As developers for tablets and smartphones we like to keep abreast of the latest mobile technology developments . This is a daily digest of mobile development and related technology news gathered from the BBC, the New York Times, New Scientist and the Globe and Mail to name a few. We scour the web for articles concerning, iPhone, iPad and android development, iOS and android operating systems as well as general articles on advances in mobile technology. We hope you find this useful and that it helps to keep you up to date with the latest technology developments.
- Foursquare cautiously and clearly changes privacy policy
In light of the recent uproar over the privacy and policy changes at Instagram, apps that provide services are, understandably, treading cautiously with any terms, conditions and privacy changes going forward. Instagram suffered an almost instant backlash publicly but it seems debatable how much […]
- Intel to Launch Cable TV Service and Set Top Box at CES 2013
According to TechCrunch, Intel is planning to launch its own virtual cable TV service and set top box in the near future. The news comes at a time when rumors of Apple’s own television service have been becoming more frequent.
To combat licensing issues, Intel has decided to roll out the service on a city-by-city basis rather than launching nationwide, allowing Intel to negotiate for control of smaller markets with content providers, who have been reluctant to hand over valuable licensing rights.
A source in the video distribution industry directly familiar with Intel’s plans and content dealings tells TechCrunch the semiconductor company is dead serious about getting its chips into the living room. After its effort to convince smart TV manufacturers to use its chips in the initial launch of Google TV failed a few years ago, it’s decided to go it alone. The source said that Intel was frustrated with “everyone doing a half-assed Google TV so it’s going to do it themselves and do it right.”
The plan is to create a set-top box and subscription TV service that would appeal to people who want streaming TV access but don’t want to entirely cut the cable cord and lose key content like sports.
Like Intel, Apple has been said to be working on a similar set up for its rumored Apple-branded television set, an idea that was made famous by Walter Isaacson’s biography on Steve Jobs, when Jobs expressed his desire to revolutionize the television industry.
Since then, the Apple television set has been the source of much speculation, and it is believed that Apple is hoping to include features like Siri and FaceTime, as well as content from third party providers and motion control.Apple has faced problems with content procuration, which may be why the much rumored TV has yet to make an appearance. There have been similar rumors about a more robust version of the Cupertino-based company’s existing Apple TV set top box, but that too has yet to be seen.
As of mid–2012, Apple has been rumored to be in talks with cable services like Comcast and Timer Warner Cable, though no content deals seem to have been made public.
The Wall Street Journal (via TechCrunch) notes that Intel has also had problems securing content deals, with content providers unwilling to offer television channels piece meal because of contractual barriers set in place by cable providers. Intel’s city-by-city launch aims to allow content providers to experiment with access in less restrictive markets.
Intel’s cable TV service and set top box may launch as soon as January 7 at Intel’s CES event, according to tipsters. There’s still no word on when an Apple television might be announced.
The most recent rumors state that Apple’s Foxconn factories are currently testing several television set designs, in the 46–55 inch range.
- Huawei linked to plan to sell restricted equipment to Iran
A major partner of the Chinese telecommunications gear maker offered to sell $1.7 million worth of embargoed HP computer equipment to Iran, according to documents reviewed by Reuters.
- iCade Jr. Arcade Controller Discounted to $9.99 [iOS Blog]
ThinkGeek has discounted the iCade Jr. Mini Arcade Cabinet for iPhone to only $9.99. That represents 80% off its normal price of $49.99.The iCade Jr. was originally launched in January 2012 at CES. It represents a smaller iPhone/iPod Touch sized version of the original iPad-sized iCade. Like its big brother, the iCade Jr. connects to your iPhone or iPod Touch using Bluetooth. This model was originally designed to fit the iPhone 4/4S and 4th Generation iPod touch form factors, but is said to work with the iPhone 5 “if you leave the top lid hinged back”.
The controller has an arcade stick, four front and rear buttons and works with existing iCade-compatible games.
- 2012’s top memes and viral videos
The year in memes and social media must-sees
- Alan W. Silberberg: Truth Hurts? More Coming in 2013
2012 saw many people get foiled by their own attempts at keeping secrets online. General Petraeus is only the most vivid and open example. But this is happening to regular people every day. Expect this trend to continue into 2013.
- TV REVIEW: Neil Armstrong – First Man On The Moon
Neil Armstrong – First Man On The Moon The fact that more people in the world could today recognise the butt of Kim Kardashian than…
- Questcor Finds Profit for Acthar Drug, at $28,000 a Vial
- YouTube Ban Lifted in Pakistan, for 3 Minutes
- India’s Aakash Venture Produces Optimism but Few Computers
- Shira Lazar: What’s Trending and Kassem G Present the Top 20 YouTube Videos of 2012
Every weekday, What’s Trending brings you the best that YouTube has to offer. Now that we’re wrapping up an unbelievable year in Internet history, we’re serving up a definitive guide to the 20 biggest, most incredible and best YouTube videos of 2012.
- PHOTOS: This Family’s Truly Unbelievable Secret
We could never live like this.
- Moment Of Impact Caught On Tape
Video from a dashboard camera captured the moment of impact when a passenger plane crashed into a highway at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport. The Red Wings…
- Good News For In-Flight Internet
By Jim Wolf WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has cleared the way for wider adoption of in-flight Internet services, aiming to cut…
- Overshare! 7 Things We Forget We Do On Social Media Everyday
Let’s own up to it: Social media is an addictive part of our everyday lives. In fact, habits like flipping through Facebook or Instagram have…
- The Big Lesson Apple Learned In 2012
By Sarah Kessler This story originally appeared at Fast Company. While Apple’s new products are generally met with fawning praise and long lines, its first…
- The 9 Most Popular Viral Videos Of The Week
If you’re looking to see the most popular YouTube videos of the week, look no further. Once again, we’re bringing you the week’s most-watched videos,…
- Pinterest Sued By Businessman Who Says He Had The Idea First
Pinterest has arrived at that special milestone for any successful start-up: The day you get sued by someone who says the whole thing was his…
- Google Torpedoes Links To ‘Pirate’ Sites
Over the past year copyright holders have asked Google to remove 51,395,353 links to infringing webpages, a dramatic surge compared to previous years. The search…