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 iPads
Apple 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
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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
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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
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Definition
14 Jun 2024
Siri
Siri 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
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Definition
29 Feb 2024
mobile device
A 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 browser
Google Chrome browser is a free web browser used for accessing the internet and running web-based applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Oct 2022
predictive text
Predictive 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
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Definition
09 Jun 2022
micro USB
A 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
smartwatch
A smartwatch is a wearable computing device that closely resembles a wristwatch or other time-keeping device. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Feb 2022
Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store -- formerly called the Windows Store -- is an online marketplace for consumers to buy and download a variety of items. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Mar 2020
bone conduction headphones
Bone 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
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Tip
10 Dec 2019
How to install root CA certificates on iPhones and iPads
Apple 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
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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
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Feature
04 Jun 2015
The good, bad and ugly of Outlook apps for iOS and Android
Outlook 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
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Guide
08 May 2015
Android device management: Everything you need to know in one guide
The 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 features
Now that Android for Work is out, we dig into the features of the program’s work profiles and productivity apps. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2014
BlackBerry pins enterprise future on BES12, partnerships
BlackBerry'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 theft
Rooting 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 easier
With 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 Phone
Microsoft 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
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Tip
05 Feb 2014
How to manage and modify SE Android
SE 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 issues
A 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
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News
07 Jan 2014
Lenovo unveils ThinkPad 8
The 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
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News
20 Dec 2013
Enterprise mobile device wars to heat up in 2014 with Apple, Samsung
Apple 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 10.2
On 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 KitKat
The 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
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Tip
03 Oct 2013
Limiting mobile bandwidth consumption to improve network performance
When 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
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News
27 Sep 2013
Most iPhones, iPads run iOS 7
Although iOS 7 only came out last week, it's already been installed on more than half of all Apple devices. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2013
Google's Android Device Manager now includes remote lock
Android 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
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News
25 Sep 2013
BlackBerry postpones BBM for Android, iOS
The release of BlackBerry Messenger for Android and iOS is delayed indefinitely. BlackBerry blames an unauthorized version of BBM that leaked for Android. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2013
Apple iOS 7 now available
Yesterday 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
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News
11 Sep 2013
Apple announces iPhone 5c and 5s
The 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
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News
11 Sep 2013
Apple devices to get iOS 7 on Sept. 18
Apple 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
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News
11 Sep 2013
New iOS devices will run on 64-bit A7 processors
The 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
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Feature
09 Sep 2013
Where wearable devices could fit in the business world
Whether 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
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News
04 Sep 2013
Android 4.4 gets new name
The 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
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News
12 Jul 2013
Low-cost tablets to blame for lagging PC sales
Analysts 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
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Feature
10 Jul 2013
Apple iOS devices and VDI: Connecting the cult and the corporation
If 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 features
Some 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
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News
11 Jun 2013
iOS 7: Biggest overhaul for iOS yet
Apple'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
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News
06 Jun 2013
New in Windows 8.1: 20 security, mobility and BYOD features
Windows 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
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Feature
15 May 2013
Ten consumerization of IT experts to follow on Twitter
If 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
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News
15 May 2013
BBM making its way to iOS, Android
BlackBerry 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
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News
06 May 2013
Department of Defense will allow iPhone, iPad use
The 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
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News
02 May 2013
BYOD programs change employers' expectations
A 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 desktop
As 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
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News
22 Apr 2013
Telecommuting helps save the Earth
Working 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
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News
17 Apr 2013
Dell plans to build more Windows RT tablets
Rather than giving up on Microsoft's Windows RT operating system, Dell will release even more tablets. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2013
Tablets becoming the main computing devices for many
Many 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
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News
05 Apr 2013
Facebook unveils Home software for Android phones
Facebook 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
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News
26 Mar 2013
Apple App Store adds two-factor authentication
Users 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
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News
14 Mar 2013
Android gets a new head honcho
Andy Rubin is no longer in charge of Android. He is replaced by Sundar Pichai, Google’s current head of Chrome. Continue Reading
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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
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News
12 Mar 2013
First BlackBerry 10 device out March 22
AT&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
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News
11 Mar 2013
Don't expect cheap BB10 devices
BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins told Bloomberg that there won't be low-cost versions of BB10 devices because "that is not BlackBerry." Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2013
HP Slate 7 to run Android, cost $170
Hewlett-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
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News
20 Feb 2013
Apple fixes Exchange bug with iOS 6.1.2
Apple 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
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News
18 Feb 2013
New version of iOS 6.1 to fix significant bugs
An 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
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News
14 Feb 2013
BES security flaw found
There 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
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Tip
11 Feb 2013
How iPhone encryption and data protection work
With 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 ugly
The 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
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News
01 Feb 2013
PlayBooks to get BlackBerry 10
The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet will be able to upgrade to the BlackBerry 10 operating system, but there isn’t a release date yet. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2013
Comparing mobile operating systems' manageability and security
Each 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
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News
28 Jan 2013
Apple iOS 6.1 available
It'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
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News
22 Jan 2013
Intel bets on mobile
Intel 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
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News
15 Jan 2013
Samsung reconsidering Windows RT
Low 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
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News
11 Jan 2013
Big wireless players agree to carry BB10 phones
Verizon, 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
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Tip
09 Jan 2013
Comparing mobile operating systems and application environments
Each mobile operating system has a different application environment, but that could be more of an advantage for businesses than a detriment. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2013
Dropbox app comes to Windows 8
The 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
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News
08 Jan 2013
Lenovo table PC: the next big thing
Lenovo 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
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News
08 Jan 2013
New Intel smartphones to be based on Atom chipsets
Intel 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
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News
07 Jan 2013
Nvidia promises world's fastest mobile processor
Nvidia 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
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Definition
03 Jan 2013
Android Factory Reset
Android 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
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News
18 Dec 2012
Apple's request for Samsung smartphone ban gets denied
A 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
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News
13 Dec 2012
Google favors iOS, Android over Windows
Google 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
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News
09 Dec 2012
5G networks still a ways away
Experts 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
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News
03 Dec 2012
Apple iOS 6.1 could be here soon
Members 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
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News
12 Nov 2012
Surface RT sales starting slow
Microsoft 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
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News
04 Nov 2012
Android apps could give hackers banking info
Researchers 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
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News
30 Oct 2012
Google's app explosion puts Android on track to outdo Apple
Google'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
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News
20 Oct 2012
Surface pre-orders sold out in four days
Pre-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
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News
17 Oct 2012
Alert users: Malware attacks on Android devices increase
The 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
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News
15 Oct 2012
Mobile devices help small businesses run better
A 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
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News
13 Oct 2012
For now, HP will stay out of the smartphone market
Hewlett-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
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News
10 Oct 2012
Microsoft shifts focus to hardware
In 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
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News
09 Oct 2012
Google to devs: Please build more tablet apps
Google 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
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News
17 Sep 2012
Surface pricing will be between $300-800
Microsoft 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
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News
12 Sep 2012
Apple iOS 6 for iPad due Sept. 19
On 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
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News
12 Sep 2012
500 million Androids and counting
Thanks 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
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News
09 Sep 2012
Feds take down spurious Android app stores
Federal investigators shut down Applanet.net, AppBucket.net and SnappzMarket.com, three sites they said were distributing copyrighted materials and malware. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2012
Amazon reveals new Kindle Fires
New 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
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News
28 Aug 2012
Eight Samsung phones Apple wants banned
Apple 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
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News
23 Aug 2012
New Kindle Fire expected Sept. 6
Amazon 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
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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
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News
14 Aug 2012
Windows RT details emerge
Microsoft 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
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News
11 Aug 2012
Mobile device users fussy about download speeds
A 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
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News
09 Aug 2012
Android, iOS devices lead Q2 shipments
Android 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
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News
02 Aug 2012
RIM explores new options for BB10
To 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
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News
30 Jul 2012
Surface and Windows 8 out Oct. 26
Microsoft'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