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27
Jul

Georgia sues man for posting annotated state laws online


Georgia's House of Representatives

You might think that legislation should be freely accessible as a matter of course, but the state of Georgia begs to differ. It’s suing Public.Resource.Org owner Carl Malamud for allegedly violating copyright by publishing the annotated versions of Georgia’s laws (that is, the ones that truly reflect the legislative process) online. While it’s fine to publish the basic, note-free laws, the state argues that you should pay Lexis Nexis up to $378 to read the context-laden versions. The state claims that it would have to dip into tax dollars if it wanted to make this information free, and citizens would supposedly be deprived of “valuable analysis and guidance” if it wasn’t published at all.

Malamud isn’t likely to back down. He has long argued that the US discourages copyright on laws, since you have the right to know what your legislature is doing. He also fended off earlier pressure from Oregon to remove documents from his site. However, there’s no certainty that Malamud will succeed this time around. He’s undoubtedly publishing unauthorized scans — his only chance might be to convince the court that Georgia is abusing copyright when it puts some of its public record behind a paywall.

[Image credit: AP Photo/Branden Camp]

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Source: The Register

27
Jul

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 leaked images show front, software and stylus release method


samsung-logo-mwc-2015-8

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is all the hype right now. We have plenty of information on the new phone already, which we have compiled and shared with you on our rumor roundup, but the rumor mill is not stopping. Today’s new trio of leaked images show us a bit more of the over-sized smartphone, displaying what could be a Samsung Galaxy Note 5 prototype.

The first image gives us a glance at the front of the phone, which we seldom get to take a look at, especially with the screen turned on. One can even admire what TouchWiz will be like in the new generation Galaxy Note. The UI touts the usual colorful icons and “bubbly” experience. In addition, there are some helpful shortcuts and content on the top. Oh, and the icons in the home screen tell us this happens to be an AT&T version. This doesn’t tell us much we didn’t know, but it’s still nice to admire the gadget.

Proto-Samsung-Galaxy-Note5-01

The most interesting part of this leak is the couple other photos, which showcase the stylus dock. It was previously believed the stylus would have auto-ejecting capabilities. Then rumors suggested it would be a push-to-release mechanism. These rumors were then contradicted by Korean source, which indicates the stylus release method will be similar to all previous Note handsets.

These new images do corroborate the S Pen will have to be manually removed, just as it has been in the past. There seems to be a small gap in one side of the accessory, making it possible to pull it by using a finger nail.

Proto-Samsung-Galaxy-Note5

As it goes with all rumors and leaks, though, we would advice that you don’t hold your breath on any of this information. Details keep changing and we won’t know the definite truth until Samsung takes the stage. That should be this coming month.

Don’t forget to keep it tuned to our Samsung Galaxy Note 5 rumor roundup! We keep updating it as new details emerge, so that is really your one-stop shop to everything relating to Samsung’s new phablet.

Proto-Samsung-Galaxy-Note5-02

26
Jul

Microsoft releases new Arrow Launcher for Android in private beta – here’s how to get it (APK download)


If there was one thing Android didn’t need it would be another third-party launcher, but Microsoft seem to disagree and have come out with a new one rather surprisingly for a rival platform.

Called Arrow Launcher and currently under private beta, Microsoft has taken the launcher experience into their own hands on Android and it’s quite a clean and simple experience, with it resembling very closely to the Nokia Z launcher.

Screen Shot 2015-07-26 at 20.50.41

How to get the Microsoft Arrow Launcher

  1. Request to be added to the Arrow Launcher Beta Google+ community.
  2. Download the APK file and manually install Arrow Launcher.

It’s unclear Microsofts motives for creating the Arrow Launcher and whether they’ll use it in future to showcase their ecosystem apps, or whether it is purely just to get their name as a software developer in the Google Play Store.

Will you be downloading the Microsoft Arrow Launcher? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Microsoft releases new Arrow Launcher for Android in private beta – here’s how to get it (APK download) appeared first on AndroidGuys.

26
Jul

What is your favourite Android Launcher, and why?


With Microsoft now entering an already crowded section of the Google Play Store that is the Android launcher category, we want to know what your favourite third-party launcher is and, most importantly, why.

We’ve already covered what we consider the top Android launchers to replace your stock launcher on your device, but that’s just our opinion and does stick to the more well known replacements. Do you have a new relatively unknown launcher that you really like? Or perhaps it’s a certain configuration of one of the more popular launchers that works really well for you? Either way, we want to hear from you just what you think is not only the best, but your favourite Android launcher.

Simply drop us a comment below and state your go-to Android launcher and why you like it and we can see the communities choices.

The post What is your favourite Android Launcher, and why? appeared first on AndroidGuys.

26
Jul

‘Skysphere’ will be your dream living space, can be completely controlled with Android app


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We all like having our own little space, where we can simply be ourselves and do whatever. This is usually just a little room somewhere in the house, but there’s some people who will not conform with having such an average man cave. Plastic engineer and graphic designer Jono Williams went above and beyond, building the best lounging room I have ever seen.

He calls it the ‘Skysphere’, a name that is very descriptive of the floating room’s aesthetics. Erected in a hill surrounded by trees, the Skysphere looks like something coming out of a science fiction film. And it’s not only its look that is innovative, this living space was designed in a very high-tech fashion.

the-tower-certainly-stands-out-in-the-sparse-new-zealand-countryside

For starters, the tower runs on solar energy alone. Its panels were discretely installed on top, and can power the space for 2 days, making it a perfect weekend getaway.

Lighting and security systems were based on an Android device connected to an IOIO development board. This allows him to control everything from his phone, as well as voice commands.

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Jono confesses his favorite part of the Skysphere is the unique built-in couch cooler, though. Refreshments are always at arm’s length and the fridge will even send a notification when it’s running low.

That pretty much sums up Jono Williams’ man cave. I must say this thing is legit! We know he spent about 3 years building it – now I am wondering how much it costed him. I would love to get myself something similar! Wouldn’t you?

 

26
Jul

Next-gen Moto G box shots spoil almost everything


Moto G 3rd-generation out of the box

The third-generation Moto G has been one of Motorola’s poorest-kept secrets in recent memory, and things certainly aren’t getting any better this weekend. A Brazilian retailer has inadvertently posted (and promptly pulled) unboxing photos that confirm nearly everything you’d care to know about Moto’s latest budget smartphone. The pics show that the new G will pack a 1.4GHz quad-core processor (up from the current model’s 1.2GHz chip), a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front shooter and colorful shells. It’s also safe to say that at least some models will tout 5-inch 720p screens, 16GB of storage, dual SIM slots and (in Brazil’s case) digital TV tuning.

There are still some unknowns, such as whether or not there will be significant differences between versions — will you get more RAM and storage if you have a little extra cash on hand? Even so, it’s reasonable to say that the G likely to show up at Motorola’s July 28th event will be a welcome but incremental upgrade — it’s the next-gen Moto X that should be the star of the show.

Next-gen Moto G specs

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Lenovo

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Via: Pocketnow

Source: Hellomotohk (Facebook)

26
Jul

Pakistan to shut off BlackBerry email over surveillance jitters


BlackBerry Classic

Remember the days when governments were threatening to cut off BlackBerry’s secure email because they couldn’t spy on your messages? They’re back. Pakistan’s Telecommunication Authority has ordered local carriers to shut off BlackBerry Enterprise Service from November 30th due to “security reasons.” While the agency isn’t specific about what those concerns are, BES typically encrypts messages in such a way that an outside party can’t (usually) intercept them in mid-flight. Most likely, Pakistan is worried that gangs and terrorists will use BlackBerry phones to chat in secret.

The move isn’t totally surprising for the country, which has gone so far as to require fingerprints as a condition of cellphone service. However, there are questions about both potential abuse and effectiveness. As observers at Privacy International have warned, Pakistan’s intelligence outfits aren’t known for being scrupulous — they’ve spied on journalists, judges, politicians and others daring to challenge the status quo. If BlackBerry were to find a way to offer access to email, it could jeopardize the privacy of many innocent people. Moreover, the BlackBerry shutdown will only do so much when other secure messaging options (such as Apple’s iMessage) aren’t facing similar threats. There’s a chance that the move will prove ineffective as BlackBerry users either switch communication methods or use entirely different devices.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Blackberry

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Source: Reuters

26
Jul

Winklevoss twins get closer to launching their bitcoin exchange


Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss at a virtual currency hearing

You may still think of the Winklevoss twins as those guys who claimed to have invented Facebook, but they’ve just taken a big step toward making their names in the digital currency business. The two have filed a New York trust application necessary for them to launch their Gemini bitcoin exchange. The move won’t put Gemini on the same level as a bank if it’s approved, but it will let the exchange accept deposits, issue loans and serve as an agent for government institutions.

This won’t be the first time that a bitcoin exchange has launched since New York implemented its BitLicense rules — ItBit managed to beat Gemini to the punch. However, the Winklevii are hoping that their higher-profile service will be the ticket to legitimizing bitcoin in the US, where virtual money is only just finding its feet.

[Image credit: AP Photo/Craig Ruttle]

Filed under: Internet

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Via: Reuters

Source: Coindesk

26
Jul

Latest Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus rumour says it will have Exynos 7420, 4GB RAM and 3,000mAh battery




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We’ve kind of lost track how many rumours there are about Samsung‘s upcoming flagship devices, but here’s one more anyway. The latest Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus rumour tries to confirm exactly what hardware is inside the device – early rumours suggested the device would have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, however today’s rumour says that the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus (or “Edge+” as the trademark reads) will actually have an Exynos 7420 processor, the same Samsung home-grown processor to feature in the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge.

The rumour goes on to say that the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus will also have 4GB RAM – a point previously disputed – and will also have a 3,000mAh battery. Seeing as the Galaxy S6 Edge had a 2,600mAh battery, we’ll see if the bump to 3,000mAh is enough to accommodate the larger screen on the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. All this information is from an anonymous source, so it’s best taken with a grain of salt, but for the most part, we can picture these being correct.


What do you think about this latest Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus rumour? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: SamsungViet via Phone Arena

The post Latest Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus rumour says it will have Exynos 7420, 4GB RAM and 3,000mAh battery appeared first on AndroidSPIN.

26
Jul

We’re hosting a Q&amp;A with the US Labor Secretary about the ‘gig economy’


Minimum Wage

Services like Uber, Lyft, Airbnb and Postmates are hallmarks of what’s being called the “gig economy.” And while presidential candidate Hillary Clinton remarked that companies like these are “unleashing innovation,” they’ve also raised questions about workplace protections. So, to answer some of your questions (and ours), we’re hosting a Facebook Q&A this Monday, July 27th at 5PM ET with Department of Labor Secretary Tom Perez.

It will be moderated by our own Terrence O’Brien and you’ll get answers directly from the Secretary on our Facebook page. Start thinking about what you’d like to ask him and join us here on this page (where we’ll embed the post once we get started) on Monday. If you can’t make it, drop your question in the thread below. And last but not least, you’ll also want to read Nicole Lee’s piece on the future of the gig economy.

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Services like Uber, Lyft, Airbnb and Postmates are hallmarks of what’s being called the “gig economy.” And while…

Posted by Engadget on Saturday, July 25, 2015

Filed under: Announcements

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