Saturday, June 1, 2013

Samsung SM-C101 graces the FCC, could be Galaxy S 4 Zoom


DNP Samsung SMC101 graces the FCC, could be Galaxy S 4 Zoom
Well, look what we have here. Just a little over two weeks after we spied the Samsung SM-C101 at the Bluetooth SIG, the handset turns up at the FCC looking for approval. As we mentioned previously, it's what could very well be the rumored Galaxy S 4 Zoom, an S 4 handset with a large camera -- essentially a sequel to the Galaxy Camera, but with phone capabilities. Indeed, the FCC report states the SM-C101 has quad-band GSM, AT&T-compatible HSPA+, NFC, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 LE. However, there is no mention of LTE, which leads us to doubt this device is destined for the US (though this doesn't guarantee we won't see a US-bound variant down the road). The listing is otherwise light on details, though we do hope that the speculations of a 16-megapixel camera turn out to be true. At least it seems we won't have long to find out.

Google: 'We won't be approving any facial recognition Glassware at this time'


While the public decides how to deal with Google Glass-wearing cyborgs walking among us, there are already startups trying to add facial recognition to the device. That includes the MedRef for Glass app for Doctors and an API created by Lambda Labs that's on the way. Unfortunately, apparently due to privacy concerns, a post tonight by the Project Glass team says that it will not approve any app using the tech for release -- at least until it has some privacy protections in place. That's the same standard it previously said would need to be met before it added facial recognition to its own services.
We've been listening closely to you, and many have expressed both interest and concern around the possibilities of facial recognition in Glass. As Google has said for several years, we won't add facial recognition features to our products without having strong privacy protections in place. With that in mind, we won't be approving any facial recognition Glassware at this time.
Without approval, we don't expect to see any standard apps with the API built-in, however with the headset's current wide open nature, we assume interested hackers will be able to get the software running if they so desire. So, how comfortable do you feel having a conversation with someone wearing Glass, considering third parties may add extra features even if Google itself is not involved? Check out the full statement from Google linked below, as well as a look at Lambda Labs from TechCrunch.

Windows Phone app for Modern UI updated to include document browsing and syncing


Windows Phone app for Modern UI updated to include document browsing and syncing
Hot on the heels of an update to the Windows Phone desktop app for Win 7 and 8, the Modern UI version is now getting a solid refresh of its own. Enhancements include the benefit of browsing documents and adding them directly to the phone from the app, and the opportunity to open files stored on your phone with other programs. It's not the meatiest update, but it's available now in the Windows Store, and adding the document sync feature to the app -- which was already capable of handling most other types of files -- is still some pleasant news.

LinkedIn adds two-factor authentication through SMS


LinkedIn adds twofactor authentication through SMS
Who knew that tighter security was all the rage these days? Following Dropbox, Google and virtually everyone else, LinkedIn has joined the trendy (if smart) ranks of those offering two-factor authentication as an option. Switch it on and you'll have to enter a verification code delivered by SMS before you can log in with a device that LinkedIn doesn't recognize. That's all there is to the process, really, but it may be enough to prevent ne'er-do-wells from messing with your CV.