http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=

According to Gizmodo, “If you have any decently modern Android phone, everything you do is being recorded by hidden software lurking inside. It even circumvents web encryption and grabs everything—including your passwords and Google queries.”

Gizmodo goes on to say, “Worse: it’s the handset manufacturers and the carriers who—in the name of "making your user experience better"—install this software without any way for you to opt-out. This video, recorded by 25-year-old Android developer Trevor Eckhart, shows how it works. This is bad. Really bad.”

The spying software is developed by a company called Carrier IQ. In their site, the company says they are "the only embedded analytics company to support millions of devices simultaneously, we give Wireless Carriers and Handset Manufacturers unprecedented insight into their customers’ mobile experience."

The researcher who discovered this is Trevor Eckhart.  The problem is that it does a lot more than log anonymous generic data. It grabs everything.

What can you do?  Unfortunately, not much. The hidden spyware is always running, and there’s no option in any of the menus to deactivate it. Unless you’re a grade-A blackbelt hacker, you’re out of luck. Even Eckhart, who is a developer, finds it difficult to remove

For the latest on this growing legal and ethical issue go to http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/30/2601695/carrier-iq-controversy

Windows Explorer is a foundation of the user experience of the Windows desktop and has undergone several design changes over the years, but has not seen a substantial change in quite some time. Windows 8 is about reimagining Windows, so we took on the challenge to improve the most widely used desktop tool (except maybe for Solitaire) in Windows

See http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/29/improvements-in-windows-explorer.aspx

Explorer in "Windows 8"

We knew that using a ribbon for Explorer would likely be met with skepticism by a set of power-users (like me), but there are clear benefits in ways that the ribbon:

• Exposes hidden features that they already use but which require third party add-ons to use in the Explorer UI today.
• Provides keyboard shortcuts for every command in the ribbon, something many people have been asking for.
• Provides UI customization with the quick access toolbar, taking us back to a customization level that is basically equivalent to Windows XP.

We also knew that, similar to when we added the ribbon into Office, there would be concerns about reduced screen real estate. We worked hard to mitigate this issue, and I’ll tell you what we did here a little later in this blog post.

Finally, there are quite a few third-party add-ons that some of our more advanced customers use with Explorer today. These add-ons will continue to work in the right-click context menus in Windows 8, which is by far the most common access point for experienced customers running these add-ins (where discovery and occasional usage are not the primary design points). However, add-ins will not be able to plug into the ribbon UI. This was a difficult engineering choice for us and we expect that many of you will read this and suggest we add the capability–of course if we could get it right this time around we would have done that. A big part of this blog is sharing these choices–tradeoffs–between new features and adding everything we can dream up and finishing. We also think the customization we provide and the improvements are worthwhile this time around.

In a related note, one of the most common requests we get in any redesign is to continue to provide the old user interface along with the new. Sometimes this is suggested as a "transitional" benefit, and other times as a "compatibility mode." We’ve learned over many product cycles that the work to provide this significantly impacts the evolution of the product. The most immediate challenge is that any new commands added to the ribbon then need to be added in the old UI, even if there is no logical place for them. And of course as the new UI evolves, backward compatibility proves doubly challenging. Each time we change we double the number of "old" experiences we carry forward. Our hope is that those who maintain software understand that these are tradeoffs we make in a thoughtful and deliberate manner, and are not meant to be forceful or painful in any way. We are fully aware of the responsibility that comes from changing an interface used by so many people.

A ribbon gave us a lot of layout options and we explored a number of different approaches to tabs and grouping. We decided to go with three main tabs: Home, Share, and View, plus a File menu and a variety of contextual tabs.

The new ribbon

The Home tab is focused on the core file management tasks, and we’ve put all the major file management commands there in prominent locations: Copy, Paste, Delete, Rename, Cut, and Properties. We’ve also given new prominence to two popular heritage features, Move to and Copy to, along with exposing a hidden gem, Copy path, which is really useful when you need to paste a file path into a file dialog, or when you want to email someone a link to a file on a server.

The new Home tab

The Home tab is the heart of our new, much more streamlined Explorer experience. The commands that make up 84% of what customers do in Explorer are now all available on this one tab:

Overlay showing Command usage % by button on the new Home tab

The Share tab is for sharing files by typical methods like zipping them up and emailing them to a friend, or burning them to optical media. Or you can quickly share files with other people in your home group or your network domain. It also provides one-click access to the ACLs for the currently highlighted file.

The new Share tab

The View tab provides access to options for view customization. We’ve enabled one-click access for turning on/off the Navigation pane, Preview pane, and Details pane, a live preview gallery for the different icon display sizes, quick access to sorting and grouping by column, the ability to quickly add columns, plus easy access to three hidden features: show file name extensions, show hidden items, and hide selected items.

The View tab

The customization options for the Navigation pane are also much easier to access – in the drop-down menu, you get one-click access to them, including a new option to show or hide favorites.

Navigation pane options

The file menu and other tools

The file menu lets you quickly open new Explorer windows, access your shortcuts, and change folder and search options. It also includes a hidden feature that we love, Open command prompt, and a really useful new command, Open command prompt as administrator, both of which launch a command prompt with the path set to the currently selected folder.

File menu

We’ve provided a variety of contextual tabs that activate in the context of specific files and folders, and for tasks like searching, managing libraries, viewing pictures, and playing music. One of the best examples is the new Search Tools contextual tab which launches when you click in the search box.

Search tab

The Search tab surfaces a bunch of hidden gems that most people are not aware of, but that could solve some common problems for them. You can quickly adjust the scope of any search, filter by common date ranges, file type, file size, and other properties like the author or name. Then you can save these searches for future use.

Here are examples of some of the other Explorer context tabs:

Library Tools

Picture Tools

Yes I did try another cell phone.  Here are some pictures:

Sprint and Motorola are taking wireless innovation to a new level with Sprint’s first 1GHz dual-core NVIDIA^® Tegra™ 2 processor smartphone on the Sprint 4G Network, Motorola PHOTON™ 4G.

• Android 2.3 Gingerbread
• Sprint’s 4G network
• Webtop application, allowing users to access and create content from a larger screen while connected to a Motorola accessory dock
• International GSM capabilities
• 4.3-inch qHD display
• Dual cameras
• Kickstand for hands free viewing.

I loved this phone, yes I did return it.  So why did I give it back?

Pros:

• Easy to use and hold phone – very important if you spend your day reading email and talking
• Fast, fast, fast – this phone can handle the demands that I think most users expect
• OK battery life
• Easy to connect to email and documents
• Sprint’s voice coverage in my area is getting better
• Android 2.3 – more polished and reliable then previous versions
• Monthly pricing is better then Verizon
• Integrated Google Voice – if you have not checked out Google Voice, you need to now!

Cons:

• Technical support at Sprint is equivalent to asking my 2 year old niece for help
• The more you use Android the slower it gets.  In my opinion Android cannot get out of it’s own way and just work.  Apple does a better job
• Sprint 4G is elusive and just adequate – Verizon runs circles around Sprint’s 4G
• Radio in phone would go from one to off and from 3G to 4G to nothing – this happens when the phone is brought out of sleep **I have seen this issue with my Verizon Thunderbolt as well
• Not enough to make me switch
• Cannot switch between Google Voice number and main cell number without patience and technical support from someone/somewhere

I used the phone for 27days and then returned it.  I was sorry to see it go but it’s just not worth the extra time and investment.  Android is almost there and if phone carriers would get out of the manufacturers way, the public would have access to some cool, productive, and user friendly smart phones.

I saw this on How-To Geek  and thought you all might enjoy.

Jonathan

Have you seen what Google has been up to.  Check out http://www.google.com/chromebook/

Personally I like it. With that said I do not believe the masses are ready for it. Its only business ready if you buy into the cloud and can break your use of Microsoft products. I think many want to but cannot.

Good:

• Battery life
• Light
• Fast boot and shut down

Not so good:

• Small hard drive space – means all files go on the web
• Not enough ports
• Not so friendly keyboard/mouse
• You cannot download and install a program – this is the biggest hurdle for most

Take a look at this article on the security issue.

http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/news/2240039222/Chromebook-security-in-question-due-to-flawed-Google-Chrome-extensions

Conclusion:

It’s a great second PC or one for traveling. Those early adopters and cloud ready spirits will be pleased with this. Others may soon find the shortcomings outweigh the benefits and move back to a traditional PC. In 3-5 years I think this will be a mainstream choice and one I see many home owners or frequent travelers who have access to a full desktop will pick.

If you are looking for a detailed analysis of specifications or tons of pictures then you may be reading the wrong blog. If, however, you would like a real world review of the following phones, then read on.

I have owned the following phones over the past 12 months:

1. Apple 3g iPhone – easy to use and cost effective right now

2. Motorola Droid – slide out keyboard, small screen

3. HTC EVO – large screen, bad battery, heavy

4. Motorola Droid 2 – better slide out keyboard, small screen

5. Motorola Droid Global – great for travelers

6. Apple iPhone 4 – easy to use and good on battery

7. HTC Thunderbolt – Fast Internet, bad battery, has bugs in OS

8. HTC HD7 – Easy to use OS, mediocre battery

9. LG G2x – good battery and overlay

10. Samsung Infuse 4g – Large screen, adequate battery, easy overlay

Let’s start with a quick recap on operating systems. The phones I have owned and used include Google’s Android, Apple’s IOS, and Microsoft Phone 7. Each operating system is tailored to a select group with two being mainstream. Mainstream is my way of saying it was easy to use out of the box and required no technical background or experience. The mainstream winners are Microsoft Phone 7 and Apple’s IOS 4. Sorry Android, you are a great OS but still need polishing. I have seen reviews of Android 2.3 known as Gingerbread and it looks promising. Furthermore, each manufacture of and Android device adds an overlay that changes the stock operating system. Some do a better job than others. The three most common are the Motorola Motoblur, the Samsung TouchWiz, and the HTC Sense. The winner for me is Samsung’s TouchWiz, it is the simplest to use and learn and is great for novices. Coming in second is the HTC Sense, with its polished look and great social media integration widgets. In last place is Motorola with its Motoblur, which I find to be sluggish and overwhelming. Remember try before you buy as each one has something to offer and what works for me might not be the best for you.

I have used service on Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. None of them rates more than 1 star for customer service. When it comes to network, they all have problems. I am a power user who does not have time to wait for the phone to catch up with me. I am also a stickler; yes I did use that word, for customer services. Nothing is worse than calling the phone carrier and they are unfamiliar with the device or have not been properly trained. All 4 major carriers suffer from poor training. One Verizon rep didn’t even know where the battery was located on their phone. An AT&T representative didn’t know that her carrier had a Samsung model. Expect subpar support and look for carriers to blame the manufacturer. Your best approach is an online blog, forum, or ask an expert. Time is money and you will waste copious amounts trying to work with your phone carriers. Whether its minimal coverage indoors, aka T-Mobile, to dropped calls, thanks AT&T, to inconsistent data connection, Verizon is the big loser there; they all suffer from one issue after another. So let’s talk phones.

My favorite phone to date has been the Samsung Infuse 4g and the LG G2x. Both are built for speed and very little bloat ware it takes the top prize in my book for longer battery life, ease of use, good design, and overall functionality. My number two pick is the HTC HD7 and yes it is running a Windows 7 phone operating system. Simply put Microsoft created a simple, functional and visual appealing cell phone operating system. Note, that it does take some time to get used too. To round out my top three picks, coming in at number 3 is the Motorola Droid Global edition. After three revisions of the Droid phone, Motorola finally got it right. The Droid Global is a great combination of touch responsive, not as much bloat ware, and can work in more than 122 countries.

So that about wraps up our review. Should you have any questions please let me know at jstewart@computerumbrella.com or give us a call at 877-395-2666.

Apparently, any Android phone (hate to knock on Android) that is running anything before 2.3.3 (read, just about every phone out there at this point) is transmitting Google login credentials in plain text. Not a problem if you’re using the cell network, or an encrypted wifi hotspot. But if you’re on an unencrypted hotspot such as a coffee shop, then someone could be stealing your Google Login credentials.

The way Android works too, is that as soon as it gets the new wifi connection, it’ll initiate a sync which will transmit the login details to Google’s servers. But if someone is smart, they can trap those credentials and impersonate you to Google’s servers.

The cure? Don’t use unencrypted Wifi networks.

Here is an article on the subject which did a good job of illustrating the issue and solution. http://download.cnet.com/8301-2007_4-20063792-12.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

Thank you for your patience while we work to resolve the current outage of PlayStation Network & Qriocity services. We are currently working to send a similar message to the one below via email to all of our registered account holders regarding a compromise of personal information as a result of an illegal intrusion on our systems. These malicious actions have also had an impact on your ability to enjoy the services provided by PlayStation Network and Qriocity including online gaming and online access to music, movies, sports and TV shows. We have a clear path to have PlayStation Network and Qriocity systems back online, and expect to restore some services within a week.

We’re working day and night to ensure it is done as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and feedback.

Valued PlayStation Network/Qriocity Customer:
We have discovered that between April 17 and April 19, 2011, certain PlayStation Network and Qriocity service user account information was compromised in connection with an illegal and unauthorized intrusion into our network. In response to this intrusion, we have:

1. Temporarily turned off PlayStation Network and Qriocity services;
2. Engaged an outside, recognized security firm to conduct a full and complete investigation into what happened; and
3. Quickly taken steps to enhance security and strengthen our network infrastructure by re-building our system to provide you with greater protection of your personal information.

We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding and goodwill as we do whatever it takes to resolve these issues as quickly and efficiently as practicable.

Although we are still investigating the details of this incident, we believe that an unauthorized person has obtained the following information that you provided: name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birthdate, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID. It is also possible that your profile data, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip), and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained. If you have authorized a sub-account for your dependent, the same data with respect to your dependent may have been obtained. While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, we cannot rule out the possibility. If you have provided your credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, out of an abundance of caution we are advising you that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained.

For your security, we encourage you to be especially aware of email, telephone, and postal mail scams that ask for personal or sensitive information. Sony will not contact you in any way, including by email, asking for your credit card number, social security number or other personally identifiable information. If you are asked for this information, you can be confident Sony is not the entity asking. When the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services are fully restored, we strongly recommend that you log on and change your password. Additionally, if you use your PlayStation Network or Qriocity user name or password for other unrelated services or accounts, we strongly recommend that you change them, as well.

To protect against possible identity theft or other financial loss, we encourage you to remain vigilant, to review your account statements and to monitor your credit reports. We are providing the following information for those who wish to consider it:

U.S. residents are entitled under U.S. law to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free (877) 322-8228.

We have also provided names and contact information for the three major U.S. credit bureaus below. At no charge, U.S. residents can have these credit bureaus place a “fraud alert” on your file that alerts creditors to take additional steps to verify your identity prior to granting credit in your name. This service can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name. Note, however, that because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you, it also may delay your ability to obtain credit while the agency verifies your identity. As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the others are notified to place fraud alerts on your file. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, or should you have any questions regarding your credit report, please contact any one of the agencies listed below.

Experian: 888-397-3742; www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
Equifax: 800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
TransUnion: 800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

You may wish to visit the web site of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheftor reach the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 or 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580 for further information about how to protect yourself from identity theft. Your state Attorney General may also have advice on preventing identity theft, and you should report instances of known or suspected identity theft to law enforcement, your State Attorney General, and the FTC. For North Carolina residents, the Attorney General can be contacted at 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; telephone (877) 566-7226; or www.ncdoj.gov. For Maryland residents, the Attorney General can be contacted at 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; telephone: (888) 743-0023; or www.oag.state.md.us.

We thank you for your patience as we complete our investigation of this incident, and we regret any inconvenience. Our teams are working around the clock on this, and services will be restored as soon as possible. Sony takes information protection very seriously and will continue to work to ensure that additional measures are taken to protect personally identifiable information. Providing quality and secure entertainment services to our customers is our utmost priority. Please contact us at 1-800-345-7669should you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,
Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment

Verizon’s 4G LTE Network is down nationwide, forcing those with an HTC Thunderbolt or a 4G hotspot to suffer along with near dial-up speeds. According to Verizon’s twitter feed, the Thunderbolt is able to do voice calls, but data is running at 1xRTT data. The outage comes just one day before the DROID Charge, Verizon’s second 4G phone, hits the network. Verizon has said they are hard at work to fix the problem. Verizon’s 4G network went down late last night, and though it doesn’t affect 3G devices, the Thunderbolt has been booted down to extremely slow speeds.

When asked via phone and an onsite visit, Verizon had no comment about the outage and no time was given until service would be restored. 

There is a fix, however, that will allow the Thunderbolt to get back up to 3G at least.

Here is the fix to get the Thunderbolt up to 3G:

Dial ##778#
Press Call button
The password is 000000
Choose Edit Mode
Go to Modem Settings
Choose Rev A
Switch from eHRPD to Enable
Press OK
Commit Modifications

Keep in mind you’ll likely need to change this back to get your phone back to normal after the nationwide Verizon 4G LTE outage is fixed.

Below is a reposting of a great article on how to clean your LCD.  Enjoy!

-Jonathan

——————————————————————————

What Is the Proper Way to Clean an LCD Screen?

By Mel Frank, eHow Contributor

LCD screens are used on anything from computer monitors, to television screens to portable DVD players. These screens use a liquid crystal display mechanism to give off the crisp, high-definition look that many electronic appliance owners strive to achieve. The LCD screens are made from a heavy plastic or resin, so cleaning the screen with safe cleaning tools is the only way to care for the screen, because harsh cleaners will completely destroy the LCD screen within seconds.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

· Microfiber cleaning cloth

· Screen cleaning spray

· Screen cleaning wipes

1.

Turn off the LCD screen, and mist a microfiber cleaning cloth with screen cleaning spray. Never mist the spray directly onto the LCD screen.

2

Wipe the cloth gently over the LCD screen, using very little pressure.

3

Let the screen air dry before using it again.