Came across an interesting on-line article on the 'Monsters and Critics' blog and wanted to share it with you. Article author Jay Dougherty presents some specific mobile phone apps that can save you money!
Jay starts the article with this "No one has to tell you that the smart-phone you're carrying doesn't come cheap. But what you might not know is that the little device can save you plenty of money, too. You just need to know which apps to use to make it start giving back"
I caught this short interview on the Big Think website just this week - even thought the interview was taped back in November of last year (2010). William Powers - Technology & Media Writer speaks about "The Disconnect of Being Perpetually Connected". There is some insightful thoughts about how connected we are to our technology, well some of us at least. And William shared how some are disconnecting from their technology addiction even for short times.
If you are using Facebook and other social media sites, or if you are using a mobile device, you are among the key targets of malware (short for malicious software,) according to the latest Internet Security Threat Report published by anti-virus company Symantec.
"The Symantec Internet Security Threat Report is one of the most comprehensive sources of Internet threat data in the world. Symantec’s analysts have access to unparalleled sources of data with which to identify, analyze, and provide informed commentary on emerging trends in attacks, malicious code activity, phishing, and spam."
Wall Street Journal on-line has a good summary of the new Symantec report - here are some excerpts of the article written by Ben Rooney: "The report draws attention to the increasing number of attacks against mobile devices, principally Android phones, although it notes that at the moment, the ability to cash in on attacks is more limited as consumers have yet to use their mobiles heavily for online banking and commerce."
"In another demonstration vulnerabilities in Facebook were highlighted. A simple Facebook app, easily built using Facebook's own APIs, allowed hackers to gain access to profile information even from accounts that were supposedly visible only to friends. The information would allow hackers to craft more targeted attacks against individuals, or just to sell on the information to others. The app also allowed hackers to post links on other's accounts, encouraging them to install the app so propagating itself.
Both the mobile attack and social media attacks relied on users not paying attention to the permissions they were granting. Both Android and Facebook apps explicitly state what permissions they are granted, but many users pay no regard and simply click on regardless."
Recently the online technology blog Gizmodo presented a guide to help folks realize when they are using their mobile phones inappropriatley in public situations. There are some good tips here... much of it may seem common sense but now as in the time of French Philosopher Voltaire "Common Sense is Not so Common".
Here are some of the 'offenses' covered in this good write-up: * A glowing cellphone in a dark theater steals attention from the show * Interrupting quality time by screwing around with your cellphone * The too-public work call that's really nobody else's business *Smartphoning and driving—illegal by order of the manners police
While there certainly is a dramatic and heart-wrenching human toll from the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, some have wondered how the natural disaster would affect technology and technology companies, with the significant contribution by Japanese technology companies.
"Constant interruptions to power supply and limited transport systems, is set to bring several consumer electronics and IT factories in Japan to a standstill following the magnitude 9.0 earthquake. Others, who generate their own power supply are set to be hit by component supply problems. Among the worst hit is Sony who has already closed down six of their manufacturing facilities – involved in Blu-ray components, lithium-ion batteries and disc production. Also hit are plants owned by Panasonic, Toshiba and Fujitsu.
Canon, Epson, Nikon and Sharp said that they are still assessing damage. Nokia and Sony Ericsson are also assessing the quake's impact on supplies and plants in Japan."
Although, as the US FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has stated, the "weight of scientific evidence has not linked cell phones with any health problems," some consumers continue to be concerned.
Low-level radiation from cell phones can affect brain function during short-term use, according to a report in the February 23. 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and the Brookhaven National Laboratory, provides some of the strongest evidence to date linking cell-phone radiation with biological effects. But it’s still unknown whether the radiation has any carcinogenic or other harmful effect.
They emphasize that their current study was not designed to determine whether cell-phone use posed health risks, only to see if the devices had a measurable effect on activity in the brain, and apparently they do/did.
In the meantime, if you’re concerned about cell phone radiation, you can minimize exposure by using a speakerphone or hands-free headset, holding the phone away from the head and body (especially when a call is connecting), and reducing use, especially by children.
You can read more details on this study and the issue of Cell Phone Impact on Health on the Consumer Reports Health Blog.
In an interesting case of age-old tradition & practice meeting contemporary technology, there is word this week of a new App(lication) for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad called 'Confession: A Roman Catholic App'.
In the word of the developers (Little i Apps, LLC) this new Application - which lists of $1.99 - is designed "to be used in the confessional, this app is the perfect aid for every penitent. With a personalized examination of conscience for each user, password protected profiles, and a step-by-step guide to the sacrament, this app invites Catholics to prayerfully prepare for and participate in the Rite of Penance. Individuals who have been away from the sacrament for some time will find Confession: A Roman Catholic App to be a useful and inviting tool."
It should be noted that the developers do not see this as a replacement for the traditional Sacrament of Confession with a Priest.
This App for mobile Apple devices provides:
- Custom examination of Conscience based upon age, sex, and vocation (single, married, priest, or religious) - Multiple user support with password protected accounts - Ability to add sins not listed in standard examination of conscience - Confession walk through including time of last confession in days, weeks, months, and years - Choose from 7 different acts of contrition
I reported back last year about Apps to honor and celebrate holidays for different faith communities (Christmas/Advent, Hannukah). It is intriguing to see what will continue to develop as people move to intertwine their traditions and practices with the capabilities and conveniences of modern technology tools.
Google today unveiled their new 'Android Market' web store that lets Android phone users download apps (applications) in their web browser. The Android app store is a sign of increasing competition with Apple Computers' App Store (both for Apple Computers and specifically for Apple mobile devices via iTunes).
Previously users of Android OS mobile phones could access & download more than 100,000 apps directly from their mobile device - this gives some significant attention to the increasingly popular mobile phone platform
The Android Market - front page pictured below - provides apps by categories (on the left side) as well as in three tabs: Featured, Top Paid Apps and Top Free Apps.
If you're an Android phone customer (or just want to see what's in the on-line store) click over to the Android Market
Tomorrow the Exhibit Floor of the CES 2011 opens here in Las Vegas, today it's Press Conference city from a number of manufacturers. I was able to experience products from Lenovo (and play with their new Hybrid Tablet PC/Laptop and All In One (Computer/HD TV system), Netgear (with 8 new products to enhance and enable the connected/wireless home), Pioneer Automotive (with wireless products for our vehicles), and more. Later today I am expecting other new product announcements and tonight it's a huge press event from Sony.
I would say the trend among many of the new technology tools making their premiere here at CES 2011 is 'Connected Lifestyle'.
CEA's (Consumer Electronics Association) Shawn DuBravac summarized this well: "Last year it was, 'This is a 3D TV, and it also has Internet connectivity.' This year things will be the reverse -- 'This is an Internet-enabled TV that also does 3D.'"
The following video from AT&T's Txtng & Drivng Campaign Urges Consumers That 'It Can Wait'.
This documentary features families affected by texting while behind the wheel is being distributed to educators, government officials, safety organizations and public as part of a educational awareness campaign.
It's not a pleasant subject, but I believe an important one. If you know someone who uses their phone to text while driving, do what you can to help them stop. We can each also work to make sure we are not sending messages to people who are driving.
This goes for those of us using Smart Phones as well, it can be so tempting to check your email while on longer drives - but as this video underscores, we all have to avoid that temptation.
