Mar 21
China’s debilitating smog problem isn’t anything new at this point—at least for its residents. Tourists to Beijing, however, are still struggling
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Nov 06
Most of us only think about natural disasters when we absolutely have to (or when it’s, uh, for fun
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Aug 06
Ever nervous about the looming threat of a devastating cyberattack, the government is redoubling its efforts to get companies that operate critical infrastructure to buy into its cybersecurity plan. It’s so committed, it may even make sure participants get reimbursed… if they get attacked.
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Aug 06
Back in February, President Obama signed an executive order aimed at beefing up cybersecurity measures and established a 240 day deadline for the administration to hammer out the details. Today, the White House took to its blog to put forth a rather loosely defined set of incentives designed to convince private companies to adopt the voluntary aspects of its so-called “Cybersecurity Framework.” At the top of the list is a proposed cybersecurity insurance market, which calls for the adoption of risk-reducing measures and risk-based pricing models. Beyond those broad brushstrokes, the White House has provided few details, stating that specifics would be developed in the coming months. Also included in the incentives are federal grants for companies taking part in the program, preferential treatment for some existing government services, liability limitations and public recognition. Essentially, the blog post acts mainly as a preview for the Voluntary Program set to launch in early 2014. The details are more than a bit fuzzy at the moment, but we’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
Filed under: Internet
Via: The Verge
Source: White House
Jul 25
We’ve all misplaced our cell phone and spent what seems like hours searching for it—but some people take losing handsets to a whole new level. Chances are, you’ve never lost a phone as impressively as the people that feature in these stories.
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Jan 16
After opting not to offer its Total Equipment Protection (TEP) service to iPhone customers, Sprint appears to have turned over a new leaf. An anonymous tipster has shared an internal screenshot with us noting that starting on January 25th, the carrier will start allowing its iPhone users to select TEP as an equipment insurance option. Similar to its policy with AppleCare+, Sprint will give customers 30 days from the date of purchase to add TEP to their account at a monthly charge of $11. However, unlike Apple’s in-house coverage plan, Total Equipment Protection claims come with hefty deductibles ranging from $150 – $200, instead of a one time upfront charge. So, if you were looking to pick up an iPhone from Sprint and AppleCare+ wasn’t exactly ringing your bell, you’ll soon have an additional insurance option in less than a fortnight.
[Thanks, anonymous]
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sprint
Dec 26
If you’re making an investment in an Apple product, whether it’s a new machine or a permanently on-sale refurb, you want to protect it. At the same time, spending a few hundred more on AppleCare hurts when you’re already dropping a couple grand on a computer. You get a year of AppleCare as part of any purchase—but do you need to pay for more time under Apple’s guaranteed protection? The truth is, it depends on what you’re buying to begin with. More »
Dec 06
MetroMile launches pay-per-mile car insurance, trades a sliver of privacy for savings
Posted in: Today's Chili 
The notion of tracking cars for insurance purposes tends to polarize us: it’s either a technical marvel that gives an honest appraisal of how we drive, or a dystopian nightmare that makes it impossible to have a little fun without a large bill. MetroMile is banking on more of us taking the optimistic view. It claims to have the first ‘true’ pay-per-mile car insurance, and combines a fixed base fee with mileage derived from a tracking device attached to a given vehicle. Weekend drivers can theoretically save 20 to 50 percent, and any customer can see detailed analytics online. The catch, of course, is having to be comfortable with an insurer as a silent copilot. MetroMile is careful to note that it’s only watching mileage — it doesn’t care if motorists swing by the racetrack or across the border. Provided that they’re happy with relaying a piece of their driving experience to outsiders, Oregonians can sign up for MetroMile’s experiment today; who knows, it might just pay off.
Filed under: Transportation
Source: MetroMile
Oct 24
Deciding on whether to take out cell phone insurance is a tricky issue: it costs a heap, but it could save a stack of cash when you drop your smartphone onto bare concrete. Chances are, though, if you do ever make a claim, it will never be as ridiculous as any of these. More »
Sep 24
The extremes of technology customer service: how common sense and empathy create unmatched loyalty
Posted in: Today's Chili 
Allow me to explain how two discussions started off in very similar ways, and ended… shall we say, differently. This is me, attempting to muster any sort of pleasantness in my voice at some ungodly hour of the morning on a Google Voice connection from Dubai back to the US:
“Hey! I’m having to cut a trip short due to an emergency back home. I actually purchased a trip protection plan when I checked out online — would it be possible to provide a refund for this flight now that I need to cancel it?”
From here, I was told that this was too vague. That I would need medical proof of an injury or illness, and that if it were a pre-existing condition — something like reoccurring cancer — that simply wouldn’t do. Oh, and if it’s a home emergency, you’ll need proof from your home insurance company that your abode is “uninhabitable.”
“So… I’m basically hosed here? This trip protection plan doesn’t really protect very much, does it?”
“… Do you want to file the claim?”
“No. That’s okay. Thanks for your time.”
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Filed under: Misc
The extremes of technology customer service: how common sense and empathy create unmatched loyalty originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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