Starbucks iOS App Updated to Secure Personal Information [iOS Blog]
Starbucks has released an update to its iOS app that safeguards customer’s personal information stored on the phone. An earlier version of the app saved sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords and location data, in a clear text format. Potential criminals who obtained physical access to a customer’s iPhone could download these details with minimal effort.
As announced by Starbucks chief information officer Curt Garner, an updated version of the Starbucks mobile app is available now in the iOS App Store. Though the safeguard measures were not detailed, Garner did confirm that the changes made to app provide “extra layers of protection” for consumers.
As promised, we have released an updated version of Starbucks Mobile App for iOS which adds extra layers of protection. We encourage customers to download the update as an additional safeguard measure.
A followup inquiry by The Verge clarified that the app no longer stores personal data in clear text format. Garner encouraged all Starbucks customers to download the latest version of the company’s app.
Version 2.6.2 of Starbucks for the iPhone is available for download from the iOS App Store. [Direct Link]
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Sacramento Kings set to broadcast using Google Glass, accept Bitcoins
Watching hoops from the stands or on TV is great, but have you ever wanted to see an NBA game from the perspective of a coach, cheerleader or broadcaster? That’s going to happen on January 24th during a Sacramento Kings broadcast vs. the Indiana Pacers, as select players and staff will be decked out in Google Glass — along with the team’s mascot, announcers, dancers and others. All that will be coordinated by a company called CrowdOptic, which will analyze in real time where all the devices are aimed and distill everything to a manageable feed for broadcast. At the same time, the Kings have announced that it’ll be the first pro sports franchise to accept Bitcoins, letting fans purchase merchandise and tickets by March 1st using the virtual currency. There’s a video after the break to give you a sneak peak at the players-eye-view — we’ll have to see if they’re smiling as much after the game.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wearables, HD, Google
HTC One sequel rumored to have two rear cameras for better focusing and image quality
Last year’s leak of the HTC One’s follow-up, the M8, seemingly raised more questions than it answered. When will it ship? And what’s the deal with that second hole on the back? We may have a much clearer picture today, though. Bloomberg sources now claim that the M8 will arrive in late March, and that additional hole is reportedly for an additional camera that would assist a next-generation Ultrapixel sensor. The companion shooter would improve focusing and image quality while allowing for depth of field effects — we’re guessing that means tricks like post-shot refocusing, not the 3D video that HTC gave up years ago. The tipsters otherwise support rumors that we’ve seen before, including talk of a larger screen and a newer Snapdragon processor. It’s tough to know whether or not the M8 will be a worthy sequel based on these leaks, but they do hint that we’re looking at more than just a mild refresh.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC
Source: Bloomberg
JLab Audio Epic Earbuds review
At First Glance
The Epic Earbuds by JLab Audio produce great sound, are very comfortable in ear, and even come with unique CushFins, (those funky looking things that you see in the image above – a combo of cushions and fins.)
Audio & Microphone Quality
The Audio Quality on this pair of bad boys is pretty nice with the 13mm Crystal Clear Clarity Drivers, however with higher than usual bass.
The microphone is very clear for portable earbuds, both with making calls and audio clip recordings. The sensitivity of the microphone isn’t the greatest, while it picks up audio in close range, the microphone also easily catches your surrounding audio.
Durability
I’ve tested these daily, maybe a little more than most people would use on an average day. I’d say that the audio is really clear and good at first but after a long period of use, (call me crazy), but they become “broken in”, not comfort wise, but sound wise. I adore the slim-flat tangle-free cord, however I was very worried about the cables. They take some getting used to, I was a bit worried that they were going to rip if tugged the wrong way at first, but that’s simply because of the cables thin profile – something I quickly adjusted to. To be super protective on the go, JLab Audio includes a durable travel case for these earbuds.
Comfort & CushFins
Ahh, the CushFins, I really think that these are a neat feature. I’ve tried a few different sizes of the CushFins and though I loved them at first. I soon learned that for me personally they weren’t the most helpful, however many people really like them. When using the CushFins, I’ve unfortunately had the CushFins pop off on several occasions. As far as the earbud tips go, they come included with all standard sizes, and I’ve had no issues at all, once you find your proper fit, they are very comfortable. Those ‘gel’ earbud tips are always welcoming to me compared to Apple’s EarPods which practically fly right out of my ear milliseconds after insertion.
Overview
The Epic Earbuds are a great call if you’re looking for quality earbuds for your smartphone. JLab says that about eight years of engineering, R&D, and more have gone into these earbuds to really make the design, fit, and sound Epic. They are available in two color variants, Black/Gray and Gray/Blue. You can find them on JLab’s site >>>HERE<<< on sale for $49.99, from the listed $69.99 MSRP.
The post JLab Audio Epic Earbuds review appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Is Your Car Killing You?- Infographic
Being in your car isn’t as safe as you might think. Every 16 minutes a fatal motor vehicle accident occurs in the US. Traffic fatalities are increasing on the road. Driving your car is affecting your health in ways you never imagine. Take a look at the infographic…
Source Wish.co.uk
US Government now owns Silk Road’s $25 million Bitcoin hoard
If we’re honest, asset seizures are inherently hilarious. After all, for every sports car that’s flogged to boost the public purse, there must be an unsaleable giant mechanical heron just gathering dust in a federal warehouse. After shutting down Silk Road, the US has now gained a slightly more useful treasure for its collection: 29,665 in Bitcoin, currently worth around $25 million. The celebrations won’t begin just yet, however, since Ross “Dread Pirate Roberts” Ulbricht, Silk Road’s alleged founder, is claiming that a further 144,336 BTC (around $120 million) found on his personal computers are not the proceeds of crime, and therefore cannot be seized. What happens to the cash now? It’ll go into the pockets of the US Marshals, with some of the cash probably going to pay off the storage costs for that giant mechanical heron.
Filed under: Internet
Via: ZDNet
Reuters: Obama will prevent NSA from looking at phone records without a legal reason
Barack Obama is due to give a important speech about the NSA today, but Reuters claims to have had an early heads-up about what the US president will propose. The news agency believes he will announce measures that will prevent the NSA from automatically querying its vast database of private telephone records without a “judicial finding” to support each query. It’s also expected that Obama will change the way the government holds “bulk telephone metadata” in general — a practice initially revealed by whistleblower Edward Snowden — but it’s too early to say exactly how far he’ll go against the wishes of the Senate and House Intelligence committees, which have both called for existing data collection practices to carry on in the name of fighting terrorism. In any case, we’ll be covering the President’s speech in detail when it happens at 11am ET.
Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Internet
Source: Reuters
Sprint might launch free WiFi calling for select Android devices
Upgrading your plan may be a good way to avoid overage charges, but Sprint might have another option: WiFi calling. According to documents obtained by Android Central, the carrier is poised to give select Android phones the ability to call and text over a local connection, similar to T-Mobile’s service. The Samsung Galaxy S4 mini and Galaxy Mega are reportedly the first handsets that will have access to the service, but it’ll also be available to future devices running Android 4.2 or higher. It does have limitations, though, and will only work if you’re already within the confines of the network’s CDMA signal. We’ve reached out to Sprint for confirmation (and more info), and we’ll update you when we hear back.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sprint
Source: Android Central
Netflix’s first Oscar nomination comes for ‘The Square’ and you can watch it right now
Yesterday the nominees for the 86th Academy Awards were announced, and for the first time that list includes a production that will be primarily distributed via Netflix (check here for a list of theater screenings). A documentary centering on the 2011 Egyptian revolution, The Square has already garnered recognition at Sundance and the New York Film Festival. Directed by Jehane Noujaim, it was the first major documentary acquired by Netflix and by all regards, it’s a very good choice. Following up on a slew of TV shows and a few stand-up comedy specials, documentaries are the next focus for Netflix and besides The Square it has others like The Short Game (trailer) and Mitt (trailer). The Square just went live on the service this morning, watch it in full by clicking here or check out a trailer below.
Congratulations to Netflix original doc #TheSquare on its Oscar nomination! Streaming tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/liKyXSCbdw
– Netflix US (@netflix) January 16, 2014
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Source: Netflix, Oscars.org
Losses, write-offs and pay cuts: it’s just a regular day at Acer
Acer executives are having a gloomy time of it after suffering a huger-than-expected financial loss for 2013 and subsequently being forced to take a 30 percent pay cut. Despite launching a wide range of PCs and tablets last year, the Taiwanese manufacturer lost around $700 million (NT$21 billion), including a last-minute write-down on “raw materials” that apparently escaped being turned into electronic devices that no one wants. Judging from the company’s showing at CES this year, which showed an interesting new focus on Android but in many cases still failed to match up to rival manufacturers (compare Lenovo’s Android all-in-one with Acer’s, for instance), it looks like the company has yet to change its ways — despite repeatedly changing its CEO.
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Acer
Source: Acer
AIVAnet 