Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Web Browsers  Mozilla has put the brakes on developing a mobile version of its Firefox browser for Windows Mobile. Though Mozilla planned to deliver Fennec (Firefox mobile) to as many platforms as possible, one of its developers revealed today that the company has stopped working on Windows Mobile. Don’t hold your breath for a Windows Phone 7 Series version either.
According to Firefox developer Stuart Parmenter, Mozilla has temporarily abandoned Windows development because “Microsoft is staking their future in mobile on Windows Mobile 7 (not 6.5).” It didn’t make sense for the company to continue investing resources into a platform that is likely to be dwarfed by the fresher and more headline-grabbing version of the OS. Meanwhile, Mozilla cannot develop for Windows Phone 7 because Microsoft has decided - for the moment at least - not to release a native development kit. Mozilla has already worked on Windows CE 6, which is the underlying platform for WinPhone7, and would prefer to develop apps in native code. As such, Mozilla has ended its Windows Mobile development until the situation changes. Developers will instead focus on getting a mobile Firefox ready for Android and Maemo. Read [Mozilla] via Engadget Full Story » | Written by Andrew Kameka for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Security  The United States government paid hacker Albert Gonzalez $75,000 a year to gather information on bank card thieves and report those findings to federal agents. But a $75,000 annual income wasn’t enough to satisfy Gonzalez, who was committing the very crime he was hired to help prevent.
Beginning in 2004, Gonzalez received money from the Secret Service to report information about credit card thieves he met online. But when Gonzalez wasn’t busy earning money for snitching on his peers, the Miami-based hacker was running his own card theft ring right under the government’s nose. Using sniffer malware and SQL injections, he stole credit card information from dozens of retailers in Florida, New Jersey, and New York. Gonzalez faces sentencing on three federal indictments for those crimes, including the TJX case where he stole 45.6 million credit and debit card numbers from retailers TJ Maxx and Marshalls. According to an accomplice of Gonzalez who spoke to Wired, Gonzalez was a government informant who received $75,000 in annual cash payments from the Secret Service. (To keep that in context, Gonzalez once spent $75,000 on one birthday party according to a story published last August in the Miami Herald.) The Secret Service refuses to comment on the issue, but the $75,000 far outpaced the $18,000 a year that other hackers in non-Mafia cases received. Gonzalez was forced to forfeit much of his assets, and will be sentenced this week. He could receive as many as 25 years. Let’s just hope the warden doesn’t grant him any computer privileges. Read [WIRED] Full Story » | Written by Andrew Kameka for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile, Trade Shows, CTIA  At CTIA today, Sprint started to show off it’s first 4G smartphone. The phone is called the HTC EVO 4G, and it looks as if the Nexus One has finally been replaced in terms of most impressive and lust-worthy Android smartphone. The shots here make it look like the HD2 running Android, though it does look to have much more.
The HTC EVO 4G is the first WiMAX-enabled phone on Sprint, and it runs on Android 2.1 using the new Sense UI seen in the Desire and Legend. It features a massive 4.3-inch TFT screen, which allows for it’s huge onscreen keyboard with added cursor buttons. The hardware also includes an 8 MP camera capable of 720p video that can be output using the built-in HDMI port. It also has a 1.3 MP front facing camera presumably for video conferencing or just easier, tiny vanity pictures/video, or for the built-in Qik streaming app. The EVO 4G also has 1GB of built-in storage that’ll allow for a lot of apps, and HD video when the included 8 GB microSD is full or not inserted. The screen is the same pixel count (800 x 480) as the Nexus One, though the back of the EVO 4G has a stand to make viewing that HD video easier than holding it the entire time. It might be possible when in areas with the WiMAX 4G for the EVO 4G to connect to data and makes calls at the same time, which would be quite a relief and eliminate possibly the only downside it might have. As of now, all we know is that the HTC EVO 4G will be out this summer, no price, or possible additional surcharges for 4G. So, those thinking of buying a Nexus One when it comes to Sprint in the coming months may want to wait to see how the pricing on the EVO 4G compares, because the hardware already looks to give it an edge. Read [Sprint] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Gadgets / Other, ebooks  The first shot in the ereader price wars has been taken through Sony’s temporary battle against competitors. Sony has dropped the price on its Pocket Reader to $169 until April 4, which happens to be the day after the iPad first appears in store.
The Sony Pocket Reader normally costs $199, but competition from book-focused brands like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and the impending launch of the iPad, likely influenced this price cut. Sony says that it wants to “expand digital reading to a larger audience by offering consumers the most access, choice, and value,” but analysts suggest the full-color and range of features available in the $500 iPad may be more appealing. In order to compete, e-ink screens will have to provide an even larger discount. Forrester analyst James McQuivey suggests that ereaders could fall to as little as $99. "When you are competing against multi-function devices, you have to have a clear signal as to why a single-purpose device is desirable. A price of $99 would be a very strong signal," he said. That would be hard to swallow since companies would lose money on the devices. With companies getting only a small cut of books - if at all - it wouldn’t make much economic sense to drop prices that low. Not that customers would complain about being able to get an ereader for half the price they currently pay. Read [Wall Street Journal Full Story » | Written by Andrew Kameka for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Accessories, Cellular Providers, Email / IM, Gadgets / Other, Household, Lifestyle 
Pharmaceuticals have got to be wetting their pants over this one. Today, AT&T announced it will be providing the connectivity for medicine bottle tops, Vitality GlowCaps that will keep track of when the medicine was taken or not taken as the case may be. The connection will even allow the pill bottle to call in for a refill when it runs low. AT&T continues to battle network issues in regions such as New York City and San Fransisco. As more and more US consumers adopt smartphone, more and more pressure is put on the data network. Will these pill bottles cause a network bottle neck? On the flip side, doctors and those caring for patients will find this a huge boon. From AT&T’s website: The AT&T-connected GlowCaps fit on standard prescription bottles and use light then sound reminders, which can be followed by a phone call or text message so people don’t miss a dose. Each time the pill bottle is opened adherence data is recorded and securely relayed to Vitality over the AT&T wireless network. This daily adherence information is used to compile periodic progress reports that are sent to patients, caregivers and doctors, and family members.
The cap includes a wireless plug in unit that flashes when you should take your pill as a reminder; the cap can even be schedule to place a pill-time reminder call every day. A weekly email report can be sent as well as monthly reports will be sent detailing pill activity. Previously, GlowCaps required a broadband connection for the home health gateway unit. The older generation relied on a user-supplied broadband gateway. AT&T looks to have removed that consumer adoption barrier.  Vitality GlowCaps from Vitality on Vimeo. Product page: [Vitality] via [AT&T] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Web, Websites, Google  Google Maps began an expirament to show hotel prices (of advertisers) in Google Maps when searching. One of the huge advantages of the web when booking hotels is to get an idea where the hotel is in relation to what you want to see. Many users flip between Google Maps and hotel sites while researching best deals. Now, Google Maps is looking to help users out by offering it all in one place.
From the Goole LetLong blog:
“With this feature, when you search for hotels on Google Maps you’ll be able to enter the dates you plan to stay and see real prices on selected listings. You can click on the price to see a list of advertisers who have provided pricing information for that hotel, indicated by the “Sponsored” text, and click through to reserve a room on the advertiser's site.” Google promises the ads won’t affect Google ranking of a hotel’s position (that will still be based on matching keywords and proximity to your search destination). The hotel’s price is supposed to have no effect on results as well. The users is being rolled out to a select few users for evaluation. If successful, a larger rollout plan is possible. Read: [Google Latlong blog] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Apple is now offering the uber-popular iPhone with and without contract. The good news ends there as the phone will still be locked to the AT&T network. The phones are available for a no-contract, unsubsidized price of $499 (iPhone 3G), $599 and $699 (iPhone 3GS). What good is a locked, unsubsidized phone? Great question! Maybe it was a deal for all the folks that traveled to the US and took the phone back to their country as a souvenir. Now, many of those countries have iPhones, so that advantage is gone. Currently, the no-contract phones can only be purchased in Apple retail stores. A quick look at the website shows you cannot purchase then online without a contract. It is not clear why the distinction is made between on and off line purchases. If buying $500+ phones is your thing, today is your day. For the rest of us, this news is a bit of a sleeper. Read: [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Gadgets / Other, ebooks  It looks like the nook is now going to be included in the Barnes & Noble affiliate sales program. In a recent email that was sent to business partners, Barnes & Noble announced that they will pay a 6% commission on sales of the nook.
Terms of the program include that the nook, along with any warranties, accessories and ebooks are all eligible for the commission. Of course, if you are looking to make a few bucks from selling another companies ebook reader, you may want to also look at Amazon who offer a 10% commission on Kindle sales. But on the flip side of that statement, unlike B&N, Amazon does not pay a commission for ebook sales. For those interested, the Barnes & Noble affiliate program is handled by the Google Affiliate Network. Via [Best eReaders] nook™ by Barnes & Noble, now commissionable! Dear Valued Publisher, You asked and we listened! We are excited to announce the following change to the Barnes & Noble Affiliate Program, effective today:
– All affiliates will earn 6% commission on nook™ sales! And don't forget, you also receive 6% on sales of the following:
– nook™ warranties (NEW)
– eBooks
– nook™ accessories Now all products sold on BN.com are commissionable!
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Laptops, Netbooks It was not a secret that Dynamism would be offering the Viliv S10 Blade convertible netbook, however until now what was a secret was the official pricing and the release date. Thankfully, thanks to a recently updated Viliv S10 listing we can now confirm the pricing and when the S10’s will begin shipping. In terms of availability, the S10 Blade will be available for pre-order as of March 25. Yup, just two days from now, better start setting some cash aside. In terms of pricing, you will have seven configurations to choose from and they run from as low as $699 and top out at $1,149. Additionally, these prices are noted as being “introductory” which tells me that they may change in time. And in terms of these pre-orders, they are expected to begin shipping as of April 22. Finally, those that order a Viliv S10 with a 64GB SSD will also receive a second battery for free and get a $70 instant rebate. Read [Dynamism] Via [jkkmobile] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Gadgets / Other, Peripherals, Storage  SanDisk has announced that they are now offering 32GB microSDHC storage cards. And yes, they are the first company to announce the 32GB level, but that first means they can charge the price—in this case $199.99. The cards are currently available on both the US and European SanDisk sites with worldwide availability coming next month.
Now in most cases everyone wants the highest available option when it comes to additional storage. Me personally, I can say that, except in this case I will be willing hold off until prices come down a bit. And they will, in time. Just in case you were wondering just what 32GB of storage really means. Well, according to the SanDisk press release, it will allow you to “store enough music to outlast 35 round-trip flights between San Francisco and New York before repeating a single song.” Of course, that statement really just tells me that I do not need 32GB worth of storage in my phone. Thanks SanDisk, maybe I will consider a 16GB. In addition, SanDisk also carries microSDHC cards in 2, 4, 8 and 16GB capacities. Read [SanDisk] Keep reading to check out the full press release… SANDISK FIRST TO SHIP 32 GIGABYTE MICROSDHC CARD Consumers Unleash the Potential of Smartphones With Highest-Capacity Memory Card for Mobile Phones Milpitas, Calif., March 22, 2010 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today announced that it will begin shipping the world’s highest-capacity removable memory card for mobile phones - the 32 gigabyte (GB)1 SanDisk microSDHC™ card. The new microSDHC card offers consumers an unprecedented level of freedom and flexibility in how they store, send and enjoy digital content. “With the large volume of photos, videos and music that consumers create and carry around, a high-capacity memory card is a must-have component of today’s smartphone,” said Sanjay Mehrotra, president and chief operating officer, SanDisk. “This is the highest-capacity card of its type, and SanDisk is pleased to be the first to ship such an advanced product. This marks yet another important first in our innovative history in the flash memory industry.” Smartphones have evolved far beyond the simple phone call. They serve as mobile offices, music players, movie theaters, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices and gateways to the mobile Internet. The highly-versatile 32GB SanDisk microSDHC card delivers immediate memory expansion that lets consumers enjoy the storage-intensive features of their advanced handsets. For example, the 32GB SanDisk microSDHC card can store enough music to outlast 35 round-trip flights between San Francisco and New York before repeating a single song. The 32GB SanDisk microSDHC card is available starting Tuesday, 3/23/10 on SanDisk.com U.S. and European e-commerce sites, with worldwide retail availability to follow next month. The new card comes with a 5 year limited warranty and carries a suggested retail price of $199.99. The 32GB SanDisk microSDHC card also lets mobile network operators (MNO) and handset manufacturers (OEMs) equip their subscribers with enough storage to match the industry’s leading smartphones. By bundling SanDisk’s new card with the phone, consumers get high-capacity mobile storage in a convenient form factor. SanDisk microSDHC cards are also available in 2, 4, 8 and 16GB capacities and are shipping today in volume. SanDisk is mass producing the new cards based on its industry-leading, third-generation 32nm X3 (3-bit-per-cell) technology, which makes a 32GB capacity possible in such a small form factor. The successful development and wide distribution of many X3-based products through OEM and retail channels in recent years demonstrates both the technology’s maturity and SanDisk’s ability to quickly bring it to market. SanDisk microSDHC cards adhere to the stringent quality expectations of top-tier handset manufacturers and MNOs, and SanDisk is taking orders now. To meet the specific needs of different OEM customers, the 32GB SanDisk microSDHC card is available in a variety of card and adapter configurations as well as with the option to pre-load the card with custom software. About SanDiskSanDisk Corporation is the global leader in flash memory cards, from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
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