iPhone 4S iOS 5.0.1 untethered © pod2g

iPhone 4S iOS 5.0.1 untethered © pod2g

WORLD'S FIRST SELF-HEALING iPhone CASE

Nissan brings automotive innovation to the world of technology
Nissan announces unique self-healing iPhone case - the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case
The case uses innovations from the automotive world to create a robust iPhone case, including Nissan's pioneering self-healing paint finish
Nissan's Scratch Shield paint is a world first in paint technology that allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves
Addition benefits such as scratch-resistant and easier-to-grip than normal glossy phone surfaces
The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case is made from ABS plastic - a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry to create a more rigid, robust, and tighter-fitting case
Trial underway with initial batch of prototypes

Rolle, Switzerland, 16 January 2012: Nissan today announced the latest piece of must-have kit for the iPhone* - a ground-breaking self-healing iPhone case. The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case features the brand's pioneering self-healing paint finish, a world first in paint technology developed in 2005 and already used on a number of Nissan and Infiniti models. Now this ground-breaking technology has been applied to a product that's prone to scratches through everyday use - the smartphone - with Nissan's new Scratch Shield case meaning iPhone-lovers can keep their phone looking at its best for longer.

Developed by Nissan in collaboration with University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials Inc., the unique Scratch Shield paint finish was initially designed for automotive use and is available on the Nissan Murano, 370Z and X-Trail along with the Infiniti range of products.  Now, thanks to Nissan's pioneering approach, this technology is being trialled for the first time on a non-automotive product in Europe, with the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case.

The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case has been designed using several automotive engineering innovations to deliver a more durable and long-lasting paint coat, and closely fitting, tight case. The case has three key benefits: the highly flexible and elastic properties of Scratch Shield paint technology allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves**; its tactile gel-like rather than glossy surface is more scratch-resistant than conventional paint and provides a better grip; and the case itself is made of ABS plastic - a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry which is more rigid and robust than other plastics. The outer ‘paint' is made from polyrotaxane, which means that when damage occurs to the coating in the form of a fine scratch, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its original shape and fill the gap - 'healing' the blemish.

An initial batch of prototypes of the innovative Scratch Shield iPhone cases has been produced by Nissan for BETA testing with selected journalists and customers, but if demand proves strong, it will look to put the cases on general sale later this year.

Bob Laishley, Overseas Programme Director Business Development for Nissan in Europe, said: "We like to think laterally by taking the great innovations we've got from an automotive point of view, and looking at how they could be applied to improve everyday issues. The Scratch Shield iPhone case is a great example of us taking a Nissan automotive technology that has had a huge impact for our customers, and then shifting the boundaries to apply it to another everyday product.

"We're really excited about the possibilities provided by this technology. In Japan, we've already linked up with world-leading mobile operator NTT DoCoMo to allow them to use the Scratch Shield technology on its Style Series N-03B mobile phones, and we think this technology has real scope beyond the automotive world. We're passionate about innovations that get people excited, and that means not being restricted to one industry or genre."

Nissan has been licensing its unique technologies for various non-automotive applications since 2004. Other technologies that have been licensed include its Miniature Thermal Imaging Sensor: initially designed to make driving at night safer by detecting the presence of people even in places not illuminated by the car's headlights; the technology has been licensed to create a device which allows customers to monitor heat generation, or collect temperature readings via infrared sensor. Nissan will continue to research and develop breakthrough technologies that can benefit other industries, and promote these non-automotive applications globally.

Nissan has long been an innovator when it comes to advancements in the automotive world, heralding the start of a remarkable new era in motoring when it launched the first Crossover, the Nissan Murano, followed by the hugely-successful Qashqai and recently joined by the Juke - with its innovative fusion of compact SUV and sports car styling. Nissan's range of crossovers has since gone from strength to strength, with the Nissan Qashqai selling more than a quarter of a million models last year in Europe and the newly launched Juke having now notched-up 120 thousand sales. Built in Nissan's manufacturing plant in the UK, these two models helped the plant break its all-time production record to build 480 thousand units in 2011.

Currently the Nissan Juke-R, another Nissan Innovation combining the transmission, drive train and engine of a Nissan GT-R with a Juke, is being put to the test on the streets of Dubai.  To celebrate this event, Nissan has joined forces with Ministry of Sound, who will be hosting a pre-race party for Nissan with internationally renowned DJ Pete Tong, to release the first 100 of the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case prototypes.

Notes to editors:
* The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case is compatible with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4 S
**Scratch Shield can heal small scratches in as little as an hour, but more severe cases can take up to a week's time to heal.


For more information, please contact
Claire Chubb at Brands2Life
Nissan@brands2life.com
            +44 (0) 20 7592 1200    

Visit the European media website http://www.newsroom.nissan-europe.com/ for all Nissan information, images and video content
For more information on Juke-R follow the story on the official Facebook page and youtube channel:
http://www.facebook.com/NissanJukeOfficial
http://www.youtube.com/user/NissanJuke


About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 12,500 staff across locally-based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced a range of vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Japanese brand in Europe.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokahama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

Motorola Mobility Comments on Initial Determination from ITC

ALJ determines that Motorola Mobility does not violate Apple’s patents

Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) ("Motorola Mobility") announced that it has received notice that the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) in the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) action brought by Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) against Motorola Mobility has issued an initial determination. The ALJ ruled in favor of Motorola Mobility, finding no violation for any of the three Apple patents listed in Apple’s suit.

“We are pleased with today’s favorable outcome for Motorola Mobility,” said Scott Offer, senior vice president and general counsel of Motorola Mobility. “Motorola Mobility has worked hard over the years to develop technology and build an industry-leading intellectual property portfolio. We are proud to leverage this broad and deep portfolio to create differentiated innovations that enhance the user experience.”

Business Risks

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the impact of this litigation and future actions with respect to this litigation. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the successful defense of the claims by Microsoft and protection of the company’s intellectual property; the timing of the matters before the ITC; the company’s continued ability to sell its mobile device products; and the other risks and uncertainties contained and identified in Motorola Mobility's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof Motorola Mobility does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or update the reasons that actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people's lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.

Angry Birds Seasons - Year of the Dragon Teaser

Squawk! Fireworks popping, lanterns glowing, red envelopes bursting with money -- it's Chinese New Year! But what are the pigs up to? Stay tuned for more!

Become a Facebook fan: http://www.facebook.com/angrybirds
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/angrybirds
Buy Angry Birds merchandise: http://shop.angrybirds.com

Play Angry Birds on Google Chrome: http://chrome.angrybirds.com
Download Angry Birds Seasons:
- iPhone or iPod touch http://bit.ly/ni2I2Q
- Android http://amzn.to/oSNS6f
- iPad ‪http://bit.ly/oc710R‬

OnLive Desktop

Description
OnLive® Desktop is a service that provides a seamless, no-compromise, instant-response cloud-based PC desktop, wherever and whenever you want it. OnLive brings to your iPad a high-performance PC experience, regardless of the content, even when interacting with fast-action media.

Features:
• Instantly view, edit and create documents using actual Microsoft® Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Easily transfer files between OnLive Desktop and other devices
• Experience high-performance, instant-response PC applications
• Interact with lag-free animation and video

Based on groundbreaking video compression technology, OnLive harnesses the power of cloud computing to deliver a seamless, no-compromise remote PC desktop solution.

Sign up for free at www.onlive.com/desktop

Already using OnLive Desktop at your company? Just install OnLive Desktop and sign in!

Furious Apple fans hurl eggs at Beijing store after it cancels iPhone 4S launch because crowd was so big

Apple always want a reaction when one of their new products launch, although they probably weren't hoping for the angry scenes which erupted in China today.

Frustrated customers threw eggs at Apple's flagship Beijing store after its opening for the Chinese launch of the iPhone 4S was cancelled due to concerns over the size of the crowd.

Apple reacted to the scuffle by postponing iPhone 4S sales in its mainland China stores to protect the safety of customers and employees.

Scroll down for video


Crowd control: A man yells at a security guard after the guard tried to remove a member of the crowd at the Apple store in Beijing after the launch of the iPhone 4S was cancelled due to concerns over the size of the crowd


Long wait: About 2,000 people turned up to the launch but the crowd erupted after the store failed to open on schedule at 7am and an Apple employee announced that their stock was finished


Some of the crowd were so angry at the news that they threw eggs at the Apple store windows


Chaos: Police struggle to hold back the hordes of people who had turned out for the launch

It said the phone will still be sold online and through its local carrier.

Customers including migrant workers hired by touts in teams of 20 to 30 to buy iPhones for resale at a mark-up to Chinese gadget fans waited overnight in freezing weather at the Apple store in Beijing's eastern Sanlitun district.

The crowd erupted after the store failed to open on schedule at 7am.

Some threw eggs and shouted at employees through the windows.

A person with a megaphone announced the sale was cancelled. Police ordered the crowd to leave and sealed off the area with yellow tape.

Employees posted a sign saying the iPhone 4S was out of stock.


More...
First 'review' of iPad 3 claims machine will be very similar to last year's iPad 2
Software engineer attempts to track down missing iPad - after receiving bizarre pictures from its camera two hours after 'thief' took device
Chinese staff at Xbox 360 plant threaten to commit mass suicide if their pay demands aren't met
'We were unable to open our store at Sanlitun due to the large crowd and, to ensure the safety of our customers and employees, iPhone will not be available in our retail stores in Beijing and Shanghai for the time being,' said Apple spokeswoman Carolyn Wu.


People in the crowds were restrained and one lady was seen being dragged away by police after apparently refusing to leave the Apple store


Injured: A lady who was in the crowd was taken by medical staff to an ambulance on a stretcher

Other Apple stores in China opened today and Ms Wu said the iPhone 4S quickly sold out.

She said the phone will still be sold in China through Apple's online store, its local carrier China Unicom and retailers which are authorised resellers.
Ms Wu declined to comment on what Apple might know about touts buying iPhones for resale.

China is Apple's fastest-growing market and 'an area of enormous opportunity', chief executive Tim Cook said in October.

He said quarterly sales were up nearly four times over a year earlier and accounted for one-sixth of Apple's global sales.

Apple's iPhones are hugely popular in China and stores are mobbed for the release of new products.

iPhones are manufactured in China by an Apple contractor but new models are released in other countries first.

That has helped to fuel a thriving 'grey market' in China for phones smuggled in from Hong Kong and other markets.


Closed: Police ordered the crowd to leave and sealed off the area with yellow tape

Last May, the Sanlitun store was closed for several hours after a scuffle between an employee and a customer during the release of the iPhone 4, the previous model in the series.

Customers began gathering outside the Sanlitun store yesterday afternoon.

People in the crowd said the number grew to as many as 2,000 overnight but many left before dawn after word spread that the store opening would be cancelled.

There were about 350 people left when the protest erupted after 7am.

'On the one hand there is poor organisation and on the other there were just too many people,' said a man outside the Sanlitun store today, who would give only his surname, Miao.

'I don't think they prepared well enough.'

Another man who refused to give his name said he was a migrant labourer who was paid 100 yuan (£10.30) to queue overnight.

Others in the crowd said touts had organised groups of 20 to 30 migrant workers to buy phones or hold places in the queue.

Organisers held coloured balloons aloft to identify themselves to their workers.

Others said they were waiting to buy the phone for themselves.

'I just like the 4S,' said Zhu Xiaodong, a Beijing resident. He said he was upgrading from the previous iPhone 4 model.

source

DeviceFidelity and SpringCard Launch moneto, the World's First Multi-Platform Mobile Wallet for iPhone and Android at CES

moneto, developed by DeviceFidelity, Inc. and Spring Card Systems LLC, announced the launch of the world's first commercially available mobile payment solution that provides iPhone and Android users a convenient way to pay while on the go. The moneto iPhone wallet is powered by MasterCard PayPass technology and linked to a general purpose reloadable MasterCard prepaid card to enable iPhone users to make purchases with their phone at the hundreds of thousands of merchants that accept MasterCard PayPass.

"For over a decade, MasterCard has led the transformation of mobile phones into secure mobile payment devices," said James Anderson, senior vice president, Mobile and Emerging payments at MasterCard. "We are excited to partner with moneto so that iPhone users can enjoy the convenience of paying for purchases with a simple 'tap' at thousands of PayPass locations around the globe."

For the first time, NFC functionality is available directly to consumers at retail without the need to change devices, upgrade plans or sign new contracts. The moneto mobile payments technology uses a NFC-enabled microSD chip embedded in a patented, protective iPhone case. iPhone users simply need to sign up at moneto.me to receive the case, install the moneto app from the app store, and activate their account. Users can launch the moneto app to view their account balance, check transaction history and make everyday in-store purchases with a tap of their iPhone at any PayPass-enabled contactless payments reader at the point of sale. Users can fund their moneto prepaid account through direct deposit, ACH transfer or cash/credit/debit card-enabled third-party money transfer services such as MoneyGram, Western Union, PayPal or GreenDot.

"As this breakthrough mobile wallet launches in the US, it not only makes mobile payments available to iPhone users for the first time but it also opens the door for consumers to adopt NFC while pushing mobile commerce forward," said Deepak Jain, DeviceFidelity President and CEO. "We are excited to partner with MasterCard and SpringCard to break the barriers for a rapid effective rollout that will spur both consumers and merchants to adopt this new wave of electronic commerce."

moneto also comes with a companion prepaid MasterCard to give users the ability to access cash at ATMs and make online purchases, pay bills or shop at merchants that do not accept contactless payments. moneto also enables card-to-card and wire-fund transfers from a secure internet portal accessible via moneto.me.

"Consumers have been hearing about NFC and mobile wallets for years, now with moneto they can finally start using it and with the most popular smartphone device on the planet. The moneto mobile wallet app is focused on delivering a faster and easier shopping experience that is consumer friendly," said Kevin Haddad, president of SpringCard. "Our vision is simple: People who use our applications should not have to worry 'Will this work with my phone?' as consumers can easily make secure purchases regardless of their phone, carrier, or bank."

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The In2Pay technology behind moneto brings peace of mind to consumers. moneto users can prevent unauthorized access to their account using a PIN that is safely stored in a secure chip inside the microSD. The sleek and durable case design protects the iPhone and the NFC enabled microSD securely stores and encrypts the card information. Additionally, the moneto account is backed by MasterCard's Zero Liability, which protects consumers against unauthorized purchases.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

moneto for iPhone will be available for online ordering in the U.S. immediately at moneto.me for $79.95 which includes $10.00 of pre-loaded funds. The moneto mobile wallet is available in limited release on the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 3. A number of Android models will also be supported by 2Q12. Additional phone support will be added throughout the year.

D-Link Introduces Industry's First All-in-One Mobile Companion

New Solution Offers Instant Wi-Fi Access, Convenient File Sync, USB Sharing, and Device Charging at Home or On-the-Go

D-Link unveiled an innovative new product every traveling tablet and smartphone owner needs – the D-Link® All-in-One Mobile Companion (DIR-505). In addition to offering instant wireless access wherever an existing network is available, the new portable device also features USB sharing capabilities, enabling users to share videos, music and photos from an external hard drive or thumb drive to any iPad®, iPhone® or Android™ device. For added convenience, the All-in-One Mobile Companion allows users to sync files and charge smartphones, offering the ultimate set of features for home or on-the-go convenience.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110706/SF30992LOGO)
"The All-in-One Mobile Companion is perfect for travelers and mobile professionals, allowing people to access content on an external hard drive or thumb drive from any mobile device, as well as sync videos, music and photos, automatically," said Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of marketing, D-Link North America. "In addition, it serves as a great travel router/access point for instant wireless from any hotel or conference room where a network already exists."
Smaller than a standard mouse, the new All-in-One Mobile Companion offers instant Wi-Fi coupled with a range of useful features designed for today's mobile professional. Easy one-touch Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ensures users are up and running quickly, and the free SharePort Cloud app for both Android and iOS devices offers access to videos, music and photos from anywhere. The All-in-One Mobile Companion features a USB port for sharing content from a USB storage device or charging smartphones, as well as an Ethernet Port that enables users to easily connect to an existing network in a conference room or hotel room.
More about the D-Link All-in-One Mobile Companion (DIR-505)
The All-in-One Mobile Companion offers a range of features in an affordable, compact device:
USB Port for seamlessly viewing and synchronizing videos, music, photos, and more from a connected USB storage device to any iOS or Android tablet, smartphone or computer browser
Free iOS and Android apps for tablets and smartphones
Wireless N150 travel router
Ability to act as an Access Point to wirelessly extend an existing network
10/100 Ethernet Port
Built in AC plug for easy traveling and use – no additional cables or power adapters required
USB Port for charging a smartphone device (when not used with a USB storage device)

D-Link's All-in-One Mobile Companion (DIR-505) will be displayed at the 2012 International CES, Jan. 10-13, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information and detailed specs, visit www.dlink.com.
Availability and Pricing
The All-in-One Mobile Companion DIR-505 will be available in April for less than $75 throughout D-Link's network of U.S. e-tail and retail outlets and at the company's online store.
About D-Link
D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information visit www.dlink.com, or connect with D-Link on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dlink) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/dlink).

iOS 5.1 beta reveals Apple’s plan to soon ship iPads, iPhones with quad-core chips

Speed increases are an expected part of Apple’s iOS device hardware upgrades, but what Apple has up their sleeves for speed enhancements is typically up for debate. The first-generation iPad clocked around 1GHz with the single core A4 processor, and —a year later—Apple bumped the iPad’s chip to dual-core-speed with the A5 processor. While not quite confirming that a quad-core processor will power Apple’s third-generation iPad, we have obtained evidence that suggests Apple is currently working on quad-core iOS devices.

Hidden deep inside the latest iOS 5.1 beta is updated processing-core management software that not only supports the dual-core processing enabled by the A5 iPhone and iPad chip, but also quad-core processing. The references to quad-core iPhone and iPad chips come by way of a hidden panel that describes cores that are supported by iOS device hardware. The updated core management software includes an option of “/cores/core.3,” and this represents a fourth available processing core… more details after the break:

Extremely reliable and knowledgeable people familiar with iOS’s inner workings explained to me that core references begin at “0.” For example: A single core device would be limited to  ”/cores/core.0,” and a dual-core device would come in at  ”/cores/core.1.” A “core.2″ (which is not referenced in iOS code) would be a triple-core processor according to this labeling method. iOS 5.1 beta 2 now includes core.3, a seemingly quad-core chip from Apple. Below, you can view a comparison between the pre-iOS 5.1 beta iOS core management software and the iOS 5.1 beta version. The dual-core A5 chip, on the bottom, has the “core.1,” and the quad-core chip, on top, supporting iOS 5.1 beta is marked with the “core.3.”

Apple leaving references to quad-core chips in the iOS 5.1 beta is notable because iOS 5.1 is the software currently being tested against the third-generation iPad. In addition, as we previously revealed, Apple is currently testing an unreleased “iPhone 5,1″ against the iOS 5.1-beta software. We cannot conclude that due to iOS 5.1 including quad-core processor references, Apple’s next-generation iPad and iPhone will include a quad-core chip, but it seems reasonable based on Apple starting with a single core chip in 2010 and moving to dual-core in 2011. A quad-core chip in 2012 would fit the pattern. On the technical side, Apple is already rumored to be working on a quad-core “A6″ processor, and such processors were said to be ready in 2012.

Also, Asus just released a quad core Android Tablet and it is unlikely that Apple would let Android tablets get a year out in front before matching the hardware.

The implications of an iOS device with a quad-core processor are vast. A quad-core processor can help devices power very high-resolution displays (such as the rumored iPad 3 with a Retina Display), and even power very advanced software like a rumored Final Cut Pro for iOS. Overall, a quad-core processor should add extra horsepower to gaming and overall operating system navigation, and —as we saw with the iPhone 4S— it will likely make actions like snapping photographs work even quicker. Steve Jobs told biographer Walter Isaacson that he would like to reinvent photography, and we think the ability for phones to snap photographs in an insanely quick fashion fits that dream.

source

Gametel announces support for Apple iOS devices

Wireless gaming peripheral now compatible with iPhone and iPad
CES Unveiled, Las Vegas, 8th January 2012. Fructel, a gaming peripheral company, announces the Gametel now supports iOS devices. Previously only compatible with Android smartphone and tablets, the Bluetooth controller now transforms your iPhone and iPad into portable games console, delivering a level of gameplay accuracy and immersion never experienced on Apple devices.
Compatible with Apple iPhone running iOS 4.0 or later and Apple iPad running iOS 3.2 or later, Gametel supports hundreds of arcade titles from the iCADE suite, including classics like Missile Commander, Asteroids, Centipede, Pong, Super Breakout, Lunar Lander and Warlords.
Alongside these retro titles, other selected iOS games, such as No Gravity, Silverfish, Super Crossfire HD and Terra Noctis, are also available to download from Apple’s iTunes App Store.
Bo Nyman, CEO of Fructel says: “Gametel has proved popular among Android users but we’re pleased to bring support for the Apple iPhone and iPad. Now users can experience even more immersive gameplay using the Gametel’s console-style controls – freeing the touchscreen from fingers.”
Gametel connects to the device via Bluetooth while a built-in adjustable spring-loaded clamp allows secure docking of any Android handset and iPhone. Once paired the Gametel automatically connects to the device every time it is powered on.
With a familiar controller design, Gametel’s D-pad, quartet of buttons and two shoulder triggers replicate console-style gaming controls; an impressive nine hour battery life provides more than enough playing time for long journeys and weekly commutes.
Please visit www.gametel.co.uk for further information.

Apple’s Siri Feature Doubles IPhone Data Usage

Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s voice recognition software Siri has prompted owners of the iPhone 4S to use almost twice as much data compared with the handset’s predecessor, placing greater pressure on operators, network firm Arieso said.
“Voice is the ultimate human interface,” Arieso Chief Technology Officer Michael Flanagan said in an interview in London. Voice recognition is prompting consumers to use their smartphones’ functions more often, he said. Arieso advises clients such as Vodafone Group Plc (VOD), Telefonica SA (TEF) and Nokia Siemens Networks Oy on how to manage wireless networks.
Apple brought in Siri, dubbed a virtual personal assistant, in its latest iPhone update in October. With a few spoken words, the artificial-intelligence feature helps iPhone users schedule appointments, write text messages and check the local weather. Arieso, based in Atlanta, said it measured more than 1 million subscribers across a single European network in both urban and rural areas, without identifying the operator.
The strain of data-intensive devices may place additional pressure on mobile operators as they build out faster networks. Verizon Wireless, the largest U.S. carrier, said this week the number of iPhones it sold doubled to 4.2 million in the fourth quarter.
Network Load
AT&T Inc (T), which last year lost the exclusive U.S. rights to the iPhone, has been criticized for dropped calls and network coverage among high-use areas such as New York and San Francisco.
A London-based Apple spokesman said he couldn’t immediately comment. The iPhone 4S, the latest update of Apple’s best- selling product, is its first major release since the death of Steve Jobs, who helped guide the company’s product design and marketing.
Apple rose 0.7 percent to $421.14 in New York trading today as of 10:50 a.m.
While the iPhone is the world’s most popular smartphone, Google Inc. (GOOG)’s Android software is more widely used, showing up in devices from Samsung Electronics Co. and HTC Corp.
The iPhone 4S’ regular connections with Apple’s servers to synchronize applications including music lists may also contribute to the data load, Flanagan said.
Operators have sought to limit their data tariffs to prevent heavy use as subscribers record high-definition video and images and browse the Internet and play music on their phones. Vodafone, the world’s largest mobile-phone operator, has shifted toward consumption-based billing to protect its network capacity.
‘Getting Hungrier’
Arieso’s research showed that a minority of users account for half of downloaded data. About one percent of the high-use subscribers downloaded half of the data volumes, according to the company. “The hungry are getting hungrier,” Flanagan said.
An average user of Research In Motion Ltd. (RIMM)’s latest BlackBerry smartphones, the Curve and the Bold Touch, downloads about 20 percent of the data of an iPhone 4S subscriber, according to Arieso. While RIM compresses data, the company’s traditional business users also use fewer applications beyond e- mail, Flanagan said.
The proliferation of voice command software may accelerate as more manufacturers adopt the technology, Flanagan said. “What makes Apple unique is that they have done it first successfully.”

source

A5 FAQ

How could pod2g have an untethered 4S and dev teams still haven't released tools to achieve this at home?

The exploit I used to inject the untethering files to the 4S relies on having a developer account, and can't be released publicly.
It's the same reason why @MuscleNerd has an iPad 2 tethered jailbreak but couldn't distribute it.
So, we need to find a distributable exploit to remount the system partition read/write and to set Corona files at the correct places.

Why A4 version of Corona was easier to release?

Because a tethered jailbreak is a good way to install Corona!

Why don't you do a tethered jailbreak then?

A tethered jailbreak also relies on an exploitable vulnerability that we still haven't found yet!

pod2g, release this stuff quick, [your insult here], I've waited enough now.

If I could, I would!

source

TidyTilt for iPhone

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Meet TidyTilt.
TidyTilt is an earbud cord wrap, multi-position kickstand, and mount for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. TidyTilt takes up less space than any one of these devices - yet does all three things - without adding something extra to carry.

Tidies
Wrap your earbud cords without skipping a beat. TidyTilt is always at hand, since it lives on the back of your iPhone. When you're done using your earbuds, simply wrap them over your iPhone, snap TidyTilt closed, and pop your earbuds right off. TidyTilt keeps your cords neat and secure, whether in a bag, pocket, or attached to your iPhone.

Tilts
TidyTilt serves as a stand for iPhone, enabling landscape and portrait orientation at multiple angles - perfect for watching movies, typing, or making video calls. It even does so while simultaneously keeping your earbuds secured. Gaming with a friend? Position Tidytilt at the center of iPhone for a new seesaw-like head-to-head gaming experience.

Mounts
Thanks to TidyTilt's strong, strategically-placed magnets, you can tack your earbuds or whole iPhone to any magnetically-responsive surface. Pop iPhone onto your fridge for referencing cooking recipes, stick it to a dry-erase board for brainstorming, or park it on the key-holder by your front door.

A Design Based Upon Ethnographic User Research
After researching how and where people use and store their headphones, we discovered several common workarounds that users regularly fall back on: wrapping the headset cord around iPhone (rendering the touchscreen unusable); coiling the wire around fingers and putting it in a bag or pocket (only to dig it out later fully tangled) or surrendering to the chaos, stuffing the wad of tangled earphone cords somewhere and hoping for the best.

These behaviors aren’t ideal, but neither is carrying an extra doodad with you to wrap headphone cords around. We think TidyTilt untangles the headphone cord predicament whilst also serving as a handy kickstand and magnetic mount for iPhone.

Our Prototyping Process
We built and tested dozens of prototypes before settling on TidyTilt‘s final design. Using rapid prototyping techniques such as laser cutting, we were able to quickly make modifications and test the impact of our changes.

Manufacturing TidyTilt
We have a manufacturer lined up and ready to begin production. They have provided us with the prototypes you see in the video. We’ve been working closely to ensure TidyTilt will be a quality product that minimizes environmental impact (through efficient packaging, fewest shipping hops, etc).

A Bit More About Us
We are two human-centered design students looking for funding to make our iPhone accessory a reality. We believe that TidyTilt can make iPhone users’ everyday lives just a tiny bit easier.

We have the design and the drive, now we just need funding to bring TidyTilt to market. If we are successfully funded, we will be able to do a first production run of TidyTilt, including investing in the up-front machining and material costs.

In doing so, we hope to pursue our dream of creating solutions for the modern lifestyle, and establish our young design firm in the process.

----------
Patent Pending.
© TT Design Labs LLC
Apple & iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc and are not affiliated in any way with our product.

iOS 5.1 beta reveals Apple’s plan to soon ship iPads, iPhones with quad-core chips

Speed increases are an expected part of Apple’s iOS device hardware upgrades, but what Apple has up their sleeves for speed enhancements is typically up for debate. The first-generation iPad clocked around 1GHz with the single core A4 processor, and —a year later—Apple bumped the iPad’s chip to dual-core-speed with the A5 processor. While not quite confirming that a quad-core processor will power Apple’s third-generation iPad, we have obtained evidence that suggests Apple is currently working on quad-core iOS devices.Hidden deep inside the latest iOS 5.1 beta is updated processing-core management software that not only supports the dual-core processing enabled by the A5 iPhone and iPad chip, but also quad-core processing. The references to quad-core iPhone and iPad chips come by way of a hidden panel that describes cores that are supported by iOS device hardware. The updated core management software includes an option of “/cores/core.3,” and this represents a fourth available processing core… more details after the break:Extremely reliable and knowledgeable people familiar with iOS’s inner workings explained to me that core references begin at “0.” For example: A single core device would be limited to ”/cores/core.0,” and a dual-core device would come in at ”/cores/core.1.” A “core.2″ (which is not referenced in iOS code) would be a triple-core processor according to this labeling method. iOS 5.1 beta 2 now includes core.3, a seemingly quad-core chip from Apple. Below, you can view a comparison between the pre-iOS 5.1 beta iOS core management software and the iOS 5.1 beta version. The dual-core A5 chip, on the bottom, has the “core.1,” and the quad-core chip, on top, supporting iOS 5.1 beta is marked with the “core.3.”Apple leaving references to quad-core chips in the iOS 5.1 beta is notable because iOS 5.1 is the software currently being tested against the third-generation iPad. In addition, as we previously revealed, Apple is currently testing an unreleased “iPhone 5,1″ against the iOS 5.1-beta software. We cannot conclude that due to iOS 5.1 including quad-core processor references, Apple’s next-generation iPad and iPhone will include a quad-core chip, but it seems reasonable based on Apple starting with a single core chip in 2010 and moving to dual-core in 2011. A quad-core chip in 2012 would fit the pattern. On the technical side, Apple is already rumored to be working on a quad-core “A6″ processor, and such processors were said to be ready in 2012.Also, Asus just released a quad core Android Tablet and it is unlikely that Apple would let Android tablets get a year out in front before matching the hardware.The implications of an iOS device with a quad-core processor are vast. A quad-core processor can help devices power very high-resolution displays (such as the rumored iPad 3 with a Retina Display), and even power very advanced software like a rumored Final Cut Pro for iOS. Overall, a quad-core processor should add extra horsepower to gaming and overall operating system navigation, and —as we saw with the iPhone 4S— it will likely make actions like snapping photographs work even quicker. Steve Jobs told biographer Walter Isaacson that he would like to reinvent photography, and we think the ability for phones to snap photographs in an insanely quick fashion fits that dream.source

iPhone 4S Arrives in China on January 13

Apple® announced that iPhone® 4S, the most amazing iPhone yet, will be available in China and 21 additional countries on Friday, January 13. iPhone 4S is packed with incredible new features including Apple’s dual-core A5 chip for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics; an all new camera with advanced optics; full 1080p HD resolution video recording; and Siri™, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking. iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features.

“Customer response to our products in China has been off the charts,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “With the launch in China next week, iPhone 4S will be available in over 90 countries making this our fastest iPhone rollout ever.”

Beginning Friday, January 13, iPhone 4S will be available in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, China, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Grenada, Guam, Guinea Conakry, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Senegal, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos and Uganda.

iPhone 4S comes in either black or white for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model, $299 (US) for the 32GB model and $399 (US) for the new 64GB model.* iPhone 4S is sold through the Apple Online Store, Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. iPhone 4 is available for just $99 (US) and iPhone 3GS is available for free with a two year contract from participating carriers.

*Qualified customers only. Requires a new two year rate plan, sold separately.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Galaxy Tab vs. iPhone 4S: Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE Advertisement Features Same Child Actress in iPhone 4S TV Ad

Is it Deliberate or Just Coincidence? Samsung's Galaxy Tab 8.9 TV Ad Features Same Child Actress in Apple iPhone 4S Camera Commercial

Samsung has been accused of “slavishly” stealing ideas from Apple in designing the Galaxy smartphone and tablet series. But is Samsung also stealing the same TV commercial actors in promoting their products?

The Sydney Morning Herald calls her “Little Miss Tablet,” although Cult of Mac calls her a turncoat for seemingly switching over from Apple to Samsung. Either way, most who have watched the TV ads the little girl has featured in so far say she’s cute. But the fact that she has appeared in both Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE and Apple iPhone 4S ads has caught the attention of both Apple and Android fans alike.

Said actress is unnamed, although her features are distinct, and one can clearly see it’s the same girl in both commercials. Apple’s iPhone 4S ad (pictured to the right) highlighted the new smartphone’s camera capabilities, and currently airs worldwide. Meanwhile, Samsung’s ad for the LTE variant of the Galaxy Tab 8.9 (pictured left) has aired in South Korea, and is available on YouTube. But when Samsung learned of the apparent slip-up, the ad was pulled out of Samsung’s own website. Thus, there is question whether the use of the same actress was mere coincidence or deliberate on Samsung’s or their ad agency’s part.

Apple and Samsung have been locked in legal battles in at least 10 countries, with Apple suing Samsung for design patent infringement. Meanwhile, Samsung has also sued Apple for alleged infringement of technology patents relating to cellular phone technology. Either way, both companies have sought sales bans on the other’s products, with Apple successful in getting temporary Galaxy Tab bans in Australia and Germany, so far. What’s next? Will Apple also seek a ban of the ad because of the same endorser?

You can check out both videos below. Which product would you buy? Maybe we can ask the little kid which she prefers — the Apple iPhone 4S or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 inch with LTE.

Here’s Apple’s ad:

Here’s Samsung’s ad:

source

Happy New Year 2012 from the Angry Birds!

Thanks to all our amazing fans for an egg-cellent 2011! The Angry Birds wish you all a chirptastic new year 2012! The birds will also celebrate Year of the Dragon in the very near future...

Become a Facebook fan: http://www.facebook.com/angrybirds
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/angrybirds

Play Angry Birds on Google Chrome: http://chrome.angrybirds.com

Download Angry Birds Seasons:
- iPhone or iPod touch: http://bit.ly/ni2I2Q
- Android (Amazon): http://amzn.to/oSNS6f
- Android (Android Market): http://bit.ly/nt4oqq
- Nokia: http://bit.ly/p9z8EM
- iPad: ‪http://bit.ly/vnTCvB‬
- Mac OSX http://bit.ly/uxXzXX
- BlackBerry Playbook: http://bit.ly/tazl77

Buy Angry Birds merchandise: http://shop.angrybirds.com

comScore Reports November 2011 U.S. Mobile Subscriber Market Share

One-third of Mobile Subscribers Access Social Networking on Mobile DevicecomScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, released data from the comScore MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three month average period ending November 2011. The study surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers and found Samsung to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 25.6 percent market share. Google Android continued to capture share in the smartphone market to reach 46.9 percent market share.OEM Market ShareFor the three-month average period ending in November, 234 million Americans age 13 and older used mobile devices. Device manufacturer Samsung ranked as the top OEM with 25.6 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers (up 0.3 percentage points), followed by LG with 20.5 percent share and Motorola with 13.7 percent share. Apple strengthened its position at #4 with 11.2 percent share of total mobile subscribers (up 1.4 percentage points), while RIM rounded out the top five with 6.5 percent share.Top Mobile OEMs3 Month Avg. Ending Nov. 2011 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Aug. 2011Total U.S. Mobile Subscribers (Smartphone & Non-Smartphone) Ages 13+Source: comScore MobiLens Share (%) of Mobile SubscribersAug-11 Nov-11 Point ChangeTotal Mobile Subscribers 100.0% 100.0% N/ASamsung 25.3% 25.6% 0.3LG 21.0% 20.5% -0.5Motorola 14.0% 13.7% -0.3Apple 9.8% 11.2% 1.4RIM 7.1% 6.5% -0.6Smartphone Platform Market Share91.4 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones during the three months ending in November, up 8 percent from the preceding three month period. Google Android ranked as the top smartphone platform with 46.9 percent market share, up 3.1 percentage points from the prior three-month period. Apple maintained its #2 position, growing 1.4 percentage point to 28.7 percent of the smartphone market. RIM ranked third with 16.6 percent share, followed by Microsoft (5.2 percent) and Symbian (1.5 percent).Top Smartphone Platforms3 Month Avg. Ending Nov. 2011 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Aug. 2011Total U.S. Smartphone Subscribers Ages 13+Source: comScore MobiLens Share (%) of Smartphone SubscribersAug-11 Nov-11 Point ChangeTotal Smartphone Subscribers 100.0% 100.0% N/AGoogle 43.8% 46.9% 3.1Apple 27.3% 28.7% 1.4RIM 19.7% 16.6% -3.1Microsoft 5.7% 5.2% -0.5Symbian 1.8% 1.5% -0.3Mobile Content UsageIn November, 72.6 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers used text messaging on their mobile device, up 2.1 percentage points. Downloaded applications were used by 44.9 percent of subscribers (up 3.3 percentage points), while browsers were used by 44.4 percent (up 2.3 percentage points). Accessing of social networking sites or blogs increased 2.1 percentage points to 33.0 percent of mobile subscribers. Game-playing was done by 29.7 percent of the mobile audience (up 1.2 percentage points), while 21.7 percent listened to music on their phones (up 1.0 percentage points).Mobile Content Usage3 Month Avg. Ending Nov. 2011 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Aug. 2011Total U.S. Mobile Subscribers (Smartphone & Non-Smartphone) Ages 13+Source: comScore MobiLens Share (%) of Mobile SubscribersAug-11 Nov-11 Point ChangeTotal Mobile Subscribers 100.0% 100.0% N/ASent text message to another phone 70.5% 72.6% 2.1Used downloaded apps 41.6% 44.9% 3.3Used browser 42.1% 44.4% 2.3Accessed social networking site or blog 30.9% 33.0% 2.1Played Games 28.5% 29.7% 1.2Listened to music on mobile phone 20.7% 21.7% 1.0About MobiLensMobiLens data is derived from an intelligent online survey of a nationally representative sample of mobile subscribers age 13 and above. Data on mobile phone usage refers to a respondent’s primary mobile phone and does not include data related to a respondent’s secondary device.About comScorecomScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) is a global leader in measuring the digital world and preferred source of digital business analytics. For more information, please visit www.comscore.com/companyinfo.

Apple Envisions Face & Presence Detection Security for iOS Devices

On December 29, 2011, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals one of the next chapters for device security. In 2009, Apple's presence detection patent first came to light in relation to future MacBooks. Then in November of this year, Apple revealed a heavy duty 3D face and object recognition system that could be used for home and enterprise security applications. In today's revelations, Apple introduces us to a more down to earth and practical security system for our portable devices. For simple home or personal use, the system could be setup to recognize your presence and face to quickly turn on your device. This would bypass the need for entering a password or even having to touch the home button to get to your homepage. For use at work, the facial recognition system could be set to higher levels of security. All in all it sounds like a very promising security system is in our future.

The Problems of Face Recognition Apple Seeks to Solve

Most face recognition systems fall into one of two categories. A first category system tends to be robust and could tackle various lighting conditions, orientations, scale and the like, and tends to be computationally expensive. A second category system is specialized for security-type applications and could work under controlled lighting conditions.

Adopting the first category systems for face recognition on consumer operated portable appliances that are equipped with a camera would unnecessarily use an appliance's computing resources and drain its power. Moreover, as the consumer portable appliances tend to be used both indoor and outdoor, the second category systems for face recognition may be ineffective. Such ineffectiveness may be further exacerbated by the proximity of the user to the camera, i.e., small changes in distance to and tilt of the appliance's camera dramatically distort features, making traditional biometrics used in security-type face recognition ineffective.

A Basic Overview of Apple's Solution

One aspect of Apple's invention could be implemented in methods performed by an image processor that include the actions of processing a captured image of a face of a user seeking to access a resource by conforming a subset of the captured face image to a reference model. The reference model corresponds to a high information portion of human faces. The methods further include comparing the processed captured image to at least one target profile corresponding to a user associated with the resource, and selectively recognizing the user seeking access to the resource based on a result of said comparing.

These and other implementations could include one or more of the following features. In some cases, the high information portion includes eyes and a mouth. In some other cases, the high information portion further includes a tip of a nose. Processing the captured image could include detecting a face within the captured image by identifying the eyes in an upper one third of the captured image and the mouth in the lower third of the captured image.

The reference model includes a reference image of a face, and processing the captured image further could include matching the eyes of the detected face with eyes of the face in the reference image to obtain a normalized image of the detected face. Additionally, processing the captured image could further include vertically scaling a distance between an eyes-line and the mouth of the detected face to equal a corresponding distance for the face in the reference image in order to obtain the normalized image of the detected face. In addition, processing the captured image could further include matching the mouth of the detected face to the mouth of the face in the reference image in order to obtain the normalized image of the detected face.

In some implementations, comparing the processed captured image could include obtaining a difference image of the detected face by subtracting the normalized image of the detected face from a normalized image of a target face associated with a target profile. Comparing could further include calculating scores of respective pixels of the difference image based on a weight defined according to proximity of the respective pixels to high information portions of the human faces. The weight decreases with a distance from the high information portions of the human faces. For example, the weight decreases continuously with the distance from the high information portions of the human faces. As another example, the weight decreases discretely with the distance from the high information portions of the human faces. As yet another example, the weight decreases from a maximum weight value at a mouth-level to a minimum value at an eyes-line.

In some implementations, processing the captured image could include applying an orange-distance filter to the captured image, and segmenting a skin-tone orange portion of the orange-distance filtered image to represent a likely presence of a face in front of the image capture device. Processing the captured image could further include determining changes in area and in location of the skin-tone orange portion of the captured image relative to a previously captured image to represent likely movement of the face in front of the image capture device. Also, processing the captured image further could include detecting a face within the skin-tone orange portion of the orange-distance filtered image when the determined changes are less than predetermined respective variations.

The Advantages of Apple's Invention

Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification could be configured to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. The techniques and systems disclosed in this specification could reduce the impact of lighting and emphasize skin variance. By acquiring images with the appliance's own image capture device, the approximate location and orientation of face features could be pre-assumed and could avoid the overhead of other face recognition systems. The disclosed methods could ignore face biometrics, and rather use feature locations to normalize an image of a test face. Further, the face recognition techniques are based on a simple, weighted difference map, rather than traditional (and computationally expensive) correlation matching.

The iOS Device Acknowledging Presence

Apple's patent FIG. 1 shown below illustrates an iPhone with its face side camera sitting in a dock. The iPhone could be turned off while the camera could remain on. Panel 100 shows a potential user who is approaching the iOS device sitting in its dock. In response to the iPhone detecting (120) that the potential user has stopped in front of its face side camera, the iPhone will be able to transition to a new state (shown in patent point 102') to acknowledge the presence and attention of the potential user.

In some implementations, the iOS device acknowledges the presence of the potential user by turning on the display. Further in response to detecting the presence of the potential user, the iOS device could trigger a subsequent process for recognizing the potential user's face.

Could be configured to Recognize Faces in your Family or Workplace

Furthermore, the iOS device could be configured to recognize faces of a predetermined group (including a small number) of users that may login on the iOS device and could present each user with a personalized configuration (see patent point 142). For example, to comply with such personalized configurations, the iOS device could modify screen saver slide shows or other appliance non-security preferences.

I also see that patent point 142 noted above shows us that we could be greeted with a message saying Hello! Although that will likely be optional, I'm curious as to how Apple will implement such a feature. Will they use a text only greeting or will they venture out and introduce a more personalized greeting from Siri (if you're an iCloud subscriber, that is). Depending on your view of talking devices, that could either be cool or creepy (ha!).  

Apple's Method taps into the GPU of an iOS Device or MacBook

The methods disclosed in Apple's patent specification could adequately recognize a user associated with an iOS device without computing resources overhead that is characteristic of other face recognition techniques. Therefore, the face detection and recognition methods described in Apple's specification could be implemented in hardware, for example in graphical processing units (GPUs) of the iOS device. Apple clarifies that the new face detection and recognition system will apply to the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and MacBook.

Apple's patent FIG. 4 shown below illustrates a flowchart for detecting potential presence of a person's face in front of an image capture device and for inferring the person's level of attentiveness. The latter feature is likely to secure against those trying to access an iOS device with a simple picture, as was the case with Google's failed Android feature.

2D Correlation Matching System

Apple's patent FIG. 7 shows an example of a process for matching a normalized image of a test face with a normalized image of a target face.

The normalized image (see patent point 644) of a test face could be iteratively compared with each of target faces (see patent point 710) based on two-dimensional correlation matching (patent point 750). The 2D-correlation matching used in this method is based on generating a difference map between the two images, in contrast to other complex correlation matching algorithms that are based on correlations of the underlying face-shapes. Moreover, the 2D-correlation matching could be performed in accordance with weighting rules and scoring rules maintained by the computerized device configured to execute the process (see patent points 730 and 740).

And lastly, Apple's new security features could, in logical theory, do away with the necessity to use the classic iOS device feature known as "Slide to Unlock." Of course it will depend on the speed of the facial recognition system. If it's fast enough, I know that I'd definitely prefer that option over the process of hitting the home button and then sliding the bar over to unlock my idevice to get to the home screen. Only in time will we know if that pans out, but it sure sounds very promising indeed.

Apple's patent application was originally filed in Q2 2010 by inventor Robert Mikio Free.

Notice: Patently Apple presents a detailed summary of patent applications with associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent application should be read in its entirety for full and accurate details. Revelations found in patent applications shouldn't be interpreted as rumor or fast-tracked according to rumor timetables. Apple's patent applications have provided the Mac community with a clear heads-up on some of Apple's greatest product trends including the iPod, iPhone, iPad, iOS cameras, LED displays, iCloud services for iTunes and more. About Comments: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments.

source

Apple Seen Hurting Shareholders With Jobs’s Thermonuclear Patent War: Tech

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple (AAPL) Inc., told his biographer that he’d rather wage “thermonuclear war” with Google Inc. than make deals to share its technology with the maker of the Android operating system.
That was no empty threat. In the 18 months before Jobs died on Oct. 5, Apple sued HTC Corp. (2498), Samsung Electronics Co. and Motorola Mobility Inc., the three largest Android users. It alleged that the phone makers stole Apple’s technology and asked courts to make them stop.
Now, as rulings start coming in, it might be time for a détente that helps Apple maximize the value of its patents, said Kevin Rivette, a managing partner at 3LP Advisors LLC, a firm that advises on intellectual property. When courts side with Apple and impose bans on infringing products, competitors can often devise workarounds; in cases where Apple doesn’t win import restrictions, it would be better off striking settlements that ensure access to a competitor’s innovation, he said.
“A scorched-earth strategy is bad news because it doesn’t optimize the value of their patents -- because people will get around them,” said Rivette, whose clients include Android licensees. “It’s like a dam. Using their patents to keep rivals out of the market is like putting rocks in a stream. The stream is going to find a way around. Wouldn’t it be better to direct where the water goes?”
Steve Dowling, a spokesman for Cupertino, California-based Apple, declined to comment for this story.
Early Victories
For a time, Apple’s strategy looked sound. In October, an Australian court banned the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy 10.1 tablet in that country, and the U.S. International Trade Commission agreed to consider an import ban on sales of certain HTC devices.
Then the tide began to turn. Apple suffered a setback Nov. 30 when a higher Australian court overturned the ruling against Samsung. On Dec. 22, a German judge said he was unlikely to uphold an import ban on a version of the Galaxy, which Samsung had modified in response to a ban on the original design.
The ITC gave Apple only a partial victory on Dec. 19 by ruling that HTC had violated only one of four patents Apple said it infringed. The patent covered so-called data detection, a feature that helps users make a call, send an e-mail or find an address on a map with a single keystroke.
Can’t Last?
HTC decided to drop the feature. That’s a significant loss for HTC, since the capability has come to be an expected part of using a smartphone. Still, the ruling reinforced predictions that Apple won’t succeed forever in preventing Android rivals from selling gadgets with the now-familiar hallmarks of Apple’s pioneering devices. These include touch screens and app stores.
Legal history isn’t on Apple’s side, said Marshall Phelps, former head of intellectual property at International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) and Microsoft Corp.
“Nobody has ever kept competitors out of any market with patents,” in part because software can usually be slightly changed to find a non-infringing alternative, he said.
Exceptions, he said, include an IBM patent that characterized the basic architecture of a computer and Texas Instruments Inc.’s original patent for the integrated circuit, or computer chip. IBM was ordered by the U.S. Department of Justice to license its patent, while Texas Instruments decided to do the same, which has resulted in billions of dollars in royalties, Phelps said.
Many of Apple’s patents, by contrast, relate to the look and feel of devices or particular ways of using a machine, rather than a basic technology breakthrough.
Shift Ahead
The question on the minds of many patent lawyers isn’t whether Apple should adapt its legal stance, but when. For now, the company’s approach is costing rivals millions of dollars in fees, distracting management and preventing them from emulating Apple’s products more boldly, said Ron Epstein, a former attorney at Intel Corp. who now runs patent licensing firm Epicenter IP Group.
Apple’s patent portfolio remains strong compared with those of rivals, thanks both to the innovations that went into groundbreaking products such as the iPhone and iPad, and to the effectiveness of Apple’s legal department in obtaining patents for those innovations, said Christopher Marlett, chairman and co-founder of MDB Capital Group, an investment bank that advises companies on buying and selling patents.
“Apple has the patents, the money and the expertise to go to war,” Marlett said. “I just don’t see why Apple would seek détente, since they’re the clear leader. Until they’re hit with an injunction by Google (GOOG) or Samsung, they don’t need to get serious about licensing.”
Right Back at You
Still, as more companies pour resources into the booming mobile-devices market, Apple should eventually cut deals to ensure access to rivals’ innovations as well, Epstein said.
“How long can you beat everyone else over the head before they can do the same to me?” he said.
Tim Cook, who took over in August when Jobs announced he would be unable to come back as CEO, has many other ways to take advantage of the company’s patent portfolio. The company could probably collect as much as $10 in royalties for every device sold, more than the amount analysts speculate Microsoft (MSFT) receives from Samsung and HTC, which use its mobile technology, said Rivette at 3LP.
Other Arrangements
With $81 billion in cash and investments, Apple has little need for more. Instead, the company could pursue out-of-court settlements that would help it take on Android in other ways, Rivette said. The company could offer to drop its more than two dozen patent claims against Samsung in exchange for an agreement to hold off using Apple technology for six months or a year, he said. Cook could also try to get price breaks or guarantees that would give it greater access to Samsung parts, Rivette said.
Apple and Samsung also could agree to focus on different parts of the market. For example, Apple might make iPad-sized devices while agreeing to stay out of the market for smaller devices with 7-inch displays that could compete with Amazon (AMZN).com Inc.’s new Android-based Fire tablet, Rivette said.
If Apple agreed to let Samsung include Apple’s proprietary iTunes software in such a device -- an unprecedented and unlikely step, he said -- Samsung’s sales would probably increase. That would help slow gains by Amazon, whose push into hardware makes it a threat to Apple. The move also would make Samsung more reliant on Apple, lessening its dependence on Google.
‘Divided Loyalties’
“If I’m Apple, I want divided loyalties” from Android licensees, Rivette said. “At this point, it would make more sense for Apple to build an ecosystem that everyone can live in. If you’re going to license, why not go for the big deal where you lock down supply chains, get your technologies broadly adopted and slow down competitors? That is the game.”
Apple should pursue such settlements soon, before it winds up in need of other companies’ technology, Rivette said. The ITC is expected to rule in September on an import ban on Apple and Research In Motion Ltd. (RIMM)’s mobile devices, for improper use of a photo preview feature patented by Eastman Kodak Co. (EK)
If the Commission decides there was infringement of the Kodak patent, Apple would need to settle the dispute by licensing the technology or buying some or all of Kodak’s patent portfolio to continue selling its products in the U.S. Because Kodak has been actively trying to sell its portfolio of 1,100 patents in recent months, Apple runs the risk that they may be purchased by Google, Samsung or another competitor.
Google Maps
While Apple is working on its own location-tracking technology, many iPhone and iPad users now rely on Google mapping tools to get directions or find the nearest coffee shop, by way of a partnership between Apple and Google that predates the rise of Android. Nokia Oyj, Microsoft and Skyhook Inc. also hold valuable patents for tools that keep tabs on a device’s whereabouts. Apple has made little headway in social networking and may need deals with companies such as Facebook Inc. to add features that help users connect with one another.   “If Apple wanted to get into social networking, they’d have a big problem,” said Ron Laurie, managing director of Inflexion Point Strategy, a Palo Alto, California-based intellectual property consulting firm.
Working toward settlements sooner would help Apple and its rivals maintain the fast pace of innovation that has fueled the mobile-device market, he said.
“At some point, there has to be some kind of settlement, some kind of peace,” Laurie said.

source