Google unveiled details of Google Wallet this week. Google Wallet is an ambitious mobile payment plan designed to let your Android smartphone be your wallet, but you should consider very carefully just how secure your credit card data will be in Google Wallet.
Don't get me wrong, Google understands the inherent security risks of storing credit card information, and it has gone to great lengths to ensure sensitive data is protected in every way possible. But, at the end of the security chain is an "authorized" Android app, and that is the Achilles heel of Google Wallet security.
The Wallet app could be the weak link in Google Wallet security.Consider the whole system, and the steps of the process. On the processing end, you really have nothing to worry about. The NFC technology used by Google is not any different than the wireless signals used in many credit and debit cards, or gas station swipe-to-pay systems now.
I can already tap properly-equipped payment terminals--like those at most McDonald's--to make payments with my Chase Bank debit card, so doing the same thing with my smartphone wouldn't be any less secure per se. On the back end, the processing and storage of my credit card information is still being protected by the PCI-DSS (payment card industry data security standards) rules that govern such things.
That credit card data is also stored on the Android smartphone. But, Android smartphones equipped for NFC mobile payments have a separate chip to store the sensitive credit card data. The credit card information is encrypted and the chip itself is tamper proof. Seems secure enough, even if a thief has physical possession of the smartphone.
Then comes the weak link--the Android app. Here too, Google has done its part and developed a system that relies on a PIN from the user to open the app or initiate a transaction using Google Wallet. That alone represents one weak point in the Google Wallet security. Have you seen the kinds of passwords people use because they can't be bothered to remember something more complex? How many Google Wallet PINs will end up being "1111", or "1234", or something equally trivial to guess?
But, even with a strong PIN in place, if there is one Android app that can access the encrypted credit card data and process payments, then it is possible for malicious developers to create other apps, or spoof the Google Wallet app somehow to access that sensitive data as well.
Jimmy Shah, mobile security researcher at McAfee Labs, points out in a blog post that the secure chip that stores the credit card information uses assymetric encryption for authentication--implying that the Google Wallet app contains the key necessary to authenticate and access the data, and that attackers can hack or reverse-engineer the Wallet app to extract that key.
Shah says, "The next step would be to create a malicious application that emulates the official Wallet app to fool the "secure element" chip into giving up your credentials. From here, the attacker can collect account information for sale or for attempts at cloning the data to new NFC cards."
On an iPhone this might be less of a concern because of the walled garden approach and the fact that iPhone apps have to get past the Apple gatekeepers first. But, with the "open" environment of Android, and all of the various unofficial Android app marketplaces out there, distributing a malicious app capable of cracking Google Wallet might not be too difficult.
I am not trying to suggest that Google Wallet is completely insecure, or scare you away from using it. I am still looking forward to the day when mobile payments using a smartphone becomes a mainstream method of doing business. But, I do think you need to be aware of the potential security holes in the system so you can exercise an appropriate level of caution when using Google Wallet.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Google Pulls Yongzh's Emulator Apps Off Android Market
The no-man's land of software development. Video game console and handheld manufacturers don't like 'em but, legally, there's only so much they can do against them.
Well, be it the result of manufacturer complaints or other issues, Google has taken a heavy hand against one of the Android emulation scene's brightest stars. The company has suspended the Android developer account for Yongzh, otherwise known as Yong Zhang. He's the creator of the popular "-oid" series of android emulation apps, including Nesoid, Snesoid, N64oid, and Gameboid, to name a few.
According to Zhang, his developer account has been officially removed from Google's Android Market and all his apps have been deleted. This was allegedly Zhang's primary moneymaker. Though he's since moved his emulation apps over to the third-party market SlideME, he's listed them all as free downloads. Zhang says that the apps will stay free for a bit of time as prior purchasers migrate over to the new app store—presumably so that they can receive the latest updates for the emulators as Zhang releases them.
So what got Zhang the boot? Or, rather, who? Neither Zhang nor Google have commented on the primary source of the complaints against the developer's emulator apps. While most speculate that one of the Big Three are behind the purge–Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft–there's also speculation that Zhang allegedly violated the open source licenses for projects that parts of his programs were derived from.
Depending on the terms of the licensing, Zhang could have likely still charged money for his applications. He would have probably had to release the source code for anything he created, however–violating this principle would open Zhang's apps up for takedown requests.
If one of the manufactures went after Zhang, it's likely more an issue of trademark than of the legality of an emulator itself. Sony has previously lost lawsuits against emulator developers when the company attempted to argue that the software was itself illegal (based on various claims).
Following the company's two big losses after it went after PlayStation emulators Bleem! And Connectix Virtual Game Station, Sony has found more success in pursuing claims of trademark infringement against emulator developers instead of outright illegality. For example, the company was successfully able to pull the PlayStation emulator "PSX4Droid" off the Android Market, likely the result of the use of the company's trademarked "PSX" acronym within the app's title.
And don't forget: While emulators might be legal to download (in some cases), the corresponding ROM files—copies of a game's core data–are themselves illegal to download! Hey, we didn't say it wasn't confusing... as Zhang himself is likely learning right now.
Well, be it the result of manufacturer complaints or other issues, Google has taken a heavy hand against one of the Android emulation scene's brightest stars. The company has suspended the Android developer account for Yongzh, otherwise known as Yong Zhang. He's the creator of the popular "-oid" series of android emulation apps, including Nesoid, Snesoid, N64oid, and Gameboid, to name a few.
According to Zhang, his developer account has been officially removed from Google's Android Market and all his apps have been deleted. This was allegedly Zhang's primary moneymaker. Though he's since moved his emulation apps over to the third-party market SlideME, he's listed them all as free downloads. Zhang says that the apps will stay free for a bit of time as prior purchasers migrate over to the new app store—presumably so that they can receive the latest updates for the emulators as Zhang releases them.
So what got Zhang the boot? Or, rather, who? Neither Zhang nor Google have commented on the primary source of the complaints against the developer's emulator apps. While most speculate that one of the Big Three are behind the purge–Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft–there's also speculation that Zhang allegedly violated the open source licenses for projects that parts of his programs were derived from.
Depending on the terms of the licensing, Zhang could have likely still charged money for his applications. He would have probably had to release the source code for anything he created, however–violating this principle would open Zhang's apps up for takedown requests.
If one of the manufactures went after Zhang, it's likely more an issue of trademark than of the legality of an emulator itself. Sony has previously lost lawsuits against emulator developers when the company attempted to argue that the software was itself illegal (based on various claims).
Following the company's two big losses after it went after PlayStation emulators Bleem! And Connectix Virtual Game Station, Sony has found more success in pursuing claims of trademark infringement against emulator developers instead of outright illegality. For example, the company was successfully able to pull the PlayStation emulator "PSX4Droid" off the Android Market, likely the result of the use of the company's trademarked "PSX" acronym within the app's title.
And don't forget: While emulators might be legal to download (in some cases), the corresponding ROM files—copies of a game's core data–are themselves illegal to download! Hey, we didn't say it wasn't confusing... as Zhang himself is likely learning right now.
Rivals likely to reach for Google's "Wallet"
NEW YORK — With the announcement of "Google Wallet" the Internet giant became the first player to dash into a future where people use smartphones as credit cards, but rivals are expected to cut its lead short.
EBay quickly threw up a hurdle in the form of a lawsuit accusing Google of building the mobile payments platform with trade secrets swiped from the online auction titan's PayPal financial transactions unit.
Apple, Amazon.com, eBay and Facebook are each believed to be working on ways to let people use smartphones to pay for items or services but Google was the first to introduce such a system, in the form of "Google Wallet."
At this point, the move is largely symbolic. A test version of the system will go to live in coming months in just two US cities, New York and San Francisco.
Google Wallet will work with Android-powered phones like Google's Nexus S equipped with near-field-communication (NFC) chips, serviced by US telecom Sprint and only at merchants that have partnered with Google for the launch.
Google partners on the mobile payment platform include major chains such as Macy's, Subway sandwiches, and American Eagle Outfitters clothing shops.
For Justin Post, financial analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, being first into the market with Wallet positions the California Internet firm as an early leader in mobile payments.
"Google Wallet has big ambitions but also faces great obstacles, but (its operating system for mobile) Android and location-based search are key assets that could help launch the ecosystem," he said.
Within hours of the unveiling of Wallet on Thursday, eBay and PayPal filed a lawsuit charging that Google tapped into the online financial transaction service's know-how for the mobile payments project.
PayPal spent three years trying to work out a deal in which it would handle payments for Android smartphones, only to see Google scuttle the talks and hire PayPal lead negotiator Osama Bedier, according to court documents.
"Silicon Valley was built on the ability of individuals to use their knowledge and expertise to seek better employment opportunities, an idea recognized by both California law and public policy," a Google spokesman told AFP.
"We respect trade secrets, and will defend ourselves against these claims."
Bedier worked at the eBay-owned online financial services unit as a vice president of platform, mobile, and new ventures until being hired in January by Google.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster saw the lawsuit as "a sign that (PayPal and eBay) are nervous that they have big players coming after them."
Boston University professor of law Michael Meurer shared two possible theories based on the apparent merits of the freshly-filed lawsuit.
Bedier is either a bad guy who stole trade secrets or PayPal "is a bit desperate, sees that Google is going to enter their market in a big way and will try to do whatever it can to delay Google," Meurer theorized.
Even if the lawsuit fails, the litigation can disrupt Google's momentum as executives and engineers spend time testifying and PayPal perhaps tries to get the court to stall the service until matters are resolved.
No matter how the case plays out, Google can expect to see other Internet titans enter the mobile payments arena.
"It's nice to be first to market...but it's going to be a ramp-up and there are going to be different approaches to this," said PeekYou website founder Michael Hussey, who keeps watch on the Internet economy.
"Amazon is going to want something I'm sure...Apple definitely has got to do something," he continued.
Apple's beloved iPhones are already compatible with Square software for accepting credit card payments and rumors building ahead of an Apple developers conference in June include talk that the smartphones may get NFC chips.
Apple gadget fans already trust the California company with financial information and are in the habit of shopping at iTunes and the App Store.
Internet retail powerhouse Amazon is also, understandably, in a strong position to add a smartphone payments platform to its service.
Globally popular online social network Facebook has been improving smartphone features and weaving deals at local shops into its platform, making the ability to consummate transactions a natural next step.
EBay quickly threw up a hurdle in the form of a lawsuit accusing Google of building the mobile payments platform with trade secrets swiped from the online auction titan's PayPal financial transactions unit.
Apple, Amazon.com, eBay and Facebook are each believed to be working on ways to let people use smartphones to pay for items or services but Google was the first to introduce such a system, in the form of "Google Wallet."
At this point, the move is largely symbolic. A test version of the system will go to live in coming months in just two US cities, New York and San Francisco.
Google Wallet will work with Android-powered phones like Google's Nexus S equipped with near-field-communication (NFC) chips, serviced by US telecom Sprint and only at merchants that have partnered with Google for the launch.
Google partners on the mobile payment platform include major chains such as Macy's, Subway sandwiches, and American Eagle Outfitters clothing shops.
For Justin Post, financial analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, being first into the market with Wallet positions the California Internet firm as an early leader in mobile payments.
"Google Wallet has big ambitions but also faces great obstacles, but (its operating system for mobile) Android and location-based search are key assets that could help launch the ecosystem," he said.
Within hours of the unveiling of Wallet on Thursday, eBay and PayPal filed a lawsuit charging that Google tapped into the online financial transaction service's know-how for the mobile payments project.
PayPal spent three years trying to work out a deal in which it would handle payments for Android smartphones, only to see Google scuttle the talks and hire PayPal lead negotiator Osama Bedier, according to court documents.
"Silicon Valley was built on the ability of individuals to use their knowledge and expertise to seek better employment opportunities, an idea recognized by both California law and public policy," a Google spokesman told AFP.
"We respect trade secrets, and will defend ourselves against these claims."
Bedier worked at the eBay-owned online financial services unit as a vice president of platform, mobile, and new ventures until being hired in January by Google.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster saw the lawsuit as "a sign that (PayPal and eBay) are nervous that they have big players coming after them."
Boston University professor of law Michael Meurer shared two possible theories based on the apparent merits of the freshly-filed lawsuit.
Bedier is either a bad guy who stole trade secrets or PayPal "is a bit desperate, sees that Google is going to enter their market in a big way and will try to do whatever it can to delay Google," Meurer theorized.
Even if the lawsuit fails, the litigation can disrupt Google's momentum as executives and engineers spend time testifying and PayPal perhaps tries to get the court to stall the service until matters are resolved.
No matter how the case plays out, Google can expect to see other Internet titans enter the mobile payments arena.
"It's nice to be first to market...but it's going to be a ramp-up and there are going to be different approaches to this," said PeekYou website founder Michael Hussey, who keeps watch on the Internet economy.
"Amazon is going to want something I'm sure...Apple definitely has got to do something," he continued.
Apple's beloved iPhones are already compatible with Square software for accepting credit card payments and rumors building ahead of an Apple developers conference in June include talk that the smartphones may get NFC chips.
Apple gadget fans already trust the California company with financial information and are in the habit of shopping at iTunes and the App Store.
Internet retail powerhouse Amazon is also, understandably, in a strong position to add a smartphone payments platform to its service.
Globally popular online social network Facebook has been improving smartphone features and weaving deals at local shops into its platform, making the ability to consummate transactions a natural next step.
Intel to Map Plans for $200 Million, 10,000 Seniors Health Study
Intel Corp. will help fund work on a proposal for a $200 million study of technology used to provide in-home care for seniors, Eric Dishman, an Intel fellow and director of health innovation, said in an interview.
The study will examine use of technology by 10,000 seniors, Dishman said. Intel is looking for partners that can put up funding for the proposal and the study, and will complete a proposal outlining the study this year, he said.
As part of a five- to 10-year endeavor, researchers plan to use sensors, Web-connected computers and other devices to capture data about seniors’ daily activities, such as when they take medicine and how quickly they move about the house. The purpose is to prove that the technology can track cognitive and physical decline and to understand how technology can help providers better care for seniors in home settings, rather than hospitals and other facilities where care costs have skyrocketed in recent years. The market for so-called aging-in-place technology is expected to surge. Global revenues from home monitoring of patients with diseases like diabetes and cardiac arrhythmia should rise to $16.6 billion in 2015, from $11 billion last year, according to Swedish consultant Berg Insight.
“There are likely to be more older people who’ll need assistance living at home,” Andre Malm, senior analyst at Berg, said in an interview. “It’s a way to improve quality of living for patients who want to live at home. What’s needed is good, independent research” to prove that at-home technologies work. The number of Americans aged 65 or older will rise to 72.1 million by 2030, up from 39.6 million in 2009, according to Administration on Aging.
One goal is to prove that at-home technologies can be useful in early detection of diseases, and alerting caregivers to emergencies such as falls, Dishman said. “I am sure we’ll figure out ways to increase fall prevention and reduce depression,” he said. Computers might remind consumers with Alzheimer’s, for instance, what they discussed during a previous conversation. A door sensor may notify a caregiver that a senior hasn’t gone outside for four days.
“You can address a problem sooner, before it becomes clinical,” Paul Crawford, director of health product research for Intel Labs, said in an interview. “Intel is trying to bring independent living into the digital age. It’s in analog age now.” Crawford and Jeff Kaye, a professor at Oregon Health & Science University, are leading the work on the proposal. The study is expected to be administered by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.
The study may begin as early as 2012, if additional funds are secured, Dishman said. His SILvR (Senior Independent Living Research) Initiative study could cost $200 million over 10 years, and would eventually track some 10,000 households with seniors, he said. The exact cost of the study will be determined this year.
Potential backers of the proposal work include The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National Science Foundation, Dishman said. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which provides funding for public health projects, is “intrigued by the idea,” Paul Tarini, senior program officer at the foundation, said in an interview. The organization has talked with Intel about the study and is now awaiting a funding proposal.
Intel makes chips and software used in at-home care. The company and GE Corp. formed a joint venture focused on telehealth and independent living technologies in August.
Intel has invested in senior healthcare technologies for 12 years, funding more than 100 university grants, Dishman said.
Once the proposal is completed by year-end, Intel will push U.S. and European Union authorities to fund the study, Dishman said. Intel has also talked with White House officials, including Federal Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra, and is pushing for the study to become a presidential election issue in 2012, he said.
“It’s too expensive even for Intel to single-handedly produce the clinical and financial evidence that these technologies detect diseases and lower costs,” Dishman said. “Even competitors need to come together and co-invest.”
The study will examine use of technology by 10,000 seniors, Dishman said. Intel is looking for partners that can put up funding for the proposal and the study, and will complete a proposal outlining the study this year, he said.
As part of a five- to 10-year endeavor, researchers plan to use sensors, Web-connected computers and other devices to capture data about seniors’ daily activities, such as when they take medicine and how quickly they move about the house. The purpose is to prove that the technology can track cognitive and physical decline and to understand how technology can help providers better care for seniors in home settings, rather than hospitals and other facilities where care costs have skyrocketed in recent years. The market for so-called aging-in-place technology is expected to surge. Global revenues from home monitoring of patients with diseases like diabetes and cardiac arrhythmia should rise to $16.6 billion in 2015, from $11 billion last year, according to Swedish consultant Berg Insight.
“There are likely to be more older people who’ll need assistance living at home,” Andre Malm, senior analyst at Berg, said in an interview. “It’s a way to improve quality of living for patients who want to live at home. What’s needed is good, independent research” to prove that at-home technologies work. The number of Americans aged 65 or older will rise to 72.1 million by 2030, up from 39.6 million in 2009, according to Administration on Aging.
One goal is to prove that at-home technologies can be useful in early detection of diseases, and alerting caregivers to emergencies such as falls, Dishman said. “I am sure we’ll figure out ways to increase fall prevention and reduce depression,” he said. Computers might remind consumers with Alzheimer’s, for instance, what they discussed during a previous conversation. A door sensor may notify a caregiver that a senior hasn’t gone outside for four days.
“You can address a problem sooner, before it becomes clinical,” Paul Crawford, director of health product research for Intel Labs, said in an interview. “Intel is trying to bring independent living into the digital age. It’s in analog age now.” Crawford and Jeff Kaye, a professor at Oregon Health & Science University, are leading the work on the proposal. The study is expected to be administered by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.
The study may begin as early as 2012, if additional funds are secured, Dishman said. His SILvR (Senior Independent Living Research) Initiative study could cost $200 million over 10 years, and would eventually track some 10,000 households with seniors, he said. The exact cost of the study will be determined this year.
Potential backers of the proposal work include The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National Science Foundation, Dishman said. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which provides funding for public health projects, is “intrigued by the idea,” Paul Tarini, senior program officer at the foundation, said in an interview. The organization has talked with Intel about the study and is now awaiting a funding proposal.
Intel makes chips and software used in at-home care. The company and GE Corp. formed a joint venture focused on telehealth and independent living technologies in August.
Intel has invested in senior healthcare technologies for 12 years, funding more than 100 university grants, Dishman said.
Once the proposal is completed by year-end, Intel will push U.S. and European Union authorities to fund the study, Dishman said. Intel has also talked with White House officials, including Federal Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra, and is pushing for the study to become a presidential election issue in 2012, he said.
“It’s too expensive even for Intel to single-handedly produce the clinical and financial evidence that these technologies detect diseases and lower costs,” Dishman said. “Even competitors need to come together and co-invest.”
Microsoft Is Said to Plan Preview of Windows Tablet Software
Microsoft Corp. will preview its Windows operating system designed for tablet computers in demonstrations planned for next week, according to three people with knowledge of the company’s plans.
The company will showcase the software’s touch-screen interface running on hardware with an Nvidia Corp. Tegra chip, said the people, who declined to be identified because the plans are confidential. Windows President Steven Sinofsky is scheduled to present at the All Things D conference, while Vice President Steve Guggenheimer will address the Computex show in Taipei.
Microsoft is rushing to adapt Windows to better support devices that can compete with Apple Inc.’s iPad, which dominates the tablet market. The new operating system won’t be out until next year, people familiar with the plans said in March. Still, the company is eager to show it is moving forward, seeking to generate demand among computer makers and chip suppliers.
Nvidia’s Tegra microprocessor is based on the ARM Holdings Plc technology that dominates the smartphone market. ARM-based chips are also used in the iPad and tablets that run Google Inc.’s Android operating system.
Mark Martin, a spokesman for Microsoft, declined to comment. The company’s shares rose 48 cents, or 2 percent, to $24.67 at 4 p.m. New York time on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Nvidia gained 46 cents, or 2.5 percent, to $18.82.
Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer said earlier this week that machines with the new operating system, which he referred to as Windows 8, would be released in 2012.
‘In a Race’
Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, later retracted the comments, claiming they were a misstatement. The company is scrambling to expand Windows to computing devices such as phones and tablets, Ballmer said in a speech in New Delhi today.
“We are in a race,” he said. “We are not doing that badly, frankly. We are doing pretty well in that race. But the race is on to continue to push Windows to a variety of new form factors.”
Apple sold 4.69 million iPads in the most recent quarter, for a total of 19.5 million since the device’s April 2010 release. If the next version of Windows does come out on tablets in 2012, Apple will likely be selling its third generation of iPad hardware by then, according to Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at researcher Gartner Inc.
While Microsoft works on the new Windows software, sales in the operating-system business are taking a hit as some consumers choose iPads instead of less-expensive netbook computers that run Windows.
PC Shipments Slip
Consumer personal-computer shipments dropped 8 percent in the quarter, Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Peter Klein said last month. Sales of netbooks plunged 40 percent, partially because of defections to tablet computers, he said.
That helped make last quarter the second in a row in which Windows revenue fell short of analyst estimates.
The demonstration may be a boon to Nvidia, a maker of graphics processors for PCs, which is trying to break into the market for tablet computer chips with Tegra. Most tablets are now built with mobile-phone processors made by Texas Instruments Inc., Qualcomm Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co.
Intel Corp., whose processors lead in PCs, has been unable to parlay that dominance into design wins in phones and tablets.
Technology website WinRumors reported earlier that Microsoft will demonstrate the tablet software design at All Things D, which is being held in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
The company will showcase the software’s touch-screen interface running on hardware with an Nvidia Corp. Tegra chip, said the people, who declined to be identified because the plans are confidential. Windows President Steven Sinofsky is scheduled to present at the All Things D conference, while Vice President Steve Guggenheimer will address the Computex show in Taipei.
Microsoft is rushing to adapt Windows to better support devices that can compete with Apple Inc.’s iPad, which dominates the tablet market. The new operating system won’t be out until next year, people familiar with the plans said in March. Still, the company is eager to show it is moving forward, seeking to generate demand among computer makers and chip suppliers.
Nvidia’s Tegra microprocessor is based on the ARM Holdings Plc technology that dominates the smartphone market. ARM-based chips are also used in the iPad and tablets that run Google Inc.’s Android operating system.
Mark Martin, a spokesman for Microsoft, declined to comment. The company’s shares rose 48 cents, or 2 percent, to $24.67 at 4 p.m. New York time on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Nvidia gained 46 cents, or 2.5 percent, to $18.82.
Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer said earlier this week that machines with the new operating system, which he referred to as Windows 8, would be released in 2012.
‘In a Race’
Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, later retracted the comments, claiming they were a misstatement. The company is scrambling to expand Windows to computing devices such as phones and tablets, Ballmer said in a speech in New Delhi today.
“We are in a race,” he said. “We are not doing that badly, frankly. We are doing pretty well in that race. But the race is on to continue to push Windows to a variety of new form factors.”
Apple sold 4.69 million iPads in the most recent quarter, for a total of 19.5 million since the device’s April 2010 release. If the next version of Windows does come out on tablets in 2012, Apple will likely be selling its third generation of iPad hardware by then, according to Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at researcher Gartner Inc.
While Microsoft works on the new Windows software, sales in the operating-system business are taking a hit as some consumers choose iPads instead of less-expensive netbook computers that run Windows.
PC Shipments Slip
Consumer personal-computer shipments dropped 8 percent in the quarter, Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Peter Klein said last month. Sales of netbooks plunged 40 percent, partially because of defections to tablet computers, he said.
That helped make last quarter the second in a row in which Windows revenue fell short of analyst estimates.
The demonstration may be a boon to Nvidia, a maker of graphics processors for PCs, which is trying to break into the market for tablet computer chips with Tegra. Most tablets are now built with mobile-phone processors made by Texas Instruments Inc., Qualcomm Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co.
Intel Corp., whose processors lead in PCs, has been unable to parlay that dominance into design wins in phones and tablets.
Technology website WinRumors reported earlier that Microsoft will demonstrate the tablet software design at All Things D, which is being held in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Zylog Systems Ltd. Recommends Final Dividend
Zylog Systems Ltd. announced that the Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of INR8 per share (80% on face value of INR10) on the Equity Shares of the Company subject to approval of the Shareholders in the Annual General Meeting.
Datamatics Technologies Ltd Recommends Final Dividend
Datamatics Technologies Ltd announced that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on May 27, 2011, inter alia, has recommended a final dividend at 15% i.e. INR0.75 per share to the shareholders for the year ended March 31, 2011.
Compucom Software Ltd Recommends Final Dividend; Appoints Bhubneshwer Sharma To Act As CEO
Compucom Software Ltd announced that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on May 27, 2011, inter alia, has recommended dividend @ 15% i.e. INR0.30 per equity share of INR2 each as the final dividend for the financial year ended March 31, 2011. Board also Approved the appointment of Mr. Bhubneshwer Sharma, Manager (Accounts) to act as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company.
Former Wipro Joint CEO Girish Paranjpe To Head Bloom Energy Intl
Bloom Energy, a Silicon Valley-based provider of breakthrough solid oxide fuel cell technology which produces clean, reliable and affordable onsite power, has roped in Girish Paranjpe, former joint CEO of Wipro, India's third biggest software exporter.
Paranjpe has joined as the Managing Director of Bloom Energy International and will report to KR Sridhar, principal co-founder and CEO of Bloom Energy, the energy storage company said in a statement.
As part of his role, Paranjpe will be responsible for developing the global market for Bloom Energy. He will also focus on creating new solutions around the Bloom Energy Server and the flagship Bloom Electrons' offering. In an effort to ensure that clean energy reaches millions around the world, Paranjpe will lead Bloom Energy's initiative to partner with energy industry innovators, as well as leading solution and infrastructure providers.
Because of its compact fuel cells which can generate electricity with low carbon emissions, Bloom Energy is one of the most hyped companies among Silicon Valley’s growing roster of green start-ups. The new company, with more than $100 million in funding from Credit Suisse Group and Silicon Valley Bank, receives federal grants for up to 30 per cent of what it spends on the fuel cells.
Founded by Indian-born KR Sridhar, a former director at NASA, Bloom Energy offers modular electricity generating boxes which convert fuel cells into electricity. Globally, eBay and Google are among some of the high profile customers already using Bloom Boxes. Now, the company plans to tap into newer markets and increase its footprint.
Announcing Paranjpe's appointment, KR Sridhar said, "We are extremely happy to have Girish on board. Bloom Energy today is at an inflection point, having developed and proven the technology in California. It is now time to expand our markets. Girish will help us start the journey of taking the promise of Bloom’s technology to the global marketplace. I am confident that Girish will build a strong worldwide organisation that will make a significant impact on distributed generation solutions."
Commenting on his new role, Girish Paranjpe said, "The opportunity with Bloom is quite exciting for multiple reasons. Bloom's ability to generate clean, reliable and affordable baseload power is unique, and its technology will have a far-reaching impact for businesses and society. Throughout the world, both developed and emerging countries are looking for breakthrough alternatives to fulfil growing electricity needs. Bloom is at the cusp of a new beginning and there is an opportunity for me to do something significant, similar to what I did as part of the IT industry. Initially, we will enter a select few geographies, yet to be finalised, which have the following key attributes – unmet customer needs, the right policy environment, support for the right infrastructure and strategic like-minded domestic partners."
Prior to joining Bloom Energy International, Paranjpe was the co-CEO of Wipro’s IT business and was an executive director on the board of Wipro Ltd. He jointly carried the responsibility for strategy and operations at Wipro’s IT business. Paranjpe also represented Wipro and the IT industry in various public forums including the prime minister’s task force on information technology, NASSCOM and at leading global business schools.
On January 20, Bloom announced a new payment option which would help it generate power at competitive prices on a large scale. A programme called Bloom Electrons offers 10-year contracts for metered electricity at 5 per cent to 20 per cent below the grid rate in California. Before Bloom's new payment method, customers had to pay $700,000-plus for a unit which provides 100 KW of electricity (about what 100 US homes may use). Founded in 2001, Bloom Energy is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and claims that it is changing the way the world generates and consumes energy.
Paranjpe has joined as the Managing Director of Bloom Energy International and will report to KR Sridhar, principal co-founder and CEO of Bloom Energy, the energy storage company said in a statement.
As part of his role, Paranjpe will be responsible for developing the global market for Bloom Energy. He will also focus on creating new solutions around the Bloom Energy Server and the flagship Bloom Electrons' offering. In an effort to ensure that clean energy reaches millions around the world, Paranjpe will lead Bloom Energy's initiative to partner with energy industry innovators, as well as leading solution and infrastructure providers.
Because of its compact fuel cells which can generate electricity with low carbon emissions, Bloom Energy is one of the most hyped companies among Silicon Valley’s growing roster of green start-ups. The new company, with more than $100 million in funding from Credit Suisse Group and Silicon Valley Bank, receives federal grants for up to 30 per cent of what it spends on the fuel cells.
Founded by Indian-born KR Sridhar, a former director at NASA, Bloom Energy offers modular electricity generating boxes which convert fuel cells into electricity. Globally, eBay and Google are among some of the high profile customers already using Bloom Boxes. Now, the company plans to tap into newer markets and increase its footprint.
Announcing Paranjpe's appointment, KR Sridhar said, "We are extremely happy to have Girish on board. Bloom Energy today is at an inflection point, having developed and proven the technology in California. It is now time to expand our markets. Girish will help us start the journey of taking the promise of Bloom’s technology to the global marketplace. I am confident that Girish will build a strong worldwide organisation that will make a significant impact on distributed generation solutions."
Commenting on his new role, Girish Paranjpe said, "The opportunity with Bloom is quite exciting for multiple reasons. Bloom's ability to generate clean, reliable and affordable baseload power is unique, and its technology will have a far-reaching impact for businesses and society. Throughout the world, both developed and emerging countries are looking for breakthrough alternatives to fulfil growing electricity needs. Bloom is at the cusp of a new beginning and there is an opportunity for me to do something significant, similar to what I did as part of the IT industry. Initially, we will enter a select few geographies, yet to be finalised, which have the following key attributes – unmet customer needs, the right policy environment, support for the right infrastructure and strategic like-minded domestic partners."
Prior to joining Bloom Energy International, Paranjpe was the co-CEO of Wipro’s IT business and was an executive director on the board of Wipro Ltd. He jointly carried the responsibility for strategy and operations at Wipro’s IT business. Paranjpe also represented Wipro and the IT industry in various public forums including the prime minister’s task force on information technology, NASSCOM and at leading global business schools.
On January 20, Bloom announced a new payment option which would help it generate power at competitive prices on a large scale. A programme called Bloom Electrons offers 10-year contracts for metered electricity at 5 per cent to 20 per cent below the grid rate in California. Before Bloom's new payment method, customers had to pay $700,000-plus for a unit which provides 100 KW of electricity (about what 100 US homes may use). Founded in 2001, Bloom Energy is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and claims that it is changing the way the world generates and consumes energy.
Sony Ericsson needs Sony firepower for Android war
Last year the 10-year-old venture set itself the ambitious target of capturing the market for Google's Android platform, the world's most popular smartphone software, in order to rake in returns from the fast-growing and profitable market.
But to reach its goal, Sony Ericsson needs a dynamic owner with deep pockets and multimedia assets. Its brand is languishing by comparison with Apple Inc, whose iPhones and iPads have wowed gadget-hungry consumers.
A full takeover of the venture with Sweden's Ericsson would boost Sony's overall offering, which includes content, gaming devices, consumer electronics and even tablet computers, but is still missing its own smartphones.
"Sony has not seemed interested so far in making such a move, but now the full offering story is very, very 'in', and Sony might be looking at Apple and thinking they could come up with a similar offering," Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi said.
Sony and Ericsson's 50:50 venture -- formed in 2001 -- thrived after its breakthrough with Walkman music phones and Cybershot cameraphones, both of which leveraged Sony's brands.
But it lost out to leaner rivals at the cheaper end, and its share of total handset sales dropped to just 3 percent from more than 9 percent at its height.
Now, Sony Ericsson is pinning its hopes on a switch in focus to smartphones, the fastest-growing part of the mobile market, and particularly phones powered by Android.
It is making some progress and turned a net profit of 90 million euros ($127 million) last year, after a booking a loss of 836 million euros in 2009.
JAPANESE COMPLICATIONS
In order to snare new customers, Sony Ericsson needs access to Sony's popular content. This includes PlayStation, a music catalogue including artists Justin Timberlake and Bob Dylan, and movies and TV shows like popular U.S. comedy "Seinfeld".
It has taken steps in that direction already. It recently rolled out the Xperia Play smartphone which gives users access to PlayStation games.
But its product was late and expensive and is being undermined by parent Sony, which is rolling out other products in direct competition.
Sony recently launched a tablet computer that runs on Android software, as well as an own-brand portable gaming device. It also plans to franchise PlayStation to other phone makers.
Nobuo Kurahashi of Mizuo Investors' Securities said it made far more sense for Sony to roll Sony Ericsson into its strategy rather than competing with it.
"Having Sony Ericsson phones involved (separately) could make it harder for Sony to achieve its goals," Kurahashi said.
"Having ... the whole thing under their control could well make it easier to build their network strategy."
But it won't be easy, with Sony distracted by headaches elsewhere. This week, Sony said it would make a $3.2 billion net loss for the fiscal year that ended March 31 due to the effects of March's earthquake in Japan.
The company had already been struggling, outmanoeuvred by Apple in portable music and Samsung in flat-screen TVs and challenged by Nintendo and Microsoft in the battle for dominance of video game consoles.
It also faces a massive undertaking to recover customer trust after hackers accessed client data from its online gaming platform in April.
"Given the enormity of Sony's current challenges, a move for Sony Ericsson in the short term seems unlikely," said CCS Insight analyst Geoff Blaber.
SILENT SWEDISH PARTNER
The impetus may come instead from partner Ericsson, which could push Sony to buy it out if their joint venture continues to fade in relevance.
Sony Ericsson finally turned a profit last year, but that may not last, given the odds currently stacked against it.
"I think it (Sony Ericsson) is already fairly irrelevant in the market in terms of volumes and even value market share," said WestLB's Thomas Langer.
However, Ericsson has no urgent need for the 1 billion to 2.5 billion euros some analysts reckon half of Sony Ericsson's equity is worth, based on its revenues of 6.3 billion euros.
Debt would not be an issue, since the venture had net debt of only 5 million euros at the end of March.
Meanwhile, Ericsson's own core business is soaring as telecom operators raise spending to boost capacity in networks choked by smartphone customers.
It has also made joint ventures part of its targets for the 2010-2013 period, possibly signalling no sale is on the cards.
Even if Sony Ericsson does sort out its ownership issues, the going will be tough.
The smartphone market is growing fast, with shipments nearly doubling year on year in the first quarter to 100 million handsets, according to IDC's mobile phone tracker report.
But competition for a larger slice of the pie is fierce, and Sony Ericsson will not only have to battle deep-pocketed, larger rivals like Samsung Electronics , but also nimbler Asian players such as HTC, China's ZTE and Huawei.
Sony Ericsson has 9 percent of the market for smartphones running on Android software, compared with 26 percent for Samsung, according to researcher Strategy Analytics.
Eight analysts polled by Reuters all thought Sony Ericsson would likely miss its target of becoming the biggest seller of Android.
Some say that makes it all the more important for Sony to take stronger ownership.
"Sony needs a mobile presence, and Sony Ericsson needs Sony content and services. This can arguably only be achieved if Sony takes control of the joint venture," said CCS Insight's Blaber.
But to reach its goal, Sony Ericsson needs a dynamic owner with deep pockets and multimedia assets. Its brand is languishing by comparison with Apple Inc, whose iPhones and iPads have wowed gadget-hungry consumers.
A full takeover of the venture with Sweden's Ericsson would boost Sony's overall offering, which includes content, gaming devices, consumer electronics and even tablet computers, but is still missing its own smartphones.
"Sony has not seemed interested so far in making such a move, but now the full offering story is very, very 'in', and Sony might be looking at Apple and thinking they could come up with a similar offering," Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi said.
Sony and Ericsson's 50:50 venture -- formed in 2001 -- thrived after its breakthrough with Walkman music phones and Cybershot cameraphones, both of which leveraged Sony's brands.
But it lost out to leaner rivals at the cheaper end, and its share of total handset sales dropped to just 3 percent from more than 9 percent at its height.
Now, Sony Ericsson is pinning its hopes on a switch in focus to smartphones, the fastest-growing part of the mobile market, and particularly phones powered by Android.
It is making some progress and turned a net profit of 90 million euros ($127 million) last year, after a booking a loss of 836 million euros in 2009.
JAPANESE COMPLICATIONS
In order to snare new customers, Sony Ericsson needs access to Sony's popular content. This includes PlayStation, a music catalogue including artists Justin Timberlake and Bob Dylan, and movies and TV shows like popular U.S. comedy "Seinfeld".
It has taken steps in that direction already. It recently rolled out the Xperia Play smartphone which gives users access to PlayStation games.
But its product was late and expensive and is being undermined by parent Sony, which is rolling out other products in direct competition.
Sony recently launched a tablet computer that runs on Android software, as well as an own-brand portable gaming device. It also plans to franchise PlayStation to other phone makers.
Nobuo Kurahashi of Mizuo Investors' Securities said it made far more sense for Sony to roll Sony Ericsson into its strategy rather than competing with it.
"Having Sony Ericsson phones involved (separately) could make it harder for Sony to achieve its goals," Kurahashi said.
"Having ... the whole thing under their control could well make it easier to build their network strategy."
But it won't be easy, with Sony distracted by headaches elsewhere. This week, Sony said it would make a $3.2 billion net loss for the fiscal year that ended March 31 due to the effects of March's earthquake in Japan.
The company had already been struggling, outmanoeuvred by Apple in portable music and Samsung in flat-screen TVs and challenged by Nintendo and Microsoft in the battle for dominance of video game consoles.
It also faces a massive undertaking to recover customer trust after hackers accessed client data from its online gaming platform in April.
"Given the enormity of Sony's current challenges, a move for Sony Ericsson in the short term seems unlikely," said CCS Insight analyst Geoff Blaber.
SILENT SWEDISH PARTNER
The impetus may come instead from partner Ericsson, which could push Sony to buy it out if their joint venture continues to fade in relevance.
Sony Ericsson finally turned a profit last year, but that may not last, given the odds currently stacked against it.
"I think it (Sony Ericsson) is already fairly irrelevant in the market in terms of volumes and even value market share," said WestLB's Thomas Langer.
However, Ericsson has no urgent need for the 1 billion to 2.5 billion euros some analysts reckon half of Sony Ericsson's equity is worth, based on its revenues of 6.3 billion euros.
Debt would not be an issue, since the venture had net debt of only 5 million euros at the end of March.
Meanwhile, Ericsson's own core business is soaring as telecom operators raise spending to boost capacity in networks choked by smartphone customers.
It has also made joint ventures part of its targets for the 2010-2013 period, possibly signalling no sale is on the cards.
Even if Sony Ericsson does sort out its ownership issues, the going will be tough.
The smartphone market is growing fast, with shipments nearly doubling year on year in the first quarter to 100 million handsets, according to IDC's mobile phone tracker report.
But competition for a larger slice of the pie is fierce, and Sony Ericsson will not only have to battle deep-pocketed, larger rivals like Samsung Electronics , but also nimbler Asian players such as HTC, China's ZTE and Huawei.
Sony Ericsson has 9 percent of the market for smartphones running on Android software, compared with 26 percent for Samsung, according to researcher Strategy Analytics.
Eight analysts polled by Reuters all thought Sony Ericsson would likely miss its target of becoming the biggest seller of Android.
Some say that makes it all the more important for Sony to take stronger ownership.
"Sony needs a mobile presence, and Sony Ericsson needs Sony content and services. This can arguably only be achieved if Sony takes control of the joint venture," said CCS Insight's Blaber.
Google Versus Facebook: Following the Money
If you’ve been disconcerted by the news that Facebook was conducting a smear campaign against Google, perhaps a little look at the financials might clear up a few key points.
Both companies have already been in fierce competition for online ad dollars for a few years. Google makes the majority of its income from search ad programs like AdWords and AdSense, but as the incumbent in online advertising, it has to watch its back very carefully.
Facebook’s ad revenue hit an impressive $1.86 billion for 2010, and the site may account for as much as one-third of display ad impressions. For 2011, Facebook is expected to bring in $4.05 billion in advertising revenues worldwide, $2.19 billion of which will come from the U.S. market.
Also, given Google’s recent launch of +1 ? a half social, half traffic-generating web search feature ? Facebook might be feeling even more pressure to make sure users are wary of the tool and less likely to use it without overthinking it. After all +1 is a Facebook Like competitor. And both +1 and Likes can generate valuable data used in ad targeting. So if Facebook can convince the web-surfing world that Google is negligent about user privacy, +1 won’t be as valuable as Google might otherwise hope.
Ultimately, these two corporations are not making web apps for the pure joy of protecting user privacy; they’re in it to make money. And if Facebook can grab a bigger piece of that pie, it certainly will.
Both companies have already been in fierce competition for online ad dollars for a few years. Google makes the majority of its income from search ad programs like AdWords and AdSense, but as the incumbent in online advertising, it has to watch its back very carefully.
Facebook’s ad revenue hit an impressive $1.86 billion for 2010, and the site may account for as much as one-third of display ad impressions. For 2011, Facebook is expected to bring in $4.05 billion in advertising revenues worldwide, $2.19 billion of which will come from the U.S. market.
Also, given Google’s recent launch of +1 ? a half social, half traffic-generating web search feature ? Facebook might be feeling even more pressure to make sure users are wary of the tool and less likely to use it without overthinking it. After all +1 is a Facebook Like competitor. And both +1 and Likes can generate valuable data used in ad targeting. So if Facebook can convince the web-surfing world that Google is negligent about user privacy, +1 won’t be as valuable as Google might otherwise hope.
Ultimately, these two corporations are not making web apps for the pure joy of protecting user privacy; they’re in it to make money. And if Facebook can grab a bigger piece of that pie, it certainly will.
IBM briefly topped Microsoft in market value..
IBM briefly topped Microsoft in market value on Wall Street to become the second-largest technology company after Apple.But IBM shares lost 0.25 percent to close at $170.16, giving the New York-based company known as 'Big Blue' a market capitalization of $206.1 billion.
Microsoft shares shed 0.91 percent to close at $24.49, giving the US software giant a market capitalization of $206.5 billion.
During mid-day trading, however, IBM shares hit a high of $171.15 and the company topped Microsoft in market value at one point.
Apple, maker of the Macintosh computer, the iPod, iPhone and iPad, dethroned Microsoft in market capitalization in May of last year to become the largest US technology company in terms of market value.
IBM announced meanwhile that it is investing an additional $100 million in data analytics and unveiled new software and services to help clients manage large amounts of data.
'The volume and velocity of information is generated at a record pace,' Steve Mills, senior vice president of IBM Software and Systems, said in a statement.
'This is magnified by new forms of data coming from social networking and the explosion of mobile devices,' Mills said.
'Through our extensive capabilities in business and technology expertise, IBM is best positioned to help clients not only extract meaningful insight, but enable them to respond at the same rate at which the data arrives.'
Microsoft shares shed 0.91 percent to close at $24.49, giving the US software giant a market capitalization of $206.5 billion.
During mid-day trading, however, IBM shares hit a high of $171.15 and the company topped Microsoft in market value at one point.
Apple, maker of the Macintosh computer, the iPod, iPhone and iPad, dethroned Microsoft in market capitalization in May of last year to become the largest US technology company in terms of market value.
IBM announced meanwhile that it is investing an additional $100 million in data analytics and unveiled new software and services to help clients manage large amounts of data.
'The volume and velocity of information is generated at a record pace,' Steve Mills, senior vice president of IBM Software and Systems, said in a statement.
'This is magnified by new forms of data coming from social networking and the explosion of mobile devices,' Mills said.
'Through our extensive capabilities in business and technology expertise, IBM is best positioned to help clients not only extract meaningful insight, but enable them to respond at the same rate at which the data arrives.'
Cloud Computing and the 10X Effect
As a rule of thumb, systems can grow ten times under their current architecture or paradigm, and then they must be re-architected. This 10X effect causes old technologies to become obsolete, new ones to emerge and underlies the massive shift to cloud computing.
It was the '80s when the last major computing infrastructure paradigm shift happened. It was the introduction of the client server for designing business applications in the new way. Those applications typically ran on x86 computers – aka PCs.
Then, came the internet in the '90s and the 'client' part of this design changed completely. Applications were being accessed through web browsers rather than having them runn on a desktop PC. Now is the time when we are being witnesses to the 'server' side of client/server which is being disrupted and replaced by cloud computing.
It was the '80s when the last major computing infrastructure paradigm shift happened. It was the introduction of the client server for designing business applications in the new way. Those applications typically ran on x86 computers – aka PCs.
Then, came the internet in the '90s and the 'client' part of this design changed completely. Applications were being accessed through web browsers rather than having them runn on a desktop PC. Now is the time when we are being witnesses to the 'server' side of client/server which is being disrupted and replaced by cloud computing.
US Tablet pricing to get attractive
Mobile service providers are reworking charges for wireless connections on tablet computers to lure in customers put off by costly fees. Carriers see tablets like Apple Inc's iPad as key to revenue growth. But high prices for the devices and more fees on top of phone plans are seen pushing consumers to bypass the cellular network and rely on free Wi-Fi services.
This is expected to result in a drop in the percentage of tablets supporting cellular, potentially making operators less relevant as tablet distributors than electronics stores.
'The tablet's more natural point of sale is retail,' Nvidia Chief Executive Jen-Hsun Huang told the Reuters Global Technology Summit this week. 'The question is whether carriers will find a reason to bundle tablets with other services and create a subsidy model that is really appealing.'
Today, carriers limit cellular Web use on tablets by charging for each gigabyte (GB) of data downloaded. For example, Verizon Wireless charges $20 per gigabyte and AT&T Inc charges $25 for two. Sprint Nextel subsidizes tablets but charges more per gigabyte and requires long-term contracts.
Such arrangements will gradually result in more consumers opting for Wi-Fi-only tablets, according to iSuppli, which sees sales of tablets with cellular connections falling as low as 30 per cent of the total in 2015 from about 60 per cent in 2010.
This is expected to result in a drop in the percentage of tablets supporting cellular, potentially making operators less relevant as tablet distributors than electronics stores.
'The tablet's more natural point of sale is retail,' Nvidia Chief Executive Jen-Hsun Huang told the Reuters Global Technology Summit this week. 'The question is whether carriers will find a reason to bundle tablets with other services and create a subsidy model that is really appealing.'
Today, carriers limit cellular Web use on tablets by charging for each gigabyte (GB) of data downloaded. For example, Verizon Wireless charges $20 per gigabyte and AT&T Inc charges $25 for two. Sprint Nextel subsidizes tablets but charges more per gigabyte and requires long-term contracts.
Such arrangements will gradually result in more consumers opting for Wi-Fi-only tablets, according to iSuppli, which sees sales of tablets with cellular connections falling as low as 30 per cent of the total in 2015 from about 60 per cent in 2010.
Apple's new iPad 2 displays are hackable with a few gestures
An Apple Store Manager relayed to us that the new iPad 2 displays are able to turn into “normal iPads” with a few swipes in secret combination. To find out if true, I went to the Soho store and tried it out. Yep, it works. The button still doesn’t work so it is easy to get yourself stuck – like in Email Setup below:
I’m not going to post the gesture combination unless it hits the web but it does exist and Store managers know it.
Anyway, the moral of the story: Those are normal iPad 2s under the glass, even though they have different part numbers.
I’m not going to post the gesture combination unless it hits the web but it does exist and Store managers know it.
Anyway, the moral of the story: Those are normal iPad 2s under the glass, even though they have different part numbers.
Yahoo rolls out new email service
It's taken its time, but Yahoo is finally getting its revamped mail service out of beta, giving its 284 million users social network integration, faster search and more.
With social networking sites increasingly becoming many people's preferred means of communication, the new version allows Facebook and Twitter updates to be posted directly from within Yahoo's email boxes through a reply bar. It's also possible to chat with friends who are logged into Facebook directly from Yahoo Mail.
There's also a prioritization feature placing a user's most frequent contacts at the top of the list, and the ability to search IM and SMS conversations as well as emails.
The company claims that the new version is also much faster than its predecessor.
"This is the largest redesign of Yahoo Mail in six years, and we rebuilt it with a focus on performance to make it at least two times faster than previous versions of Yahoo Mail," it says. "In addition, we upgraded our spam technology to ensure that you aren’t receiving unwanted messages."
Other new features include inbox customization - because a pretty inbox is just so important - and an app called YouSendIt, designed to make sending large files quicker and easier. The company says it can deal with attachments of up to 100MB.
The new version has been in beta since October, but will now be rolled out worldwide over the next few weeks. Yahoo needs it: although it still has more users than Gmail, Gmail's catching up rapidly.
With social networking sites increasingly becoming many people's preferred means of communication, the new version allows Facebook and Twitter updates to be posted directly from within Yahoo's email boxes through a reply bar. It's also possible to chat with friends who are logged into Facebook directly from Yahoo Mail.
There's also a prioritization feature placing a user's most frequent contacts at the top of the list, and the ability to search IM and SMS conversations as well as emails.
The company claims that the new version is also much faster than its predecessor.
"This is the largest redesign of Yahoo Mail in six years, and we rebuilt it with a focus on performance to make it at least two times faster than previous versions of Yahoo Mail," it says. "In addition, we upgraded our spam technology to ensure that you aren’t receiving unwanted messages."
Other new features include inbox customization - because a pretty inbox is just so important - and an app called YouSendIt, designed to make sending large files quicker and easier. The company says it can deal with attachments of up to 100MB.
The new version has been in beta since October, but will now be rolled out worldwide over the next few weeks. Yahoo needs it: although it still has more users than Gmail, Gmail's catching up rapidly.
Google to launch mobile payments system
Google Inc will launch a mobile payment system on Thursday, in the latest bid to help consumers pay at the checkout with smartphones instead of traditional credit cards. Google will work with MasterCard Inc, the world's second-largest credit and debit card processing network, to launch the system, the source told Reuters.
The world's largest Internet search engine has been working with MasterCard and Citigroup Inc to develop a mobile payments system, the Wall Street Journal reported in March.
Citigroup did not immediately respond to requests for comment and MasterCard declined to comment.
Shoppers abroad, especially in Asia, can already wave cellphones at the check-out counter to pay for everything from groceries to gasoline.
Mobile phone operators, banks, technology companies and card processing networks Visa Inc and MasterCard are vying to gain a foothold in the still-small but high-potential U.S. mobile payments market.
Google has invited reporters to attend a 'partner event' on Thursday in New York to demonstrate what it called its 'latest innovations.'
It plans to unveil a mobile payments system that will run on the Google Android operating system and will be available on phones from Sprint Nextel Corp, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.
The world's largest Internet search engine has been working with MasterCard and Citigroup Inc to develop a mobile payments system, the Wall Street Journal reported in March.
Citigroup did not immediately respond to requests for comment and MasterCard declined to comment.
Shoppers abroad, especially in Asia, can already wave cellphones at the check-out counter to pay for everything from groceries to gasoline.
Mobile phone operators, banks, technology companies and card processing networks Visa Inc and MasterCard are vying to gain a foothold in the still-small but high-potential U.S. mobile payments market.
Google has invited reporters to attend a 'partner event' on Thursday in New York to demonstrate what it called its 'latest innovations.'
It plans to unveil a mobile payments system that will run on the Google Android operating system and will be available on phones from Sprint Nextel Corp, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.
Google launches Street View in Bangalore
Amid concerns of privacy in Europe and several western countries, Google launched its popular but controversial mapping service Street View, in India's technology hub Bangalore. This will allow users to view pedestrian-level photos of streets and houses.
Google said on Thursday that it has started capturing images of Indian streets which will later allow users to view panoramic images of streets across the country the 'street view' feature on Google Maps. For starters, cars and three wheelers, mounted with high resolution cameras will begin driving and taking street level photographs of public locations around Bangalore , top Google executive said at a press conference here on Thursday.
'We are announcing the street view in India. You will start seeing Google cars on the streets collecting imagery and then over time, it will be launched online on Google maps,' said Vinay Goel , Product Head, Google India .
Street View is a popular feature of Google Maps which is now used in more than 27 countries. With street view, users can virtually explore and navigate a neighborhood through panoramic street-level images. Besides cars, specially designed three-wheel pedi-cabs, called Google Trike with camera system mounted on top , will start gathering images from selected locations such as the Nrityagram Dance Village over the next few weeks.
The company's move comes at a time when the Indian government is becoming more and more conscious of privacy laws. In a recent amendment to the existing Information Technology Act, India has added many clauses that protects sensitive information of the citizen. Privacy advocates criticised the feature in the United States where it was first launched in 2007. After Google admitted that it collected wi-fi payload data by mistake using the street view cars, lot of bad press and protests followed. Google has stopped collecting wi-fi data.
Google said on Thursday that it has started capturing images of Indian streets which will later allow users to view panoramic images of streets across the country the 'street view' feature on Google Maps. For starters, cars and three wheelers, mounted with high resolution cameras will begin driving and taking street level photographs of public locations around Bangalore , top Google executive said at a press conference here on Thursday.
'We are announcing the street view in India. You will start seeing Google cars on the streets collecting imagery and then over time, it will be launched online on Google maps,' said Vinay Goel , Product Head, Google India .
Street View is a popular feature of Google Maps which is now used in more than 27 countries. With street view, users can virtually explore and navigate a neighborhood through panoramic street-level images. Besides cars, specially designed three-wheel pedi-cabs, called Google Trike with camera system mounted on top , will start gathering images from selected locations such as the Nrityagram Dance Village over the next few weeks.
The company's move comes at a time when the Indian government is becoming more and more conscious of privacy laws. In a recent amendment to the existing Information Technology Act, India has added many clauses that protects sensitive information of the citizen. Privacy advocates criticised the feature in the United States where it was first launched in 2007. After Google admitted that it collected wi-fi payload data by mistake using the street view cars, lot of bad press and protests followed. Google has stopped collecting wi-fi data.
Google co picks Intel chips for small cell range
Ubiquisys, a technology start-up backed by Google, has picked Intel's processors to boost computing power in its small base stations, which help operators to meet demand from surging mobile data consumption.
The new offering -- which will also use chips fromTexas Instruments -- will reach the market in 2012.
UK-based Ubiquisys is one of the top firms in the new market for small cells, low-power base stations for 3G mobile phone networks that offload some of the traffic from operators networks and improve indoor coverage at a comparatively low cost.
Intel's processors will bring computing power to telecommunications networks -- close to consumers, cutting need for back and forth data traffic, Ubiquisys said.
With smartphone prices dropping fast and the use of video on phones proliferating, most telecom operators around the world have been struggling with network capacity and many have started to use small cells to open up the airwaves.
Research firm Mobile Experts expects the market for such small cells -- open for public to use -- to reach 7 million units in 2013 and grow to 15.5 million by 2016.
The devices are plugged into broadband internet connections like wireless Internet base stations and allow users to make calls or use data services with their regular mobile phones.
Ubiquisys's main rivals are Alcatel-Lucent and Huawei. In addition to Google, Ubiquisys's owners include Accel Partners and T-Mobile's venture fund.
The new offering -- which will also use chips fromTexas Instruments -- will reach the market in 2012.
UK-based Ubiquisys is one of the top firms in the new market for small cells, low-power base stations for 3G mobile phone networks that offload some of the traffic from operators networks and improve indoor coverage at a comparatively low cost.
Intel's processors will bring computing power to telecommunications networks -- close to consumers, cutting need for back and forth data traffic, Ubiquisys said.
With smartphone prices dropping fast and the use of video on phones proliferating, most telecom operators around the world have been struggling with network capacity and many have started to use small cells to open up the airwaves.
Research firm Mobile Experts expects the market for such small cells -- open for public to use -- to reach 7 million units in 2013 and grow to 15.5 million by 2016.
The devices are plugged into broadband internet connections like wireless Internet base stations and allow users to make calls or use data services with their regular mobile phones.
Ubiquisys's main rivals are Alcatel-Lucent and Huawei. In addition to Google, Ubiquisys's owners include Accel Partners and T-Mobile's venture fund.
Nokia to launch first Windows Phone this year
Nokia has planned to launch its first smartphone using Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 at the end of the year, according to Taiwan's Commercial Times, which did not identify a source.
The newspaper also said Taiwanese handset contract maker Compal Communications was the sole company to receive orders for Nokia's Window phones and would start shipment in the fourth quarter.
Two models of Window phones were on Nokia's plan -- one with a full touchscreen and another sleek one with a keypad.
The world's largest handset maker announced in February it would use Microsoft's Windows phone software in all of its smartphones, and said it would start volume shipments of these smartphones in 2012.
The newspaper also said Taiwanese handset contract maker Compal Communications was the sole company to receive orders for Nokia's Window phones and would start shipment in the fourth quarter.
Two models of Window phones were on Nokia's plan -- one with a full touchscreen and another sleek one with a keypad.
The world's largest handset maker announced in February it would use Microsoft's Windows phone software in all of its smartphones, and said it would start volume shipments of these smartphones in 2012.
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