The Apple vs. Samsung legal kerfuffle continues, with the latest round going in favor of Apple. According to a UK court, Apple was not found guilty of infringing upon three of Samsung's patents.
Samsung had claimed in court that Apple was infringing upon three of its patents related to processing and transmitting data over 3G mobile networks, however, the court found all three claims invalid.
While Apple declined to comment on the court's verdict, a Samsung spokeswoman said that "Upon a thorough review of the judgment we will decide whether to file an appeal".
Apple has talked to Intel in an effort to have the semiconductor company manufacture its chips for future mobile devices, according to a report today.
Currently, Apple has a contract with archrival and legal adversary Samsung to produce its mobile processors, including the Apple A6 CPU found in the iPhone 5 and the A6X that runs the iPad 4.
Just as much as Apple needs to ditch Samsung, this shift in system-on-a-chip manufacturers would also benefit Intel.
Although Intel is the world's largest and highest valued semiconductor company, it's only now making a name for itself in the growing mobile processor market with smartphone manufacturers like ZTE.
The intel on Intel says no deal just yet
Apple and Intel have discussed system-on-a-chip manufacturing in the past year, according to a source who talked to Reuters, but no agreement has been reached.
That means Samsung might still be in charge of making a potential Apple A7 processor that could be announced alongside the rumored redesigned iPad 5.
For its part, an Intel spokesperson told TechRadar that "We don't comment on rumors or speculation."
Intelligent move to mobile
If Intel were to make iPhone and iPad chips, it could lead to an additional $4.2 billion in revenue in 2015, according to a figure Macquarie analyst Shawn Webster gave Reuters.
That's perfectly timed news for Intel. In addition to underestimating mobile in the past, the company has seen a decline in desktop and laptop processor demand, leading to a 19 percent decline in its stock over the last year.
Also, Intel may be out as the designer of Mac processors soon. Apple, never sticking with one partner for too long it seems, is preparing to ditch Intel processors in its computers in favor of using an in-house system-on-a-chip designer.
Apple has talked to Intel in an effort to have the semiconductor company manufacture its chips for future mobile devices, according to a report today.
Currently, Apple has a contract with archrival and legal sparring partner Samsung to produce its mobile processors, including the Apple A6 CPU found in the iPhone 5 and the A6X that runs the iPad 4.
Just as much as Apple needs to ditch Samsung, this shift in system-on-a-chip manufacturers would also benefit Intel.
Although Intel is the world's largest and highest valued semiconductor company, it's only now making a name for itself in the growing mobile processor market with smartphone manufacturers like ZTE.
The intel on Intel says no deal just yet
Apple and Intel have discussed system-on-a-chip manufacturing in the past year, according to a source who talked to Reuters, but no agreement has been reached.
That means Samsung might still be in charge of making a potential Apple A7 processor that could be announced alongside the rumored redesigned iPad 5.
For its part, an Intel spokesperson told TechRadar that "We don't comment on rumors or speculation."
Intelligent move to mobile
If Intel were to make iPhone and iPad chips, it could lead to an additional $4.2 billion in revenue in 2015, according to a figure Macquarie analyst Shawn Webster gave Reuters.
That's perfectly timed news for Intel. In addition to underestimating mobile in the past, the company has seen a decline in desktop and laptop processors, leading to a 19 percent decline in its stock over the last year.
Also, Intel may be out as the designer of Mac processors soon. Apple, never sticking with one partner for too long it seems, is preparing to ditch Intel processors in its computers in favor of using an in-house system-on-a-chip designer.
The battle for streaming music supremacy wages on by the minute, but Apple may have stymied its hopes of being a serious competitor thanks to its proposed royalty rates.
Music industry insiders speaking to the Post revealed the Copyright Royalty Board has a set rate for non-broadcast companies (those that don't own a radio station) of 21 cents per 100 songs streamed.
Apple's initial offer is reportedly an insultingly low 6 cents per 100 songs streamed, or three and a half times less than what the board deemed a fair deal.
iRadio rebuffed
Apple's cheap take may leave the company on the outside looking in if and when it tries to get its rumored streaming service of the ground.
Pandora, which offers its basic service for free, currently pays double what Apple is offering, while Spotify pays almost six times as much (35 cents/100 songs) for its subscription service.
Even though Apple's service is believed to be different than the on-demand services provided by the competition, the record industry has so far balked at the low-ball offer.
With more competitive services like Beats and a possible YouTube offering bumping up against a quickly crowding market, it would appear the record industry has the advantage at the bargaining table.
Another source told the Post that counteroffers are being prepared, so it's not like any of the players have walked away in spite of the dramatic entry offer from Apple.
We'll see just how far the record industry's biggest guns like Sony/ATV, Universal, and Warner are willing to bend to accommodate Apple.
The battle for streaming music supremacy wages on by the minute, but Apple may have stymied its hopes of being a serious competitor thanks to its proposed royalty rates.
Music industry insiders speaking to the Post revealed the Copyright Royalty Board has a set rate for non-broadcast companies (those that don't own a radio station) of 21 cents per 100 songs streamed.
Apple's initial offer is reportedly an insultingly low 6 cents per 100 songs streamed, or three and a half times less than what the board deemed a fair deal.
iRadio rebuffed
Apple's cheap take may leave the company on the outside looking in with if and when it tries to get its rumored streaming service of the ground.
Pandora, which offers its basic service for free, currently pays double what Apple is offering, while Spotify pays almost six times as much (35 cents/100 songs) for its subscription service.
Even though Apple's service is believed to be different than the on-demand services provided by the competition, the record industry has so far balked at the low-ball offer.
With more competitive services like Beats and a possible YouTube offering bumping up against a quickly crowding market, it would appear the record industry has the advantage at the bargaining table.
Another source told the Post that counteroffers are being prepared, so it's not like any of the players have walked away in spite of the dramatic entry offer from Apple.
Just how far the record industry's biggest guns like Sony/ATV, Universal, and Warner are willing to bend to accommodate Apple, we shall see.
The battle for streaming music supremacy wages on by the minute, but Apple may have stymied its hopes of being a serious competitor thanks to its proposed royalty rates.
Music industry insiders speaking to the Post revealed the Copyright Royalty Board has a set rate for non-broadcast companies (those that don't own a radio station) of 21 cents per 100 songs streamed.
Apple's initial offer is reportedly an insultingly low 6 cents per 100 songs streamed, or three and a half times less than what the board deemed a fair deal.
iRadio rebuffed
Apple's cheap take may leave the company on the outside looking in with if and when it tries to get its rumored streaming service of the ground.
Pandora, which offers its basic service for free, currently pays double what Apple is offering, while Spotify pays almost six times as much (35 cents/100 songs) for its subscription service.
Even though Apple's service is believed to be different than the on-demand services provided by the competition, the record industry has so far balked at the low-ball offer.
With more competitive services like Beats and a possible YouTube offering bumping up against a quickly crowding market, it would appear the record industry has the advantage at the bargaining table.
Another source told the Post that counteroffers are being prepared, so it's not like any of the players have walked away in spite of the dramatic entry offer from Apple.
Just how far the record industry's biggest guns like Sony/ATV, Universal, and Warner are willing to bend to accommodate Apple, we shall see.
The battle for streaming music supremacy is still being waged, but Apple may have stymied its hopes of being a serious competitor if its royalty rates don't improve.
A new report from the New York Post indicated the recording industry is very unhappy with Apple's proposed royalty rates for streamed tracks.
The music industry insiders speaking to the post revealed the Copyright Royalty Board has a set rate for non-broadcast companies (ie - they don't own a radio station) of 21 cents per 100 songs streamed.
Apple's offer is an insultingly low 6 cents per 100 songs streamed, or 3.5 times less than what the Copyright Royalty Board has deemed a fair deal.
iRadio rebuffed
Apple's hard bargaining may leave the company on the outside looking in with its rumored streaming service.
Pandora, which offers its service for free, currently pays double what Apple is offering, while Spotify pays almost six times as much (35 cents/100 songs) for its subscription service.
Even though Apple's service is believed to be different than the on-demand services provided by the competition, the record industry has so far balked at the low-ball offer.
With more competitive services like Google/YouTube and Beats attempting to enter the crowding market, it would appear the record industry has the advantage in bargaining prices.
Another source told the Post counter-offers were being prepared, so it's not like any of the players have walked away from the table in spite of the dramatic entry offer from Apple.
Just how far the record industry's biggest guns like Sony/ATV, Universal, and Warner are willing to bend to accommodate Apple remains to be seen.
Finally, Motorola has updated its DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX smartphones to Jelly Bean. Mind you, the update brings the devices to Android 4.1.2, and not 4.2, but it's still a push in the right direction.
Weirdly, or rather not, the update does as much shredding as adding new features. The usual Moto software such as the MOTOCAST, My Music, My Gallery as well as Weather and World Clock widgets are now history. So is MOTOCAST all together, for that matter, as are the My Gallery and My Music apps, which are now replaced with the standard Google Gallery app and Google Play Music, respectively.
Nevertheless, there are some goodies that Motorola has added (apart from Project Butter, Google Now, richer notifications and voice search). Google Maps requires less time to get a GPS signal lock, and the cameras of the DROIDs boast improved image quality and better contrast and detail. The Panorama Mode should be more intuitive to use as well.
The firmware update should hit Verizon users starting today and bring their software version to 98.72.16.XT912.Verizon.en.US. Happy updating!
The firmware update bears the 11.2.A.0.21 build number and updates the baseband as well. Naturally, Xperia J users will finally get a taste of Project Butter and the numerous features that Jelly Bean has on tap. The Xperia J is the latest Sony smartphone to get the update keeping up with the Xperia T, TL and V.
As per tradition, the Android update should hit the Xpera J's in an over-the-air fashion. However, in case it doesn't, just hook the phone to the PC Companion and check the update's availability there.
So, with the Xperia J checkbox marked, who's next in line for an update? It seems that the Xperia TX is due to taste those jelly beans in the weeks to come, but nothing is confirmed just yet, so stay tuned.
The High Court ruled Samsung's 3G patent claims invalid
Samsung has been dealt yet more courtroom misery in its interminable legal war with Apple after a UK judge dismissed claims that the iPhone-maker had infringed upon its 3G patents.
The Korean giant had taken to the High Court seeking a 2.4 per cent cut on all iPhone sales alleging that Apple was unlawfully using three patents relating to 3G mobile broadband.
The patents had been among those labelled "standards-essential" with Samsung hoping to acquire a "fair and reasonable" license fee from Apple for their usage.
However Judge Mr Justice Floyd called all three patents were "too obvious" for such protection and ruled that Samsung's claims were "invalid."
Another appeal
Samsung said it was considering an appeal against the decision - yes, another one - and bemoaned the effort it had put into its mobile innovation without what it deemed to be fair compensation.
"For decades, we have heavily invested in pioneering the development of technological innovations in the mobile industry, which have been constantly reflected in our products," a Samsung spokeswoman said.
Samsung has suffered a string of legal defeats around the world (is anyone keeping score at home?), although the last time it was in the High Court, Apple was forced into an embarrassing climbdown over accusations Samsung had "blatantly copied" the iPhone and iPad.
That sweet, yet fleeting, taste of victory could be all that's keeping Samsung's beleaguered legal team from bursting into tears right now.
Thankfully, the loyal AT&T and HTC One X users were not completely forgotten and the Jelly Bean update for their smartphones will start seeding today. It will be available over-the-air, so you'll only need just a battery with enough juice in it and a Wi-Fi connection to apply it.
After the update the HTC One X users will be getting to enjoy Google Now virtual assistant and its cool and helpful card interface as well as expandable and easier to handle notifications. The update will also bring countdown timer for the front camera and the Project Butter optimizations for smoother UI experience.
When purchasing smartphones from relatively unknown manufacturers, you are rarely expecting to see much in terms of after-market support and firmware updates. Well Micromax is determined to prove that this doesn't necessarily have to be the case and has committed to releasing a Jelly Bean update for its former flagship.
The Micromax A110 Canvas 2 has been enjoying extremely warm reception in India and at one point it even managed to top our daily interest charts. It has been succeeded by the A116 Canvas HD since, but Micromax is still keen to take good care of it.
The rollout of the Jelly Bean updae for the Micromax A110 Canvas 2 will start next week, but unfortunately it won't be available over the air. What's worse, you won't be able to update your smartphone from your computer either.
Instead, you'll have to call the nearest Micromax service center, confirm they have already received the firmware update for your phone and then go there to get your A110 some Jelly Bean treatment. Hardly an ideal solution, but as we said it's still better than what most of Micromax competitors are offering.
The ZTE Blade 3 is the latest smartphone from the Chinese firm intent on bringing customers great value for money at the bottom of the mobile market.
While ZTE and it's Chinese compatriot Huawei both say they're targeting the full smartphone spectrum with recent high-end handsets such as the Grand S and Ascend D2, the reality is that they are still primarily considered budget handset manufacturers.
The budget ethos rings true with the ZTE Blade 3 as it will only set you back £69.99, plus a £10 top up from Virgin Mobile.
One of the reasons ZTE is able to keep its costs down is the fact that the Blade 3 is designed and manufactured in China, with the cheap labour and parts reflected in the final price.
ZTE claims it's in talks with other mobile carriers about ranging the Blade 3, but for now only Virgin Mobile have the handset in store.
Although the price tag suggests that the Blade 3 is an entry level device it actually sits in the middle of ZTE's smartphone line up, with the high-end Grand series above and the super-budget ZTE Kis below it.
The mid-range tag becomes more apparent when you take a look at the specs with the Blade 3 sporting a 4-inch 480 x 800 display, 1GHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage (although only 2.5GB is accessible) and a 1,600mAh battery.
It's not exactly a scintillating spec list, but considering the sub-£100 price tag you're getting a decent amount of bang for your buck.
This means the ZTE Blade 3 is going head to head with the slightly more expensive Huawei Ascend G330 and the likes of the HTC Desire C and Sony Xperia Miro, both of which will set you back around £100 more.
Indeed in terms of design there's little to choose between the Blade 3 and its Chinese counterpart the Ascend G330.
Measuring 120.5 x 63.5 x 10.85mm and weighing 133g the ZTE Blade 3 is a good size and weight with a well balanced finish reducing the risk of dropping the handset.
Unsurprisingly the Blade 3 has a noticeably plastic finish, although it's pretty sturdy and the slightly curved rubberised rear means it's easy to hold.
Up top there's a headphone jack and an easy to hit power/lock key, while down the left hand side is a volume rocker key with a microUSB port located on the base of the Blade 3.
Under the 4-inch display you'll find four touch buttons used to navigate around the Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system.
The keys are typical Android fare; menu, home, back and search and all were pretty responsive to our various pokes and prods.
The display on the Blade 3 is responsive and Android looks crisp and clear, although on closer inspection it's obviously not HD quality.
You can easily peel off the rear cover of the Blade 3 giving you access to the microSD slot and removable 1,600mAh battery which should see you through the day thanks to the modest innards and screen.
Android tablets and smartphones are ever more popular. And that means your child might well get their small hands on one of them at some point.
While dedicated child tablets are available such as the Vtech Innotab 2S and LeapFrog LeapPad 2 it's more likely you're going to hand over an old phone or spare tablet.
Unfortunately even with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Google has failed to provide any comprehensive parental controls, so we're going to add our own with apps and tweaks - and show you how, of course.
Paranoid Android
So what can you control with Android by default? Not a lot is the short answer. You are able to pin-protect the Google Play Store and assign Content restrictions through the Google Play Store settings menu. We strongly suggest you do this anyway – whether you have children or not – to stop anybody running up credit card purchases without your consent.
While this does provide separation and protection for your personal account – as your security stays in place, while email, accounts and storage are separated – it doesn't offer any way to lock down a new User's account, such as disabling Wi-Fi, apps, settings or anything else. Fine for sharing with better-halves or friends but not so much with children.
Play thing: what do we want to achieve?
Always be aware of the research and NHS advice that indicates restricting toddler and young-children's access to TV and computers is a good thing in terms of activity and developmental capabilities.
So what do we want to achieve here? The first level is a basic sandbox lock, that turns any Android phone or tablet into a simple play thing, locked until you can recover it from your darling offspring.
These are great for toddlers who want to play with mum or dad's device. A step up from these are sandboxes that provide interactive games, learning apps and story books, again in a safe locked-down environment.
We're still fans of the utterly basic and free Toddler Lock that fires up shapes, lines and sounds, as your toddler hammers away on the screen. For a little more graphical flare and annoying noises try Baby Rattle Toy that works in a very similar way but is far more colourful! Annoyingly, neither works in landscape mode.
For older children where you want to give them more access to a device, you can install something more comprehensive. Such sandboxes enable you to restrict access to specific apps, lock profiles, wireless networks and system settings.
A good option is the well-tested Famigo Sandbox. This implements a locked environment with parent-selected apps the only ones made available to your child. It'll automatically add any apps already installed that it deems suitable too. It's simple and works, there's a seven day trial but there's a one-off fee with additional charges for add-on apps. We did find they send you a few too many emails though.
Famigo: the easiest way to child-proof Android
If you fancy a more DIY sandbox take a look at Sandbox Kids Corner. This entirely locks down the phone or tablet and enables you to select the apps available to your children with a time limit. Interestingly the app also enables you to allow text messages and phone calls to only the contacts you select. There's also GPS tracking, remote monitoring and photo sync to your account – so you can checking the photos they take. So it's pretty comprehensive and Orwellian at the same time.
For a totally DIY option follow the walkthrough below were we pick out apps and how to use these to create an Android device that's flexible enough to grow with your child. We'll customise, lock-down and create a safe way to browse the internet.
Easy steps to making your Android tablet child-friendly
1. The Go Theme
A range of Android Launchers enable you to customise the look of Android. We still recommend Go Launcher EX that's free and install its Cartoon Theme as a starting point. This makes things a lot prettier and you can use its Preferences to increase the default icon size, but you'll need to reduce the Grid Size under Appearance to avoid them overlapping.
Get a new theme
2. Lock down
Our main worry is to block access to all apps that we don't specify. As a matter of course you should fire up Google Play, press menu and select Settings. Make sure you enable Content filtering and add a PIN for purchases. Next grab App Lock it's free and will PIN or Pattern protect all the apps that you want it to.
Keep inquisitive hands away from troublesome apps
3. Setting profiles
With the apps locked down, it's time to turn our attention to the internet, phone access and more. One option is to disable these within the Settings > Networks and lock Settings access. The alternative is to use something like Setting Profiles Lite, which offers a way of configuring a host of settings including data connections, sounds and notifications from a single place.
The Lite version only offers a single profile but that's enough. Tap Menu and New profile. Once you've given it a name you're able to control the wireless, data and volume settings amongst other things. With that created make a rule about when those restrictions should apply, all day is one and you can activate the profile via the status menu.
Quickly create profiles for different users
4. Safer browsing
Offering web access is a huge worry but finally there is a good safe-browsing solution in the form of Ranger Pro Safe Browser. It's free and quick to create a web account from which you can monitor and manage allowed web site content at mobsafety.com. We're surprised at just how comprehensive, customisable and secure the system actually is, though no system can be 100 percent foolproof unless you only use whitelisted sites and block everything else, which is as an option.
In a surprising move, Nokia will be supporting its market rival Apple to secure injunctions on several Samsung's product. The Finnish manufacturer will remain the only alien company to support the Cupertino giant in its appeal.
Nokia in its filling at the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington argued that the court was wrong in denying the Apple's plead for the injunction.
Interestingly, Nokia had instituted legal proceedings against Apple three years ago, but now, the companies have joined hands to fight against the current market leaders.
Meanwhile, Apple had requested the Federal Circuit to speed up its appeal and schedule a hearing immediately. The court however has rejected Apple's plea and has a referred the case to a three member judge panel.
As the Apple/Samsung dispute continues to trudge along, a new player has entered the ring – Nokia. And it's made it clear whose side it's taking.
In December, Apple's request for a ban on 26 Samsung devices was rejected, with the court holding that Apple must prove a relationship between consumer demand for the Samsung products and the allegedly stolen features.
With the Cupertino company appealing the decision, Nokia has filed a brief to the US Court of Appeals arguing that the judge's ruling could cause "wide-ranging damage to the United States patent protection landscape."
Patently friends now
While unexpected, this partnership could play a significant role in helping Apple get the permanent injunction it's after. That said, many of the 26 Samsung products, including the Galaxy S2, are no longer on the market.
We say unexpected as Nokia was itself embroiled in a dispute with Apple in 2009 concerning the iPhone. However, it's clearly decided to forgive and forget.
And let's not forget that Nokia is also a patent heavyweight in its own right, with a lot of intellectual property under its belt.
Take two, but can these be believed? (credit: GSM Israel)
More screenshots have appeared online claiming to be taken from the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4.
We reported on some screens which showed up yesterday but they were actually taken from a Galaxy S3, so we're not getting too carried with the new images.
One of the shots, picked up by GSM Israel, apparently shows the Quick System Info PRO app running on the Galaxy S4 - revealing specifications such as a 5-inch 1080 x 1920 display with a 480ppi pixel density.
Seeing is controlling
Other snaps apparently confirm a 1.7GHz quad-core processor and 13MP rear cameras - specs we've seen in various rumours previously.
The Smart screen features also crop up in this latest batch of leaks, reinforcing the claims that the Galaxy SIV will let you scroll pages with your eyes and pause video when you look away from the screen.
We won't know for sure if these are the real deal until Samsung officially unveils its next flagship handset, but luckily that's happening a week today in New York and we'll be there to bring you all the details as it breaks.
Blackberry BES 10 will extend reach to iOS and Android phones
BlackBerry has provided a preview of tools on BES 10 system for the administration of mobile devices running on Android and iOS.
At the BlackBerry Experience Forum in London this week, Senior Enterprise Product Manager, Stephan Hellerbrand gave BlackBerry customers a sneak peek of the BlackBerry secure workspace apps that will be available on iOS and Android "in the near future".
This adds two apps to the phone; a secure workspace and a secure browser. Users have to authenticate with a one-time password provided from BES to associate the device with their BlackBerry account, and use a password to sign in each time they open the apps. They can see files, email and appointments within the encrypted workspace but not copy them elsewhere.
The secure browser makes it possible to load content from a company intranet and access pages not visible via the public internet by routing them through the secure BlackBerry infrastructure, again encrypting the information and protecting it while it's on the phone.
BES administrators can also deploy apps into the secure workspace from BES 10, for both iOS and Android. Data that's available within the app will be restricted to the secure workspace and users can't save or copy it elsewhere.
Hellerbrand confirmed that the Android apps will run on a range of different handsets. "They will be available on any device regardless of manufacturer," he said.
Balance appeal
Vice President of Security Management Mike Brown told TRPro that having secure storage on Android and iOS should not reduce the appeal of BlackBerry 10 devices, as the Balance feature that divides personal and work information and apps is still more powerful.
"On BlackBerry we can build BYOD ('bring your own device') into the platform itself, we can have all your controls validated by the hardware itself, because we are designing the hardware and writing the OS," he said. "What we will do for the secure workspace on Android and iOS is do the best we can with the APIs that are in the platform."
On BlackBerry 10, users can see protected business email in the same inbox as their other messages (but they can't copy or save it.
"The keys to providing the best experience are both providing secure data separation and unifying the experience," Brown said.
"I'm only living one life and need to be able to interact with both work and personal information. A unified calendar and PIM are things we can only do on BlackBerry."
Blackberry BES 10 will extend reach to iOS and Android phones
BlackBerry has provided a preview of tools on BES 10 system for the administration of mobile devices running on Android and iOS.
At the BlackBerry Experience Forum in London this week, Senior Enterprise Product Manager, Stephan Hellerbrand gave BlackBerry customers a sneak peek of the BlackBerry secure workspace apps that will be available on iOS and Android "in the near future".
This adds two apps to the phone; a secure workspace and a secure browser. Users have to authenticate with a one-time password provided from BES to associate the device with their BlackBerry account, and use a password to sign in each time they open the apps. They can see files, email and appointments within the encrypted workspace but not copy them elsewhere.
The secure browser makes it possible to load content from a company intranet and access pages not visible via the public internet by routing them through the secure BlackBerry infrastructure, again encrypting the information and protecting it while it's on the phone.
BES administrators can also deploy apps into the secure workspace from BES 10, for both iOS and Android. Data that's available within the app will be restricted to the secure workspace and users can't save or copy it elsewhere.
Hellerbrand confirmed that the Android apps will run on a range of different handsets. "They will be available on any device regardless of manufacturer," he said.
Balance appeal
Vice President of Security Management Mike Brown told TRPro that having secure storage on Android and iOS should not reduce the appeal of BlackBerry 10 devices, as the Balance feature that divides personal and work information and apps is still more powerful.
"On BlackBerry we can build BYOD ('bring your own device') into the platform itself, we can have all your controls validated by the hardware itself, because we are designing the hardware and writing the OS," he said. "What we will do for the secure workspace on Android and iOS is do the best we can with the APIs that are in the platform."
On BlackBerry 10, users can see protected business email in the same inbox as their other messages (but they can't copy or save it.
"The keys to providing the best experience are both providing secure data separation and unifying the experience," Brown said.
"I'm only living one life and need to be able to interact with both work and personal information. A unified calendar and PIM are things we can only do on BlackBerry."
Sony Xperia ZL, which is the non-water-resistant brother of the popular Sony Xperia Z, is now available in Australia. The smartphone has been listed by MobiCity, an online retailer and the device costs you $699 for the unlocked version.
Sony Xperia ZL comes with a 5" Full HD scratch-resistant TFT display with 1920 x 1080p resolution. The smartphone is powered by a 1.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm processor along with 2 GB of RAM and has 16 GB internal memory.
The device also features a 13-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, 2-megapixel secondary camera, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and runs on 2,370mAh battery.
Unfortunately, Sony Xperia ZL is currently available only in Black color option and there is no confirmation on the availability of the other shades. Meanwhile, we were able to get our hands on the Xperia ZL at the recently concluded MWC. Check out our first impressions of the smartphone.
Blackberry BES 10 will extend reach to iOS and Android phones
BlackBerry has provided a preview of tools on BES 10 system for the administration of mobile devices running on Android and iOS.
At the BlackBerry Experience Forum in London this week, Senior Enterprise Product Manager, Stephan Hellerbrand gave BlackBerry customers a sneak peek of the BlackBerry secure workspace apps that will be available on iOS and Android "in the near future".
This adds two apps to the phone; a secure workspace and a secure browser. Users have to authenticate with a one-time password provided from BES to associate the device with their BlackBerry account, and use a password to sign in each time they open the apps. They can see files, email and appointments within the encrypted workspace but not copy them elsewhere.
The secure browser makes it possible to load content from a company intranet and access pages not visible via the public internet by routing them through the secure BlackBerry infrastructure, again encrypting the information and protecting it while it's on the phone.
BES administrators can also deploy apps into the secure workspace from BES 10, for both iOS and Android. Data that's available within the app will be restricted to the secure workspace and users can't save or copy it elsewhere.
Hellerbrand confirmed that the Android apps will run on a range of different handsets. "They will be available on any device regardless of manufacturer," he said.
Balance appeal
Vice President of Security Management Mike Brown told TRPro that having secure storage on Android and iOS should not reduce the appeal of BlackBerry 10 devices, as the Balance feature that divides personal and work information and apps is still more powerful.
"On BlackBerry we can build BYOD ('bring your own device') into the platform itself, we can have all your controls validated by the hardware itself, because we are designing the hardware and writing the OS," he said. "What we will do for the secure workspace on Android and iOS is do the best we can with the APIs that are in the platform."
On BlackBerry 10, users can see protected business email in the same inbox as their other messages (but they can't copy or save it.
"The keys to providing the best experience are both providing secure data separation and unifying the experience," Brown said.
"I'm only living one life and need to be able to interact with both work and personal information. A unified calendar and PIM are things we can only do on BlackBerry."
The Samsung Galaxy Note II is just six months old now, but the rumors of the next generation Galaxy Note phablet have already started to make its rounds. The potential successor of the sensational Galaxy Note II is said to feature a 5.9" display, according to a report from Korean Times.
Samsung Galaxy Note III is also rumored to come out with an AMOLED display and the plablet is very likely to use the latest octa-core processors from the company, but take it all with a pinch of salt, since the information is not from an official source.
Meanwhile, Samsung will be unveiling its next-generation Galaxy S smartphone on March 14. Watch this space to see how things unfold.
