It looks like Google has rolled out a subtle, yet significant change to its
Gmail app for iOS, with a new feature that allows users to send emails from alternate addresses. It's a feature that's long existed on the web version, and now, it's available on that
notorious app for iPad and iPhone, too. The feature, which is also available on the mobile web version, has been automatically added without an app update, so check it out now, if you're up for it.
Gmail app for iOS now lets you e-mail from alternate addresses originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Stanford researcher Jonathan Mayer has discovered a curious
Safari loophole that allows Google to track a user's browsing activity via cookie-laced web ads. As it turns out, Apple's browser normally accepts cookies from sites that a user visits, but automatically blocks them from third-party advertisers. As Mayer found out, though, advertisers can still circumvent this filter by enticing users to interact with ads in different ways. In the case of Google, the search giant embedded a "+1" button on ads produced with its DoubleClick technology, as part of an opt-in feature for Google+ users. If a user was logged in to Google+ and had agreed to see +1 ad displays, he or she would have a cookie planted on their device, thanks to a system that sent invisible forms from Apple computers or iPhones. This made it seem as if a user actually submitted the form intentionally, thereby convincing Safari to allow cookies. These cookies were only temporary, with shelf lives of up to 24 hours, but they could open the door for many more, since Safari allows sites to plant them after having received access to install at least one.
After the
Wall Street Journal notified Google of this loophole, the company promptly disabled it and duly apologized, adding that it didn't realize that its +1 system would plant tracking cookies on a user's device. "We didn't anticipate that this would happen, and we have now started removing these advertising cookies from Safari browsers," Google's Rachel Whetstone explained. "It's important to stress that, just as on other browsers, these advertising cookies do not collect personal information." An Apple spokesperson, meanwhile, issued the following statement: "We are aware that some third parties are circumventing Safari's privacy features and we are working to put a stop to it."
WSJ: Safari loophole lets Google track Apple users through web ads originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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New details have emerged about the ongoing
Apple-Motorola drama in Germany, courtesy of a court document uncovered by
FOSS Patents. The two companies have been engaged in a patent battle of swelling proportion these past few months, with the most recent wrinkle unfolding on Friday, when Apple promptly
removed (and returned) its 3G / UMTS-enabled iPads and iPhone 4s from its online German store, in response to a court ruling. At issue in this particular case is a Motorola patent that Apple wants to use under FRAND obligations, but Moto apparently isn't willing to license its technology for free. According to a court filing, the handset maker is asking for 2.25 percent of Apple sales in return for the license, though it remains unclear whether this pertains to sales of all products or, more likely, the 3G-enabled devices under consideration in court. Either way, though, Motorola would stand to see
quite a bit of extra revenue, especially considering that Apple's iPhone sales have totaled about $93 billion since 2007. Under Motorola's request, the company would have made about $2.1 billion from these sales alone -- not to mention the payments it'd see from iPad sales, as well. Apple, meanwhile, has filed motions to access Motorola's licensing agreements with Nokia, HTC and other manufacturers, in the hopes of exposing a double standard.
Motorola wants 2.25 percent of Apple sales, in exchange for patent license originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Rhyming schemes aside, it's hard to imagine why anyone would want a camera-less
iPhone 4S. But that's exactly what Singaporean operator M1 is offering today, with the launch of a new line of "non-camera" iPhones. As it turns out, Singapore's military prohibits its soldiers from owning camera-equipped cellphones, which presents problems for the many men who have to serve a mandatory two-year term. With M1's new modified iPhone 4 and 4S, though, they'll be in the clear, since both devices have been approved by no less an authority than Singapore's Ministry of Defense, or MINDEF. According to the provider, both front- and rear-facing cameras have been completely removed from the devices, and "may not be reinstalled." They're all available now on a two-year plan, for about $38 more than their fully-outfitted counterparts. Singapore's two other operators, SingTel and StarHub, tell
CNET that they're also looking to roll out a line of MINDEF-approved iPhones, though neither could offer a timeline for their release.
Camera-less iPhone 4S now available in Singapore, military approves originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Earlier this week, Kogeto
announced plans to bring its Dot panoramic video recording accessory to Android handsets. Having already launched an
iPhone version of the device back in May, Kogeto has a prototype of its Android counterpart on display here at CES, along with a second prototype, for the
GoPro HD Hero 2. The idea behind the device is pretty simple: just download Kogeto's app, attach the holster to your smartphone, and begin recording. The accessory will then automatically capture 360-degree panoramic video, which can then be uploaded to the web, via the company's dedicated web platform. While you're there, you can also use Kogeto's online editing tool to cut and splice your video, jumping from angle to angle with the company's intuitive user interface. The quality of the video we captured during our hands-on with an iPhone 4 version wasn't exactly top-notch, but we're told that there are notable improvements for 4S users. All told, it's definitely a cool little attachment, and one that seems rife with creative potential. The iPhone 4 version, as we mentioned earlier this year, retails for $79. The Android rendition, meanwhile, is slated to hit the market this fall, likely for a similar price. No word yet on when we can expect to see the Dot arrive for GoPro, but be sure to check out our full gallery and video, after the break.
Mat Smith contributed to this report.Continue reading Kogeto unveils Dot panoramic video capture prototypes for Android, GoPro (video)
Kogeto unveils Dot panoramic video capture prototypes for Android, GoPro (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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XtremeMac has just unveiled a troika of new iDevice-friendly chargers: the 3 in 1 USB Mobile Cable, InCharge Boost and InCharge Micro Boost. Announced at
CES today, the 3 in 1 cable, as its name suggests, packs three different connectors on a single cable, offering USB to microUSB, mini USB and 30pin connectivity to owners of Apple-branded devices and "most" tablets, smartphones or cameras. The portable InCharge Boost, meanwhile, combines a 2300 mAh lithium polymer rechargeable battery, USB port and 30pin connector, designed explicitly for iPhone, iPad and iPhone users on the go. Rounding out the trio is the comparatively pared down InCharge Micro Boost -- a rechargeable 500mAh battery, coupled with a USB to microUSB connector. It also features a built-in carabineer, meaning you can charge your iDevice while climbing a rock. Or something. No details on pricing yet, but the devices are slated to begin shipping during Q1 of this year. Press release? It's after the break.
Continue reading XtremeMac rolls out three new mobile chargers for iDevice devotees
XtremeMac rolls out three new mobile chargers for iDevice devotees originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Voxx International (formerly known as
Audiovox) has a habit of
making a splash at
CES, and this year has been no different. Today, the company's
Acoustic Research subsidiary announced a pair of audio docks: the AirPlay Audio System (ARAP50) and the Bluetooth Wireless Audio System (ARS70). With the former, users will be able to wirelessly stream playlists from their iDevices simply by plugging the system into any old 12-volt outlet and linking it up to a wireless network. The Bluetooth variety, meanwhile, offers essentially the same capabilities for the rest of the smartphone universe, including owners of Bluetooth-equipped Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices. Details on specs remain frustratingly vague, but we'll probably find out more this Spring, when both systems are slated to hit the market. The AirPlay Audio System will retail for $200, while the Bluetooth Wireless Audio System will cost you $130. Head past the break to get the full PR treatment.
Continue reading Acoustic Research unleashes pair of audio docks in AirPlay and Bluetooth flavors
Acoustic Research unleashes pair of audio docks in AirPlay and Bluetooth flavors originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Do you have an
iPhone 4S? Do you drive a car? Do you have amnesia? If you answered yes to at least two-and-a-half of these questions, you'll probably be interested in Find My Car Smart -- a
Kickstarter project that wants to help dudes find their cars, with the help of
Bluetooth 4.0 technology. The system is relatively straightforward, consisting of nothing more than an iOS app (available now on iTunes for $0.99), and a
USB-based Bluetooth proximity adapter. All you have to do is download the app, stick the dongle in your car, and let your iPhone 4S automatically mark your parking spot. Whereas similarly-designed apps typically require users to manually record their car's location before leaving the lot, Find My Car Smart allows you to forget even that, since the app will automatically record your GPS coordinates. FMC Smart says it won't start shipping adapters until it reaches its Kickstarter funding goal, though it's aiming to deliver its first 500 devices by January. For more details, hit up the links below.
Find My Car Smart app uses Bluetooth 4.0 to help iPhone 4S owners do the obvious originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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NBA Commissioner David Stern is all smiles these days. Why? Because the most pointless labor dispute in human history has finally drawn to a close, and Chris Paul isn't a Laker. He must also be elated over a new deal the NBA has just signed with
Sprint, which replaces T-Mobile as the Official Wireless Service Partner of the NBA -- a phrase that will likely be repeated
ad nauseam during every single halftime report this season. Under the marketing partnership, announced on Wednesday, Sprint will launch its own "Sprint NBA Mobile" Android app, giving subscribers access to highlights, stats and the latest news on why Chris Paul isn't a Laker. According to
All Things D, an iOS version is still in the works, though it remains unclear whether it will sport the same features as its Android counterpart. Sprint says the app should be available in time for the NBA's December 25th season opener, which won't feature Chris Paul, because Chris Paul isn't a Laker. The terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but
All Things D reports that it's valued somewhere "in the millions" -- which should help shore up some of the revenue the NBA will lose in potential Chris Paul jersey sales, because
Chris Paul isn't a Laker.
Continue reading Sprint, NBA strike multi-year partnership, celebrate with a new Android app
Sprint, NBA strike multi-year partnership, celebrate with a new Android app originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Apple is extending its sphere of influence south of the equator today, with the launch of the
iTunes Store in Brazil and a whole slew of Latin American countries. According to Cupertino, the platform will launch with a catalog of over 20 million songs, from both Brazilian and international artists, as well as a selection of more than 1,000 films for rent or purchase. Also included in today's release are users in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela. Find more details in the full PR, after the break.
Continue reading Apple brings iTunes Store to Brazil, Latin America
Apple brings iTunes Store to Brazil, Latin America originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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After issuing a default judgment
against Apple last month, Germany's Mannheim Regional Court has now granted a "preliminarily enforceable" injunction against Ireland-based Apple Sales International, on the grounds that its products may violate some of Motorola Mobility's patents. At issue is Motorola's European Patent 1010336 (B1), which covers a "method for performing a countdown function during a mobile-originated transfer for a packet radio system." According to
Foss Patents, the court's injunction encompasses the iPhone (3G, 3GS and 4), iPad 3G and iPad2 3G. The ruling also states that Apple can avoid the injunction if it removes the patent-infringing elements from its devices, though it's more likely that Cupertino will appeal to the Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court, in the hopes of obtaining a stay. We've already reached out to Apple for comment, and will update this post as soon as we get more information.
Motorola wins injunction against Apple Sales International in German patent dispute originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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No joke, it really will. All you have to do is walk into a retailer this Saturday, whip out your smartphone and use Amazon's Price Check app to collect price data on in-store items. In exchange, the company will offer you a discount of five percent (or up to $5) on "select items" in electronics, toys, music, and other product divisions, though you'll only be able to use it a maximum of three times. The campaign represents Amazon's latest attempt to creep into the brick and mortar sector
on the back of barcode scanning technology, and seems like a pretty clever way to bolster its mobile presence, while gathering intel on its competitors' prices, as well. It all kicks off at 9 PM (PST) on Friday, and will draw to a close just before midnight on Saturday. Hit up the source link for more details.
Amazon will give you $5 if you use its Price Check app this weekend originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Flipboard has now arrived on a slightly smaller board. Previously available as an iPad-only affair, the popular magazine and social media app has now launched on both the iPhone and iPod Touch, bringing graphics-laden aggregation to a wider swath of the iOS community. This new universal version features much of the same functionality you'll find on its iPad predecessor, along with a new Cover Stories interface, which collects and displays all your recent photo uploads, shared articles and status updates from select social networks. If you're intrigued, you can download it for free at the source link, below.
Flipboard launches on iPhone, iPod Touch, introduces 'Cover Stories' feature originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Looking for wisdom on your
iPhone? Well, you're in luck, because TED's celebrated iOS app is now available on the iPhone and iPod Touch. The app, much like its iPad-specific predecessor, allows users to access a wealth of
TED Talks via streaming video or audio. The revamped tool also features a new bookmarks tab, where listeners can save talks for later listening, as well as the new TED Radio -- a station chock full of TED Talk audio streams, running all day. It's available as a free download now, so hit up the source link, and enjoy learning.
Continue reading TED launches iPhone app, brings spread-worthy ideas to the small screen
TED launches iPhone app, brings spread-worthy ideas to the small screen originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The winds of tech consumerism are changing course. More specifically, they're
heading east. According to the latest Q3 figures from
Strategy Analytics, China is now the world's largest smartphone market by volume, overtaking the US for the first time. According to the research firm, smartphone shipments in China reached a record high of 23.9 million units during the third quarter of this year, up 58 percent from Q2. Compare that with the US, which saw shipments decline by seven percent over the quarter, to 23.3 million units. The Boston-based firm attributed much of China's growth to a spike in cheaper, Android-based handsets from companies like ZTE, as well as a flowering of subsidized higher-end models, like the iPhone. Nokia leads the way within the People's Republic, accounting for 28 percent of all quarterly shipments, followed by Samsung, with an 18 percent share. Find more quotes and charts in the press release after the break, or hit up the source link below for the full report.
Continue reading Strategy Analytics: China leapfrogs US to become world's top smartphone market
Strategy Analytics: China leapfrogs US to become world's top smartphone market originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Now that Siri's protocol has been
freshly dissected and laid bare for the world to behold, hackers have been busy finding ways to move Apple's personal assistant beyond the realm of the iPhone 4S. That task may be getting easier, however, now that a developer has created his very own third-party proxy server, designed specifically for
Siri. The dev, known by his Twitter handle @plamoni, demonstrated his brainchild in a recent video clip, using a plug-in to control a WiFi thermostat with only voice commands. As @plamoni explains, the hack won't require users to jailbreak their iPhone 4S, but it won't let them port Siri over to earlier iPhones or iPod Touch models, either -- not yet, at least. The idea, according to the developer, is to make it easier for other hackers to experiment with and build upon Siri's functionality. Head past the break to see the demo video for yourself, or if you're up for it, grab the source code and instructions on how to create your own server, at the source link below.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Continue reading Developer creates proxy server for Siri, controls thermostat with his voice (video)
Developer creates proxy server for Siri, controls thermostat with his voice (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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They're pumped. You're pumped. Everyone's pumped. Why? Because the
iPhone 4S is coming to India, that's why. According to the
Times of India, Apple's latest handset will be available on November 25th from Bharti Airtel, the country's leading carrier. The
Times' report comes just a few days after rival domestic provider Aircel confirmed its own 4S launch (also slated for the 25th), with a post on its Facebook page. Neither company has announced a price yet, though Aircel will start taking pre-orders on the 18th, at the source link below.
iPhone 4S sashays its way to India, up for pre-order this week originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Vooma's new Peel PG92 handset case isn't the first to bring
dual-SIM capability to the iPhone 4, but it may be the most elegant. The accessory, which has yet to be released, essentially consists of an extra battery pack and an unlocked SIM slot. All you have to do is download Vooma's customized app to your jailbroken iPhone 4 or 4S, strap on the Peel PG92, and insert your spare SIM card into the case (judging from the photos, it appears that the device is tailored for mini-SIM cards, rather than micro-SIM). Once that's taken care of, you'll be able to place calls via the app and external SIM, using a dialer interface that's only slightly different from what Apple offers. No word yet on pricing or availability, but you can sign up for more information at Voom's website, linked below. Otherwise, check out the coverage from our friends at
TechCrunch, who managed to get their hands on a pre-release model.
Vooma Peel PG92 case brings dual-SIM capability, added appeal to your iPhone 4, 4S originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Somewhere deep within the bowels of
iOS 5 lurks a panoramic camera function, and hacker Conrad Kramer has unlocked it. The trick, according to Kramer (AKA Conradev), is to set the "EnableFirebreak" key to "Yes" within an iOS preference file. Alternatively, you could just grab fellow hacker Grant Paul's Firebreak tweak, which just hit the Cydia storefront this morning. Once installed on your
jailbroken phone, Firebreak will allow you to take full panoramic shots directly from the iOS interface, as pictured above in Paul's screenshot. No word yet on if or when Apple plans on flipping this function live, but in the meantime, you can check out the links below for more details.
[Thanks, Charlie]
Jailbreakers unearth hidden panorama mode in iOS 5 camera app originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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