Windows 8 is getting closer
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- Category: Industry News
- Published on Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:40
- Written by Christian Dunn
Word on the grapevine is that we are likely to see a new preview release of Windows 8 from Microsoft in the first week of June.
Given an October launch date, this is highly likely and may even be the release candidate.
Watch this space.
Samsung Galaxy SIII Released (Android)
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- Category: Industry News
- Published on Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:20
- Written by Christian Dunn
The day has come! Samsung has launched the Galaxy SIII in London with great fanfare.
With a massive 4.8" gorilla glass AMOLED screen (bigger even than my SII) an 8MP camera and still at only 133grams, is this the new iPhone killer?
Available in marble white or pebble blue brushed cases the Samsung is light to hold and stunning to use.
The Galaxy SIII also includes a range of intelligent features including
- Smart Stay recognises when you are looking at the phone.
- Direct Call knows when you want to talk.
- Smart Alert reminds you if you missed something.
- S Voice (it's not Siri) means you can talk to your phone.
- S Beam let's you transfer data between two SIII devices in close proximity.
- and more....
Check it out here - Samsung Galaxy SIII
Apple gives security another miss
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- Category: Industry News
- Published on Thursday, 24 May 2012 18:24
- Written by Christian Dunn
I know I sound like a broken record, and don't take me as a strong opponent to Apple (I do have an iPhone and iPad and an OS X virtual machine), but they need to improve their Enterprise credentials.
Latest news is that Apple has now turned down Kaspersky's offer to create Antivirus for the iphone. At this stage they have not allowed any major vendors to bring antivirus to iOS that is approved by apple.
So what is Apple's logic? Well, in theory you should not be able to get a virus on a properly secured device, and if your device is jailbroken, then you are not using it how Apple recommend so you are operating outside their standard design, so it is your problem, not theirs. It does kind of make sense, in a semi deluded way, but the underlying premise is that iOS does not get viruses. While this is a great concept in this day and age all devices are a potential concern. The rate of malware/virus/spyware development always exceeds that of software and the bigger you are the bigger target you are. This means that as the popularity and volume of Apple devices increases, they become a more popular target, which means more people are trying to find ways to break it, which means you are more likely to get infected.
Popularity always kills and in this case, it's true. Microsoft may seem to release a lot of updates to their software but that's because they have listened to the Enterprise and developed and adopted a measured strategy to mitigate risk by developing regular cyclical updates and supportive applications to ensure that their OS is up to date.
Now, it is nice to say that if you jailbreak your device you are not covered, I get that, but if Microsoft said that any user who didn't install every update, who modified their registry, or who installed a program they didn't approve of was not their responsibility then we would have millions of viruses/malware running around infecting computers because Microsoft didn't see it a concern, as the user was using it incorrectly.
In the end who loses? Apple and consumers. It is their reputation at stake and ultimately if a major virus or malware outbreak occurred that found a way to infect iOS today, they would be in very very big trouble. Why? because they are in denial there is a problem, which means no one is looking for a solution.
It's not a matter of if but when, I just wish Apple would consider the risk and potential impact on their customers before they make decisions such as refusing Antivirus for iOS. Their customers will thank them later.
Why Apple is bad for business
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- Category: Industry News
- Published on Friday, 11 May 2012 19:21
- Written by Christian Dunn
Don't get me wrong, I don't have an Apple aversion, I have an iPhone and I use OS X as a play toy, but there is something that has always bothered me.
Steve Jobs said it many years ago, "Apple make great consumer devices". And he was right.
In this rapidly changing world and in Australia, one of the countries with the fastest technology adoption rates, Apple has seen a massive rise in popularity on the back of the iPhone and iPad.
This has led to many users wanting to bring what they use at home into work, leading Apple into the enterprise market, like it or not.
Enterprise companies however have a different focus to consumers, where consumers like features and function, the enterprise likes security, stability and control.
Apple does the former and unfortunately fails at the latter.
The best example came to light recently in their handling of some major virus/malware situations.
The following article indicates how an enterprise company, Microsoft, should handle security, and how a consumer company, Apple, doesn't.
Read it and make your own judgement, but I think it is clear, Apple is not yet ready for the enterprise..
http://m.zdnet.com/blog/bott/what-microsoft-can-teach-apple-about-security-response/4987?tag=nl.e539
Wolfenstein 3D is back
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- Category: Industry News
- Published on Friday, 11 May 2012 19:18
- Written by Christian Dunn
Wolfenstein 3D, the game that is widely regarded as the first to define the first-person shooter genre is back, long after it's original 1992 launch.
To celebrate it's 20th birthday this year, Bethesda Softworks, whose parent company bought ID Software (the original Wolfenstein 3D creator) in 2009 has now released a browser based version.
AWESOME!!!!
Check it out here... just as I remember it...
Samsung Galaxy SIII Announced (Android)
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- Category: Industry News
- Published on Saturday, 05 May 2012 23:32
- Written by Christian Dunn
It's coming... Samsung is now announcing details of the new Galaxy SIII. The next generation of their Android powerhouse. 
As an owner of the Galaxy SII, which I must say is the best phone I have ever had (yes I also use an iPhone 4S). Personally I find my SII faster, more flexible and featured than my iPhone. Why? better apps. Yep, Polaris office means I can actually create and edit office documents, Social hub keeps my up to date with my friends, Google Currents means I get beautiful magazines to read, my photos and messages are automatically synched to Google and of course I have Google+ and my Google Drive. I can access everything on my phone from my laptop using Kies Air, Remote Web Workplace or AirDroid. I have flash. The built in navigation app alone makes the Samsung more desirable. Include Google Tracks and you have a complete GPS solution. Did I mention that they were all free? Yep, I haven't paid for an app yet.
And I have a dual core processor with a massive screen that is super bright and clear and now with IceCream Sandwich an amazing feature set including a built in data use monitor.
And now someone tells me they are making a new one....
Check out the specs here at Android authority.
Specifications
- 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6mm
- 133 grams
- Display: 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED (1280×720) Pentile (no Plus)
- Processor: Exynos 4 Quad @ 1.4Ghz for HSPA version
- 1GB of RAM
- Rear Camera: 8MP Autofocus, Flash, Zero Lag Shutter BSI Image sensor
- Front Camera: 1.9 MP HD, Flash, Zero Lag Shutter
- Video: Full HD 1080p Recording and Playback
- Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GB
- 2,100mAh battery
- GPS with GLONASS
- 802.11n Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth 4
- microSD expansion
- 21Mbps HSPA, LTE supported
- Micro SIM
So, what do I think...
Well it's bigger, yes this could be a problem in those tight jeans, but that screen is awesome. If I had a $1 for every time I switched from my iPhone to my Android to take advantage of the largest screen I would be a rich man. Just like my SII it is actually lighter than my iPhone and while bigger the new one is the same weight.
Quad core processor gives me double the grunt, maybe if they combine in with the Motorola Xoom style laptop dock, I could use this as a netbook instead of my laptop.
Some other great features include Near Field Communications (NFC) so you can make payments by tapping your phone and while currently HSPA compatible, rumours indicate there will be LTE support for 4G which may make this an actual 4G phone for Australia. Add a barometer and improved proximity sensor and clever features and this phone is tough to beat.
I have to agree with most early reports that I am not a massive fan of the rounded look or shape in the same way I found the iPhone 3 didn't feel as good to use as the 4, but let's wait and see what hits the market. I am sure I will cope as long as I can get it in any color EXCEPT white.
While these are all good, it is the final feature set that wows users and samsung has left no stone unturned. Simple features such as detecting whether you are looking at the phone, or not turning off the screen while you are reading may sound sensible, but why haven't we seen them before. Given the close relationship between Samsung and Google I bet many of these features will also appear on coming versions of the Nexus and One.
In summary, the SIII is really the next generation phone. Combining performance, features and functionality I can't see any reason not to upgrade as soon as I can.
Want to win one? Enter the Android Authority competition before the end of May to get your chance.
Science is Cool - Tesla does Sweet Home Alabama
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- Category: Industry News
- Published on Thursday, 22 March 2012 23:41
- Written by Christian Dunn
You just have to watch this.
This may have been done by a uni student but I think scientists everywhere should be proud.
Tell me if you can stop this before the end, it is very addictive to watch, like watching a lava lamp with music...
This would be really cool at a party, except you would hate to get close and the women would all complain about their hair.
Here it is... Tesla performs Sweet Home Alabama
Is this the end of PC Anywhere?
- Details
- Category: Industry News
- Published on Saturday, 28 January 2012 23:07
- Written by Christian Dunn
In 2006 the source code to a number of popular Symantec software titles was stolen. This included applications such as Norton Antivirus Corporate Edition, Norton Internet Security, Norton Utilities, Norton GoBack and PC Anywhere.
Symantec had previously advised the risk from this theft was low as long as customers were using the latest versions of their software as updates to most of these applications has now overcome any risk.
This week however Symantec released an announcement indicating the problem was more serious than they were first aware and advising customers. The announcement came after a hacker called YamaTough released the source code to Norton Utilities and threatened to publish its anti-virus programs.
The application of real concern to Symantec now is PC Anywhere. As this is a remote access tool for users computers, losing the source code puts the network at risk as an understanding of how the software works would allow a hacker to hijack users computers. Even though the threat is a few years old, the underlying platform of PC Anywhere still has some common features. As a result Symantec has now advised all users to temporarily stop using the product until it releases an update to resolve the issue. This is a major step for a company, as rarely do vendors recommend totally disabling their products.
With fewer than 50,000 users of PC Anywhere, Symantec is not worried but this indicates the amount of trust we put in vendors to supply secure software and the risks a minor mistake or incident can lead to. At least they told us.
Windows 8 + Kinect
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- Category: Industry News
- Published on Friday, 13 January 2012 23:43
- Written by Christian Dunn
Well the news from the CES Conference this week indicates that there will be a new development release of Windows 8 on February 1 and a potential public release in October.
Presenting at it's last CES Microsoft indicated that Kinect (that crazy control with your body feature on the XBOX that makes you look like you are performing sign language at your TV) will be a feature of Windows 8 ensuring that you will soon see people on the train making strange hand signals at their laptop as they run applications.
Apparently Microsoft have been wooing developers and at release time there will be wide range of Kinect available applications ready to go.
Add that to the new all-in-one version of Windows that is meant to run on everything from Atom Netbooks to Laptops, Desktops and mobile phones and Microsoft could be on to a winner here.
I can't wait!
who owns your iCloud?
- Details
- Category: Industry News
- Published on Wednesday, 21 December 2011 04:26
- Written by Christian Dunn
Do you user iCloud on your iPhone ?
Is that a work iPhone ?
Who owns your Apple ID ?
Services for mobile users has become a whole new area for businesses and IT to deal with. These days it is almost impossible to use an iPhone without an Apple ID, or an Android phone without a google account. But when that device is a work device, not a personal device, who owns that account, who pays for that account, who can backup that device to iCloud, what data is stored on it and do they lose that account when they leave? These questions need to be answered by every business using smartphones.
The reason? It took me 15 minutes to setup a new iPhone from my iCloud backup and bring across all applications, settings and data. What did I need? My Apple ID.
If you use a work phone do you have a personal or company Apple ID? Do you buy your own apps? Do you have any work related pictures or documents?
When you leave will the IT department disable your Apple ID? Do they know your Apple ID? If they don't what is there to stop you walking out the door with pictures, documents and contacts from your phone without needing your corporate accounts.
This is why in the age of the smartphone IT departments need to be quicker and more flexible than before. BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) is rapidly growing in popularity but there are important management strategies required to implement this in your business to ensure you are not compromising your security or user privacy.
When it comes to the introduction of these technologies in the workplace IT needs to be seen as a leader, not as a stumbling block. This means strategies need to be put in to place now to prepare your business for the complexity of smartphone and tablet devices from a variety of platforms to ensure you are prepared when the boss asks you to let Jimmy use his personal phone at work.