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Samsung Galaxy S5 comes with premium app subscriptions worth over $600 (updated)
After powering the world's most retweeted tweet, Samsung has also revealed a suite of app-based upgrades that future GS5 owners will receive, free, alongside their new smartphone. While Evernote and LinkedIn's premium services only extend to three months, we have no complaints about six free months of the Wall Street Journal and year-long access to Bloomberg's Businessweek. The Galaxy S5 will also include a year of Runkeeper Premium, as well as limited-time premium services for Map My Fitness and Skimple. There's no Dropbox this time, but there is 50GB of free cloud storage -- for six months -- from Box. Also, in case you forgot about the Galaxy S5's heart-rate sensor, you'll also pick up a year's subscription to Lark's personal wellness app, which will plug into (and monitor) all your health metrics... until you're ready to pay another 36 bucks to extend the service. But then, who can put a price on good health? Update: Samsung has provided us with more details about Gifts. Dropbox will be included after all, providing you with 50GB of free storage for two years. That alone bumps the package's total value up to $600. For a full list of Galaxy S5 upgrades, make sure to hit this link.
WSJ: NSA collects data from less than one-fifth of all cellphone records
The National Security Agency might be busy collecting your Angry Birds high scores, but our previous notions that the government is collecting all of our phone data may be over-exaggerated, according to the Wall Street Journal. The publication reported this morning that in reality, the agency actually collects less than 20 percent of all call data. So what's going on? There appear to be a few factors that have formed a bit of a roadblock for the NSA's collection efforts: The rapid growth of phone use has made it hard for it to keep pace, and it's also struggled to find ways to remove location data (which is illegal to collect) from phone records; this information contradicts December reports that the NSA collects 5 billion phone location records per day.Lastly, the NSA's orders to US operators don't cover a vast majority of the cellphone records available, and its collection efforts have also been slowed down due to demands on the agency to respond to criticisms from US courts. If these sources are to be believed, apparently the NSA's collection program isn't as widespread as we originally thought. Of course, this might be one reason why it's resorting to World of Warcraft to get information.
WSJ: Apple testing 13-inch iPads, iPhones larger than four inches
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple is testing iPads with screens measuring "slightly less" than 13 inches and also iPhones with screens larger than four inches: In recent months, Apple has asked for prototype smartphone screens larger than four inches and has also asked for screen designs for a new tablet device measuring slightly less than 13 inches diagonally, they said. The current iPhone 5 has a four-inch screen, while the iPad has a 9.7-inch screen. The iPad mini, a stripped-down version of its tablet computer, has a 7.9-inch screen. Reports of an almost-13-inch iPad may seem bizarre, but the Wall Street Journal has a good track record with Apple rumors. The paper also notes that it's entirely possible that these iPads may never see the light of day. An iPhone with a screen larger than four inches might be easier for people to believe and seems more reasonable than Apple releasing a 13-inch iPad. However, months before Apple introduced a 17-inch MacBook Pro, the rumors of such a device were quickly dismissed as most laptops at the time didn't go any larger than 15 inches. Then the 17-inch MacBook Pro did come out and lead the way for higher-end professional laptops for years to come.
WSJ: Apple testing larger iPhone, iPad screens with suppliers
Rumors that Apple is looking to super-size its upcoming iPhone and iPad lineups are gathering steam, thanks to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal. It cited Apple's suppliers in Asia, who said that Cupertino is testing a 12.9-inch iPad design and prototype iPhone screens larger than the current four inches. While Apple wouldn't comment, of course, that jibes with an earlier Reuters report, which claimed it was considering 4.7- and 5.7-inch iPhone screens. If accurate (and that's always a big if with such rumors), the report doesn't necessarily mean that products with larger displays will ever come to market -- Apple routinely changes specs and tests components during the development cycle. Still, it would be further evidence that the company's willing to bend on its one-size-fits-all screen size policy, which is something that the large-handed (or weak-eyed) among us might appreciate.
The Wall Street Journal to launch LinkedIn-style social network
The Wall Street Journal will soon launch a business-minded social network along the lines of LinkedIn, according to a report from The Times of London. The news comes amid reports of restructuring and new financial offerings from the media giant, including a personal messaging system for investors and a newswire service called Dow Jones X. Of course, this isn't News Corp's first social network rodeo, as it had a dubious fling with Myspace that ended rather badly. Though there's no word on an exact date, The Times said it should be arriving in several months -- but we're not sure if corporate types will be high on trusting the Rupert Murdoch-helmed outfit with their personal info.
Apple under fire in China over pornography
After recently apologizing for its warranty practices, Apple is again facing criticism in China, says a WSJ report. This latest mention of Apple in state media focuses on pornography and is part of a larger crack down on porn in the Asia nation. According to the WSJ's China Real Time Report, Apple has been included in a list of app stores and companies that are disseminating pornography in the country. The list was published in Wednesday's edition of the People's Daily. Apple is not singled out by the government newspaper, and the article is not front page news, but many believe this is the start of another government campaign against the Cupertino company. Apple doesn't allow pornographic content in its App Store, but its interpretation of what constitutes objectionable content may differ from that of the Chinese government. Apple may be following down the same path as Google, which faced similar criticism over porn in 2009. Google eventually left mainland China for Hong Kong after a high-profile 2010 hack attack against the company.
BlackBerry 10 reaches the 100,000 app mark, adds Amazon Kindle today
While it's still got some distance to make up, BlackBerry has swiftly reached a milestone of sorts -- its first 100,000 apps. According to the announcement, BB10 has notched up over 30,000 new games and apps over the last seven weeks, all before it's even entered the USA. Notable new additions include the Kindle reader, available today, which Amazon confirmed back in January. There's also apps from The Wall Street Journal and OpenTable, with the promise of eBay, CNN, Rdio, Skype, Viber and more arriving "in the coming weeks."
Phil Schiller slams Android in WSJ interview hours before new handsets are to be introduced
In another unusual move for Apple marketing: Phil Schiller slammed Google's Android OS as a "fragmented" system in a Wall Street Journal interview. The interview came just 24 hours before Samsung is set to unveil their new smartphone. The new comments also come less than a week after Phil Schiller tweeted that Android users should "Be safe out there." That tweet was in response to a report from F-Secure, which highlighted a number of security and malware issues in the Android operating system. Schiller told the Wall Street Journal that Android users are often running old operating systems and that the fragmentation among Android devices was "plain and simple." He also added that "Android is often given as a free replacement for a feature phone and the experience isn't as good as an iPhone." Additionally, he brought up Apple's strong ecosystem as a benefit to users over what Android offers, something the company started touting with the introduction of the iPod 12 years ago. "When you take an Android device out of the box, you have to sign up to nine accounts with different vendors to get the experience iOS comes with. They don't work seamlessly together." The Wall Street Journal characterized Schiller's comments as defensive. Samsung is widely expected to launch the Galaxy S 4 later today.
WSJ: Boeing readying battery tweaks for 787 Dreamliners
The Wall Street Journal has gotten word that Boeing is preparing tweaks to its 787's lithium-ion batteries that could minimize the risk of fire and let its Dreamliners take to the skies before a long-term solution is sussed out. Citing industry and government officials, the WSJ says the modifications will see a larger separation between battery cells in an effort to lessen the risk of heat and fire spreading. Other measures may include keeping cells more firmly in place to prevent them from moving about and interfering with electronics, incorporating heat sensors and a beefed-up battery cover that could contain flames and chemicals. Changes to the aircraft aren't nailed down across the board just yet, and they still need approval by Japanese and American regulators before they can be applied. According to one of the WSJ's sources, a best-case scenario could see Dreamliners put back on passenger flight duty in March. [Image credit: Martin Deutsch, Flickr]
WSJ: Eric Schmidt calls China 'the most sophisticated and prolific' hacker of foreign firms
The Wall Street Journal snagged a preview of an upcoming book co-authored by Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt and the company's Jared Cohen, and it doesn't seem to paint the rosiest picture of China. Dubbed The New Digital Age, the tome reportedly claims China is "the world's most active and enthusiastic filterer of information" in addition to "the most sophisticated and prolific" hacker of foreign firms. Recent stats and events don't exactly help the nation's image. In addition to the threat of hacking attempts originating from China, the work also touches upon the Chinese government's alleged involvement with network infrastructure providers such as Huawei. According to the book, such cooperation puts the US at an economic and political disadvantage since "the United States will not take the same path of digital corporate espionage, as its laws are much stricter (and better enforced) and because illicit competition violates the American sense of fair play." However, Schmidt and Cohen posit that even western firms "will coordinate their efforts with their governments on both diplomatic and technical levels" as the future unfolds. In terms of what's to come, the work also considers that the country's "mix of active citizens armed with technological devices and tight government control is exceptionally volatile," and that it could cause "widespread instability," and even "some kind of revolution in the coming decades." If you're interested in more prognostication from Google's head honcho, the book is slated to hit shelves this April. For now, you can hit the neighboring source link for additional morsels. [Image credit: TechCrunch, Flickr]
WSJ: PlayStation 4 will launch this year
If your heart hadn't already made up its mind regarding the subject of last night's PlayStation tease, the Wall Street Journal flat-out said this morning the PlayStation successor is launching this year.The financial publication cites sources familiar with the matter who say the event on February 20 will debut the new console. Sony will reportedly incorporate more social gaming aspects into the device and was driven in its design by how people interact with the unit, rather than by hardware upgrades.The WSJ also mentions that Sony had considered removing the optical disk drive to make the device download only. However, and this is merely speculation on our part, this idea was dropped when company execs were visited by the ghost of the PSP Go.So, there you go, next PlayStation being announced February 20.
WSJ: Apple cuts iPhone 5 parts order due to weak demand
A report out late Sunday night by the Wall Street Journal may have investors worried today. The paper says that Apple has cut component orders for the iPhone 5 in half due to weak demand, citing "people familiar with the situation." The WSJ says that orders for the iPhone 5's screen for the January-March quarter were reduced by 50 percent of the original order Apple had placed with suppliers. The paper says that the iPhone screen orders were not the only components cut either. Component suppliers were reportedly made aware of the cuts last month. Do the component cuts, if true, mean iPhone 5 demand is weak? It's possible. But it could also hint at another number of things. Apple usually reduces component orders when they are getting ready to ramp up for a new product. There have been rumors that Apple will move to a six-month release schedule for its iOS devices to keep up with competition. The lower component orders could signal that an "iPhone 5S" can be expected sooner rather than later. Also, component cuts could mean Apple has only reduced orders from specific companies and has replaced them with new vendors to better hedge against manufacturing delays. Whatever the case, this news may just have investors -- and the stock -- depressed until Apple officially responds to it during its next financial conference call on January 23rd.
WSJ: Native iOS Google Maps app being tested externally with turn-by-turn navigation baked in
If Apple's homegrown mapping solution isn't quite cutting it, your navigation needs may soon be met by a native iOS Google Maps app. Citing an unnamed source, the Wall Street Journal says Page and Co. are distributing a test version of the fabled app to folks outside the firm, making good on their earlier commitment to bring Google Maps to iOS. The WSJ's source expects the app to be outfitted with turn-by-turn navigation, but didn't mention when it might finally see an official release. As it stands, the search giant is said to be putting the finishing touches on the app before submitting it for App Store approval.
Wall Street Journal, Ford, Gol Stadium apps added to Xbox Live
The Wall Street Journal has launched "WSJ Live," a news streaming app for Xbox Live Gold subscribers, Major Nelson announced today. The app, which provides unlimited access to the Journal's complete library of video material, also streams four hours of live tech/business/misc news programming per day.Additionally, ad fiends can watch their favorite Ford-based commercials on the new Ford app described by Major Nelson as "a new advertising app." We love ads!Meanwhile, "Gol Stadium" was also launched for Xbox Live Gold members in Spain. The futball-focused Gol Televisión app streams live sportsball events (among other content) to XBL Gold subscribers who happen to also be Gol Televisión subscribers.
WSJ: iPad mini assembly has begun
A report from the Wall Street Journal suggests Asian suppliers have started mass production of components for the iPad Mini. Cited in the WSJ report are LG Display and AU Optronics, both of which are supposedly mass-producing 7.85-inch displays for the rumored tablet device. According to the Wall Street Journal's sources, Apple has allegedly opted to go with a non-Retina display for its smaller iPad. The choice to downgrade the display was supposedly a cost-cutting measure that'll help keep the price tag of the device competitively low. If these rumors for the iPad Mini pan out, then price will be a major factor as Apple will be competing with the $199 Kindle Fire HD and the $199 Nexus 7 tablet. Previous rumors suggest the iPad Mini will include a Lightning port, a nano-SIM card slot and an aluminum casing with a thin bezel.
Purported iPad Mini parts leak as WSJ reports production has started
Hey look, another round of purported iPad Mini parts has surfaced, this time courtesy of Ukrainian iPhone. Conveniently enough, the Wall Street Journal also happens to be reporting that its sources have confirmed "mass production" of the still unannounced slate has begun by Apple's "Asian suppliers." This time we're looking at an anodized black version of the familiar back plate, alongside a separate digitizer in white, hinting that we'll see the final device in the same colorways as the iPhone 5 . As 9to5Mac points out, the casing houses a SIM card tray, similar antenna spacers to the current iPhone crop and a layout akin to the current iPod Touch. WSJ further notes that its sources state this tab's LCD screen is indeed 7.85-inches, being sourced from both LG and AU Optronics. Naturally, pricing is almost definitely set to be cheaper than the full-size iPad -- here's to waiting for an invite to the supposed unveiling event set for this month.
Samsung 'likely to add' the iPhone 5 to its Apple lawsuit
The Wall Street Journal reports that Samsung is "likely" to add Apple's new iPhone 5 to its ongoing patent lawsuit against the company from Cupertino because, well, why not, right? Apple demolished Samsung in the recent ruling, and Samsung is now carrying out a second lawsuit against eight more patents, so the iPhone 5 may be thrown in there as well. A Samsung representative tells the WSJ that it will need to "analyze" the device first, but if it finds any evidence of infringement, it'll get thrown on the pile of evidence already set up for the case. This new case will be tried by the same judge, Lucy Koh, and there's a hearing next Wednesday for the three parties to figure out how the case should proceed. Right now, the actual trial is tenatively scheduled for sometime in March of next year, so Samsung should have plenty of time to do its "analysis" and get the iPhone 5 in the casework, too.
WSJ gets early, slightly uncomfortable look at Google's Project Glass
It's about time someone got the chance to test-drive Google's $1,500 smart-glasses independently, without any rose-colored lenses getting in the way. The Wall Street Journal's Spencer E. Ante just became that lucky person -- he played with prototype specs for 10 minutes and described them as a "wearable smartphone" that weighs just "a few ounces" and is smoothly controlled by voice commands. Saying "OK, Glass" brought up a menu in front of his right eye that made it "easy" to record stills or video, although unfortunately the device wasn't quite ready to show off any phone, messaging or navigation functions. Overall, Ante acknowledged the "long-term potential" of Project Glass, but in its current form he found the HUD to be "disorienting" and "uncomfortable" -- partly because he instinctively kept closing his left eye to make it all work. Clearly Google still has some work to do if the device is to make a better first impression, but no doubt there's also room for acclimatization on the wearer's part. If the military can get along with this type of eyewear, then hopefully so can everyone else.
WSJ: Apple developing competitor to Pandora, could launch within 'a matter of months'
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple is engaged in talks with record labels to create a Pandora-like music streaming service. According to the outlet's sources, the service will be ad-supported and will be accessible from Apple's wide array of hardware -- there's even hope that PC users may be able to catch some of the action. However, it's said that Android devices will be left out in the cold. The sources also say that the company had previously toyed with the idea of a service similar to Spotify with a monthly fee, but that this effort appears more serious. Licenses supposedly being sought by the House that Jobs Built could let them air songs more frequently than competitors and allow for additional interactivity. Since Apple's negotiations are at an early stage, it's expected to take months before the service materializes. At any rate, if you're still jonesin' for something fresh from Cupertino, we hear that something's been cooked up for next week. Update: The New York Times is now chiming in with a similar report citing three sources of its own.
AllThingsD: 'iPad Mini' to get its own event in October after new iPhone reveal
After refreshing its computer range, Apple's gearing up for two events for its new phone and tablet hardware, according to sources at AllThingsD. Given the excitement welling up behind its next iPhone, many have noted (including Daring Fireball's John Gruber) that it would make a whole lot of sense to furnish both the phone and the heavily rumored smaller tablet with individual events -- and that is, apparently, what's going to happen. Unfortunately, the anonymous sources weren't revealing anything further -- Apple's yet to confirm that posited September 12th event date, let alone any secondary event. But when it does, be assured that we'll be there to cover both of them.
