Tablet and smartphone operating systems and applications
Top Stories
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				Tip
					10 Dec 2019
					
									
										  How to install root CA certificates on iPhones and iPadsApple iPads and iPhones can connect securely to enterprise networks, but IT admins need to install root certificates or CA certificates to the devices first. Continue Reading By- Lisa Phifer, Core Competence
 
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				Answer
					24 Jun 2015
					
									
										  What are the best ways to use tablets for business?As more enterprises begin to support tablets, many users find that the screen size and portability provides the right balance for common work-related tasks such as note taking. Continue Reading By
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                Definition
                03 Sep 2024
                  What is Google Glass?Google Glass was a wearable, voice and motion-controlled Android device that resembled a pair of eyeglasses and displayed information directly in the user's field of vision. It was discontinued in March 2023. Continue Reading By
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                Definition
                14 Jun 2024
                  SiriSiri is Apple's virtual assistant for iOS, macOS, tvOS and watchOS devices that uses voice recognition and is powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Continue Reading By
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                Definition
                29 Feb 2024
                  mobile deviceA mobile device is essentially a portable, handheld computer that enables users to access information, perform tasks and connect with other people and devices. Continue Reading 
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                Definition
                25 Sep 2023
                  Android Open Source Project (AOSP)The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is the repository of source code and the foundation which maintains it that is responsible for the core of the Android operating system. Continue Reading 
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                Definition
                05 Jan 2023
                  Google Chrome browserGoogle Chrome browser is a free web browser used for accessing the internet and running web-based applications. Continue Reading By- Nick Barney, Technology Writer
 
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                Definition
                31 Oct 2022
                  predictive textPredictive text is an input technology that facilitates typing on a device by suggesting words the user may wish to insert in a text field. Continue Reading By- Ben Lutkevich, Site Editor
- Ivy Wigmore
 
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                Definition
                09 Jun 2022
                  micro USBA micro USB is a miniaturized version of the Universal Serial Bus interface developed for connecting compact and mobile devices, such as smartphones, MP3 players, Global Positioning System devices, printers and digital cameras. Continue Reading 
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                Definition
                31 Mar 2022
                  device-agnostic (device agnosticism)Device agnosticism, or device-agnostic, is the capacity of a computing component to work with various systems without requiring any particular adaptations. Continue Reading 
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                Definition
                22 Feb 2022
                  smartwatchA smartwatch is a wearable computing device that closely resembles a wristwatch or other time-keeping device. Continue Reading By- Ben Lutkevich, Site Editor
- Alyssa Provazza, Editorial Director
 
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                Definition
                01 Feb 2022
                  Microsoft StoreThe Microsoft Store -- formerly called the Windows Store -- is an online marketplace for consumers to buy and download a variety of items. Continue Reading By- Alexander S. Gillis, Technical Writer and Editor
 
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                Definition
                09 Mar 2020
                  bone conduction headphonesBone conduction headphones -- sometimes called 'bonephones'-- are headphones that transmit sound waves through the bones in a user's skull instead of their ear canal. Continue Reading By- Ben Lutkevich, Site Editor
 
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                Tip
                10 Dec 2019
                  How to install root CA certificates on iPhones and iPadsApple iPads and iPhones can connect securely to enterprise networks, but IT admins need to install root certificates or CA certificates to the devices first. Continue Reading By- Lisa Phifer, Core Competence
 
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                Answer
                24 Jun 2015
                  What are the best ways to use tablets for business?As more enterprises begin to support tablets, many users find that the screen size and portability provides the right balance for common work-related tasks such as note taking. Continue Reading By
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                Feature
                04 Jun 2015
                  The good, bad and ugly of Outlook apps for iOS and AndroidOutlook mobile applications for iOS and Android are here, but is that a good thing? Take a look at why users will love them and why IT might hesitate to endorse them. Continue Reading By- Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor
 
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                Guide
                08 May 2015
                  Android device management: Everything you need to know in one guideThe Google Android mobile operating system runs on a wide variety of devices. Learn how IT can manage and secure such a diverse OS in the enterprise. Continue Reading 
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                Tip
                11 Mar 2015
                  Get to know Android for Work profiles and productivity featuresNow that Android for Work is out, we dig into the features of the program’s work profiles and productivity apps. Continue Reading By
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                News
                21 Nov 2014
                  BlackBerry pins enterprise future on BES12, partnershipsBlackBerry's return to QWERTY keyboard devices and improvements to BES12 are steps in the right direction, but is it too little, too late for many IT shops that have already moved on? Continue Reading 
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                Tip
                25 Sep 2014
                  Rooted Android device risks include network access, data theftRooting an Android smartphone or tablet makes the device more vulnerable to malicious apps that could wreak havoc on a corporate network. MDM alone can't stop the threat. Continue Reading 
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                Tip
                12 Aug 2014
                  Google Glass at Work could make some jobs easierWith Glass for Work, Google aims to overcome the challenges the "smart glasses" have faced in the consumer marketplace. The new focus on enterprise could help field workers, manufacturers and engineers get more done hands-free. Continue Reading 
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                News
                17 Jul 2014
                  Microsoft to lay off 18,000, Nokia X moves to Windows PhoneMicrosoft will lay off 18,000 people over the next year while the Nokia X line of Android smartphones, which was unveiled earlier this year, will shift its focus to Windows Phone. Continue Reading - 
                Tip
                05 Feb 2014
                  How to manage and modify SE AndroidSE Android protects against malware, but it can also block regular functions. You can modify SE Android settings to re-enable those apps and features. Continue Reading 
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                News
                23 Jan 2014
                  New firmware update for Surface Pro 2 fixes power issuesA December firmware update for Microsoft's Surface Pro 2 tablet gave many users wake and battery drain issues. A new update for the device is available now and solves some of those power problems. Continue Reading - 
                News
                07 Jan 2014
                  Lenovo unveils ThinkPad 8The ThinkPad 8 is an 8.3-inch Windows 8.1 tablet. It will have one of the highest resolutions yet for a Windows tablet of its size, plus a quad-core 2.4GHz Intel Atom chip and up to 128GB of storage. Continue Reading - 
                News
                20 Dec 2013
                  Enterprise mobile device wars to heat up in 2014 with Apple, SamsungApple and Samsung will continue their battle for enterprise in 2014. Could Microsoft, or even BlackBerry, seize an opportunity amidst the fight? Continue Reading 
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                News
                05 Dec 2013
                  BlackBerry enterprise management in focus with CEO letter, BES 10.2On the heels of an impassioned letter from its new CEO, BlackBerry tells everyone who'll listen that it's still the go-to for EMM with a BES 10 update. Continue Reading 
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                Answer
                08 Nov 2013
                  Can I plug a USB drive into a phone with a micro-USB connector?This week, our expert answers a question on how to connect a phone or tablet to a USB drive with a micro-USB connector. Continue Reading 
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                News
                01 Nov 2013
                  Google launches Android 4.4 KitKatThe next version of Google's Android OS will be called KitKat. The slimmed-down OS will make improvements to Chrome and YouTube, and it will run fewer background services. Continue Reading - 
                Tip
                03 Oct 2013
                  Limiting mobile bandwidth consumption to improve network performanceWhen a lot of devices access your network, the network slows down. Adding WAPs and upgrading the LAN can help you limit bandwidth consumption. Continue Reading By- Carrie Goetz, StrategITcom LLC
 
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                News
                27 Sep 2013
                  Most iPhones, iPads run iOS 7Although iOS 7 only came out last week, it's already been installed on more than half of all Apple devices. Continue Reading - 
                News
                25 Sep 2013
                  Google's Android Device Manager now includes remote lockAndroid OS versions 2.2 and later now give users the ability to remotely lock their devices if they're lost or stolen. The feature is integrated with the Android Device Manager. Continue Reading - 
                News
                25 Sep 2013
                  BlackBerry postpones BBM for Android, iOSThe release of BlackBerry Messenger for Android and iOS is delayed indefinitely. BlackBerry blames an unauthorized version of BBM that leaked for Android. Continue Reading - 
                News
                19 Sep 2013
                  Apple iOS 7 now availableYesterday Apple released iOS 7 for users to download either over the air or by connecting an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to a computer running iTunes. Continue Reading - 
                News
                11 Sep 2013
                  Apple announces iPhone 5c and 5sThe iPhone 5s and its low-cost sibling, the 5c, will be available Sept. 20. They will come in new colors, and the 5s has a fingerprint scanner Continue Reading - 
                News
                11 Sep 2013
                  Apple devices to get iOS 7 on Sept. 18Apple iPads will get updates to iOS 7 at the same time as iPhones, on Sept. 18. Apple will also make its iWork suite and some other top paid apps free to customers who buy a new iPad or iPhone. Continue Reading - 
                News
                11 Sep 2013
                  New iOS devices will run on 64-bit A7 processorsThe next generation of Apple's devices will use a 64-bit chip, and iOS 7 will be a 64-bit operating system. The A7 processor will have twice the performance of Apple's previous chip. Continue Reading - 
                Feature
                09 Sep 2013
                  Where wearable devices could fit in the business worldWhether wearable devices will have a place in the enterprise remains to be seen, but the devices do have some interesting use cases for businesses. Continue Reading By- Margaret Jones, Executive Editor
 
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                News
                04 Sep 2013
                  Android 4.4 gets new nameThe next version of the Android operating system, previously referred to as Key Lime Pie, will be named after the KitKat candy bar as part of a marketing promotion. Continue Reading - 
                News
                12 Jul 2013
                  Low-cost tablets to blame for lagging PC salesAnalysts attribute the steady decline of laptop and desktop sales to increasing consumer interest in inexpensive tablets. PC shipments are in the fifth consecutive quarter of declining shipments. Continue Reading - 
                Feature
                10 Jul 2013
                  Apple iOS devices and VDI: Connecting the cult and the corporationIf your organization wants to access virtual desktops from Apple iOS devices, keep these tips in mind to make the transition smooth. Continue Reading 
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                News
                12 Jun 2013
                  Apple iPads won't get all iOS 7 featuresSome features of iOS 7 are just for iPhones and newer iPads, but they are functions that tablet owners rarely use, such as new camera capabilities. Only the iPad 4 and iPad mini will get AirDrop. Continue Reading - 
                News
                11 Jun 2013
                  iOS 7: Biggest overhaul for iOS yetApple's iOS 7 updates almost every part of the OS and includes a totally new design, plus new features for native apps. The update will be available this fall. Continue Reading - 
                News
                06 Jun 2013
                  New in Windows 8.1: 20 security, mobility and BYOD featuresWindows 8.1 will include better antivirus capabilities, built-in device encryption, native support for fingerprint authentication and more security, mobility and BYOD features. Continue Reading - 
                Feature
                15 May 2013
                  Ten consumerization of IT experts to follow on TwitterIf you want to get in on all the great consumerization discussions happening on Twitter, these 10 experts are good people to start with. Continue Reading - 
                News
                15 May 2013
                  BBM making its way to iOS, AndroidBlackBerry Messenger will be available for iOS and Android devices later this year. It will support chat, photo and voice note sharing and BBM groups of up to 30 people. Continue Reading - 
                News
                06 May 2013
                  Department of Defense will allow iPhone, iPad useThe Defense Information Systems Agency is expected to announce in coming weeks that devices running Apple's iOS 6 are approved for non-classified tasks such as email and Web access. Continue Reading - 
                News
                02 May 2013
                  BYOD programs change employers' expectationsA survey of CIOs revealed that 38% of companies believe they'll stop providing devices -- including laptops and PCs, in some cases -- to workers by 2016. Continue Reading - 
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                22 Apr 2013
                  The incredible shrinking desktopAs consumer smartphones and tablets infiltrate the enterprise, IT departments face the prospect of supporting organizations that are less Windows- and x86-centric than ever before. Continue Reading - 
                News
                22 Apr 2013
                  Telecommuting helps save the EarthWorking from home is good for the environment because people don't have to commute and are more likely to shut off lights and recycle at home, a new report says. Continue Reading - 
                News
                17 Apr 2013
                  Dell plans to build more Windows RT tabletsRather than giving up on Microsoft's Windows RT operating system, Dell will release even more tablets. Continue Reading - 
                News
                05 Apr 2013
                  Tablets becoming the main computing devices for manyMany consumers are switching from laptops and PCs to tablets as their main devices. Analysts predict steady growth in the tablet market over the next four years and a downturn in PC sales this year. Continue Reading - 
                News
                05 Apr 2013
                  Facebook unveils Home software for Android phonesFacebook Home is software with a set of custom homescreens and widgets for Android Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean devices. It will be available on April 12. Continue Reading - 
                News
                26 Mar 2013
                  Apple App Store adds two-factor authenticationUsers can enable two-factor authentication for iTunes and App Store purchases made from a new device. The first factor is the Apple ID and password, and the second is a four-digit passcode sent to another of that user's devices. Continue Reading - 
                News
                14 Mar 2013
                  Android gets a new head honchoAndy Rubin is no longer in charge of Android. He is replaced by Sundar Pichai, Google’s current head of Chrome. Continue Reading - 
                News
                14 Mar 2013
                  Could Google merge Android and Chrome OS?With one exec now overseeing Chrome and Android, analysts say Google might move to unify the OSes. Continue Reading - 
                News
                12 Mar 2013
                  First BlackBerry 10 device out March 22AT&T is taking pre-orders for the BlackBerry Z10, which will cost $200 with a two-year contract. The device will hit shelves on March 22. Verizon and T-Mobile will have the Z10 later this month. Continue Reading - 
                News
                11 Mar 2013
                  Don't expect cheap BB10 devicesBlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins told Bloomberg that there won't be low-cost versions of BB10 devices because "that is not BlackBerry." Continue Reading - 
                News
                25 Feb 2013
                  HP Slate 7 to run Android, cost $170Hewlett-Packard will release its first tablet running Android Jelly Bean in April. The Slate 7 will have a lower screen resolution than competing devices, but it undercuts the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD by $30. Continue Reading - 
                News
                20 Feb 2013
                  Apple fixes Exchange bug with iOS 6.1.2Apple released an iOS 6.1 update to fix the Exchange bug that drained batteries and locked users out of accounts. The update doesn't fix the other iOS 6.1 flaw: A hacker can bypass the security lock. Continue Reading - 
                News
                18 Feb 2013
                  New version of iOS 6.1 to fix significant bugsAn update to Apple's iOS 6.1 expected this week will address two bugs. One affects devices linked to Exchange and the other makes it possible for hackers to bypass security locks on iOS devices. Continue Reading - 
                News
                14 Feb 2013
                  BES security flaw foundThere is a vulnerability in the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) components that process images. To patch the vulnerability, install the new BES version 5.0.4 MR2. Continue Reading - 
                Tip
                11 Feb 2013
                  How iPhone encryption and data protection workWith Apple's iPhone encryption and data protection, you can take advantage of strong security. But make sure users enable the right iOS data encryption settings. Continue Reading 
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                Tip
                07 Feb 2013
                  Surface RT review: The good, the bad and the uglyThe Surface RT tablet comes with Office and has good battery life, but it has some drawbacks, too. This Surface RT review explains the pros and cons. Continue Reading By
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                News
                01 Feb 2013
                  PlayBooks to get BlackBerry 10The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet will be able to upgrade to the BlackBerry 10 operating system, but there isn’t a release date yet. Continue Reading - 
                Tip
                28 Jan 2013
                  Comparing mobile operating systems' manageability and securityEach of the popular mobile operating systems has different security and management features. Compare them to see which ones might fit in your company. Continue Reading By- Lisa Phifer, Core Competence
 
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                News
                28 Jan 2013
                  Apple iOS 6.1 availableIt's not a major upgrade to the operating system, but iOS 6.1 has some improvements, such as LTE support for more carriers. Version 6.1 of iOS is available for download now. Continue Reading - 
                News
                22 Jan 2013
                  Intel bets on mobileIntel plans to invest $13 billion in research and development in 2013, despite lower-than-expected earnings in 2012. It will use the money to develop mobile processors. Continue Reading - 
                News
                15 Jan 2013
                  Samsung reconsidering Windows RTLow demand has caused Samsung to put off building Windows RT devices. The head of Samsung's U.S. PC and tablet business said explaining Windows RT to consumers would be difficult and pricey. Continue Reading - 
                News
                11 Jan 2013
                  Big wireless players agree to carry BB10 phonesVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have signed on to carry Research In Motion's line of BlackBerry 10 smartphones. The devices are almost a year late, but are set to some out later this month. Continue Reading - 
                Tip
                09 Jan 2013
                  Comparing mobile operating systems and application environmentsEach mobile operating system has a different application environment, but that could be more of an advantage for businesses than a detriment. Continue Reading By
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                News
                09 Jan 2013
                  Dropbox app comes to Windows 8The Dropbox app for Windows 8 and RT is now available. It gives users access to their online documents directly from their Start screen and the interface looks like Windows 8's tiled display. Continue Reading - 
                News
                08 Jan 2013
                  Lenovo table PC: the next big thingLenovo demoed a 27-inch "table PC" called IdeaCentre Horizon at CES 2013 this week. The device is meant to be left in one place, like a desktop, and it weighs 17.8 pounds. Continue Reading - 
                News
                08 Jan 2013
                  New Intel smartphones to be based on Atom chipsetsIntel is preparing new phones based on the Atom Z2420 and Z2580 chipsets. The company says they will offer competitive battery life and performance. Continue Reading - 
                News
                07 Jan 2013
                  Nvidia promises world's fastest mobile processorNvidia says the Tegra 4 will offer the best performance and battery life on mobile devices yet. It will support up to 14 hours of HD video playback on smartphones, but 4G support won't be built in. Continue Reading - 
                Definition
                03 Jan 2013
                  Android Factory ResetAndroid Factory Reset is a feature that erases all device settings, user data, third-party applications, and associated application data from an Android device’s internal flash storage to return the device to the condition it was in when shipped from the factory. Continue Reading By- Lisa Phifer, Core Competence
 
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                News
                18 Dec 2012
                  Apple's request for Samsung smartphone ban gets deniedA federal judge denied Apple's request to ban eight Samsung smartphones because there isn't evidence that customers buy Samsung devices specifically for the features that infringe on Apple's patents. Continue Reading - 
                News
                13 Dec 2012
                  Google favors iOS, Android over WindowsGoogle says it won’t build dedicated Gmail, Drive or other business apps for Windows 8 or Windows Phone 8. Instead, the company will focus on iOS and Android. Continue Reading - 
                News
                09 Dec 2012
                  5G networks still a ways awayExperts estimate that 5G won't be here until 2020, but a $56 million grant is helping fund development of a spectrum and energy-efficient network for the future. Continue Reading - 
                News
                03 Dec 2012
                  Apple iOS 6.1 could be here soonMembers of Apple's developers program got the third beta of iOS 6.1 Monday, so it may be ready for the public soon. Apple has made small changes, including improvements to Maps, Safari and Passbook. Continue Reading - 
                News
                12 Nov 2012
                  Surface RT sales starting slowMicrosoft CEO Steve Ballmer says Surface RT tablet sales are off to a modest start, in part because the devices are only available in Microsoft stores. Continue Reading - 
                News
                04 Nov 2012
                  Android apps could give hackers banking infoResearchers say bad SSL implementation on Android apps downloaded by up to 185 million people are to blame for possible vulnerabilities that allow hackers access to bank account and other information. Continue Reading - 
                News
                30 Oct 2012
                  Google's app explosion puts Android on track to outdo AppleGoogle's Android OS now hosts more than 700,000 apps. Two years ago, Apple had 300,000 apps to Google's piddly 100,000, but Google's rapid growth puts it on track to have the biggest app ecosystem. Continue Reading - 
                News
                20 Oct 2012
                  Surface pre-orders sold out in four daysPre-orders for Microsoft's Surface tablets began on Tuesday and sold out by Saturday. Microsoft is still taking orders, but shoppers can't order a device to be delivered on launch day. Continue Reading - 
                News
                17 Oct 2012
                  Alert users: Malware attacks on Android devices increaseThe Internet Crime Compliant Center issued a warning about increased malware attacks on Android devices. Loozfon, an information-stealing malware, and FinFisher spyware have been the most prevalent. Continue Reading - 
                News
                15 Oct 2012
                  Mobile devices help small businesses run betterA CDW study found 94% of small business users think mobile devices make them more efficient and competitive. Unfortunately, only half of companies have effective ways to manage devices. Continue Reading - 
                News
                13 Oct 2012
                  For now, HP will stay out of the smartphone marketHewlett-Packard will make smartphones in the future, but not in the coming year, CEO Meg Whitman says. Analysts agree holding off on smartphones is a good move for the company. Continue Reading - 
                News
                10 Oct 2012
                  Microsoft shifts focus to hardwareIn a letter to shareholders, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says that the company will shift its focus to hardware. Microsoft will not stop working with hardware manufacturers or abandon software. Continue Reading - 
                News
                09 Oct 2012
                  Google to devs: Please build more tablet appsGoogle released a checklist to help application developers build software for Android tablets. Without great apps, Android tablets won't sell, but without sales, devs won't build. Continue Reading - 
                News
                17 Sep 2012
                  Surface pricing will be between $300-800Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said that the sweet spot for Surface pricing is between $300 and $800. He defended the high price tag, saying that customer will get a higher-quality product. Continue Reading - 
                News
                12 Sep 2012
                  Apple iOS 6 for iPad due Sept. 19On Sept. 19, new iPad and iPad 2 owners will receive iOS 6 as a free over the air update. The newest version of the OS sports Siri, Apple Maps, and more new features. Continue Reading - 
                News
                12 Sep 2012
                  500 million Androids and countingThanks to an almost 70% market share, 500 million Android devices are currently active, and 1.3 million more devices are activated every day. Most Android devices run older versions of the OS. Continue Reading - 
                News
                09 Sep 2012
                  Feds take down spurious Android app storesFederal investigators shut down Applanet.net, AppBucket.net and SnappzMarket.com, three sites they said were distributing copyrighted materials and malware. Continue Reading - 
                News
                06 Sep 2012
                  Amazon reveals new Kindle FiresNew tablets from Amazon will be available soon, including an upgraded version of the current Fire, plus three new HD models, a 7-inch, an 8.9-inch and an 8.9-inch model with 4G connectivity. Continue Reading - 
                News
                28 Aug 2012
                  Eight Samsung phones Apple wants bannedApple named the eight Samsung devices it wants banned in the U.S.: the Galaxy S II, S2 Skyrocket, Droid Charge, Epic 4G, Galaxy S 4G, Galaxy S Showcase and Galaxy Prevail. Continue Reading - 
                News
                23 Aug 2012
                  New Kindle Fire expected Sept. 6Amazon will hold a press conference on Sept. 6 and is expected to unveil the 7-inch Fire 2 and a new, 10-inch Kindle Fire. Continue Reading - 
                News
                16 Aug 2012
                  Windows Phone 8 announcement coming soon?Nokia and Microsoft will hold a New York press conference Sept. 5. They’re hush-hush on the topic, but it’s likely to pertain to Windows Phone 8. Continue Reading - 
                News
                14 Aug 2012
                  Windows RT details emergeMicrosoft clarified that the Windows 8 release to manufacturing did include Windows RT. Microsoft, Asus, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung will build RT tablets running ARM chips from NVIDIA, Qualcomm and TI. Continue Reading - 
                News
                11 Aug 2012
                  Mobile device users fussy about download speedsA survey shows smartphone and tablet users are disappointed with website download speeds. Most users expect pages to load in two to three seconds. Continue Reading - 
                News
                09 Aug 2012
                  Android, iOS devices lead Q2 shipmentsAndroid and iOS powered 85% of all smartphones shipped last quarter. Android took the top spot, thanks to the Samsung Galaxy S III's launch. Continue Reading - 
                News
                02 Aug 2012
                  RIM explores new options for BB10To get more budget smartphones on the market, Research In Motion may license its BlackBerry 10 OS to other manufacturers that can build lots of inexpensive handsets. Continue Reading - 
                News
                30 Jul 2012
                  Surface and Windows 8 out Oct. 26Microsoft's Surface tablets will launch Oct. 26, the same day Windows 8 comes out. No fanfare went along with the announcement: Microsoft buried it in its annual report. Continue Reading