopeful that the FCC will adopt policies which recognize the importance of low-band spectrum to wireless competition and the American economy as a whole."
AT&T and Verizon have argued against any sort of cap or rules that might limit their participation in the auction.
Managing a scarce resource
Similar low-band spectrum was auctioned off in 2008. AT&T and Verizon won a substantial amount of that spectrum, which sits in the 700MHz frequency. AT&T and Verizon have already been using this spectrum to build their 4G LTE networks.
Meanwhile, Sprint doesn't have much low-frequency spectrum in its portfolio. And T-Mobile has none.
As a result, T-Mobile's network is mostly deployed in dense urban areas. It is simply unable to cover rural and even some suburban markets because it lacks appropriate spectrum. And as it rolls out its 4G LTE network, the company currently has no low-frequency spectrum to expand its footprint.
In its filing, the Justice Department said it fears that allowing AT&T and Verizon to buy as much as they want in the upcoming auction will not make efficient use of the spectrum. And it will lead to less competition in the market.
"The more concentrated a wireless market is, the more likely a carrier will find it profitable to acquire spectrum with the aim of raising competitors' costs," the Justice Department said in its filing. "This could take the shape, for example, of pursuing spectrum in order to prevent its use by a competitor, independent of how efficiently the carrier uses the spectrum."
The Justice Department said that in an ideal market, where no players dominate, an auction, which allocates spectrum to the highest bidder, is a perfect way to distribute a public resource such as spectrum. But in a market that is lopsided where two players have much deeper pockets than the rest of the competitive landscape, the Justice Department thinks the FCC has a responsibility to craft rules that help ensure competition.
"Spectrum is a scarce resource and a key input for mobile wireless services," the Justice Department said. "The Commission has an opportunity through its policies on spectrum holdings to preserve and promote competition and to ensure that the largest firms do not foreclose other rivals from access to low-frequency spectrum that would allow them to improve their coverage and make them stronger, more aggressive competitors."
Neither AT&T nor Verizon commented on the news of the Justice Department's filing. But during a panel discussion at the NAB Show this week in Las Vegas, Joan Marsh, a vice president for federal regulatory affairs with AT&T, said that the fact that Sprint and T-Mobile did not get any of the 700MHz spectrum in the last auction was not because AT&T and Verizon dominated the auction and outbid them, but because they chose not to participate.
"It's like winning the lottery," she said. "You have to be in it to win it."
In fact, AT&T has argued in its own comments to the FCC that the price of the nationwide C block license in the 700MHz auction, which was won by Verizon, went for a relatively low price because of restrictions imposed by the FCC on that spectrum. When the rules were formed for that auction, Google pushed an open access provision as part of the rules. The FCC adopted it. And when the spectrum went to auction, Verizon and Google were the only two companies participating in the bidding.
Limit, but don't exclude, the big players
The reality is that smaller carriers actually need AT&T and Verizon to participate in the auction. They can't afford for them to be entirely excluded from it. Kathleen Ham, a vice president of regulatory affairs for T-Mobile, said during the panel discussion at the NAB Show this week that their participation is important, because it will ensure that a large ecosystem is built to create devices for this spectrum. But she doesn't want to see the bigger carriers walking away with the bulk of the spectrum in the auction.
Steven Berry, head of the Competitive Carrier Association, agreed in a statement:
CCA couldn't agree more with [the] DOJ that excessive market power harms competition. AT&T and Verizon control almost 85 percent of the spectrum below 1GHz, using its market power to thwart competition and prevent competitive carriers from using their own spectrum in the Lower 700MHz band.
DOJ is correct -- allowing smaller carriers to access additional usable spectrum would benefit the entire competitive wireless ecosystem and consumers. DOJ should be commended for their outstanding work, and I hope the FCC carefully considers these findings as it continues to evaluate mobile spectrum holdings and craft rules for the upcoming incentive auctions.
"The Justice Department is absolutely right," Larry Krevor, vice president for Government Affairs at Sprint, said in a statement. "Ensuring that all carriers, large and small, have access to low-band spectrum would improve competition and benefit consumers. We are hopeful that the FCC will adopt policies which recognize the importance of low-band spectrum to wireless competition and the American economy as a whole."
AT&T and Verizon have argued against any sort of cap or rules that might limit their participation in the auction.
Managing a scarce resource
Similar low-band spectrum was auctioned off in 2008. AT&T and Verizon won a substantial amount of that spectrum, which sits in the 700MHz frequency. AT&T and Verizon have already been using this spectrum to build their 4G LTE networks.
Meanwhile, Sprint doesn't have much low-frequency spectrum in its portfolio. And T-Mobile has none.
As a result, T-Mobile's network is mostly deployed in dense urban areas. It is simply unable to cover rural and even some suburban markets because it lacks appropriate spectrum. And as it rolls out its 4G LTE network, the company currently has no low-frequency spectrum to expand its footprint.
In its filing, the Justice Department said it fears that allowing AT&T and Verizon to buy as much as they want in the upcoming auction will not make efficient use of the spectrum. And it will lead to less competition in the market.
"The more concentrated a wireless market is, the more likely a carrier will find it profitable to acquire spectrum with the aim of raising competitors' costs," the Justice Department said in its filing. "This could take the shape, for example, of pursuing spectrum in order to prevent its use by a competitor, independent of how efficiently the carrier uses the spectrum."
The Justice Department said that in an ideal market, where no players dominate, an auction, which allocates spectrum to the highest bidder, is a perfect way to distribute a public resource such as spectrum. But in a market that is lopsided where two players have much deeper pockets than the rest of the competitive landscape, the Justice Department thinks the FCC has a responsibility to craft rules that help ensure competition.
"Spectrum is a scarce resource and a key input for mobile wireless services," the Justice Department said. "The Commission has an opportunity through its policies on spectrum holdings to preserve and promote competition and to ensure that the largest firms do not foreclose other rivals from access to low-frequency spectrum that would allow them to improve their coverage and make them stronger, more aggressive competitors."
Neither AT&T nor Verizon commented on the news of the Justice Department's filing. But during a panel discussion at the NAB Show this week in Las Vegas, Joan Marsh, a vice president for federal regulatory affairs with AT&T, said that the fact that Sprint and T-Mobile did not get any of the 700MHz spectrum in the last auction was not because AT&T and Verizon dominated the auction and outbid them, but because they chose not to participate.
"It's like winning the lottery," she said. "You have to be in it to win it."
In fact, AT&T has argued in its own comments to the FCC that the price of the nationwide C block license in the 700MHz auction, which was won by Verizon, went for a relatively low price because of restrictions imposed by the FCC on that spectrum. When the rules were formed for that auction, Google pushed an open access provision as part of the rules. The FCC adopted it. And when the spectrum went to auction, Verizon and Google were the only two companies participating in the bidding.
Limit, but don't exclude, the big players
The reality is that smaller carriers actually need AT&T and Verizon to participate in the auction. They can't afford for them to be entirely excluded from it. Kathleen Ham, a vice president of regulatory affairs for T-Mobile, said during the panel discussion at the NAB Show this week that their participation is important, because it will ensure that a large ecosystem is built to create devices for this spectrum. But she doesn't want to see the bigger carriers walking away with the bulk of the spectrum in the auction.
Steven Berry, head of the Competitive Carrier Association, agreed in a statement:
CCA couldn't agree more with [the] DOJ that excessive market power harms competition. AT&T and Verizon control almost 85 percent of the spectrum below 1GHz, using its market power to thwart competition and prevent competitive carriers from using their own spectrum in the Lower 700MHz band.
DOJ is correct -- allowing smaller carriers to access additional usable spectrum would benefit the entire competitive wireless ecosystem and consumers. DOJ should be commended for their outstanding work, and I hope the FCC carefully considers these findings as it continues to evaluate mobile spectrum holdings and craft rules for the upcoming incentive auctions.
Windows 8 to produce it far more common
Computer system income are plummeting since individuals are bewildered and
unhappy with Windows eight, and there's no stop in sight. So concludes an IDC
report, which suggests the sinking profits are the worst it truly is at any time
noticed.
The IDC report located that worldwide Pc shipments ended up seventy six.3 million models in 2013's to start with quarter, down thirteen.9% from a 12 months earlier, as well as even worse than the 7.7% decline that IDC experienced forecast. The drop will be the worst that IDC has at any time seen because it commenced monitoring the Computer industry each and every quarter in 1995. It can be also the fourth straight quarter that Computer system revenue have declined year-on-year.
That's just the start with the poor news for Microsoft. IDC concludes that that decrease is fueled via the weak layout and failure of Windows 8, not only from the escalating attractiveness of tablets. Bob O'Donnell, IDC Software Vice president, Customers and Shows experienced these severe text for Windows 8 and Microsoft:
"At this stage, regretably, it appears crystal clear which the Windows eight start not simply unsuccessful to provide a constructive improve to the Computer system market place, but appears to have slowed the market. Though some customers value the brand new type things and contact capabilities of Home windows 8, the unconventional alterations for the UI, elimination from the common Start out button, and the costs associated with touch have made PCs a less interesting different to dedicated tablets as well as other aggressive units. Microsoft will have to make some very tough choices shifting forward if it really wants to support reinvigorate the Computer system sector."
"While men and women like the typical search and come to feel in the tiles, they?ˉre also very puzzled and annoyed office 2013 activation key because of the lack of start off menu and spend a great deal of their time in (conventional) desktop mode. Hence the base line is I think they have got designed a predicament in which it?ˉs very hard for folks and folks who have a Computer that works just fine are indicating it?ˉs baffling, it expenditures extra money and i don?ˉt truly want it."
O'Donnell and many others at IDC believe that that unless of course Microsoft will make major variations to Windows 8 to produce it far more common and consumer-friendly, issues will only get worse. Jay Chou, senior study analyst on IDC?ˉs quarterly Computer system tracking service, mentioned:
"Although IDC experienced not expected Home windows 8 to become an important driver that will help stem the tide of Laptop quantity drop, it now appears that without having a study course correction from Microsoft, the Laptop market place is headed towards a fair even worse contraction for 2013 than previously thought."
O'Donnell is right. Microsoft created an enormous gamble in developing Windows eight as an working procedure developed more for tablets and contact than for conventional PCs, and in supplying it dueling and perplexing interfaces. Microsoft hoped that familiarizing men and women with all the contact interface would spur persons to get Windows eight and Home windows Rt tablets, but that hasn't took place. Now it seems that Windows eight helps to significantly depress product sales of traditional PCs likewise.
The IDC report located that worldwide Pc shipments ended up seventy six.3 million models in 2013's to start with quarter, down thirteen.9% from a 12 months earlier, as well as even worse than the 7.7% decline that IDC experienced forecast. The drop will be the worst that IDC has at any time seen because it commenced monitoring the Computer industry each and every quarter in 1995. It can be also the fourth straight quarter that Computer system revenue have declined year-on-year.
That's just the start with the poor news for Microsoft. IDC concludes that that decrease is fueled via the weak layout and failure of Windows 8, not only from the escalating attractiveness of tablets. Bob O'Donnell, IDC Software Vice president, Customers and Shows experienced these severe text for Windows 8 and Microsoft:
"At this stage, regretably, it appears crystal clear which the Windows eight start not simply unsuccessful to provide a constructive improve to the Computer system market place, but appears to have slowed the market. Though some customers value the brand new type things and contact capabilities of Home windows 8, the unconventional alterations for the UI, elimination from the common Start out button, and the costs associated with touch have made PCs a less interesting different to dedicated tablets as well as other aggressive units. Microsoft will have to make some very tough choices shifting forward if it really wants to support reinvigorate the Computer system sector."
"While men and women like the typical search and come to feel in the tiles, they?ˉre also very puzzled and annoyed office 2013 activation key because of the lack of start off menu and spend a great deal of their time in (conventional) desktop mode. Hence the base line is I think they have got designed a predicament in which it?ˉs very hard for folks and folks who have a Computer that works just fine are indicating it?ˉs baffling, it expenditures extra money and i don?ˉt truly want it."
O'Donnell and many others at IDC believe that that unless of course Microsoft will make major variations to Windows 8 to produce it far more common and consumer-friendly, issues will only get worse. Jay Chou, senior study analyst on IDC?ˉs quarterly Computer system tracking service, mentioned:
"Although IDC experienced not expected Home windows 8 to become an important driver that will help stem the tide of Laptop quantity drop, it now appears that without having a study course correction from Microsoft, the Laptop market place is headed towards a fair even worse contraction for 2013 than previously thought."
O'Donnell is right. Microsoft created an enormous gamble in developing Windows eight as an working procedure developed more for tablets and contact than for conventional PCs, and in supplying it dueling and perplexing interfaces. Microsoft hoped that familiarizing men and women with all the contact interface would spur persons to get Windows eight and Home windows Rt tablets, but that hasn't took place. Now it seems that Windows eight helps to significantly depress product sales of traditional PCs likewise.
Monday, 8 April 2013
Time Warner Cable Says Phone Outage Affects 800,000 Customers
Time Warner Cable Inc. (TWC), the second-
largest U.S. cable company, said intermittent technical problems
have been preventing some customers from using its home-phone
service.
More than 800,000 customers were potentially affected, Bobby Amirshahi, a spokesman for the New York-based company, said yesterday in an e-mail.
“There’s a technical issue preventing a limited number of our home phone customers from placing or receiving calls on an intermittent basis,” the company said. “Our engineers are working on the problem to restore service as quickly as possible.”
Emergency calls to 911 were still being routed, Amirshahi said.
Time Warner Cable served about 5 million residential phone subscribers as of Dec. 31, according to its annual report.
More than 800,000 customers were potentially affected, Bobby Amirshahi, a spokesman for the New York-based company, said yesterday in an e-mail.
“There’s a technical issue preventing a limited number of our home phone customers from placing or receiving calls on an intermittent basis,” the company said. “Our engineers are working on the problem to restore service as quickly as possible.”
Emergency calls to 911 were still being routed, Amirshahi said.
Time Warner Cable served about 5 million residential phone subscribers as of Dec. 31, according to its annual report.
Microsoft has anti user-views when it comes
Field observers have painted a critically unfavorable picture with the
Windows 8 OS this week. Everything started with Dell casting out a predominantly
negative outlook in its SEC filing very last week. Noting the market for PCs has
actually been cannibalized by tablets and smartphones, among other components,
the Pc maker also produced a statement regarding the uncertainties that goes
with all the adoption of your Windows 8 OS. The company further pointed out
there are adverse developments in tandem which has a normally weakening demand
from customers for PCs worldwide as well as unfavorable margin prices for
PCs.
In its investigation of the recent sector problem, CNET mentioned that it's not much that Windows eight is unappealing as much as it's which the OS finds by itself below strain from other current market aspects at operate. As Dell have observed, as an example, there may be a basic slowdown of Computer system progress from the world sector arena, which delivers us into a painful reality that the need for your OS, as a result, will even choose these kinds of a slowdown.
There are also speculations regarding what could possibly be the rationale driving Microsoft is current moves to provide people a drastic cost slash for a few goods in the Microsoft Retail outlet. The company is shift to chop its price ranges can both certainly be a solution to move merchandise which can be effectively caught, or it could be a sign revealing a subject of much more really serious mother nature. It ought to be mentioned within this regard that as per IDC is observation, profits for Windows 8 Personal computer has arrive at a stall. Which can make it very easy to comprehend why Microsoft and its Computer system companions were being forced to chop down charges on laptops and hybrids.
To the other hand, an examination by SemiAccurate windows 7 anytime upgrade key boldly proclaimed that Microsoft is endeavours to offer rate cuts on its things will likely not be of any support to avert a death spiral. The company, it suggests, doesn't comprehend tablets from the initially spot, together with the consequent end result that it simply cannot thus generate a mobile solution that may remain competitive. It additional notes that Microsoft has anti user-views when it comes to computing, and phone calls Windows 8 as a further debacle. Additionally, it details out that Microsoft Surface is unreasonably priced compared to competitors inside the marketplace, and that both Home windows RT and Surface RT possess a nil prospect of surviving in the current market that it promises the corporate doesn't have a transparent comprehension of.
Regardless of all this adverse publicity, Microsoft is apparently not bugged down. It really is reported to become on its solution to arising with Home windows eight.1, which the industry has but to discover no matter whether it is going to fare far better or even worse than its seemingly ill-fated Windows eight predecessor.
In its investigation of the recent sector problem, CNET mentioned that it's not much that Windows eight is unappealing as much as it's which the OS finds by itself below strain from other current market aspects at operate. As Dell have observed, as an example, there may be a basic slowdown of Computer system progress from the world sector arena, which delivers us into a painful reality that the need for your OS, as a result, will even choose these kinds of a slowdown.
There are also speculations regarding what could possibly be the rationale driving Microsoft is current moves to provide people a drastic cost slash for a few goods in the Microsoft Retail outlet. The company is shift to chop its price ranges can both certainly be a solution to move merchandise which can be effectively caught, or it could be a sign revealing a subject of much more really serious mother nature. It ought to be mentioned within this regard that as per IDC is observation, profits for Windows 8 Personal computer has arrive at a stall. Which can make it very easy to comprehend why Microsoft and its Computer system companions were being forced to chop down charges on laptops and hybrids.
To the other hand, an examination by SemiAccurate windows 7 anytime upgrade key boldly proclaimed that Microsoft is endeavours to offer rate cuts on its things will likely not be of any support to avert a death spiral. The company, it suggests, doesn't comprehend tablets from the initially spot, together with the consequent end result that it simply cannot thus generate a mobile solution that may remain competitive. It additional notes that Microsoft has anti user-views when it comes to computing, and phone calls Windows 8 as a further debacle. Additionally, it details out that Microsoft Surface is unreasonably priced compared to competitors inside the marketplace, and that both Home windows RT and Surface RT possess a nil prospect of surviving in the current market that it promises the corporate doesn't have a transparent comprehension of.
Regardless of all this adverse publicity, Microsoft is apparently not bugged down. It really is reported to become on its solution to arising with Home windows eight.1, which the industry has but to discover no matter whether it is going to fare far better or even worse than its seemingly ill-fated Windows eight predecessor.
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Facebook Phone Is Important to Social Network's Future: 10 Reasons Why
Facebook has the world abuzz with the possibility of yet another new
smartphone. For months now, reports have been swirling that the company
is working on a phone.
But it seemed that every time it looks like it actually might happen, the social network company, would bob and weave and then put the idea on ice. The latest rumor now suggests that Facebook is working with HTC on a device that will come with a forked version of Android that puts its social network’s features at center stage. And that technology could be known as Facebook Home when it’s unveiled on Apr. 4. But why is it happening now? Why would Facebook, a company that has been so successful online and through mobile applications, try its luck with a smartphone? More importantly, why would the social networking giant invest the kind of cash it would take to get such a product off the ground? Certainly there are better things Facebook can do with its cash than spend it on a device, right? But perhaps not. Facebook was criticized last year for not aggressively mobilizing its social network. Facebook knows that it’s greatest potential for grow in North America and overseas is on the mobile platform.
Facebook is now a major public company in the technology industry. It has to keep growing vigorously to prove its value to customers and investors. As a result, now more than ever, the company understands that mobile is the future.
Here are some reasons why Facebook is preparing to introduce a Smartphone.
1. It’s where the market is headed There’s no debating that the future of the industry is in the mobile market. Companies around the globe are moving to the mobile space, so they can make good on their desire to generate the kind of cash that smartphones and tablets are supposed to deliver to those firms that are competing there. Considering Facebook is such a major force in the technology industry, it only makes sense that it, too, wants to capitalize on mobile as much as possible.
2. It’s all about advertising If Facebook does in fact sign an agreement with HTC to deliver a product that puts its many features center stage, it would mean one thing: advertising really is a very, very important part of the company’s plans. Yes, Facebook might like to make some cash on hardware sales, but like Google, it’s in it for the users and the advertising dollars that go with it. Make no mistake about that.
3. Blame it on Android Android is arguably the most important operating system available right now – even more so than Windows. Android is the dominant force in mobile. Now that Android has hit that critical mass, it only makes sense that Facebook is following.
4. Facebook Phone Home?
Chances are Facebook will indeed release the Facebook Home forked Android operating system that’s been rumored lately. And why not? Facebook has been looking for ways to improve how its services are embedded in operating systems. Look no further than its integration across iOS for proof of that. Now with Facebook Home, it can achieve all of its goals in that area. Look for Facebook Home to be a real winner for the social network.
5. Shareholders expect it Facebook’s shareholders have been clamoring for the company to embrace mobile for months now. Over the last couple of quarters, Facebook has succeeded at that. Still, it’s not enough. And Facebook knows it. The company’s push into the phone business reflects its understanding that when shareholders call, you better listen.
http://www.windowsanyway.com/windows-7-enterprise-activation-key-p-3529.html
But it seemed that every time it looks like it actually might happen, the social network company, would bob and weave and then put the idea on ice. The latest rumor now suggests that Facebook is working with HTC on a device that will come with a forked version of Android that puts its social network’s features at center stage. And that technology could be known as Facebook Home when it’s unveiled on Apr. 4. But why is it happening now? Why would Facebook, a company that has been so successful online and through mobile applications, try its luck with a smartphone? More importantly, why would the social networking giant invest the kind of cash it would take to get such a product off the ground? Certainly there are better things Facebook can do with its cash than spend it on a device, right? But perhaps not. Facebook was criticized last year for not aggressively mobilizing its social network. Facebook knows that it’s greatest potential for grow in North America and overseas is on the mobile platform.
Facebook is now a major public company in the technology industry. It has to keep growing vigorously to prove its value to customers and investors. As a result, now more than ever, the company understands that mobile is the future.
Here are some reasons why Facebook is preparing to introduce a Smartphone.
1. It’s where the market is headed There’s no debating that the future of the industry is in the mobile market. Companies around the globe are moving to the mobile space, so they can make good on their desire to generate the kind of cash that smartphones and tablets are supposed to deliver to those firms that are competing there. Considering Facebook is such a major force in the technology industry, it only makes sense that it, too, wants to capitalize on mobile as much as possible.
2. It’s all about advertising If Facebook does in fact sign an agreement with HTC to deliver a product that puts its many features center stage, it would mean one thing: advertising really is a very, very important part of the company’s plans. Yes, Facebook might like to make some cash on hardware sales, but like Google, it’s in it for the users and the advertising dollars that go with it. Make no mistake about that.
3. Blame it on Android Android is arguably the most important operating system available right now – even more so than Windows. Android is the dominant force in mobile. Now that Android has hit that critical mass, it only makes sense that Facebook is following.
4. Facebook Phone Home?
Chances are Facebook will indeed release the Facebook Home forked Android operating system that’s been rumored lately. And why not? Facebook has been looking for ways to improve how its services are embedded in operating systems. Look no further than its integration across iOS for proof of that. Now with Facebook Home, it can achieve all of its goals in that area. Look for Facebook Home to be a real winner for the social network.
5. Shareholders expect it Facebook’s shareholders have been clamoring for the company to embrace mobile for months now. Over the last couple of quarters, Facebook has succeeded at that. Still, it’s not enough. And Facebook knows it. The company’s push into the phone business reflects its understanding that when shareholders call, you better listen.
http://www.windowsanyway.com/windows-7-enterprise-activation-key-p-3529.html
Home windows 8 also faces a obstacle from Microsoft's
5 months after its official start, Home windows eight now accounts for more
than three per cent with the desktop functioning system marketplace, in
accordance to World wide web traffic analytics firm Internet Programs.
In March, Windows 8 driven 3.17 percent of your PCs on-line, or 3.31 per cent if Home windows RT and Windows 8 tablets can also be taken into consideration. At this fee, Windows eight is about a few to 4 months far from eclipsing the unpopular Windows Vista functioning process and years clear of catching up to Windows seven, if at any time.
Windows 7 continue to sales opportunities the OS race with forty four.seventy three % on the industry, as well as in a testament to its enduring acceptance, it in fact gained market place share very last thirty day period. By comparison, the OS accounted for forty four.fifty five per cent with the PCs that ventured on the internet in February.
Microsoft statements which the charge of Windows 8 adoption closely matches that of Home windows seven, the firm's most popular operating system.
Home windows seven was a large moneymaker for your application huge. Soon after its release, it aided improve revenues for several consecutive quarters, particularly immediately after enterprises at last warmed into the OS.As lately as being the quarter that finished Dec. 31, 2012, Windows 7 dominated the organization desktop marketplace. Through an earnings contact, Microsoft CFO Peter Klein said, "Windows 7 momentum during the company carries on and right now, over sixty per cent of organization desktops all over the world are on Home windows seven."
Home windows 8 also faces a obstacle from Microsoft's other venerable functioning technique: Windows XP. The 11-year-old working system clung to 38.seventy three % with the OS industry in March, Web Applications' facts displays. While arguably past its key, XP demonstrates little indication of giving up its spot during the OS hierarchy. From February to March, XP lose just 0.26 share factors.
Microsoft's latest OS not just needs to compete versus its past, it's got to contend with dwindling Laptop gross sales as well as rising popularity of tablets these types of as Apple?ˉs iPad and gadgets that operate Google's Android mobile OS.
From uninspiring hardware to sluggish enterprise substitute cycles, many elements are top for the decrease from the Pc. Insert rigorous competitiveness through the tablet makers, and Computer makers deal with an uphill battle to gain about shoppers and obtain enterprises to speculate inside their wares.
Home windows eight, with its blend of touch-enabled functions and Home windows 7's desktop software heritage, was intended to bridge the worlds of Computer and pill computing. Early users scoffed at Home windows 8, and inspite of some first buzz, revenue of Microsoft's Windows 8- and RT-powered Surface area tablets have been underwhelming.
However, Microsoft is undeterred. Within a split from past software update procedures, the corporation is readying its Windows eight Blue enhance to get a launch the moment this summer time.
Set to generate an look at Microsoft's future Create developer conference, Blue is re-energizing Windows eight. Previously, the sector is anticipating the enhancements and optimizations that could accompany its start. Should they establish compelling, enterprises may well eventually start to present up their wait-and-see attitude toward the OS and begin snapping up Windows eight PCs and tablets.
In March, Windows 8 driven 3.17 percent of your PCs on-line, or 3.31 per cent if Home windows RT and Windows 8 tablets can also be taken into consideration. At this fee, Windows eight is about a few to 4 months far from eclipsing the unpopular Windows Vista functioning process and years clear of catching up to Windows seven, if at any time.
Windows 7 continue to sales opportunities the OS race with forty four.seventy three % on the industry, as well as in a testament to its enduring acceptance, it in fact gained market place share very last thirty day period. By comparison, the OS accounted for forty four.fifty five per cent with the PCs that ventured on the internet in February.
Microsoft statements which the charge of Windows 8 adoption closely matches that of Home windows seven, the firm's most popular operating system.
Home windows seven was a large moneymaker for your application huge. Soon after its release, it aided improve revenues for several consecutive quarters, particularly immediately after enterprises at last warmed into the OS.As lately as being the quarter that finished Dec. 31, 2012, Windows 7 dominated the organization desktop marketplace. Through an earnings contact, Microsoft CFO Peter Klein said, "Windows 7 momentum during the company carries on and right now, over sixty per cent of organization desktops all over the world are on Home windows seven."
Home windows 8 also faces a obstacle from Microsoft's other venerable functioning technique: Windows XP. The 11-year-old working system clung to 38.seventy three % with the OS industry in March, Web Applications' facts displays. While arguably past its key, XP demonstrates little indication of giving up its spot during the OS hierarchy. From February to March, XP lose just 0.26 share factors.
Microsoft's latest OS not just needs to compete versus its past, it's got to contend with dwindling Laptop gross sales as well as rising popularity of tablets these types of as Apple?ˉs iPad and gadgets that operate Google's Android mobile OS.
From uninspiring hardware to sluggish enterprise substitute cycles, many elements are top for the decrease from the Pc. Insert rigorous competitiveness through the tablet makers, and Computer makers deal with an uphill battle to gain about shoppers and obtain enterprises to speculate inside their wares.
Home windows eight, with its blend of touch-enabled functions and Home windows 7's desktop software heritage, was intended to bridge the worlds of Computer and pill computing. Early users scoffed at Home windows 8, and inspite of some first buzz, revenue of Microsoft's Windows 8- and RT-powered Surface area tablets have been underwhelming.
However, Microsoft is undeterred. Within a split from past software update procedures, the corporation is readying its Windows eight Blue enhance to get a launch the moment this summer time.
Set to generate an look at Microsoft's future Create developer conference, Blue is re-energizing Windows eight. Previously, the sector is anticipating the enhancements and optimizations that could accompany its start. Should they establish compelling, enterprises may well eventually start to present up their wait-and-see attitude toward the OS and begin snapping up Windows eight PCs and tablets.
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