Google, Apple and others list demands for spying act changes
The US Congress, Senate and White House may be torn on what to do with a key Patriot Act spying clause, set to expire on June 1st. But Google, Apple, Facebook and other tech companies in the Reform Government Surveillance coalition know exactly what they want: no more bulk data collection. Together with numerous privacy groups including the ACLU and EFF, they presented a letter to the President and both houses with two key demands. The groups asked for “a clear, strong and effective end of bulk collection practices under the Patriot Act,” along with “transparency and accountability mechanisms for both government and company reporting.”
The group sees no reason why Congress can’t “protect both national security and privacy” at the same time to “restore trust in the internet.” Companies like Google and Facebook bore a large part of the public’s wrath when it was suggested that they funneled data directly to the NSA, albeit unwillingly or unknowingly. With greater transparency, the group no doubt feels it could at least justify any user data collection it does on behalf of the government.
Companies like Google and Facebook bore a large part of the public’s wrath when it was suggested that they funneled data directly to the NSA.
The Patriot Act’s infamous clause 215 authorizing bulk spying via the “roving wiretap” provision has already been extended several times. However, the upcoming debates in Congress and Senate will be the first post-Snowden, and figure to be contentious. The heads of both Republican-controlled chambers are dead-set against any major changes, and blocked a bill that proposed minor reforms last year. However, other Republicans and Democrats, along with President Obama, favor significant changes. The letter from the tech coalition is obviously designed to give any representatives who may be on the fence a tiny nudge.
[Image credit: Getty Images]
Filed under: Storage, Apple, Microsoft, Google
Via: CNET
Source: Reform Government Surveillance
‘Halo Online’ is a free PC game launching only in Russia
Halo is making a triumphant, if border-blocked, return to PC with Halo Online, a free multiplayer-only game set to launch in Russia this spring. The Russian launch is a closed beta, as Microsoft figures out the best way “to welcome new fans to the Halo universe,” according to a post on Halo Waypoint. Halo Online is built on a modified version of the Halo 3 engine, and it should run smoothly on lower-end PCs, Microsoft says. Halo Online comes from Halo: The Master Chief Collection collaborator Saber Interactive and software developer Innova Systems, who have partnered with Halo 4 and 5 studio 343 Industries and, of course, Microsoft.
It’s multiplayer-only, so there’s no solo campaign, but the game does have a basic storyline, as laid out on Waypoint: “Halo Online is set on a secret UNSC space installation called Anvil, where Spartan-IV soldiers train together in war exercises to sharpen their battle skills and test experimental technology.”
Historically, Halo is exclusive to Xbox, since it comes from that console’s manufacturer, Microsoft (though the first Halo did launch on Windows as well). However, the company notes that Halo Online is not destined for Xbox One, since it was built specifically for PC. In a similar move, after several years of development Activision recently launched an open beta for Call of Duty Online, a freemium version of its flagship shooter that’s only available in China. Right now, this game is in development for Russia only, though Microsoft notes that “theoretically,” Halo Online would have to be adapted for different regions before launching elsewhere. Until then, we’ll just be sitting here, Needlers crossed.
Filed under: Gaming, HD, Microsoft
Source: Halo Waypoint
Deal: Microsoft Bluetooth mice, keyboards, and other accessories up to 60% off on Amazon
Amazon is running a promotion on Microsoft mobile and PC accessories, including several Bluetooth keyboards and mice.
A nice mouse-keyboard pair can really help you make the most out of any tablet or even larger phones, especially if your mobile device is your primary way to get online. Whether you’re looking for a mouse or a keyboard to amp up your mobile productivity or an accessory for your computer, today’s Amazon Gold Box Deal may bring some bargain opportunities. The promo sees select Microsoft keyboards and mice (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), webcams and game controllers discounted by up to 60 percent.
Of particular interest to mobile users are the following accessories, all well rated by Amazon users:
- Microsoft Sculpt Touch Bluetooth Mouse for $23.00 (54%)
- Microsoft Universal Mobile Keyboard for $49.95 (38%)
- Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard for $35.00 (56%)
- Microsoft Arc Touch Bluetooth Mouse for $39.95 (43%)
- Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Bluetooth Mouse for $15.95 (60%)
If you’re interested in the PC accessories, check out the full list here.
The deal is valid through midnight Pacific. Happy shopping!
Deal: Microsoft Bluetooth mice, keyboards, and other accessories up to 60% off on Amazon
Amazon is running a promotion on Microsoft mobile and PC accessories, including several Bluetooth keyboards and mice.
A nice mouse-keyboard pair can really help you make the most out of any tablet or even larger phones, especially if your mobile device is your primary way to get online. Whether you’re looking for a mouse or a keyboard to amp up your mobile productivity or an accessory for your computer, today’s Amazon Gold Box Deal may bring some bargain opportunities. The promo sees select Microsoft keyboards and mice (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), webcams and game controllers discounted by up to 60 percent.
Of particular interest to mobile users are the following accessories, all well rated by Amazon users:
- Microsoft Sculpt Touch Bluetooth Mouse for $23.00 (54%)
- Microsoft Universal Mobile Keyboard for $49.95 (38%)
- Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard for $35.00 (56%)
- Microsoft Arc Touch Bluetooth Mouse for $39.95 (43%)
- Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Bluetooth Mouse for $15.95 (60%)
If you’re interested in the PC accessories, check out the full list here.
The deal is valid through midnight Pacific. Happy shopping!
Samsung commits to loading Microsoft apps on future devices
Samsung says it plans to install a number of Microsoft apps on its upcoming smartphones and tablets. Starting with the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung’s lineup will come loaded with OneDrive, OneNote, and Skype. Both smartphones come with 100GB free cloud storage for two years through Microsoft OneDrive, allowing extra storage space for media. Looking ahead, Samsung will pre-install Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, OneNote, and Skype on some of its tablets.
“Great things happen when you converge services and devices,” said Peggy Johnson, executive vice president of business development, Microsoft. “Our partnership with Samsung is emblematic of our efforts to bring the best of Microsoft’s productivity services to everyone, on every device, so people can be productive wherever, however and whenever they want.”
In related news, Dell and a host of other hardware makers have confirmed similar intentions.
The post Samsung commits to loading Microsoft apps on future devices appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Microsoft apps coming to more Samsung devices this year
Samsung and Microsoft are extending their software partnership this year, in a bid to improve productivity services for regular customers and business users alike. To wit, Samsung will pre-install additional Microsoft services and apps on its upcoming Android devices.
The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge already come with Microsoft’s OneNote, OneDrive and Skype applications pre-installed and upcoming Samsung tablets, scheduled for a H1 2015 release, will come pre-packaged with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint in addition to the S6’s software.
The aim appears to be to make Samsung’s products more appealing to the enterprise market, but general consumers may not take as kindly to the pre-installed “bloat” that they may never use. Businesses that purchase devices through Samsung’s business-to-business sales channels will be offered Business, Business Premium, and Enterprise Office 365 packages, coupled with Samsung’s KNOX security solution.
“Our goal is to meet the ever-evolving needs of both consumers and business customers and give them more power to discover new mobile experiences.” – SangChul Lee, Samsung Electronics
Microsoft appears to be increasingly receptive to opening up its software to competing operating systems and hardware, most likely in a bid to keeps its name relevant and to potentially lure customers back around to its operating system. Microsoft is currently a small player in the mobile market and risks losing software sales to unsupported platforms. Earlier in the year, Microsoft released its office software suite for Android tablets along with an Excel optimized keyboard. Rumors are also pointing to Cortana heading to Android in the future, not to mention the planned Windows 10 support for Xiaomi products.
Along with the Microsoft deal, Samsung also has an arrangement with BlackBerry to enhance its enterprise software suite. Samsung is looking to make itself stand out above the crowd in the business segment this year, with an extended range of applications and security features tailored to that market.
What do you think about the partnership?
Samsung, Microsoft expand partnership to bring more services to Android devices
Samsung and Microsoft have announced they are expanding their partnership, a move that will lead to more Microsoft services and apps being pre-installed on Samsung Android devices. The cornerstone of the new plan will be a Microsoft Office 365 and Samsung KNOX Business Pack which will be available as soon as the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge are released.
Consumers will discover that new Samsung smartphones will come with Microsoft’s OneNote, OneDrive and Skype pre-installed. The first devices to get this new stack will be the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. Samsung is planning to provide a similar stack of pre-installed Microsoft apps, with the addition of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, on Android powered tablets hitting the market in the next few months. Samsung and Microsoft will also provide 100GB of cloud storage space through OneDrive for up to two years after a device is purchased.
The companies are also targeting business users by making three versions of Office 365 available that have been configured to work with Samsung’s KNOX security platform. Business buyers will even be able to get setup service provided to help get things up and running smoothly.
Samsung executive vice president of the Strategic Marketing Office, IT & Mobile Division, SangChul Lee, says “We believer our suite of premium mobile products coupled with Microsoft’s productivity services will offer users the mobility they need in both their personal and business life.”
Anyone out there looking forward to seeing Microsoft expanding their offerings via their partnership with Samsung?
source: Samsung
Come comment on this article: Samsung, Microsoft expand partnership to bring more services to Android devices
Cyanogen receives $80 million in funding from Qualcomm, Twitter, and others
Cyanogen is scaling up in a big way. The company led by Steve Kondik and Kirt McMaster announced it secured funding totaling $80 million from a group of investors including Twitter Ventures, Qualcomm, and Rupert Murdoch.
This series C round of funding brings the total investment that Cyanogen received so far to $110 million. The startup has not revealed its current valuation.
Twitter Ventures, Qualcomm Incorporated, Telefónica Ventures, Smartfren Telecom, Index Ventures, Access Industries, Rupert Murdoch, Vivi Nevo are among the investors, along “several” other partners that Cyanogen hasn’t disclosed.
Cyanogen said it would use the money to “hire talent and accelerate the development of its open OS platform.”
Conspicuously absent from the list is Microsoft, which reportedly showed interest in becoming a minority investor in Cyanogen, but ultimately backed out of the deal. Also, the funding round announced today is smaller than the $110 million figure reported by Bloomberg last week. According to Bloomberg, Microsoft may still strike a “commercial deal” with Cyanogen to pre-load its mobile apps on Cyanogen OS devices.
“Ecosystem Rallies behind Cyanogen’s Open OS Vision,” proclaims the press release announcing the new round, and while that may sound hyperbolic, it’s interesting to note that Cyanogen managed to draw the interest of a varied group of companies, including an Internet heavyweight (Twitter), a major mobile hardware player (Qualcomm), and a major international carrier (Telefonica), in addition to a slew of venture capitalists. That bodes well for a company whose stated goal is to replace Google services with apps and service developed by partners. It remains to be seen whether or not the interest shown by investors will ever materialize into such partnerships.
Twitter Ventures is perhaps the most surprising name on the list. While earlier reports claimed large players like Samsung, Yahoo, Amazon, and Microsoft expressed interest in Cyanogen, it’s the first time we hear about Twitter joining in the fun.
Cyanogen Raises $80 Million in Series C Funding
Cyanogen Raises $80 Million in Series C Funding
Ecosystem Rallies behind Cyanogen’s Open OS Vision
Palo Alto, CA. — March 23, 2014 — Cyanogen Inc., a leading mobile operating system pure-play, announced the completion of an $80 million round of Series C financing. With offices in Palo Alto and Seattle, the company will leverage the infusion of new funding to hire talent and accelerate the development of its open OS platform.
The financing was led by Premji Invest and includes participation from new strategic investors Twitter Ventures, Qualcomm Incorporated, Telefónica Ventures, Smartfren Telecom, Index Ventures, Access Industries (the US-based industrial group headed by Len Blavatnik), Rupert Murdoch, Vivi Nevo, and several yet to be announced partners. Existing investors Benchmark, Andreessen Horowitz, Redpoint Ventures, and Tencent Holdings Ltd. also participated.
“We’re committed to creating an open computing platform that fundamentally empowers the entire mobile ecosystem from developers to hardware makers, and most importantly, consumers around the world,” said Kirt McMaster, CEO of Cyanogen Inc. “We’re excited to have the backing of an amazingly diverse group of strategic investors who are supporting us in building a truly open Android.”
“We invested in Cyanogen because we’re big proponents of what they’re doing in opening up Android and supporting global and local ecosystem players,” said Sandesh Patnam, Technology Sector Lead of Premji Invest. “Cyanogen is well positioned to become the 3rd leading mobile OS, and we’re excited to back them in growing their business on a global scale.”
To date, Cyanogen has received a total of $110 million in funding. Cyanogen is known for both its commercial distribution, Cyanogen OS, and open-source project CyanogenMod.
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About Cyanogen Inc.
Cyanogen is reimagining mobile computing, giving power to the people to customize their mobile device and content experiences. The CYANOGEN® operating system is built on Android and known for its revolutionary personalization features, intuitive interface, speed, improved battery life, and enhanced security. With a rapidly growing global user base and a vibrant community of developers, we’re intelligently connecting smartphone and tablet consumers to people, apps, and things they love. For more information, visit Cyanogen’s website, Google+, Twitter, and Facebook.
JXE Streams: Into the deep, dark woods of ‘Ori and the Blind Forest’
Last week during our stream of Grand Theft Auto V, we asked our Twitch viewers what brand new game they wanted us to play on the show. Let it never be said that we don’t deliver! Today on JXE Streams, we’re going to play through two hours of Ori and the Blind Forest because you demanded it. If you’re unfamiliar, Ori is a lushly animated adventure game where you guide a whispy spirit through an arboreal maze. Think Metroid by way of Spirited Away and you’ll get the idea.
Tune into Engadget.com/gaming, Twitch.tv/Joystiq, or right here to this post at 3PM ET today to check out the Xbox One version of Ori. Hang with us in the chat as we discuss the challenges of making 2D games look great in HD, how to make non-linear adventure games and how awesome Hayao Miyazaki is.
Like the streams? Bookmark Engadget.com/gaming to get a look at our upcoming schedule!
[We’re playing a digital copy of Ori and the Blind Forest on Xbox One streamed through an Elgato Capture HD via OBS at 720p.]
Microsoft’s Lumia 430 is the cheapest route to Windows 10
If your budget is tight but you still want the new notifications and other stuff coming with Windows 10, Microsoft has your back — depending on where you live. It just revealed the 4-inch Lumia 430 Dual SIM model that’s Windows 10-ready for around 70 bucks. For such a price, you’ll get about what you’d expect: a WVGA display, 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon 200 CPU, 8GB of upgradeable storage and a 1,500 mAh battery. Unfortunately, the biggest compromise is with the cameras: it has a meager 2-megapixel front/0.3-megapixel shooters that will make for passable selfies and not much else.
As the name gives away, it also packs “intelligent” dual-SIMs and is only coming to regions where that feature is desirable; namely the Middle East, Asia-Pacific regions, Africa, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. That doesn’t mean you’re without cheap Windows Phone options in the the UK and North America, however. The Lumia 530, for instance, retails at $100-plus, but is available on the street as low as $40. There’s also the new Lumia 640 and 640XL, though those go for around $100 more. Budget models aside, however, there’s still no sign of a high-end Lumia model created by Microsoft without any help from Nokia.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft
Source: Microsoft
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