Nov 27
Nov 27
BT lets site visitors add features to landlines with only a phone number and postcode
Posted in: Today's Chili 
If you’re subscribed to BT’s landline phone service, you may want to keep an eye on your bill in the near future. The British provider recently patched up a website issue that showed account holders’ full names, but attention is being drawn to an approach that lets visitors add paid features like TV service using only an account’s phone number and postcode as credentials. When both of these are potentially in the public eye, that creates understandable concerns that a rogue agent could hike someone’s rates without consent — even the email address BT uses to confirm changes is only chosen on the spot, which could keep the change a secret early on. BT so far contends that the light security is for “customer convenience,” although we’ve reached out to verify whether or not that will continue to be the company’s policy going forward. In the meantime, those still on the carrier’s traditional phone service will want to be careful about giving out their number to strangers; while the risk isn’t extreme in practice, there’s no need to hand someone the keys to the kingdom.
Filed under: Internet
Via: The Verge
Source: The Register
Nov 27
Short Version
Apple’s iPod touch is arguably among the last of a dying breed, being a standalone media player that isn’t also a phone. But just because you’re among a species on the verge of extinction doesn’t mean you can’t shine, and the 5th generation iPod touch brings a lot of goodness to the table for a connected mobile device that can’t call anyone.
Long Version
Features:
- Thin (~20 percent thinner than iPhone 5), weighs just 88 grams
- Crazy loop strap thing for wristband, or your cellphone charm, if that’s how you roll
- Much-improved camera
Info:
- 4-inch Retina display
- Available: Now (Ships in 1-3 business days)
- MSRP: Starts at $299
- Product page
The iPod touch is…
… still easily the best media player out there, and now a much more capable mobile gaming device thanks to the introduction of the dual-core A5 chip that powers it. And with the new, super thin design, it’s actually the most portable iPod touch, despite the screen size increase.
Buy the iPod touch for…
… kids, or anyone who wants a dedicated media and game player that’s more portable than the similarly priced iPad mini. Also good for users who are on Android or BlackBerry for their primary phone, but want to test the waters of Apple’s iOS ecosystem. Apple knows full well that the audience for dedicated media players is dwindling, but this iPod touch was tailor-made for the niche audiences to whom it still appeals.
Because…
… the design is so impressive, I actually find myself wishing this was the latest iPhone from time to time. It isn’t without its drawbacks: the ultra-thin case meant Apple had to leave out the ambient light sensor that adjusts screen brightness automatically, which is a shame because Apple devices are among the few that get this feature right. But honestly, if you’re looking for a media player, and you also want a ton of great apps, there’s really no contest here.
Nov 27
The world hated his creation, and now Apple is giving him the boot: Bloomberg News reports Apple exec Richard Williamson, the name behind the ill-fated, Internet-ridiculed Apple Maps just got fired. More »
Nov 27
It was just yesterday when we talked about the possibility of the unreleased Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone appearing on a NenaMark benchmark, although it did carry some sub-par specifications which would make it unworthy of a flagship smartphone from Samsung, and we did explain on why as well. Here we are with yet another candidate which could very well continue where the hugely successful Samsung Galaxy S3 left off – the Samsung GT-I9525, which was spotted on a NenaMark benchmark.
Some of the specifications which were mentioned in the benchmark include Android 5.0 (Key Lime Pie, perhaps?), a 1.8GHz processor (quad-core at the very minimum, we would presume) that is accompanied by the ARM powered Mali-400 MP GPU. Of course, there is no Full HD display here with just a 720p display getting the job done, presumably to throw some folks off the trail. We could be looking at 2GB RAM at the minimum, and hopefully, a more stunning camera will also be in tow. Well, what do you think – is the Samsung GT-I9525 going to be the Galaxy S4?
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: 1,000 Euro Reward For Finding Lumia 920 Dropped From Space, webOS Runs On Android Platform?,
Nov 27
Calling All iMusicians
Posted in: Today's Chili
In the long list of industries that are benefiting from the tablet craze you will find music. Composing and producing benefit from the portability. Tablets provide a quick way to write and arrange while on the go. Perfect since you never know when the next genius moment will happen.
A leader in iOS music accessories, IK Multimedia has a perfect keyboard solution for the mobile composer. Their iRig KEYS, $99.99 at Sam Ash or €74.99 on their website, gives the convenience of a portable keyboard and capability to perform. The ultra-slim profile and 37 key size means it can fit in a backpack or bag. A typical IK plug-and-play unit, simply connect via core MIDI or USB to any iOS device, Mac or PC. Power via your device or USB. Controls on the panel include octave up/down, modulation and pitch bend wheels and 4 set buttons to create different setups. Edit mode enables you to change the keyboard to suit your need – reassign buttons or change MIDI channel for example. Out of the box you get quality virtual instruments apps (SampleTank and iGrandPiano) which you can immediately download. So if mobility is critical for you keyboard musicians out there check out the iRig KEYS and compose whenever inspiration may strike.
[ Calling All iMusicians copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Nov 27
These awesomely geeky Doctor Who cupcakes come from the fine folks at Cupcaketeer.com. They made these tasty treats for the 40th birthday of a friend. It’s friends like this that keep dentists in Porsches and yachts. But who cares, I would eat every last one of them and wash them down with the juice of a thousand Jelly Babies.
There are all 11 Doctors, the TARDIS, the Master, Davros and of course a Dalek. Hey, cupcake guy! Will you be my friend and make me all kinds of awesome cupcakes for my birthday? I thought not. I will just have to enjoy them from afar.
Can you imagine the amount of work that went into these? Hit Cupcaketeer for more images of these great cupcakes.
[via Geeks Are Sexy]
Nov 27
A self-proclaimed Apple freak has wired his home in a certain way, so much so that he uses the Apple iPad to take control of the home’s automation. When coupled with the Crestron home automation app in his hands, he has quite the winner on the table here. Of course, this also meant that his pad has its fair share of sensors, motors, and remote controlled thermostats. The total amount that he forked out to date to do up his dream home in a fully automated manner? Don’t cringe now, but we are singing to the tune of $80,000 thereabouts.
Well, using your iPad to control stuff in your home itself is priceless if you are a truly connected person who cannot live without your iPad. At least you can feed your cat whenever you are not around, deciding to skip town for a few days, or opt to broadcast a video stream, or even warm up your driveway if the latest weather report point towards plenty of snow coming your way. Of course, nothing beats coming home to a cool home during the sweltering summer, when you can turn on the air conditioner when you have just left the office.
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Developer manages to use Siri to control the Philips Hue light bulbs, The Bogobrush claims to be a 100% biodegradable toothbrush,
Nov 27
Amazon had some pretty sweet deals going on all weekend long, starting on Black Friday and ending on Cyber Monday. One of the best that we found on Amazon’s products was the $130 Kindle Fire deal — down $30 from its original price. The company boasts that “Cyber Monday 2012 was the biggest day ever for Kindle sales worldwide.”
Collectively, Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2012 “were the best ever for the Kindle family.” The company had more than doubled last year’s sales numbers, and while they don’t disclose any specific figures, it’s not too hard to believe. The $130 Kindle Fire deal was simply too good to pass up for a lot of people.
Amazon did release a couple of statistics and facts that might prove interesting for you. First of all, the top four spots on the worldwide Amazon best sellers list are Kindle ereaders and tablets. Also, Amazon claims the Kindle Fire HD to be the most gifted and most wished for product on Amazon since its launch.
Sadly, the Kindle Fire deal is over, and you’ll have to go back to paying at least $160 for the last-generation tablet, but that’s still a decent price. However, for just a bit more cash, you can pick up the newer Kindle Fire HD for only $200. That’s probably a better bet if you’re wanting to get the latest and greatest.
Amazon boasts “best ever” Black Friday and Cyber Monday for Kindle family is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Nov 27
It was rumored that Microsoft might be looking into churning out additional hardware, especially after they have had done a pretty good job with the Windows RT tablet, although sales of that tablet seemed to fall short of Microsoft’s expectations. Having said that, the new hardware that Microsoft could possibly work on is unsurprisingly, a Windows Phone 8-powered device, as this segment of the market does seem to offer more promise compared to the tablet niche. It would seem that should a Windows Phone 8 handset from Microsoft surface (heh, sorry about that, I could not resist the pun), it would carry a similar Surface branding.
The Wall Street Journal, as we mentioned earlier, did say that Microsoft is working with Foxconn to realize a smartphone that would fall under the 4” or 5” screen size category, not to mention the possibility of Amazon also working with Foxconn for a smartphone that they can call their very own. Well, what will we have next from Amazon and Microsoft? Only time will tell.
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: 1,000 Euro Reward For Finding Lumia 920 Dropped From Space, webOS Runs On Android Platform?,
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