GOOGLE GLASS CONFIRMED TO SUPPORT PRESCRIPTION LENSES LATER THIS YEAR

Google (GOOG) confirmed on Tuesday that a prescription version of Google Glasswill be released later this year. There had been concerns that the company’s highly anticipated device would be unavailable to consumers who rely on traditional glasses to see, however this won’t be the case. Google revealed that while a prescription version won’t be available when the Explorer Edition of Google Glass launches this summer, the company expects to release a version that will support prescription lenses ahead of the holiday season. Google Glass is expected to launch later this year for under $1,500.

http://bgr.com/2013/03/12/google-glass-prescription-lenses-371732/

Google Now for iOS teased in alleged demo video

Google has been bringing a lot of its apps to iOS lately, and there's a chance that Google Now might be the next one. Engadget discovered a promo video for Google Now on the iPhone and iPad that is done convincingly in Google's style, with a voice that sounds nearly identical to the narrator of a previous Google Now promo. The highlighted features are all what you'd expected from Google Now, and the service appears to be bundled into Google's excellent iOS search app. While it would be a bit surprising to see Google bring one of Android's biggest differentiators to iOS, the company has definitely not been shy about showing Apple's platform some love in recent months. 

HTTP://WWW.THEVERGE.COM/2013/3/12/4096074/GOOGLE-NOW-FOR-IOS-TEASED-IN-ALLEGED-DEMO-VIDEO

Apple to use fingerprint sensor to enhance the security of NFC mobile payments in next iPhone?

A translated report this morning from China Times (via Macotakara) appears to claim the iPhone 5S will be the first device from Apple to include fingerprint sensor and NFC technology. According to the report, Taiwanese company Chipbond will be providing the integrated touch display driver and other components necessary to implement the technology on the next-generation iPhone. While details of the translated report remain sketchy, it seems to suggest that Apple will use fingerprint tech that it acquired in its AuthenTec purchase as a security feature for NFC payments:

The the iPhone 5S outgoing will support NFC and fingerprint recognition, fingerprint is more security than passwords, fingerprints can not be copied and will not be stolen, most secure mobile payment device allows Apple iPhone 5S.

 http://9to5mac.com/2013/03/11/apple-to-use-fingerprint-sensor-to-enhance-the-security-of-nfc-mobile-payments-in-next-iphone/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+9To5Mac-MacAllDay+%289+to+5+Mac+-+Apple+Intelligence%29

Early iPhone Prototype Looked Radically Different

The iPhone may be sleek and light in the hands, but according to newly surfaced photos, an early prototype of the device looked quite different than how we know it today. In fact, it was larger and even had Ethernet and USB ports.

Tech site Ars Technica has obtained pictures from a former Apple staffer of an early edition iPhone, circa 2005.

The differences in the earlier model are immediately noticeable. First, the size. The prototype measures in at 5-inches by 7-inches and is much more in line with the iPad mini (5.3 inches by 7.87 inches). It's also much thicker (two inches). Besides it being much bigger than what we're used to now, it also has many features included on standard PCs, such as USB ports, an Ethernet port and a serial port.

However, it's important to note that Apple wasn't planning on releasing the device as is — these connectivity features were included to make the development process easier. But a source told the publication, "at that early date no one knew what [the final device] would be."

For a deeper look at the surfaced pictures, click here.

http://mashable.com/2013/03/11/iphone-prototype-pictures/

Galaxy S IV I9502 photos leak, is this the final design?

A bunch of leaked images has surfaced on a Chinese forum, revealing a Samsung Android smartphone with two SIM card slots, a 1080p screen, 2 gigs of RAM, 13 MP camera, an 1.8 GHz clocked processor and Android 4.2.1 on board.

  
Samsung Galaxy I9502

The smartphone goes by the name of GT-I9502, which suggests it's the dual-SIM version of the Galaxy S IV for China Unicom. If that turns out true this could be the design of Samsung's next flagship device. Also the dotted underlayer of the back panel resembles that of the invite Samsung sent for its upcoming Galaxy S IV announcement, which adds credibility to these leaked images.

  
Samsung Galaxy I9502

However, given how good Samsung was in keeping the design of its recent flagships, this could also be simply a holster for testing purposes. The practice of using generic prototype shells in order to protect the final design was used by Samsung with both the Galaxy S III and the Galaxy Note II. That way when the phone is sent to carriers and other companies the design couldn't be leaked.

  
Samsung Galaxy I9502

If this turns out to be the Galaxy S IV's final design then Samsung hasn't really changed anything significant about its flagship. On one hand it doesn't seem likely that Samsung is getting tired of it, given that most of its smartphones are now using the glossy plastic nature-inspired design. But on the other hand people seem eager for a change and want something more and Samsung usually listens to the voice of the street.

http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s_iv_i9502_photos_leak_is_this_the_final_design-news-5672.php

ANDROID ACCOUNTED FOR 79% OF ALL MOBILE MALWARE IN 2012

A new study has found that Google’s (GOOG) mobile operating system is targeted by hackers far more than any other mobile platform. Security firm F-Secure found thatAndroid accounted for 79% of all mobile malware in 2012, an increase from 66.7% in 2011 and 11.25% in 2010. Apple’s (AAPL) iOS platform on the other hand has remained nearly untouched throughout the years. Malware on the operating system, which is the second most popular among smartphone buyers, was found to account for only 0.7% in 2012. The firm also found that Android saw a significant increase in malware at the end of the year, accounting for 94% of all threats in the fourth quarter. Most malware, however, is found in emerging markets. A majority of mobile users in Europe and the United States will never be affected but should still be cautious of suspicious text messages, links and emails. F-Secure’s graph outlining mobile malware threats is posted below.

http://bgr.com/2013/03/07/android-malware-2012-362787/

Apple Patent Applications Address User-to-User Resale and Lending of iTunes Store Content

A set of patent applications discovered by AppleInsider today suggests that Apple may be considering allowing customers to resell or lend iTunes Store content to other users in the same way they might sell a physical book, music CD or movie DVD. 

Apple's system is similar to one outlined in a separate patent already granted to Amazon, although Amazon's approach requires transactions to be made via a central marketplace while Apple's proposed approach would also allow direct user-to-user transfers.

Techniques are provided for managing access to a digital content item (such as an ebook, music, movie, software application) to be transferred from one user to another. The transferor is prevented from accessing the digital content item after the transfer occurs. The entity that sold the digital content item to the transferor enforces the access rights to the digital content item by storing data that establishes which user currently has access to the digital content item. After the change in access rights, only the transferee is allowed access to the digital content item. As part of the change in access rights, the transferee may pay to obtain access to the digital content item. A portion of the proceeds of the "resale" may be paid to the creator or publisher of the digital content item and/or the entity that originally sold the digital content item to the original owner.

Restrictions are outlined to prevent abuse of the facility, such as allowing publishers to limit transfers to certain timescales (for example, requiring the user to have owned the product for a certain length of time before selling it), frequency (limiting how often someone could sell their content), price (enforcing a minimum price) and buyer (perhaps limiting sales to within the country of origin). 

The patent covers gifting and loan as well as resale, and outlines an option for the content publisher to receive a cut in return for granting rights to transfer the content. 

It should of course be noted that Apple files a huge number of patent applications, only a tiny minority of which ever see the light of day in an Apple product or service, but it is interesting to see Apple at least exploring the idea.

http://www.macrumors.com/2013/03/07/apple-patent-applications-address-user-to-user-resale-and-lending-of-itunes-store-content/

Angry Birds for iOS now available for free

After the game’s initial release in December of 2009, the original Angry Birds game for iOS is now completely free to download. Both the iPhone and iPad versions are available to download at no cost. Previously the game was priced at $0.99 for the iPhone/iPod Touch version and $2.99 for the “HD” variant.

Appsfire, a service that tracks apps and notices when they go on sale, was the first to notice the change in price, and according to the service, this marks the first time that the original Angry Birds title has been available for free. It’s said that once the app’s price updates for all users, Apple will promote the app as their “free app of the week.”

Rovio hasn’t announced the price cut yet, but they did announce that 15 new levels have made their way to the original game, so not only can you get the game at no cost, but you also get more for your buck (or lack thereof). Of course, the Android version of Angry Birds has always been available for free — one of the benefits of being an Android user.

The Angry Birds series has always been popular, with new sequels coming out all the time, but in order to give the older games a quick boost in popularity again, Rovio is giving the original game away. Of course, thanks to the newer titles, not many gamers play the original Angry Birds, but the 15 new levels and the lack of a price tag should change that.

http://www.slashgear.com/angry-birds-for-ios-now-available-for-free-07272937/

Samsung Galaxy S3 bitten by lock screen bypass bug

A bug lurking within the Samsung Galaxy S3 lets any old so-and-so access your smart phone's personal data, bypassing the phone's lock screen completely.

The glitch was discovered by one Sean McMillan, ZDNet reports, and follows on from a similar glitch which allowed momentary access to the homescreen and apps on the Galaxy Note 2.

The glitch is tough to replicate, but requires no technical know-how or tinkering. Instead, you simply press a sequence of buttons from the lock screen with careful timing, and eventually you'll be granted access to the phone in full.

I was able to replicate the glitch, bypassing a pattern lock screen on a Galaxy S3 running Android 4.1.1, while ZDNet writes that it was able to repeat the error on an S3 running Android 4.1.2. The glitch isn't easy to perform, and I succeeded only once in about 30 attempts.

Once you've successfully leapt past the lock screen, pressing the lock button subsequent times will open the phone at the homescreen every time, continually skipping the pattern lock screen. I had to restart the phone to get the lock screen to kick back in again.

Fingers crossed Samsung fixes this worrying glitch with an update sharpish, as it means anyone who physically holds your mobile could -- with enough patience -- tap their way into your smart phone, and all accompanying files therein.

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/samsung-galaxy-s3-bitten-by-lock-screen-bypass-bug-50010580/

iPhone 5S production rumored to have already begun

Production of the iPhone 5S is beginning, at least in part, according to a Japan-based report.

iPhone 5S production has already kicked off, a Japanese-language Apple blog reported today.

Foxconn has begun "partial production" of the iPhone 5S, a "reliable source" has toldMacotakara. Both MacRumors and AppleInsider cited the report earlier today.

The 5S is being built on the same production line as the iPhone 5, according to Macotakara.

The Japanese blog goes on to claim that NTT Docomo is cutting back on orders for Androiddevices to make way for introduction of the iPhone. NTT Docomo does not currently carry the iPhone.

Rumors have been swirling in the last 24 hours as to when the iPhone 5S will become available. One analyst claims August, while another anticipates a June-July scenario.

Whichever it is, it would make sense for limited production to begin in March.

The 5S may use a new A7 Apple chip, a better camera based on a LED technology referred to as "Smart Flash, a fingerprint chip, and versions will support China's time-division duplexing (TDD) standard, according to recent speculation.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57572733-37/iphone-5s-production-rumored-to-have-already-begun/

Jony Ive Ordered Boxes Full of Nike Watches in the Mid-2000s

Bloomberg today published a story on the much rumored Apple smart watch, offering information on potential functionality and profitability. The article also hinted at possible design cues for the iWatch, highlighting Apple designer Jony Ive's intense interest in watches, specifically those manufactured by Nike in the mid-2000s. 

Apple design chief Jony Ive has long had an interest in watches. Besides owning many high-end models himself, he had his team visit watch factories and ordered boxes of a sports watch made by Nike Inc. in the mid-2000s, said Wilson, who was then Nike's creative director.

New information from Business Insider reveals that Scott Wilson sent Jony Ive the Nike Presto Digital Bracelets and the Oregon Series Alti-Compass watches, which were manufactured in 2002–2004. 

Both of these watches feature clean, simple designs. The Presto Digital Bracelet is a cuff-style wraparound watch with a translucent plastic body, while the Oregon Series Alti-Compass has an aluminum face.

Well, he didn't buy them. We just gave them to them as designer bro deals. He and others in the design group just requested them and we sent them a ton of Nike Presto Digital Bracelets and the aluminum Oregon Series Alti-Compass watches. Was flattered that they were requesting them.

Wilson goes on to say that after receiving the watches, Apple asked questions about materials and processes.

This meshes up with their research in watch manufacturing during that timeframe which has been documented in previous stories. They definitely drew upon watch industry techniques and manufacturing in their products since the first iPhone. Interesting that it may come full circle to an actual iWatch at some point.

A patent application found last week suggested that Apple might be looking at a watch with a wraparound design, a touchscreen, and a flexible glass display, but it remains unclear what the actual watch might look like. 

Apple is said to have a team of 100 product designers working on the watch. The watch is rumored to run the full version of iOS and though a release date remains unclear,Bloomberg has suggested that it could launch as early as 2013.

http://www.macrumors.com/2013/03/04/jony-ive-ordered-boxes-full-of-nike-watches-in-the-mid-2000s/#

This iPhone Breathalyzer Wants To Call You A Cab

Last Saturday, I got sauced for purely journalistic purposes: I had to test out what could be the first law enforcement-grade iPhone breathalyzer accessory. It was also Purim, the delightful Jewish holiday that celebrates my people’s liberation from yet another anti-semitic tyrant with dancing and a lot of alcohol.

Alcohoot, an iPhone accessory that plugs into the phone’s audio port, wants to make accurate breathalyzers more affordable (at only $95) and seamlessly integrates with other notable smartphone apps, like on-demand car service Uber. If a user on the verge of drunk texting their ex-girlfriend while driving home blows over the legal limit, Alcohoot wants the software to seamlessly call the sad sack a discounted cab. With over 10,000 impaired driving deaths in 2010 alone, any technology that connects responsible drinking to the viral nature of iPhone software is a welcome addition to society.

Even without the potential software integration, the Israeli-based startup’s breathalyzer has an attractive price-point. While keychain breathalyzers go for the low-low price of $70, a Wired review found that they were extraordinarily inaccurate. Fuel-cell-based measures–the same used by police–will set responsible citizens back over $250. Alcohoot expects to hit the retail market for only $99.

Yet, what’s really attractive about the concept of an iPhone-based breathalyzer is the social integration. For starters, the slick interface is fun to pass around. I and my other ancient Hebrew descendants were eager to pass around Alcohoot and see how drunk we were. The device promotes sobriety awareness without the buzz kill of sending a grown-up hall-monitor to dish out guilt.

Second, the founders hope to partner with car services, such as Uber, Lyft, or SideCar to offer blitzed users a discounted, convenient ride home. Imagine blowing into and Alcohoot, unexpectedly realizing you’re much drunker than you thought, and then being asked if you’d like to accept a discounted Uber? Psychologically, it’d be much harder to pass up the responsible decision, especially if you could automatically brag on Facebook for making the ethical choice.

The breathalyzer prototype debuted at a meeting of the Kairos Society in New York, an annual gathering of socially oriented young entrepreneurs. I go to a lot of startup pitch conferences, and Kairos had an impressive array of members. In addition to Alcohoot, the conference included a Dreambox, a 3D printing vending machine, Virtual U, a retail-based, full-body scanner that sizes up consumer body measurements for online shopping, DiagnoseMe, at-home kit for detecting serious illness through sweat, and Sword & Plough, stylish bags made by veterans from recycled military materials.

http://techcrunch.com/2013/03/03/this-iphone-breathalyzer-wants-to-call-you-a-cab/

Apple launches iTunes in the Cloud for movies in eleven European countries

Apple has launched movies through iTunes in the Cloud in eleven European countries. Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden now have access to the service, according to confirmation provided by Apple to The Next Web, allowing them to stream and re-download movies through iTunes.

Additionally, France now has access to TV shows through iTunes in the Cloud.

Movies over iTunes in the Cloud are now available to users in 80 countries, while TV shows are only supported in five, Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

If you're in one of the new countries, here's how to set up and use iTunes in the Cloud for movies and TV shows.

http://www.imore.com/apple-launches-itunes-cloud-movies-eleven-european-countries?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

Adobe Photoshop Touch for phone brings powerful photo editing to iPhone and iPod touch

Adobe has released a version of its Photoshop Touch app specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch. The new app offers some powerful features for an app that is designed to be used on a small screen like layers and filters to dramatically improve your photographs. Adobe Photoshop Touch has been available for a while now on the iPad but today sees the release of a separate version specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Bring the fun and creative possibilities of Adobe® Photoshop® software to your iPhone and iPod Touch with Adobe Photoshop Touch. Transform your images with core Photoshop features. Combine images, apply professional effects, and share results with friends and family through Facebook and Twitter — all from the convenience of your iPhone and iPod Touch. Enjoy most of the same features as the iPad version:

• Use popular Photoshop features, such as layers, selection tools, adjustments, and filters, to create mind-blowing images.
• Improve your photos using classic Photoshop features to bring out the best in your photography.
• Apply precise tone and color adjustments to your entire composition, a particular layer, or a select area.
• Create something other-worldly using painting effects, filter brushes, and so much more. With Photoshop Touch, the creative possibilities are endless.
• Make your images pop with graphical text. Apply strokes, add drop shadows and fades, and more.
• Take advantage of your device’s camera to fill an area on a layer with the unique Camera Fill feature.
• Quickly combine images together. Select part of an image to extract just by scribbling with the Scribble Selection tool. With the Refine Edge feature, use your fingertip to easily capture hard-to-select image elements, like hair.
• Start a project on your iPhone or iPod Touch and finish it on your iPad or back in Photoshop at your desk using a free membership to Adobe Creative Cloud. Your projects are automatically synced between your devices.
• Free membership to Creative Cloud provides 2GB of cloud storage.
• Work on high-resolution images while maintaining the highest image quality. Images up to 12 megapixels are supported.
  • $4.99 - Download now

Adobe Photoshop Touch for phone is only available for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S and iPod touch 5th generation and your device must be running at least iOS 6. Some of the features are dependant on you already having Adobe Photoshop CS5.1 or above running on your Mac or PC or Adobe Photoshop Touch for tablet.

If you pick this one up, make sure to let us know how you find editing pictures on the iPhone.

http://www.imore.com/adobe-photoshop-touch-phone-brings-powerful-photo-editing-iphone-and-ipod-touch?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

Apple patent allows smartphones to swap location data with an 'accessory device'

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday issued Apple a patent for the two-way communication of location data between a portable media device or handset, and an "accessory device" that can remotely display the information on its screen.

Illustration of '677 patent with handset (left) sending gathered location data to accessory (right).
Source: USPTO

First filed for in 2009, Apple's U.S. Patent No. 8,386,677 for "Communicating location information between a portable device and an accessory" allows for any portable media device, including iPhones and iPads, to exchange GPS data with a separate accessory through wired or wireless protocols. 

It should be noted that the property not only allows for iPhones or cellular enabled iPads to push location information to the accessory device, but can also provide for the accessory to feed iPad or iPod models not equipped with GPS receivers. Currently, Apple only builds in GPS capabilities to cellular iOS products.

Illustration of accessory as GPS receiver with external antenna.

There are two main embodiments for the '677 patent: one in which the handset containing a GPS module, data transport mechanism and controller sends location information to an accessory, and another that swaps device roles, with the accessory feeding the handset. In a third embodiment, both units have a GPS receiver, and are controlled by a system that defaults to whichever device has higher perceived accuracy. 

In all cases, the unit receiving location data from its companion device can display the information in a number of ways, including parsing out points of interest or showing real-time GPS navigation assets.

While the implementation of a GPS-equipped accessory is straightforward — some of the first systems were simple receivers without built-in screens — the patent's language regarding the display of information on an accessory device is perhaps more intriguing given recent talk of a so-called "iWatch." There is no mention of wearable displays or bracelet-like gadgets in Tuesday's patent, but the technology described could find its way into such a peripheral. 

Two patent embodiments with GPS receiver in PMD (left) and accessory device (right).

AppleInsider was first to report on an Apple patent application for what appears to be a multitouch capable watch, with the concept being very reliant on a smartphone or other computing device. Instead of running a full operating system, the described device would display information over wireless protocols, allowing users to interact with their iPhones while keeping the handset safely stowed in a pocket or purse. 

The '677 patent credits Gregory T. Lydon, Ronald Keryuan Huang, Lawrence G. Bolton, Emily Clark Schubert and Jesse Lee Dorogusker as its inventors.

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/02/26/apple-patent-allows-smartphones-to-swap-location-data-with-an-accessory-device

Galaxy S4 Will Launch In New York On March 14

Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S4 in March. (AP Photo)

SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said it will launch its new Galaxy S smartphone on March 14 in New York, taking its fight for market supremacy to Apple Inc's doorstep after reportedly being inundated with requests from U.S. mobile carriers.

The Galaxy S IV model will heat up competition in the crucial U.S. mobile phone market, where Apple surpassed Samsung Electronics as the top mobile phone seller for the first time in the fourth quarter of 2012.

It will be the first U.S. launch of Samsung's flagship Galaxy smartphone in three years, company spokeswoman Chenny Kim said, and comes amid a Samsung advertising blitz in the United States that has including light-hearted jabs at Apple's fans.

"We introduced the Galaxy S III in London last year, and this time we changed the venue (to New York)... as we were bombarded with requests from U.S. mobile carriers to unveil the Galaxy S IV in the country," Samsung Electronics' mobile division chief JK Shin was quoted as saying on the Edaily news website.

The new Galaxy S model is expected to feature a higher-resolution display and camera than its predecessor, as well as a faster quad-core processor, media reports said.

Samsung Electronics unveiled its first Galaxy S during the CTIA mobile trade show in the United States in 2010, followed by the Galaxy S II at the MWC fair in Spain in 2011 and the Galaxy S III in London last year.

Samsung Electronics may have lost its lead in the U.S. handset market but globally the $210 billion South Korean giant is expected to widen its smartphone advantage over its Cupertino, California-based rival this year, helped by a broad product line-up.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/25/galaxy-s4-launch_n_2756744.html