Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Microsoft announces Office 365 for Government, touts its fluffy cloud-based goodness]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/microsofts-new-cloud-based-office-365-for-government/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/microsofts-new-cloud-based-office-365-for-government/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/microsofts-new-cloud-based-office-365-for-government/#comments Microsoft announces cloud-based Office 365 for Government

Unlike certain folks who wear tinfoil hats Microsoft has no qualms working with the guv'ment. Having added Office 365 support to Windows Phone in its Mango update, the company is now turning its attention to a less tech-averse Uncle Sam with the introduction of the obviously named Office 365 for Government. According to Microsoft, this rendition of Office 365 places US government data in the soft embrace of the cloud via its own segregated community. Offerings featured with the service include Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Lync Online and Office Professional Plus. Now, you don't need to be wearing shiny, crumpled headwear to voice concerns about some evildoer messing around with government data on the cloud. Microsoft assures that the service supports the "most rigorous global and regional standards," including ISO 27001, SAS70 Type II, EU Safe Harbor and FISMA. Given all the waist tightening Uncle Sam's being asked to go through recently, a cloud solution might actually sound appealing if it proves to be more cost-effective overall.

Microsoft announces Office 365 for Government, touts its fluffy cloud-based goodness originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 07:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud hostingCloudHostinggovernmentmicrosoftmicrosoft officemicrosoft office 365MicrosoftOfficeMicrosoftOffice365minipostoffice 365office 365 for governmentOffice365Thu, 31 May 2012 07:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Customs stops delaying HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE devices after 'review']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/htc-one-x-and-evo-4g-lte-customs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/htc-one-x-and-evo-4g-lte-customs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/htc-one-x-and-evo-4g-lte-customs/#comments Customs stops delaying HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE devices after 'review'

HTC-branded crates have been trickling through customs for ten days already, following a total clamp-down earlier in May, but it's only now that they're able to pass through without lengthy extra checks. The manufacturer says it has "completed the review process with US Customs" and that it is "confident that we will soon be able to meet the demand for our products." That obviously raises the question as to why the HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE devices were held up in the first place. The ITC had earlier ruled that HTC infringed on an Apple patent about data detection, concerning a handset's ability to recognize and move around personal data, for example between the contact entry and the calendar, and it had given HTC until April to remove that feature. HTC agreed to that, but it appears customs officials initially needed to check every box to ensure that products arriving in the US were of the compliant type. Meanwhile, the LTE part of the EVO 4G is still waiting for its luggage.

Customs stops delaying HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE devices after 'review' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 03:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleattbureaucracycustomsevo 4g lteEvo4gLtegovernmenthtchtc one xHtcOneXimportinternational trade commissionInternationalTradeCommissionitcmobilepostcrossofficialofficialspatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementred-taperegulationspring evo 4g lteSpringEvo4gLtesprintsprint evo 4gSprintEvo4gWed, 30 May 2012 03:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Precise Biometrics' Tactivo for iPhone, iPad locks data by fingerprint and smart card, is overkill for your diary (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/precise-biometrics-tactivo-for-iphone-and-ipad-locks-data-by-fingerprint-and-smart-card/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/precise-biometrics-tactivo-for-iphone-and-ipad-locks-data-by-fingerprint-and-smart-card/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/precise-biometrics-tactivo-for-iphone-and-ipad-locks-data-by-fingerprint-and-smart-card/#comments Image

iOS device security has regularly been a concern of the government, but locking down one of Apple's devices for the government is still fresh. Precise Biometrics hopes to have the problem licked through the Tactivo, a combo fingerprint and smart card reader for the iPhone 4 / 4S (and the iPad, in the summer). Either method keeps data inside an app away from prying eyes, and while they won't tighten the security around the built-in apps, they do make sure a third-party app's data meets US and international government privacy specs without having to use a BlackBerry. We're not surprised that the Tactivo needs to engulf the iPhone in a full case to work its magic, although there's a micro-USB port to keep it powered and synced up. It's all a bit much if you're just trying to make sure your list of high school crushes stays a secret, and the price reflects that -- at $249 a pop, the Tactivo is really meant for agencies and companies for whom losing the data on an iPhone would cost a lot more. Still, if you're running an outfit encouraging BYOD phone use or just really, really want your secret passions to stay private, both the iPhone case and a BioSecrets app are ready today.

Continue reading Precise Biometrics' Tactivo for iPhone, iPad locks data by fingerprint and smart card, is overkill for your diary (video)

Precise Biometrics' Tactivo for iPhone, iPad locks data by fingerprint and smart card, is overkill for your diary (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple iphoneapple iphone 4apple iphone 4sAppleIphoneAppleIphone4AppleIphone4sbio secretsBioSecretscasecasescasingcellphonecellphonescorporateenterprisefingerprintfingerprint readerfingerprint scannerFingerprintReaderFingerprintScannergovernmentiphoneiphone 4iphone 4siphone caseiphone casesIphone4Iphone4sIphoneCaseIphoneCasesmobilepostminiprecise biometricsprecise biometrics tactivoPreciseBiometricsPreciseBiometricsTactivosecuritysmart cardSmartCardtablettablet pctablet pcsTabletPcTabletPcstabletstactivoUS governmentUsGovernmentvideoMon, 28 May 2012 19:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama tells government agencies to embrace mobile apps within a year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/obama-tells-government-agencies-to-embrace-mobile-apps-within-th/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/obama-tells-government-agencies-to-embrace-mobile-apps-within-th/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/obama-tells-government-agencies-to-embrace-mobile-apps-within-th/#comments Image

We already know the President has gone mobile -- and now he wants to take the rest of the government with him. President Obama has gone on the record ordering major federal agencies to jump on the mobile bandwagon, developing apps to increase public access to tax payer funded departments like education and healthcare. Said the President in a statement, "Americans deserve a government that works for them anytime, anywhere, and on any device." Obama has ordered the agencies to join the app revolution within the next 12 months.

Obama tells government agencies to embrace mobile apps within a year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsBarack ObamaBarackObamagovernmentobamapresidentpresident obamaPresidentObamaThu, 24 May 2012 04:31:00 EST<![CDATA[New DVD anti-piracy warning now packs double the nag]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/new-dvd-anti-piracy-warning/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/new-dvd-anti-piracy-warning/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/new-dvd-anti-piracy-warning/#comments New DVD anti-piracy warning now packs double the nag

Starting this week, you'll find any newly-minted DVDs and Blu-ray discs will now include a similarly fresh anti-piracy message. Homeland Security's special agent badge now partners up with the FBI's own emblem on the new warning played before DVDs -- and it looks like it'll still be unskippable. If this dynamic duo isn't enough to scare into legitimate media consumption, how about another warning screen to really bring it on home? This one features the National Intellectual Property Center, which follows the same "piracy is bad" message, offering a helpful link as to why -- one we're sure you're going to investigate in the middle of movie night. Interestingly, these new screens themselves are still not in the public domain and only the major US movie studios are authorized to use them. No news yet on whether the authorities plan to include another screen explaining this, but you can check that second warning that you'll soon be yelling at right after the break.

Continue reading New DVD anti-piracy warning now packs double the nag

New DVD anti-piracy warning now packs double the nag originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-piracyBlu-RayDVDdvdsFBIgovernmenthdpostminiHomeland SecurityHomelandSecuritymediamoviesNational Intellectual Property CenterNationalIntellectualPropertyCenterpiracyThu, 10 May 2012 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[SEC investigating movie studios' dealings with China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/sec-investigating-movie-studios-dealings-with-china/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/sec-investigating-movie-studios-dealings-with-china/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/sec-investigating-movie-studios-dealings-with-china/#comments SEC investigating movie studios' dealing with China

Reuters is reporting that regulators have begun a probe of American movie studios and their dealings with Chinese officials. The Security and Exchange Commission has sent letters to at least five companies, including 20th Century Fox, Disney and DreamWorks Animation requesting information about "potential[ly] inappropriate payments" made to members of the Chinese government. The market in the pseudo-Communist nation is seen as one with huge potential for US-made films, but the state-owned China Film Group has placed strict limits on foreign cinema. However, in February, the group agreed to loosen restrictions and exempt up to 14 IMAX or 3D films a year (along with their 2D counterparts) from the 20 movie cap on international media. Around the same time, DreamWorks announced it would be building a production studio in Shanghai with participation from several large Chinese media companies. Even Disney struck a deal that will see the next Iron Man title co-produced by China's DMG Entertainment. The sudden shift in tone must have raised some eyebrows with watchdogs, and the SEC has responded by hitting up the studios for info over the last few months. Obviously, we'll be keeping an eye on this to see how it develops.

SEC investigating movie studios' dealings with China originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20th century fox20thCenturyFoxchinaChina Film GroupChinaFilmGroupdisneydreamworksDreamworks AnimationDreamworksAnimationgovernmenthdpostcrossinvestigationRegulatorssecSecurities and Exchange CommissionSecuritiesAndExchangeCommissionTue, 24 Apr 2012 16:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Huawei 2011 financials: 20 million smartphones sold yet profit down 53 percent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/huawei-2011-financials-20-million-smartphones-sold-yet-profit-d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/huawei-2011-financials-20-million-smartphones-sold-yet-profit-d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/huawei-2011-financials-20-million-smartphones-sold-yet-profit-d/#comments Image

Huawei's annual earnings report is out and it's a mixed bag, since while turnover increased by 11.7 percent to 203.9 RMB ($32.3 billion), profits plummeted 53 percent to 11.6 billion RMB ($1.8 billion). Revenue from overseas sales (138.4 billion RMB) equated for over half the company's total income and it boasted of having sold 150 million consumer devices, including 20 million smartphones in the year. The company didn't provide reasons for the drop in profit, emphasizing that it's increased R&D spending by 34.2 percent to 23.7 billion RMB ($3.75 billion) and that in any event, it's got around $30 billion of assets that can shoulder the brunt of a bad year.

However, the company may not see a rosy 2012 either, after both America and Australia refused to give the company big infrastructure deals (Huawei's bread and butter) thanks to allegedly close relationships between the company and the Chinese government. It seems to be following a similar trajectory to rival ZTE, which also felt margins squeeze as it entered the global retail space and felt the heat when its political dealings were thrown in the spotlight.

Continue reading Huawei 2011 financials: 20 million smartphones sold yet profit down 53 percent

Huawei 2011 financials: 20 million smartphones sold yet profit down 53 percent originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011BackboneBroadbandBusinessDevicesDropEarningsFallFinancialsGovernmentHuaweiInfrastructureInternetLossmobilepostcrossnational securityNationalSecurityProfitRen ZhengfeiRenZhengfeisecuritySmartphonesZTEMon, 23 Apr 2012 17:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Portuguese opposition party wants 'terabyte tax,' voters want a new opposition party]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/portugal-terabyte-tax/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/portugal-terabyte-tax/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/portugal-terabyte-tax/#comments ImagePortugal's opposition party, Partido Socialista, is pondering a tax on storage media under the flag of copyright protection. Under the proposal, consumers would pay €0.02 for every gigabyte of storage purchased, so a 1TB HDD would cost around €21 ($28) extra, plus an additional levy on devices over that size means a 2TB drive could cost an additional €103.2 ($135). It doesn't just stop at desktop platters: USB sticks, memory cards and even smartphones would also be charged, with any device packing 64GB of storage facing a surcharge of €32 ($42). A party member defended the idea, saying that the tax is aimed at professionals who use larger capacity drives -- but since most consumer HDDs come with a minimum size of 160GB and the legislation is also supposedly meant to tackle piracy, we're not entirely sure it adds up -- except maybe in government coffers.

Update: We're hearing that the bill titled PL118 has been withdrawn in the face of overwhelming common sense.

[Thanks, Ricardo]

Portuguese opposition party wants 'terabyte tax,' voters want a new opposition party originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CellphonesFlash DrivesFlashDrivesGovernmentHard DrivesiPod TaxIpodTaxMemory CardsMemoryCardsPiracyPiracy TaxPiracyTaxPortugalSci/TechSilly GovernmentSillyGovernmentTerabyte TaxTerabyteTaxUSB DrivesUSB flash driveUsbDrivesFri, 13 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Iran swapping internet for intranet in August (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/iran-blocking-access-to-internet/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/iran-blocking-access-to-internet/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/iran-blocking-access-to-internet/#comments iran google newsThere's dealing with internet comments, and then there's this. According to a statement from Reza Taghipour, the Iranian minister for Information and Communications Technology, Iran will be shutting off access to the world wide in around five months, as it flips the switch on a nationwide "intranet" that'll act like one of the more strict corporate firewalls you may have come in contact with. The reason? It's looking to provide its citizens access to "a clean internet," which is loosely translated into "an internet sans freedom." Instead of providing access to Google, Gmail and Hotmail, users will have to register for an Iran Mail ID -- which "mandates authentic information pertaining to a person's identity, including national ID, address and full name." Evidently, it's all to prevent access to the internet that exists today -- one that "promotes crime, disunity, unhealthy moral content, and atheism" in Taghipour's mind. Crazily enough, he's right about all of that, but it's a small price to pay for access to things like this, no?

Update: Turns out, the original report here was a bit -- shall we say -- sensationalized. According to a breaking update from AFP, Iran has "denied online reports that it plans to cut access to the internet in August and replace it with a national intranet." In truth, Iran does have a plan to implement a "national information network," which is being billed as a "totally closed system that would function like a sort of intranet for the Islamic republic." To date, there's no clarity on whether the aforesaid network will exist alongside the internet or in place of it.

Iran swapping internet for intranet in August (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessblockcontrolfreedomgovernmentintranetiranispprivacyregistrationReza TaghipourRezaTaghipourTue, 10 Apr 2012 00:07:00 EST<![CDATA[NYC phone booths to get second lives as slate stalls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/nyc-phone-booths-to-get-second-lives-as-slate-stalls/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/nyc-phone-booths-to-get-second-lives-as-slate-stalls/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/nyc-phone-booths-to-get-second-lives-as-slate-stalls/#comments ImageBelieve it or not, but there are still hundreds, nay, thousands of phone booths out there on the streets of New York City. Obviously, in the age of the ubiquitous smartphone, most of them go untouched -- though, usually that has more to do with some mysterious substance covering the handset. The city is preparing to update this urban staple by replacing the touch tone quarter eaters with 32-inch touchscreens. The giant slates will offer a quick connection to 311 for requesting info and filing complaints, as well as interactive guides to the neighborhood. Instead of being a place to prank call 1-800 numbers, the phone booth will now become your one stop shop for restaurant suggestions and local landmark locations. 250 of the devices are being provided free of charge by City24x7 for a pilot program and, if all goes well, the company and the city will split revenue generate from ad sales following an expanded roll out. You can bet we'll be some of the first people on the street to put these through their paces when they make their expected debut in May.

NYC phone booths to get second lives as slate stalls originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city24x7governmentnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynynycpay phonepay phonesPayPhonePayPhonesphone boothphone boothsPhoneBoothPhoneBoothstablettabletsMon, 09 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[US government sticking with BlackBerry, appreciates RIM's focus on security]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/us-governement-rim-blackberry-smartphones/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/us-governement-rim-blackberry-smartphones/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/us-governement-rim-blackberry-smartphones/#comments US government sticking with BlackBerry, appreciates RIM's focus on security
Just when you thought RIM couldn't catch a break, The Washington Post is reporting the US government doesn't plan to jump smartphone ships anytime soon. According to the publication, Casey Coleman (chief information officer at the General Services Administration) says that while the agency may have handed out iPhone and Android phones to the staff, a big chunk of the 12,000 agency-issued handsets are BlackBerry devices. The main reason behind the choice of Berries is RIM's focus on security, which Coleman notes "is paramount for government use." Still, the GSA officer isn't ruling out switching to a different OS in the distant future, as platforms like iOS and Android start to become "equally secure." For RIM's sake, we hope the refocusing on enterprise pays off.

US government sticking with BlackBerry, appreciates RIM's focus on security originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryenterprisegeneral services administrationGeneralServicesAdministrationgovernmentGSAmobilepostminiResearch In MotionResearchInMotionrimsecuresecurityunited statesunited states of americaUnitedStatesUnitedStatesOfAmericausUS governmentus govtusaUsGovernmentUsGovtThu, 05 Apr 2012 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Department of Commerce and NTIA suggest spectrum sharing for government and commercial services]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/department-of-commerce-and-ntia-suggest-spectrum-sharing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/department-of-commerce-and-ntia-suggest-spectrum-sharing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/department-of-commerce-and-ntia-suggest-spectrum-sharing/#comments SpectrumIn 2010 President Obama stated, in no uncertain terms, that our country's competitive edge and technological leadership were conditional on our ability to open up broad swaths of spectrum for commercial and governmental use. Two years later, we've made progress, but our wireless providers are still struggling to keep up as our demand for cellular broadband skyrockets -- even spectrum hog Verizon claims to be gasping for air. The Commerce Department and US National Telecommunications and Information Administration are suggesting a new approach to opening up the airwaves to carriers that doesn't involve the wholesale abandonment of radiowave real estate by its current residents. The NTIA thinks there is room for both federal agencies and companies in the 95MHz between 1755 and 1850MHz. This would open up the prime spectrum to commercial use, but would also save the time and money normally needed to relocate existing government services which, in this case, includes military communications and missile guidance systems. In typical bureaucratic fashion, more study will be needed before a formal recommendation can be made to the FCC. But, there's plenty more detail to be had in the meantime -- just check out the PR after the break and the full report at the source link.

[Tower photo via Shutterstock]

Continue reading Department of Commerce and NTIA suggest spectrum sharing for government and commercial services

Department of Commerce and NTIA suggest spectrum sharing for government and commercial services originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barack ObamaBarackObamacommerce departmentCommerceDepartmentfccgovernmentmobilepostcrossNational Telecommunications and Information AdministrationNationalTelecommunicationsAndInformationAdministrationntiaregulationregulatory agenciesRegulatoryAgenciesspectrumTue, 27 Mar 2012 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Major ISPs agree to FCC's code of conduct on botnets, DNS attacks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/25/major-isps-agree-to-fccs-code-of-conduct-on-botnets-dns-attack/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/25/major-isps-agree-to-fccs-code-of-conduct-on-botnets-dns-attack/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/25/major-isps-agree-to-fccs-code-of-conduct-on-botnets-dns-attack/#comments Image
The FCC's campaign to secure the internet gained new momentum last week, when a group of major ISPs signed on to a new code of conduct aimed at mitigating cybercrime. Adopted by the FCC's Communications, Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC), the new code targets three main security threats: botnets, DNS attacks and internet route hijacking. The Anti-Bot Code of Conduct invites ISPs to adopt sharper detection methods, and to notify and assist consumers whenever their computers are infected. The DNS code, meanwhile, offers a list of best practices by which ISPs can tighten security. Though it doesn't call for a full adoption of DNSSEC technology, the guidelines do represent a "first step" toward implementation, allowing web users to verify the authenticity of their online destinations. As for internet route attacks, the CSRIC calls for a similarly collective approach, asking ISPs to collaborate on new technologies within an industry-wide framework.

In a statement, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski said that these practices "identify smart, practical, voluntary solutions that will materially improve the cyber security of commercial networks and bolster the broader endeavors of our federal partners." The industry apparently agrees, as heavyweights like AT&T, CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Sprint, Time Warner Cable, T-Mobile and Verizon have already signed on. For the FCC's full statement, check out the source link below.

Major ISPs agree to FCC's code of conduct on botnets, DNS attacks originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-bot code of conductAnti-botCodeOfConductattbotnetcode of conductCodeOfConductcomcastCSRICfccfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissiongovernmenthijackingindustryispJulius GenachowskiJuliusGenachowskipoliticsprivacyregulatorysecuritysprintt-mobiletime warner cableTimeWarnerCableverizonSun, 25 Mar 2012 16:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Congressmen ask devs of 34 iOS apps about user privacy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/congressmen-ask-devs-of-34-ios-apps-about-user-privacy/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/congressmen-ask-devs-of-34-ios-apps-about-user-privacy/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/congressmen-ask-devs-of-34-ios-apps-about-user-privacy/#comments ImageIn the wake of the Path address book fiasco, Congressmen Henry Waxman (D-CA) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) have followed up their initial query to Apple about privacy issues by contacting the people and companies behind 34 iOS apps. The list includes Tim Cook (again), concerning Apple's own Find My Friends, Mark Zuckerberg and Path's CEO Dave Morin, among others. The letters themselves are open for viewing on the Committee on Energy and Commerce's website, and include questions about exactly how many times the apps have been downloaded, what information they transmit back from user's devices and what happens to that data. The devs have until April 12th to respond, and while we're not sure what will happen after that, we're pretty sure this ends with someone's Hall of Fame consideration in doubt despite seven Cy Youngs and more than 4,000 strikeouts.

Congressmen ask devs of 34 iOS apps about user privacy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 02:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecommittee on energy and commerceCommitteeOnEnergyAndCommercecongressdatafacebookfind my friendsFindMyFriendsgovernmentinquiryiosiphonemobilepostcrosspathpolicyprivacyFri, 23 Mar 2012 02:41:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC weighs Dish 4G network and 700MHz interoperability (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/fcc-weighs-dish-4g-network-and-700mhz-interoperability/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/fcc-weighs-dish-4g-network-and-700mhz-interoperability/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/fcc-weighs-dish-4g-network-and-700mhz-interoperability/#comments Cell TowersLet's temper our excitement -- the FCC is merely considering these proposals at the moment but, if either are adopted, it could permanently change the mobile broadband landscape. First up, the commission is considering reassigning the 2GHz band from MSS (Mobile Satellite Service) to AWS (Advances Wireless Service). If adopted, the new rules would clear the way for Dish to launch its LTE network and enter the 4G market. It will also irk AT&T, which has been trying to tie up the spectrum following the collapse of the T-Mobile merger, most likely because the carrier hoped to use the 2GHz band itself.

Secondly, and perhaps even more important, is a proposal that would place new interoperability rules on the 700MHz spectrum used by both Verizon and AT&T for their LTE service. Until now concerns over interference have kept most 700MHz devices from being able to hop between the different blocks of spectrum. This is a particularly big issue for small and rural carriers which own some chunks of real estate in the band, but lack the buying power to convince big OEMs to make handsets for their networks. Obviously, there's still some haranguing to do before either of these proposals become law and you can bet AT&T will do its best to derail both efforts. Still, it's a good sign to see the FCC even taking up the issues. You can watch the entire debate at the source link.

[Tower photo via Shutterstock]

Update: As one of our tipsters has pointed out, it appears that the interoperability rules would only apply to the lower 700MHz band occupied by AT&T, not the upper band used by Verizon. Alas, that means we won't have Big Red and Ma Bell playing nice with their LTE anytime soon.

[Thanks, Karen]

Continue reading FCC weighs Dish 4G network and 700MHz interoperability (updated)

FCC weighs Dish 4G network and 700MHz interoperability (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2GHz700MHzAdvanced Wireless ServicesAdvancedWirelessServicesattAWSdishdish networkDishNetworkFCCfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissiongovernmenthdpostcrossmobile satellite servicemobilepostcrossMobileSatelliteServiceMSSregulationWed, 21 Mar 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon halts dubious third-party billing on landlines, years after landlines were 'in']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/verizon-cramming-congress-charges/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/verizon-cramming-congress-charges/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/verizon-cramming-congress-charges/#comments ImageOkay, okay -- landlines are still useful. But rapidly growing, they are not. That said, Verizon is caving to congressional pressure in a relatively minor way, announcing that it'll be banning certain third-party charges on landline bills. In political circles, the process is known as "cramming," where customers (oftentimes unknowingly) submit their number to certain third-party add-ons that have generated some $10 billion in revenue over the past five years. Sen. Jay Rockefeller from West Virginia is applauding the move, and also encouraging Congress to make this commonplace across all carriers. Curiously, there's no mention of mobile blocking, where consumers are regularly duped into subscribing to recurring fees via text-based competitions and contests. Perhaps when we've all moved on to telepathy, the feds can get right on that.

Verizon halts dubious third-party billing on landlines, years after landlines were 'in' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billcongresscrammingfeefeesgovernmentlandlinemobilepostcrosssenatesurchargesurchargesthird-partyususaverizonverizon communicationsverizon wirelessVerizonCommunicationsVerizonWirelessWed, 21 Mar 2012 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC Fridays: March 16, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/fcc-fridays/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/fcc-fridays/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/fcc-fridays/#comments We here at Engadget tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there individually, we've gathered up an exhaustive listing of every phone and / or tablet getting the stamp of approval over the last week. Enjoy!

Continue reading FCC Fridays: March 16, 2012

FCC Fridays: March 16, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcatelalcatel onetouchAlcatelOnetouchascend y100ascend y200AscendY100AscendY200blackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookblublu productsBluProductscertificationsfccfcc fridaysFccFridaysfridaysgalaxy mini 2galaxy nexusGalaxyMini2GalaxyNexusgovernmenthuaweihuawei ascendHuaweiAscendlgltemetropcsminipostmotorolaplaybookrimsamsungsamsung conquer 4gsamsung galaxy mini 2samsung galaxy ySamsungConquer4gSamsungGalaxyMini2SamsungGalaxyYsprintsprint galaxy nexusSprintGalaxyNexuszteFri, 16 Mar 2012 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloomberg signs NYC 'Open Data Policy' into law, plans web portal for 2018]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/bloomberg-signs-nyc-open-data-policy-into-law-plans-web-porta/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/bloomberg-signs-nyc-open-data-policy-into-law-plans-web-porta/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/bloomberg-signs-nyc-open-data-policy-into-law-plans-web-porta/#comments Live in Manhattan and wish that your local government would be more transparent about its data and make it more easily accessible? Well, consider the request granted by a little bill dubbed as Introductory Number 29-A, which Mayor Bloomberg signed into law this past week. Apparently following in the steps of the White House's Data.Gov initiative, the legislation lays out three ways the city will be "jumpstarting a comprehensive citywide open data policy." The Department of Information Technology Telecommunications will be in charge of of creating a technical standards manual and posting it online to begin, serving as guide for the city's agencies on how to handle and list any data that's considered public domain. Bloomberg also has his eyes on developers, as part two involves getting any info stored online in "locked formats" released over the next year so that it can be used for creating applications. As InformationWeek points out, this is something the city has been fond of, as showcased by its ongoing BigApps program. The third task will require the DoITT to make compliance plans with all of the city's agencies to help them list all of their public data, with the end goal of listing it to "a single web portal by 2018." Want to hear it from the man himself? Make your way to the press release just past the break.

[Photo credit: NYC.Gov]

Continue reading Bloomberg signs NYC 'Open Data Policy' into law, plans web portal for 2018

Bloomberg signs NYC 'Open Data Policy' into law, plans web portal for 2018 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbigappsdatadata transparencyDataTransparencydepartment of information technologyDepartmentOfInformationTechnologydoittgovgovernmentIntroductory Number 29-AIntroductoryNumber29-amanhattanmayor bloombergMayorBloombergnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynycMon, 12 Mar 2012 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[German government proposes to charge search engines for excerpting news sites]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/german-government-proposes-to-charge-search-engines-for-excerpti/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/german-government-proposes-to-charge-search-engines-for-excerpti/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/german-government-proposes-to-charge-search-engines-for-excerpti/#comments A German government committee is proposing changes that could force search engines operating in the country to pay for using news excerpts. The plans involve setting up a department to charge royalties from sites that aggregate news feeds, and covers them for 12-months from date of publish. This isn't the first country to attempt to protect publishers' material, with the Newspaper Licensing Agency in the UK also performing a similar role. Before you hide your news blog from German eyes, the ruling will only affect commercial outfits.

Germany's publishing executives have been pushing for such a move since a case in Belgium that saw Google News forced to stop excerpting articles. Unsurprisingly there is strong support from the industry, with 149 execs from the country already having petitioned the government with a "Hamburg Declaration on Intellectual Property Rights" proposal in 2009, and both the German Federation of Newspaper Publishers and Association of German Magazine Publishers also campaigning for change. Now that the committee has laid down clear plans, it remains to be seen if or how they will be implemented, but with the nation's track record for pulling no punches where technology is concerned, search engines might have to prepare for a rapid change in policy.

German government proposes to charge search engines for excerpting news sites originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 06:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copyrightgerman coalitionGermanCoalitiongermanygovernmentlawsuitlegalnews excerptsNewsExcerptspublishers rightsPublishersRightspublishingroyaltiesrulingsearch enginesSearchEnginesSun, 11 Mar 2012 06:48:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC counters Verizon, aims to dismiss its data roaming complaints]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/fcc-counters-verizon-aims-to-dismiss-its-data-roaming-complaint/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/fcc-counters-verizon-aims-to-dismiss-its-data-roaming-complaint/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/fcc-counters-verizon-aims-to-dismiss-its-data-roaming-complaint/#commentsVerizon and the FCC have been going at it for sometime over a variety of issues, but one of the more notable has been the data roaming rules that narrowly passed last year. In May of 2011 the carrier filed suit against the commission, claiming it had overstepped its authority by demanding larger providers enter into voice and data roaming agreements with its smaller "competitors." The regulatory agency has finally responded in kind, by saying that Verizon's case is invalid and that its powers are clearly spelled out under Title III of the Communications Act of 1934. Now its just a matter of waiting to see if Big Red's case is indeed dismissed, or if the FCC is headed to court. Stayed tuned to find out -- we know we will.

FCC counters Verizon, aims to dismiss its data roaming complaints originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>data roamingDataRoamingfccfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissiongovernmentmobilepostcrossregulationroamingverizonFri, 09 Mar 2012 13:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrome adopted by US State Department as optional browser, IE8 prepped for mid-March release (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/us-state-department-adopts-chrome-as-certified-browser/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/us-state-department-adopts-chrome-as-certified-browser/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/us-state-department-adopts-chrome-as-certified-browser/#comments

State department workers frustrated with their dated web browsers will get some relief very soon. At the latest town hall meeting, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was questioned on the update roll-out of secure, state-certified browsers and -- prefacing with a chuckle -- she announced that Google's Chrome had started already begun its roll-out last month. For now, it's an optional web browser for those not enamored with Internet Explorer -- the only browser compatible with the full breadth of the Department of State's IT system. Governmental workers that are fans of that big blue 'e' also got some good news -- they'll be seeing the roll out of Internet Explorer 8 from March 20th, with the department planning to leap over version 9 and straight into the loving embrace of Internet Explorer 10. Judging by the whoops and applause during the announcement (included after the break), we wouldn't be shocked if those public servants hugged their updated PCs outright.

Continue reading Chrome adopted by US State Department as optional browser, IE8 prepped for mid-March release (video)

Chrome adopted by US State Department as optional browser, IE8 prepped for mid-March release (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserchromechrome browserChromeBrowsergooglegovernmentHillary ClintonHillaryClintoninternet browserinternet explorer 10internet explorer 8InternetBrowserInternetExplorer10InternetExplorer8stateState DepartmentStateDepartmentvideoMon, 05 Mar 2012 14:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumia 900 gets splayed into itty-bitty Finnish pieces by the FCC (update: photos)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/lumia-900-gets-splayed-into-itty-bitty-finnish-pieces-by-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/lumia-900-gets-splayed-into-itty-bitty-finnish-pieces-by-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/lumia-900-gets-splayed-into-itty-bitty-finnish-pieces-by-the-fcc/#comments Sure, the FCC didn't get to tear apart the delectable white Lumia 900 we're oh-so-smitten with, but given the cadaver activities undertaken upon a smartphone that hasn't yet gone on sale, beggars can't be choosers. Inside the filing you'll find a full manual and a bevy of internal shots revealing what makes Nokia's flagship Windows Phone tick. Also of note, is a snap revealing the exact locations of its various antennae, which we've conveniently culled for you after the break. Honestly, there isn't much else to it, so have a peep at our gallery or hop on over to the source link to get all personal with Espoo's baby.

Gallery: Lumia 900 FCC teardown

Continue reading Lumia 900 gets splayed into itty-bitty Finnish pieces by the FCC (update: photos)

Lumia 900 gets splayed into itty-bitty Finnish pieces by the FCC (update: photos) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attcell phoneCellPhonefccfcc teardownFccTeardowngovernmentlumia 900Lumia900mobilepostcrossnokianokia lumia 900NokiaLumia900teardowntestingwindows phonewindows phone 7.5WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7.5Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Court upholds Fifth Amendment, prevents forced decryption of data]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/court-upholds-fifth-amendment-prevents-forced-decryption-of-dat/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/court-upholds-fifth-amendment-prevents-forced-decryption-of-dat/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/court-upholds-fifth-amendment-prevents-forced-decryption-of-dat/#comments When our forefathers were amending the constitution for the fifth time, they probably didn't have TrueCrypt-locked hard drives in mind. However, a ruling from the 11th Circuit Appeals Court has upheld the right of an anonymous testifier to not forcibly decrypt their data. The case relates to a Jon Doe giving evidence in exchange for immunity. The protection afforded to them under this case wouldn't extend to any other incriminating data that might be found, and as such Doe felt this could lead to violation of the fifth amendment. The validity of the prosecution's demands for the data decryption lies in what they already know, and how they knew it -- to prevent acting on hopeful hunches. The prosecutors were unable to demonstrate any knowledge of the data in question, leading the 11th Circuit to deem the request unlawful, adding that the immunity should have extended beyond just the current case. This isn't the first time we've seen this part of the constitution under the digital spotlight, and we're betting it won't be the last, either.

Court upholds Fifth Amendment, prevents forced decryption of data originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th amendment5thAmendmentcourtcourt caseCourtCasedecryptiondefensefifth amendmentFifthAmendmentgovernmentjudgelawlaw enforcementLawEnforcementlegalrulingself incriminationSelfIncriminationTrueCryptus lawUsLawSun, 26 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[White House gets behind online 'bill of rights,' companies to adopt 'do not track']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/white-house-gets-behind-online-bill-of-rights/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/white-house-gets-behind-online-bill-of-rights/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/white-house-gets-behind-online-bill-of-rights/#comments White HousePresident Obama is throwing his weight behind a consumer bill of rights that includes protections against online companies in particular, and aims to safeguard customer privacy. While the plan doesn't come prepackaged with a new set of laws for companies to abide by, the Commerce Department is working to develop enforceable policies with help from the concerned parties. The bedrock of the new bill of rights is that consumers should have control over the kind of data companies collect and what they do with it. Internet firms would have to be transparent about what information is gathered and how it's used. There is also a call for limitations on the use of certain personal data. As part of the push a number of major players in the field, including Google, have agreed to include a "Do Not Track" button in their browsers and to honor the system -- the latter being a tiny detail that has made implementations of the feature ineffective until now. Hit up the source links for a few more details.

White House gets behind online 'bill of rights,' companies to adopt 'do not track' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barack ObamaBarackObamacommerce departmentCommerceDepartmentconsumer bill of rightsConsumerBillOfRightsdo not trackdo not track buttonDoNotTrackDoNotTrackButtongovernmentonline bill of rightsOnlineBillOfRightspoliticsprivacyPrivacy PolicyPrivacyPolicywhite houseWhiteHouseThu, 23 Feb 2012 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM builds BlackBerry server center in Mumbai, right where Indian government wants it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/rim-builds-blackberry-server-center-in-mumbai/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/rim-builds-blackberry-server-center-in-mumbai/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/rim-builds-blackberry-server-center-in-mumbai/#comments RIM puts BlackBerry servers in MumbaiThis is the epilogue to a story that started as far back as 2008, when the Indian government first demanded access to encrypted BBM traffic. In 2010, RIM made "certain proposals" that satisfied politicos and averted a ban, and now it's gone one step further -- placing 5,000 BES Enterprise servers directly beneath officials' noses in Mumbai. It's not yet clear if messages will be subject to any more scrutiny than they were before, but N4BB reports that a "team of officers" has already inspected the installation and that "permission for direct monitoring" is "expected to be issued." Looks like those snoops will soon be working double shifts.

RIM builds BlackBerry server center in Mumbai, right where Indian government wants it originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbmbesbes serverBesServerBlackBerryblackberry messengerBlackberryMessengerdirect monitoringDirectMonitoringencryptedgovernmentindiaindian governmentIndianGovernmentmobilepostcrossmonitoringMumbaiResearch in motionResearchInMotionRIMWed, 22 Feb 2012 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[NHTSA issues 'distraction guidelines' proposal for in-vehicle electronics, MyFord Touch frets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/nhtsa-issues-distraction-guidelines-proposal-for-in-vehicle-el/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/nhtsa-issues-distraction-guidelines-proposal-for-in-vehicle-el/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/nhtsa-issues-distraction-guidelines-proposal-for-in-vehicle-el/#comments
With companies like Tesla and Ford replacing tactile, in-dash systems with touchscreens and gizmos, the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration wants to set "distraction guidelines" for how automakers implement factory-installed in-car electronics. Nearly a year after discussing the possibility of bringing restrictions to in-car information, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood unveiled phase one of a (potential) three-part, "first-ever federal proposal" loaded with suggestions for keeping driver's eyes and attention on the road. Notably, these voluntary guidelines take aim at "communications, entertainment, information gathering and navigation devices or functions that are not required to safely operate the vehicle." According to Reuters, though, the Alliance of Auto Manufacturers claims that "elements" of the guidelines have been in practice for nearly ten years.

The ideas range from ensuring that one hand is always left free for steering and restricting the entry of text, such as an address, unless the your car is in park, to limiting in-dash text prompts to "no more than 30 characters of text unrelated to the driving task" so that your eyes can't wander off of the road for too long. Passengers, of course, would be free to do whatever they wish. Vehicles under 10,000 pounds are said to be the primary focus, with the NHTSA noting that electronic warning systems will not be on the radar as they intend to help drivers, well, drive. Before the proposal spins into action, beginning in March it will be up for public comment for 60 days L.A., Washington D.C. and Chicago. Depending on how the phase one guidelines pan out, phase two will focus on devices brought into vehicles, like cellphones, while phase three would set its sights on voice controls. If you're curious about all of the specifics, you'll find more info in the press release after the break and the full proposal draft at the source link below.

Continue reading NHTSA issues 'distraction guidelines' proposal for in-vehicle electronics, MyFord Touch frets

NHTSA issues 'distraction guidelines' proposal for in-vehicle electronics, MyFord Touch frets originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 06:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationDepartmentOfTransportationdotelectronicsgovernmentNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationnhtsaobamaproposalray lahoodRayLahoodtransportationTransportation SecretaryTransportationSecretaryunited statesUnitedStatesusus dotusaUsDotFri, 17 Feb 2012 06:20:00 EST<![CDATA[European Parliament approves January 2013 deadline for 4G spectrum free up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/european-parliament-approves-january-2013-deadline-for-4g-spectr/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/european-parliament-approves-january-2013-deadline-for-4g-spectr/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/european-parliament-approves-january-2013-deadline-for-4g-spectr/#comments Back in November, the European Commission, European Parliament and its member states agreed on plans to repurpose their 800MHz frequency bands for 4G mobile networks. Today, that decision has been officially approved. The Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP) has been set up to coordinate the use of this spectrum for fourth-generation services across the continent. Currently, 800MHz is used for analog television, but the new ruling gives member nations until the 1st of January 2013 to switch over to digital and authorize the band for its new role. Those nations dragging their heels can obtain an exemption, but mobile operators will be eager to see the spectrum freed up before then if possible. Swedish politician Gunnar Hökmark, who pushed for the legislation, hopes that it could lead to the EU having the fastest mobile broadband worldwide. Just don't tell AT&T.

European Parliament approves January 2013 deadline for 4G spectrum free up originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g800mhzanalogbroadbanddigitaldigital switchoverDigitalSwitchoverEUeuropeeuropean commissionEuropean Councileuropean parliamenteuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanCouncilEuropeanParliamentEuropeanUnionfrequencygovernmentlawlteradio spectrum policy programmeRadioSpectrumPolicyProgrammeRSSPwireless broadbandWirelessBroadbandWed, 15 Feb 2012 23:29:00 EST<![CDATA[With federal loans blocked, Fisker halts work on Project Nina, lays off 66 workers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/with-federal-loans-blocked-fisker-halts-work-on-project-nina-l/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/with-federal-loans-blocked-fisker-halts-work-on-project-nina-l/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/with-federal-loans-blocked-fisker-halts-work-on-project-nina-l/#comments Fisker Automotive's bumpy 2011 appears to have given way to an even rockier 2012. A little more than a month after recalling 239 of its Karma plug-ins, Fisker has now stopped working on its second electric vehicle, following the US government's decision to suspend its federal loans. The manufacturer confirmed the news in an email yesterday, adding that a total of 66 workers in Delaware and California have been laid off, as a result. In 2009, the Department of Energy provided Fisker with $528.7 million in federal loans, but according to spokesman Roger Ormisher, access to those funds have been blocked since May. The money was supposed to be used to launch the Karma and Fisker's second, US-manufactured EV, known as the Nina. The Karma began rolling out to market in July, but did so well behind schedule, spurring the DOE to suspend its loan.

"Our loan guarantees have strict conditions in place to protect taxpayers," Department spokesman Damien LaVera explained in an email to Bloomberg. "The department only allows the loan to be disbursed as the company meets certain milestones and demonstrates results." Thus far, Fisker has drawn on only $193 million of federal funds and is looking to renegotiate the terms of the loan, in the hopes of accessing the remaining $336 million. The DOE, however, is still under intense scrutiny because of September's Solyndra debacle, so it's difficult to say what a renegotiated deal would look like. The manufacturer, for its part, says it's taking no risks, telling GigaOM that it "continues to pursue alternative funding sources." In the meantime, it'll continue to focus on the Karma for 2012, and hopes to revive Project Nina at a later date.

With federal loans blocked, Fisker halts work on Project Nina, lays off 66 workers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobusinesscaliforniacarcarsdealdelawaredelaydepartment of energyDepartmentOfEnergyDOEelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVfiskerfisker automotivefisker karmafisker ninaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerKarmaFiskerNinagovernmenthybridindustrykarmalayoffloanmoneyplug inPlugInproductionproject ninaProjectNinatransportTue, 07 Feb 2012 07:26:00 EST<![CDATA[EU regulators ask Google to 'pause' its privacy changes, need more time to investigate]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/google-eu-privacy-pause/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/google-eu-privacy-pause/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/google-eu-privacy-pause/#comments
Google has gone to great lengths to clarify its revamped privacy policy, but a regulatory body in the European Union thinks the company is moving a little too fast. Today, European regulators formally requested that Google "pause" its rollout, in order to give the EU more time to investigate its forthcoming changes. "Given the wide range of services you offer, and the popularity of these services, changes in your privacy policy may affect many citizens in most or all of the EU member states," the EU's Data Protection Working Party wrote in a letter to Google CEO Larry Page yesterday. "We wish to check the possible consequences for the protection of the personal data of these citizens in a coordinated way." The body didn't specify how much time it would need to investigate, but it stressed that doing so would help to ensure absolute transparency among European users. "[W]e call for a pause in the interests of ensuring that there can be no misunderstanding about Google's commitments to information rights of their users and EU citizens, until we have completed our analysis," the letter reads.

Viviane Reding, Europe's commissioner on data protection, heralded the move as an important step in asserting EU authority over online privacy and regulations, but Google was somewhat taken aback by the request. "We briefed most of the members of the working party in the weeks leading up to our announcement," said company spokesman Al Verney. "None of them expressed substantial concerns at the time, but of course we're happy to speak with any data protection authority that has questions." It's worth noting that Google isn't legally bound to heed the Working Party's request, though we'd expect the company to seek some sort of compromise with Europe's regulators, as it has in the past.

EU regulators ask Google to 'pause' its privacy changes, need more time to investigate originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datadata protectionDataProtectioneueuropeeuropean unionEuropeanUniongooglegovernmentpersonal datapersonal informationPersonalDataPersonalInformationpolicypoliticsprivacyprivacy policyPrivacyPolicyregulatorFri, 03 Feb 2012 07:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawaii's online tracking law is all but dead, lead sponsor confirms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/hawaiis-online-tracking-law-is-all-but-dead-lead-sponsor-confi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/hawaiis-online-tracking-law-is-all-but-dead-lead-sponsor-confi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/hawaiis-online-tracking-law-is-all-but-dead-lead-sponsor-confi/#commentsThe Hawaii state legislature has apparently pulled an about face on a proposed internet tracking bill, amid swelling concerns from civil libertarians and internet service providers alike. First introduced last week, the controversial measure calls for all ISPs to track and record a user's online activity and identity within individual digital dossiers. The law's supporters trumpeted it as a vital step in protecting "victims of crime," but its momentum has all but come to a halt, now that its lead champion has proclaimed its death. In a recent interview with CNET, Democratic Representative John Mizuno (pictured left) confirmed that his bill has been shelved, attributing the decision to the avalanche of critical feedback he's received (see the coverage links, below). "It's generated a lot of national attention," Mizuno explained. "I've taken into consideration the thousands of e-mails (which were often) colorful and passionate, which is absolutely fine... This bill just isn't ready. It needs a lot of work." Unfortunately, this doesn't mean spell an outright death for the law, as Mizuno still believes that keeping a record of browsing history could help authorities hunt down pedophiles and other evil doers. "I think both would be very strong pieces of evidence if there's going to be a criminal proceeding," he argued. Despite our own fundamental misgivings with Mizuno's approach, it's still encouraging to see politicians respond to public outcry so swiftly and, as with the SOPA debacle, appropriately.

Hawaii's online tracking law is all but dead, lead sponsor confirms originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACLUbillcivil libertiesCivilLibertiescrimegovernmenthawaiihb 2288Hb2288john mizunoJohnMizunolawlaw enforcementLawEnforcementlegallegislationlegislaturemeasureoahuonline trackingOnlineTrackingpedophilepoliticsprivacywebWed, 01 Feb 2012 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[US government rules three Barth patents invalid, sends Rambus scrambling]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-government-rambus-barth-patents-invalid-ruling/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-government-rambus-barth-patents-invalid-ruling/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-government-rambus-barth-patents-invalid-ruling/#comments Suing's easy. It's the "winning" that trips folks up. Such is the case with Rambus, who has been relying oh-so-heavily on the so-called trio of Barth patents to actively pursue just about every technology company on the planet. For those unaware, Rambus has christened itself as a "technology licensing company," but with the last of three patents used to win infringement suits against NVIDIA and HP being declared invalid, it's probably scrambling for new tactics. According to a Reuters report, an appeals board at the US Patent and Trademark Office declared the patent invalid a few days back, with the previous two being knocked back in September. A couple of months back, Rambus' stock lost 60 percent of its value after a court decision led to the loss of a $4 billion antitrust lawsuit against Micron and Hynix, and we're guessing things won't be any happier when the markets open back up on Monday. The company's next move? "We're evaluating our options," said spokeswoman Linda Ashmore.

US government rules three Barth patents invalid, sends Rambus scrambling originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barth patentsBarthPatentsdramgovernmenthpinfringementinvalidmemorynandnvidiapatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpatentsramrambusstorageususaMon, 30 Jan 2012 07:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawaii's proposed online tracking law comes under fire from ISPs, civil libertarians]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/hawaiis-proposed-online-tracking-law-comes-under-fire-from-isps/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/hawaiis-proposed-online-tracking-law-comes-under-fire-from-isps/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/hawaiis-proposed-online-tracking-law-comes-under-fire-from-isps/#comments
There may be some trouble brewing in paradise, thanks to a seemingly draconian law currently under consideration in Hawaii's state legislature. If passed, H.B. 2288 would require all ISPs within the state to track and store information on their customers, including details on every website they visit, as well as their own names and addresses. The measure, introduced on Friday, also calls for this information to be recorded on each customer's digital file and stored for a full two years. Perhaps most troubling is the fact that the bill includes virtually no restrictions on how ISPs can use (read: "sell") this information, nor does it specify whether law enforcement authorities would need a court order to obtain a user's dossier from an ISP. And, because it applies to any firm that "provides access to the Internet," the law could conceivably be expanded to include not just service providers, but internet cafes, hotels or other businesses.

Democratic Representative John Mizuno is the lead sponsor of the bill, though his support already seems to be waning. Not long after H.B. 2288 was introduced, Republican Representative Kymberly Pine told CNET that she would be withdrawing her support for it, adding that her intent was not to track Hawaiian web surfing, but to simply protect "victims of crime." "We do not want to know where everyone goes on the Internet," Pine explained. "That's not our interest. We just want the ability for law enforcement to be able to capture the activities of crime." Pine went on to acknowledge that the proposal has come under fire from many civil libertarians and internet companies within the state, and that the measure will likely be revised. In retrospect, she said, the concept of storing personal information "was a little broad," and Hawaii's lawmakers "deserved" the criticism they received during today's hearing.

Hawaii's proposed online tracking law comes under fire from ISPs, civil libertarians originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessconstitutiondemocratfourth amendmentFourthAmendmentgovernmenthawaiiinternet service providerInternetServiceProviderISPlawlegislationpoliticsprivacyrepublicantrackingUSwebFri, 27 Jan 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge forces defendant to decrypt laptop, fuels debate over Fifth Amendment rights]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/judge-laptop-decryption-colorado-fifth-amendment/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/judge-laptop-decryption-colorado-fifth-amendment/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/judge-laptop-decryption-colorado-fifth-amendment/#comments A judge in Colorado yesterday ordered a defendant to decrypt her laptop's hard drive at the prosecution's request, adding new fire to the ongoing debate surrounding consumer technology and the Fifth Amendment. The defendant, Ramona Fricosu, is facing charges of bank fraud, stemming from a federal investigation launched in 2010. As part of this investigation, federal authorities used a search warrant to seize her Toshiba Satellite M305 laptop. Fricosu's legal team had previously refused to decrypt the computer, on the grounds that doing so would violate her Fifth Amendment rights to avoid self-incrimination. On Monday, though, US District Judge Robert Blackburn ruled against the defendant, arguing that the prosecution retained the right to access her device, as stipulated under the All Writs Act -- a law that requires mobile operators to comply with federal surveillance.

"I conclude that the Fifth Amendment is not implicated by requiring production of the unencrypted contents of the Toshiba Satellite M305 laptop computer," Blackburn wrote, adding that there was strong evidence to suggest that Fricosu's computer contained information pertinent to the case. Fricosu's lawyer, Phil Dubois, is hoping to obtain a stay on the ruling, in the hopes of taking the case to an appeals court. "I think it's a matter of national importance," Dubois explained. "It should not be treated as though it's just another day in Fourth Amendment litigation." It remains to be seen whether Dubois succeeds in his appeal, though civil libertarians are already paying close attention to the case, since the US Supreme Court has yet to weigh in on the matter.

Judge forces defendant to decrypt laptop, fuels debate over Fifth Amendment rights originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coloradoconstitutioncourtdecryptionfifth amendmentFifthAmendmentgovernmentjudgelawlaw enforcementLawEnforcementlegalrobert blackburnRobertBlackburnsatelliteself incriminationSelfIncriminationtoshibatoshiba satellitetoshiba satellite m305ToshibaSatelliteToshibaSatelliteM305us lawUsLawTue, 24 Jan 2012 06:13:00 EST<![CDATA[PIPA and SOPA votes pushed back in the face of overwhelming opposition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/pipa-and-sopa-votes-pushed-back/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/pipa-and-sopa-votes-pushed-back/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/pipa-and-sopa-votes-pushed-back/#comments SOPAIn the face of overwhelming opposition from just about every major technology company and the general public, the US Senate and House have decided to delay votes on the anti-piracy bills known as PIPA (Senate) and SOPA (House). Majority leader Harry Reid and Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith both announced that upcoming work on the acts would be delayed, "until there is wider agreement on a solution." While both have said that concerns over piracy must be addressed, it seems unlikely that they or any other politician will be rushing to revive the would-be laws after very public protests from Google and Wikipedia and the reported deluge of phone calls and emails that hammered offices at the capital Wednesday. The fight over intellectual property rights and fair use is far from over but, as the sibling bills face yet another delay, it's beginning to appear as if SOPA and PIPA's days are numbered

PIPA and SOPA votes pushed back in the face of overwhelming opposition originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fair useFairUsegovernmentharry reidHarryReidintellectual propertyintellectual property lawIntellectualPropertyIntellectualPropertyLawlamar smithLamarSmithpipapoliticsprotect intellectual property actprotect ip actProtectIntellectualPropertyActProtectIpActsopastop online piracy actStopOnlinePiracyActFri, 20 Jan 2012 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Supreme Court rules public domain isn't permanent, says Congress can re-copyright some international works (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/supreme-court-rules-public-domain-isnt-permanent-says-congress/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/supreme-court-rules-public-domain-isnt-permanent-says-congress/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/supreme-court-rules-public-domain-isnt-permanent-says-congress/#commentsIntellectual PropertyIf you've been enjoying the fireworks over PIPA and SOPA these past weeks, get ready for more intellectual property ugliness. The US Supreme Court handed down a decision in Golan v. Holder Wednesday granting Congress the power to restore copyright claims on works that had entered the public domain. The six to two decision (with only the conservative Samuel Alito and liberal Stephen Breyer dissenting) was issued primarily with an eye towards bringing the country in line with an international treaty known as the Berne Convention. The plaintiffs in the case included orchestra conductors, educators, performers and archivists who rely on public domain works such as Fritz Lang's Metropolis and compositions from Igor Stravinsky. Many orchestras, including that of lead plaintiff Lawrence Golan, will now be forced to stop performing works that are a regular part of their repertoire due to licensing fees. Hit up the more coverage link for the complete (PDF) decision.

Update: To be clear, this decision upheld a statute granting copyright protection to a bundle of international works that were placed in the public domain (and therefore denied copyright protection) under previous US laws.

Supreme Court rules public domain isn't permanent, says Congress can re-copyright some international works (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copyrightcopyright lawCopyrightLawgovernmentintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyIP lawIpLawlawpoliticspublic domainPublicDomainsupreme courtSupremeCourtFri, 20 Jan 2012 07:50:00 EST<![CDATA[China wants microbloggers to register with the government, hand over real identity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/china-wants-microbloggers-to-register-with-the-government/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/china-wants-microbloggers-to-register-with-the-government/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/china-wants-microbloggers-to-register-with-the-government/#comments WeiboThought that Facebook's and Google+'s requirements that you use your real name were draconian? Just be thankful you're not a weibo addict in China. The government is planning to expand a program that demands users register their real names and disclose their identity. Wang Chen, China's top internet regulation official, said the eventual goal would be to get all 250 million microbloggers registered, starting first with any new users signing up. The obvious privacy and free speech issues that could arise from such a move shouldn't need to be explained -- especially considering the country's track record of censorship and politically motivated arrests. Sadly, unlike SOPA, putting an end to this troubling law isn't as simple as putting up a black banner or emailing your congressman.

China wants microbloggers to register with the government, hand over real identity originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>censorshipchinafree speechFreeSpeechgovernmentmicrobloggingpoliticsprivacyprivacy issuesPrivacyIssuesreal namesRealNamesregistrationrightsweiboWed, 18 Jan 2012 22:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Google, Wikipedia and others protest SOPA / PIPA]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/google-wikipedia-protest-sopa-pipa/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/google-wikipedia-protest-sopa-pipa/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/google-wikipedia-protest-sopa-pipa/#comments At this point, SOPA needs no introduction. But if you've been diligently ignoring it up until this point, good luck getting through January 18th as an uninformed citizen. Google, Wikipedia and a host of other websites are either going dark or making huge, unmistakable statements on their homepages in protest. Google's tagline? "End Piracy, Not Liberty." Pretty much says it all, really. If you've spotted another site rebelling today, shout it out in comments below -- and while you're in the shouting mood, give your local officials a holler and let 'em know just how much you disapprove.

P.S. - An amazing breakdown of this whole thing can be found here at reddit.

Google, Wikipedia and others protest SOPA / PIPA originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argumentcongressgooglegovernmentpipapiracyprotectprotestsopawikipediaWed, 18 Jan 2012 01:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Lamar Smith: SOPA markup to resume in February]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/sopa-markup-resume-february/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/sopa-markup-resume-february/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/sopa-markup-resume-february/#comments Thought the White House was able to put enough of smackdown on SOPA to kill the bill entirely? You thought wrong. We'd heard that the extremely controversial legislation would be delayed until a few concerns were ironed out, and according to House Judiciary Committee Chair Lamar Smith -- the author of the bill -- markup is expected to continue next month, as soon as both parties return from their retreats. Let's just hope that the "consensus" between Congress and the White House makes the bill look different than what we saw prior to the holiday break. Check out the full press release after the break.

[Thanks, Brianna]

Continue reading Lamar Smith: SOPA markup to resume in February

Lamar Smith: SOPA markup to resume in February originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billcongressgovernmentinternetlamar smithLamarSmithpipasopastop online piracy actStopOnlinePiracyActwhite houseWhiteHouseTue, 17 Jan 2012 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S II and Galaxy Tab get security nod, certified for government agencies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-and-galaxy-tab-get-security-nod-certified-f/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-and-galaxy-tab-get-security-nod-certified-f/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-and-galaxy-tab-get-security-nod-certified-f/#comments

We didn't have much to complain about when it came to Samsung's flagship phone and tablet, so we're glad to see that both the Galaxy S II and Tab 10.1 have managed to jump through the requisite hoops for FIPS certification. The business-centric feature means that both Samsung devices have been given the thumbs up for use in governmental agencies and other similarly stickler-for-the-rule industries. While the Tab 10.1 certainly isn't the first tablet to receive the certification, it's perhaps the most pervasive. Does this lay the ghost of underwhelming business phones to rest? We hope so.

Samsung Galaxy S II and Galaxy Tab get security nod, certified for government agencies originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FIPSFIPS 140-2FIPS certificationFips140-2FipsCertificationGalaxy S IIGalaxy Tab 10.1GalaxySIiGalaxyTab10.1governmentmobilepostcrossSamsungSecurityMon, 16 Jan 2012 14:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan working on powerful cyber weapon, knows best defense is a good offense]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/japan-working-on-powerful-cyber-weapon-knows-best-defense-is-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/japan-working-on-powerful-cyber-weapon-knows-best-defense-is-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/japan-working-on-powerful-cyber-weapon-knows-best-defense-is-a/#comments cyber war The Japanese government has been (relatively) quietly churning away on an advanced new cyber weapon. In the post Stuxnet age it's no surprise that a government would be working on powerful new tools to defend its digital borders, but this particular virus (developed with help from Fujitsu) is raising eyebrows with some over how it accomplishes its goals. Essentially, when it detects an intruding piece of malware, the program follows the virtual trail left behind back to the attack's source -- disabling every machine it encounters along the way. The goal, obviously, is to stop the spread of a malicious piece of code by finding and shutting down, not just the source, but all middleman PCs that are also now potential hosts. In some admittedly extreme scenarios this weapon could potentially spiral out of control, taking out far more computers than intended. Nightmarish hellscapes dominated by computers run amok aside, its definitely interesting and we understand how it might cause some concern. Check out the source for a few more details.

Japan working on powerful cyber weapon, knows best defense is a good offense originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyber defensecyber warfarecyber weaponCyberDefenseCyberWarfareCyberWeapongovernmentjapansecurityvirusFri, 06 Jan 2012 07:48:00 EST