Posted on Aug 20, 2012
Apple is getting exposed with a jailbreaker claiming an SMS vulnerability. Apple’s iOS reads key SMS data which allows scammers to break in and access sensitive information from iPhone users. This breach allows the hacker to change the reply to a number in an SMS text, so the user could be easily duped into thinking they are receiving a text from a trusted source, when it is actually someone on the other end trying to gain your sensitive information.
Posted on Aug 10, 2012
Apple has turned a page and the war is on! Two giants will be at each other’s throat and the opponent is Google. Apple will no longer include the YouTube App in its new mobile OS, iOS6, to be available on iPhones and iPads. The irony here is that back in 2007, Steve Jobs, announced that Google’s YouTube will be available on the initial launch of the iPhone.
Relationships in business do sour easily…
Posted on Aug 09, 2012
Apple and Amazon — what can we say about their security issues? What we do know is that there is obviously a major flaw with both of their security policies. This is almost embarrassing, if not, absolutely negligent, to say the least. One would think that Apple, one of the leading technology companies in the world, would have better security policies in place.
Posted on Jul 30, 2012
Google released its next update, version 4.1, to their Android mobile operating system, and in keeping with the theme of dessert/treats that go in alphabetical order, it’s named Jelly Bean. While it’s not a large of a jump as Gingerbread was to Ice Cream Sandwich as far as appearance, it’s definitely a big leap in easy access to information and has been fine-tuned under the hood. For users of Ice Cream Sandwich (version 4.0.4), the user interface is very familiar at first glance, and you wouldn’t be blamed for mistaking one for the other, but once you start to use it, it becomes abundantly clear that Google has worked hard on this.
Google Now
One of the biggest additions is Google Now, which is basically Android attempt at Apple’s Siri, a voice recognition search and automation tool. Google Now has seen the shortcomings of Siri and improved upon them. Not only can you do everything Siri can, like search the internet and map, dictate emails, make calendar appointments, and see the weather, but it’s also relies on GPS data to let you know public transit info of stops near you, when you should leave to get to your next event depending on the traffic, sports scores, flight info, translations, currency conversion and local places near you. There are so many more actions it can perform, that I can’t list them all, but trust me, it’s upwards of 80. One small but important difference to Siri is that you don’t need to talk to your phone to get what you want; you can also just type it out so you don’t look like an oddball out in public.
Notifications
Notifications have also been revamped, they contain more information than before, and if the program has it built in, you can expand them to see more or select certain options instead of opening the app and doing it there. It’s great for things like Foursquare when it pops up asking if you want to check in at a location, the “Check In” button is right in the notification so you don’t have to exit the app you’re currently in. Emails will also show more of the message text, rather than just the subject and sender.
Apps
Almost all of the Google Apps have been tweaked to look nicer, function better, and run smoother. Google Maps now has the option to save chunks for offline viewing. The area that you can save in one chunk is rather large, roughly the size of Connecticut, but if that’s not enough, you can always save as many overlapping chunks as you want. While the stock keyboard has been improved to include predictions, it’s still not as good as third party keyboards like Swype or Swiftkey 3.
“Project Butter”
With all of these improvements you might be wondering if Jelly Bean will get bogged down, and the answer is no. A large part of the update has been something the engineers at Google call “Project Butter” which has produced an OS that is exactly as that, butter smooth. Whether it’s playing an intense game, or just scrolling home screens, it’s very apparent that it’s smoother. Even on the same exact device (Galaxy Nexus), it’s visibly smoother than Ice Cream Sandwich. This subtle, yet crucial improvement may not be noticed by the standard user, but it’s the difference between being aggravated that your phone is sluggish and feeling like your phone is from the future.
Verdict
While I agree that calling it version 5.0 would be too much for the additional features and subtle improvements, it also seems like calling it 4.1 doesn’t do Jelly Bean justice. Several devices will be getting the official update in mid-July, including the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, Motorola Xoom and will come preloaded on the Nexus 7 tablet they also announced last week. For other phones though, it might be much longer, because after Google releases their next version, the manufacturers then tweak the OS to add their own interfaces and apps (bloatware). Not only does it take a very long time, but most users would rather just have the stock OS instead. For that reason, only about a dozen phones even have Ice Cream Sandwich on them. So assuming Jelly Bean ever gets to your phone, you will notice the difference and you’ll thoroughly enjoy the improvements.
Posted on Jul 27, 2012
Apple is recognized by many as the world’s leading technology firm. Their much anticipated Mountain Lion iOS with more than 200 features is finally here! And, this innovative release is more than just an upgrade of repetitious features.
This new version seeks to push OS X towards the look and feel of iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system, which currently runs on the majority of Apple’s devices. It also makes up for the majority of Apple’s revenue.
Even Microsoft is moving towards this concept with all their devices. Cloud technology for example, is where much of the technology is heading nowadays with smartphones and tablets. This technology is proving extremely profitable for Apple and helped thrust it to the forefront of the industry as the number 1 technology company in the world. It is only a matter of time that all Apple products come full circle simulating the same experience.
Posted on Jun 29, 2012
I wasn’t aware that Google’s Android has over 400 million activated devices, or four times as many as the previous year. The activation rate is a staggering 12 devices every second. Wow!
The smartphone market is growing at an incredible rate, especially with companies allowing BYOD. People are demonstrating a strong desire to stay in touch with friends and family, while businesses are seing a need for employees to be accessible no matter where they are. Serious security concerns, however, cause IT service providers and IT departments to be very cautious about updates and BYOD.
Posted on Jun 22, 2012
I think Apple’s iPad is a very cool device. Sure, there are some features such as a keyboard that I wish the iPad would have, but it’s still the tablet winner just the way it is. My only complaint, if any, is that I wish I had a “New iPad”, but that’s a whole other story that we’ll save for comment at a later date.
This week, Microsoft unveiled “Surface,” its own version of a tablet. Without having this new device in front of me, it is difficult to comment in detail about its capabilities and appeal to the public. However, one thing I can say about the new Microsoft device is that it has a really interesting looking keyboard attached. I’m already starting to dig it! While remaining a touch screen, it’s sleek cover serves as a keyboard, which also acts as a protective magnetic cover for the device. And, it will run Windows 8 or Windows RT, similar to the Windows phone.
I wonder if there will be any plans for wireless connectivity such as those offered by the iPad? Nothing can really be determined just yet, since neither the device nor its pricing has been released. Will it be comparable to the iPad? Early indications are that Microsoft’s Surface is apparently heavier than the iPad, but if it provides iPad with the competition that Microsoft expects, then I don’t see a real issue with people clinging to their new Microsoft tablets.
In addition to basic features of the Surface, IT departments and service providers will certainly be curious about the device’s security features and how they will affect their respective network environments. We’ll all just have to sit back and wait until the official public release of Surface and see whether or not it will compete favorably with the iPad.
Written by IT Support and IT Consulting Professionals at FedSolutions. Thanks for stopping by!
Posted on Jun 12, 2012
The much anticipated launch of Apple’s MacBook Pro has arrived before us. The new MacBook Pro comes with Apple’s cool Retina display but also a nice heavy price. If money is not a burden to your pockets then I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with all that Mac has to offer.
IT departments supporting their users with the new MacBook Pro will definitely have some interesting features to play around with and make the right security adjustments.
If you’re already a Mac user looking to upgrade, the question remains which one should you purchase and works best for you? The specs look pretty darn good if you’re looking for a powerful laptop.
businessinsider.com gives some suggestions to which MacBook is suited for you:
Posted on Jun 11, 2012
At FedSolutions, we have been actively covering articles focusing on the importance of security. Why? It happens to be the biggest threat to small to mid-market businesses, as well as, large corporations.
In 2012, we have seen the levels of malware and viruses skyrocket. Even Apple’s MacBook Pro got a wakeup call with malware successfully intruding their systems, which was previously thought to have been impenetrable. Guess what? They were wrong and exposed!
We don’t write blogs to scare people but to create awareness for our clients and readers alike. It’s great for our current and potential clients to know an IT company is on alert 24/7 watching their back.
Threatpost.com talks more about IT security:
Posted on Jun 08, 2012
Tablets are revolutionizing the world whether in work environments, education or for simply having fun! Apple’s iPad is the biggest leader in tablets sales and becoming a standard device in the workplace, offering a large selection of office and IT applications.
Android tablets are the more affordable tablets on the market. They are differentiating themselves from the iPad and rising in popularity thanks to their growing market of work utilities.
IT departments are supporting these tablet devices in the workplace by applying their security requirements to these devices.
Pcworld.com talks about some cool apps to get acquainted with for the office:
