http://patrickwiscombe.com Information You Need, The Podcast Network You Trust! Thu, 17 May 2012 15:27:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://patrickwiscombe.com/feed/ PatrickWiscombe.com has been producing informative, entertaining and compelling podcast content for listeners since 2006. So, if you've been looking for a podcast that gives you news and expert analysis about the tech and travel industries, you've definitely found the right podcast. Take a listen, you won't be disappointed. Patrick Wiscombe no Patrick Wiscombe patrick@squareplanetproductions.com patrick@squareplanetproductions.com (Patrick Wiscombe) Square Planet Productions, LLC Information You Need...The Podcast Network You Trust! current technology news, technology podcast, travel news, travel podcast http://patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick1.jpg http://patrickwiscombe.com http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/23/facebook-stalking/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/23/facebook-stalking/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:00:32 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=7482 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/23/facebook-stalking/feed/ 0 facebook stalking,free podcast,free podcasts,ipad 2,ipad version 2,ipod nano,itunes 24 bit In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: The iPad 2 Press Invites Go Out Apple exploring 6-inch iPad/iPod touch for Fall 2011? New York Times: There won’t be an iPhone nano Apple looking to offer higher quality 24-bit music on iTu... (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * The iPad 2 Press Invites Go Out * Apple exploring 6-inch iPad/iPod touch for Fall 2011? * New York Times: There won’t be an iPhone nano * Apple looking to offer higher quality 24-bit music on iTunes * Facebook stalking * Amazon offers free online movies to Prime members * Anaheim School District Takes a Big Brother Approach to Truancy * Vietnam bans online gaming after 10pm * Printing on the go with HP and FedEx * Blockbuster to sell itself for $290 million * It’s Official: Apple Issues iPad 2 Press Invites For March 2 (http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cultofmac/bFow/~3/TYQj3m04ORc/83354) It’s official: The iPad 2 launch will be March 2. Apple is issuing press invites to a special media event on March 2 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. The event starts at 10:00 am. * Apple exploring 6-inch iPad/iPod touch for Fall 2011? (http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/9To5Mac-MacAllDay/~3/NokhkA6ExsY/apple-exploring-6-inch-ipadipod-touch-for-fall-2011) SuperApple.cz claims that even though Apple has been reluctant about releasing a smaller iPad, they're still working on two models with screen sizes close to 6 inches. The report claims that Apple is working on a 5.7-inch model and another model just below 6 inches. They claim that this information comes from two separate sources so the minimal size difference might really not be a difference at all. A report from China in late 2010 also claimed that Apple was still working on a smaller iPad and they said it looks like an iPhone. * NYTimes: There won’t be an iPhone nano (http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/9To5Mac-MacAllDay/~3/vEtW258jUaw/nytimes-there-wont-be-an-iphone-nano) According to the New York Times, Apple is not creating an iPhone nano. The “value iPhone” which will likely just be the current iPhone 4. Apple is also considering changing internal components of the device to bring costs down “although the innards of the phone, including memory size or camera quality, could change to offer a less expensive model, the size of the device would not vary,” the report said. Another person quoted in the New York Time with knowledge of Apple’s plans said that the company was actively building a more versatile version of its MobileMe service. The current version of MobileMe, which costs $100 a year. The new version of MobileMe is expected to be free and would allow users to synch their files without using a cable. * Apple looking to offer higher quality 24-bit music on iTunes (http://feeds.appleinsider.com/click.phdo?i=63ad29fac0d7a7e95be60d7fc8c7c4f8) Apple is said to be in talks with record labels to improve the quality of song downloads available from the iTunes Music Store, making them available in a 24-bit high-fidelity format. Apple's current downloads are in a 16 bit format. Studio recordings are usually captured as 24-bit audio, but before the tracks are pressed to CD or made available to iTunes, they're downgraded to 16 bit. Most music players and computers don't support 24 bit audio. * Breakup Notifier Emails You When People You’re Stalking On Facebook Change Their Relationship Status (http://techcrunch.com/2011/02/21/stalkbook/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29) Breakup Notifier sends you an email whenever your selected targets change their relationship status. All you have to do is go to BreakupNotifier.com and choose the friends you want to follow. The app now crawls Facebook every ten minutes to check the relationship status of people you are following. * Amazon offers free online movies to Prime members (http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/tech/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110222/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_techbit_amazon_movie_streaming) Patrick Wiscombe no 1:00:13 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/16/facebook-sucks/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/16/facebook-sucks/#comments Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:41 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=7308 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/16/facebook-sucks/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Apple unveils iPhone, iPad subscription policy iPhone 5 to have huge screen AT&T offers customers 1,000 free bonus rollover minutes Apple working on smaller, cheaper iPhone (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Apple unveils iPhone, iPad subscription policy * iPhone 5 to have huge screen * AT&T offers customers 1,000 free bonus rollover minutes * Apple working on smaller, cheaper iPhone * Initial sales of Apple's Verizon iPhone 4 below expecations * Microsoft to pay out "billions" as part of Nokia deal * Google Tried To Convince Nokia To Adopt Android * Facebook sucks 12 percent of your Internet time * Scientists calculate total data stored to date: 295+ exabytes Apple announced a subscription system for buying newspapers and magazines on iPhone and iPad applications. This will allow publishers to sell subscriptions by the week, month, year or other period of time, instead of asking readers to buy each issue separately. Publishers won't be allowed to automatically collect personal information about people who buy subscriptions through the Apple apps. Instead, subscribers who sign up through an app on an Apple device will be given the option to share their information with publishers. If people don't share their information with publishers, Apple will still hold onto it, though it will not pass it on to the publishers or other third parties. Apple will take its standard 30 percent cut from all app and content sales made in its iTunes store. Content providers that don't want to automatically give Apple a slice of the revenue can try to sell subscriptions outside the app. One way to do that would be through the Web browser, although that might prove too much of a hassle for people already used to buying apps, music and other things on iTunes. It's being reported that Apple is working on a smaller, cheaper iPhone, but it sounds like they're working on a bigger iPhone. DigiTimes reports that component suppliers who work with Apple shared details which imply that the company is intending to build an iPhone with a 4-inch display. The component suppliers noted that the production lines for Apple's next generation iPhone have begun testing, and Apple is interested in expanding the screen size to 4-inches to support the tablet PC market as the vendor only has a 9.7-inch iPad in the market. AT&T is giving iPhone users an extra 1,000 free rollover minutes to their account. All the customer has to do to apply the minutes is reply with the word “yes” and it will be added within the next four weeks. If you did not receive a text message, you can text “yes” to 11113020 and you will automatically be sent a reply telling you that the free rollover minutes have been added to your account. Patrick Wiscombe no 57:57 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/09/iconfess/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/09/iconfess/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:00:58 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=7201 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/09/iconfess/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Catholic Church Blesses iOS ‘Confession’ App $10 million in counterfeit Apple iPods/electronics seized in LA Mexican drug cartel sells counterfeit Microsoft software to fund kidnappings, (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Catholic Church Blesses iOS ‘Confession’ App * $10 million in counte... Patrick Wiscombe no 56:40 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/02/happy-new-year-youre-dead/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/02/happy-new-year-youre-dead/#comments Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:00:19 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=7130 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/02/02/happy-new-year-youre-dead/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Lawsuit claims AT&T overbills for iPhone data use AT&T Offering Unlimited Data to Keep iPhone Customers From Defecting to Verizon Visa begins trialling iPhone NFC payment solution in Europe (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Lawsuit claims AT&T overbills for iPhone data use * AT&T Offering Un... Patrick Wiscombe no 48:15 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/26/and-the-winner-is/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/26/and-the-winner-is/#comments Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:00:54 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6938 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/26/and-the-winner-is/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Inside Apple’s Quarterly Numbers Apple using big-time cash to secure cache of components Apple iPad 2 production to begin in February, iPhone 5 in May (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Inside Apple’s Quarterly Numbers * Apple using big-time cash to secure cache of components * Apple iPad 2 production to begin in February, iPhone 5 in May * Verizon to offer unlimited iPhone data plan for a limited time * Verizon adds 872,000 smart-phone subscribers * Apple finalizing wireless e-wallet for iPhone 5, iPad 2 * And the Winner of the Most-Blocked Website Award Is... * T-Mobile: 10% Of Departing Customers Leave For The iPhone * FCC May Allocate Bandwidth To Initiate Remote Patient Monitoring STORY LINKS * Inside Apple’s numbers (http://www.mondaynote.com/2011/01/23/inside-apple%E2%80%99s-numbers/) * Apple using big-time cash to secure cache of components (http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20110124/tk-3/) * Apple iPad 2 production to begin in February, iPhone 5 in May (http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/rumor_apple_ipad_2_production_to_begin_in_february_iphone_5_in_may/) * Verizon to offer unlimited iPhone data plan for a limited time (http://rss.macworld.com/click.phdo?i=bff4f2331963705d07113ba875896c97) * Verizon adds 872,000 smart-phone subscribers (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_EARNS_VERIZON?SITE=OKPON&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) * Apple finalizing wireless e-wallet for iPhone 5, iPad 2 (http://feeds.appleinsider.com/click.phdo?i=c201a1fc31692aa74b13eebe705c5bfe) * And the Winner of the Most-Blocked Website Award Is... (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/217599/the_winner_of_the_most_blocked_website_award_is.html) * T-Mobile: 10% Of Departing Customers Leave For The iPhone (http://www.techmeme.com/110124/p64#a110124p64) * FCC May Allocate Bandwidth To Initiate Remote Patient Monitoring (http://www.psfk.com/2011/01/fcc-may-allocate-bandwidth-to-initiate-remote-patient-monitoring.html) Patrick Wiscombe no 48:40 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/19/ring-finger-tweets/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/19/ring-finger-tweets/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:00:09 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6748 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/19/ring-finger-tweets/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Jobs takes medical leave from Apple Tim Cook reaps $59 million after 2010 bonuses, stock grants Apple, Verizon negotiations from the inside Recent Verizon phone buyers get $200 toward iPhone... (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Jobs takes medical leave from Apple * Tim Cook reaps $59 million after 2010 bonuses, stock grants * Apple, Verizon negotiations from the inside * Recent Verizon phone buyers get $200 toward iPhone 4 upgrade * Reports: Antenna on Verizon's iPhone 4 fixed * Apple Closes In On 10 Billion App Downloads * The Beatles sell 5 million songs, 1 million albums on Apple's iTunes * Sprint to raise smart phone data fees * Wear Your Tweets on Your Ring Finger * Steve Jobs takes medical leave from Apple (http://www.appolicious.com/tech/articles/4812-jobs-takes-medical-leave-from-apple-cook-steps-in-for-day-to-day-operations) * Tim Cook reaps $59 million after 2010 bonuses, stock grants (http://feeds.macnn.com/click.phdo?i=521ee92ea04ac9247966b3b9b21b5c38) * Apple, Verizon negotiations from the inside (http://www.tuaw.com/2011/01/12/apple-verizon-negotiations-from-the-inside/) * Recent Verizon phone buyers get $200 toward iPhone 4 upgrade (http://www.bgr.com/2011/01/18/recent-verizon-phone-buyers-get-200-toward-iphone-4-upgrade/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheBoyGeniusReport+%28BGR+|+Boy+Genius+Report%29) * Reports: Antenna on Verizon's iPhone 4 fixed (http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/usatoday-TechTopStories/~3/9h3qE_4-Tho/1) * Apple Closes In On 10 Billion App Downloads (http://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/f2m7f/apple_closes_in_on_10_billion_app_downloads/) * The Beatles sell 5 million songs, 1 million albums on Apple's iTunes (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/01/14/the_beatles_sell_5_million_songs_1_million_albums_on_apples_itunes.html) * Sprint to raise smart phone data fees (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41134045/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/) * Wear Your Tweets on Your Ring Finger (http://feeds.mashable.com/~r/Mashable/~3/ueYQ9_zSPsM/) Patrick Wiscombe no 36:13 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/12/11111-what/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/12/11111-what/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:00:18 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6701 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/12/11111-what/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Verizon Wireless to sell iPhone on February 10 Verizon iPhones to require new cases Verizon iPhone deal not exclusive, says Tim Cook Apple: 1 Million Apps Downloaded From the Mac App Store i... (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Verizon Wireless to sell iPhone on February 10 * Verizon iPhones to require new cases * Verizon iPhone deal not exclusive, says Tim Cook * Apple: 1 Million Apps Downloaded From the Mac App Store in One Day * Apple paying Beatles directly in iTunes deal, sources claim * Apple CEO Jobs' 2010 compensation remains $1 * 50,000 Stolen iTunes Accounts On China Auction Site * AT&T, Best Buy Among "Most Hated Companies in America" * Android overtakes iOS in U.S. smartphone subscribers, trails only RIM * ARM says Microsoft needs it for mobile * Verizon & Sprint Windows Phone 7 launch by June 30 says Microsoft exec * Things Babies Born in 2011 will Never Know STORY LINKS * Verizon Wireless to sell iPhone on February 10 (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70A47220110111?feedType=RSS&feedName=vcMedia&virtualBrandChannel=10109) * Verizon iPhones to require new cases (http://www.macnn.com/articles/11/01/11/xgear.preps.first.verizon.targeted.model/) * Verizon iPhone deal not exclusive, says Tim Cook (http://www.macnn.com/articles/11/01/11/opens.door.to.sprint.t.mobile.iphones/) * Apple: 1 Million Apps Downloaded From the Mac App Store in One Day (http://mashable.com/2011/01/07/apple-million-apps-downloaded/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29) * Apple paying Beatles directly in iTunes deal, sources claim (http://www.ipodnn.com/articles/11/01/06/band.label.may.be.getting.equal.split/) * Apple CEO Jobs' 2010 compensation remains $1 (http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/usatoday-TechTopStories/~3/rEDuQQg6m0c/2011-01-07-steve-jobs-pay_N.htm) * 50,000 Stolen iTunes Accounts On China Auction Site (http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/data_protection/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=229000294&cid=RSSfeed_IWK_News) * AT&T, Best Buy Among "Most Hated Companies in America" (http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/att_best_buy_among_most_hated_companies_america) * Android overtakes iOS in U.S. smartphone subscribers, trails only RIM (http://www.bgr.com/2011/01/06/android-overtakes-ios-in-u-s-smartphone-subscribers-trails-only-rim/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheBoyGeniusReport+%28BGR+|+Boy+Genius+Report%29) * ARM says Microsoft needs it for mobile (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7056J320110107?feedType=RSS&feedName=vcMedia&virtualBrandChannel=10109) * Verizon & Sprint Windows Phone 7 launch by June 30 says Microsoft exec (http://www.slashgear.com/verizon-sprint-windows-phone-7-launch-by-june-30-says-microsoft-exec-07124715/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+slashgear+%28SlashGear%29) * * Things Babies Born in 2011 will Never Know Patrick Wiscombe no 1:03:34 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/05/thats-impossible/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/05/thats-impossible/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:00:18 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6630 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2011/01/05/thats-impossible/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: RIM thought iPhone was impossible in 2007 The Top 10 Steve Jobs Quotes of 2010 Citibank: Apple’s App Store will generate $2 billion in 2011 2010 in review: Apple as a business (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * RIM thought iPhone was impossible in 2007 * The Top 10 Steve Jobs Quotes of 2010 * Citibank: Apple’s App Store will generate $2 billion in 2011 * 2010 in review: Apple as a business * ECG device connects to your iPhone to keep track of heart * Facebook displaces Google as most visited site in U.S. * Facebook by the Numbers in 2010 * Facebook Close To Naming Sun Microsystems Campus As New Headquarters * Android Text Messages Intermittently Going Astray * Ford MyKey adds radio censorship to further control teen driving habits * Skype adding Wi-Fi, 3G video calling to iPhone app * Why the Human Body Temperature Is 98.6 Degrees STORY LINKS * RIM thought iPhone was impossible in 2007 (http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/12/27/rim.thought.apple.was.lying.on.iphone.in.2007/) * The Top 10 Steve Jobs Quotes of 2010 [Year in Review] (http://www.cultofmac.com/the-top-10-steve-jobs-quotes-of-2010-year-in-review/73792?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+cultofmac%2FbFow+%28Cult+of+Mac%29) * Citibank: Apple’s App Store will generate $2 billion in 2011 (http://www.bgr.com/2010/12/31/citibank-apples-app-store-will-generate-2-billion-in-2011/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheBoyGeniusReport+%28BGR+|+Boy+Genius+Report%29) * 2010 in review: Apple as a business (http://www.macworld.com/article/156506/2010/12/applefin.html?lsrc=rss_news) * ECG device connects to your iPhone to keep track of heart (http://www.slashgear.com/ecg-device-connects-to-your-iphone-to-keep-track-of-heart-31122244/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+slashgear+%28SlashGear%29) * Facebook displaces Google as most visited site in U.S. (http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/facebook_displaces_google_as_u.s._most_visited_site/) * Facebook by the Numbers in 2010 (http://mashable.com/2010/12/31/facebook-by-the-numbers-in-2010-stats/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29) * Facebook Close To Naming Sun Microsystems Campus As New Headquarters (http://techcrunch.com/2011/01/01/facebook-headquarters-sun/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29) * Android Text Messages Intermittently Going Astray (http://tech.slashdot.org/story/11/01/01/2010257/Android-Text-Messages-Intermittently-Going-Astray) * Ford MyKey adds radio censorship to further control teen driving habits (http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/30/ford-mykey-adds-radio-censorship-to-further-control-teen-driving/) * Skype adding Wi-Fi, 3G video calling to iPhone app (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TEC_SKYPE_IPHONE_VIDEO_CALLS?SITE=ORAST&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) * Why the Human Body Temperature Is 98.6 Degrees (http://gizmodo.com/5722520/why-the-human-body-temperature-is-986-degrees?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29) Patrick Wiscombe no 57:35 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/12/17/keep-your-fingers/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/12/17/keep-your-fingers/#comments Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:40 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6532 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/12/17/keep-your-fingers/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: iPad Mini rumors surface again iPad will generate 2 percent all US web traffic by this time next year Verizon rumored to launch LTE 4G capable Apple iPhone after Christmas (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * iPad Mini rumors surface again * iPad will generate 2 percent all US web traffic by this time next year * Verizon rumored to launch LTE 4G capable Apple iPhone after Christmas * HTC: 60 million handsets anticipated in 2011? * Yahoo! Prepares to Lay Off 600 to 700 Workers * Hashable Starts Measuring The Strength Of Your Relationships * This guy trusts his own tech, puts finger into table saw blade * U.S. Consumer Say They Now Spend As Much Time on the Internet As They Do Watching TV * Pajamas Warming Pouch * Gawker.com says its user database was compromised * The Top 50 Gawker Media Passwords * Most coders have sleep problems, need 'hygiene and care' STORY LINKS * iPad Mini rumors surface again (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20025362-1.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20) * iPad will generate 2 percent all US web traffic by this time next year (http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/9To5Mac-MacAllDay/~3/-qVm73Vaqfs/ipad-will-generate-2-all-us-web-traffic-by-this-time-next-year) * Verizon rumored to launch LTE 4G capable Apple iPhone after Christmas (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHapOCT_s4YdY6KLMqXebo3D4wPeA&url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/12/13/verizon_rumored_to_launch_lte_4g_capable_apple_iphone_after_christmas.html) * HTC: 60 million handsets anticipated in 2011? (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-20025280-94.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20) * Yahoo! Prepares to Lay Off 600 to 700 Workers (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/12/13/tech/main7147290.shtml) * Hashable Starts Measuring The Strength Of Your Relationships (http://techcrunch.com/2010/12/09/hashable-strength-relationships/) * This guy trusts his own tech, puts finger into table saw blade (http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-cetera/this-guy-trusts-his-own-tech-puts-finger-into-table-saw-blade-20101211) * U.S. Consumer Say They Now Spend As Much Time on the Internet As They Do Watching TV (http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/us_consumers_now_spend_as_much_time_on_the_interne.php) * Pajamas Warming Pouch (http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20101214/pajamas-warming-pouch/) * Gawker.com says its user database was compromised (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GAWKER_PASSWORDS?SITE=SCAND&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) * The Top 50 Gawker Media Passwords (http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/TVKrUqH2hfs/story01.htm) * Most coders have sleep problems, need 'hygiene and care' (http://digg.com/news/technology/most_coders_have_sleep_problems_need_hygiene_and_care) Patrick Wiscombe no 1:11:26 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/12/02/go-google-yourself/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/12/02/go-google-yourself/#comments Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:00:30 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6505 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/12/02/go-google-yourself/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Apple at top, Microsoft at bottom according to new smartphone loyalty survey As world's most-sued tech company, Apple is forced to 'lawyer up' Apple data center head dies following heart att... (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Apple at top, Microsoft at bottom according to new smartphone loyalty survey * As world's most-sued tech company, Apple is forced to 'lawyer up' * Apple data center head dies following heart attack * Microsoft says 2.5 million Kinect units sold * Report: 7-inch iPad 2 to have USB port, two cameras * One less thing: Apple bans Steve Jobs doll * Windows Phone 7 devices free at Microsoft's own stores * Radio Station Apps: No Longer Welcome in the App Store * Reports say Google in talks to buy Groupon * College Kid Discovers False Murder Accusation While Googling Himself * Massive Windows Phone 7 Update Rumored for January * Kim Kardashian dominates Bing searches in 2010 STORY LINKS * Apple at top, Microsoft at bottom according to new smartphone loyalty survey (http://www.bgr.com/2010/11/29/apple-at-top-microsoft-at-bottom-according-to-new-smartphone-loyalty-survey/) * As world's most-sued tech company, Apple is forced to 'lawyer up' (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/11/29/as_worlds_most_sued_tech_company_apple_is_forced_to_lawyer_up.html) * Apple data center head dies following heart attack (http://www.macnn.com/articles/10/11/29/impact.on.new.center.uncertain/) * Microsoft says 2.5 million Kinect units sold (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40423310/ns/technology_and_science-games/) * Report: 7-inch iPad 2 to have USB port, two cameras (http://www.macworld.com/article/156020/2010/11/ipad2_rumor.html?lsrc=rss_main) * One less thing: Apple bans Steve Jobs doll (http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/112410-one-less-thing-apple-bans.html) * Windows Phone 7 devices free at Microsoft's own stores (http://feeds.electronista.com/click.phdo?i=2771f1741939b79a7cd03448fc24b7f1) * Radio Station Apps: No Longer Welcome in the App Store (http://feeds.pcworld.com/click.phdo?i=f75e0ccdb047b20ccae54e6980bc6d0f) * Reports say Google in talks to buy Groupon (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TEC_GOOGLE_GROUPON?SITE=ORBAK&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) * College Kid Discovers False Murder Accusation While Googling Himself (http://gizmodo.com/5702274/college-kid-discovers-false-murder-accusation-while-googling-himself?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29) * Massive Windows Phone 7 Update Rumored for January (http://www.pcworld.com/article/211978/Massive_Windows_Phone_7_Update_Rumored_for_January.html?tk=rss_news) * Kim Kardashian dominates Bing searches in 2010 (http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-20024136-75.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20) Patrick Wiscombe no 50:48 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/11/25/23-in-me/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/11/25/23-in-me/#comments Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:00:25 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6451 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/11/25/23-in-me/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Apple Giving Away 100 x 64GB iPads On Twitter FCC May Allow You to Send Text Messages to 911 Apple sells 450K Beatles albums, 2M songs so far Get Your DNA Analyzed for $99 (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Apple Giving Away 100 x 64GB iPads On Twitter * FCC May Allow You to Send Text Messages to 911 * Apple sells 450K Beatles albums, 2M songs so far * Get Your DNA Analyzed for $99 * Dell will pay you to take an HTC DROID Incredible * Axl Rose Suing Makers of Guitar Hero * iPod Separation Anxiety Is Real * AT&T halves selling price on BlackBerry Torch * Cowboys fire coach, forget to renew Web domain * Great Scott! Over 35 Hours of Video Uploaded Every Minute to YouTube * iPhone 4 is Most Reliable Smartphone, Study Says STORY LINKS * Apple Giving Away 100 x 64GB iPads On Twitter (http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/apple-giving-away-100-x-64gb-ipads-on-twitter-23-11-2010) * FCC May Allow You to Send Text Messages to 911 (http://feeds.mashable.com/~r/Mashable/~3/GaPi7YXd4D8/) * Apple sells 450K Beatles albums, 2M songs so far (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TEC_APPLE_BEATLES_SALES?SITE=SCGRE&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) * Get Your DNA Analyzed for $99 (http://gizmodo.com/5698223/get-your-dna-analyzed-for-99?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29) * Dell will pay you to take an HTC DROID Incredible (http://www.bgr.com/2010/11/24/dell-will-pay-you-to-take-an-htc-droid-incredible/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheBoyGeniusReport+%28Boy+Genius+Report%29) * Axl Rose Suing Makers of Guitar Hero (http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/11/exclusive-court-documents-axl-rose-suing-guitar-hero-makers) * iPod Separation Anxiety Is Real (http://www.cultofmac.com/ipod-separation-anxiety-is-real/68080) * AT&T halves selling price on BlackBerry Torch (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6A856E20101110) * Cowboys fire coach, forget to renew Web domain (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20022316-71.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20) * Great Scott! Over 35 Hours of Video Uploaded Every Minute to YouTube (http://youtube-global.blogspot.com/2010/11/great-scott-over-35-hours-of-video.html) * iPhone 4 is Most Reliable Smartphone, Study Says (http://news.yahoo.com/s/zd/20101110/tc_zd/256778) Patrick Wiscombe no 1:10:22 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/11/02/smart-slippers/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/11/02/smart-slippers/#comments Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:00:28 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6396 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/11/02/smart-slippers/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Longer iTunes song previews Apple accepting Mac App Store applications iOS lawsuit Target to sell iPhones Apple opening iAD office space (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Longer iTunes song previews * Apple accepting Mac App Store applications * iOS lawsuit * Target to sell iPhones * Apple opening iAD office space * iPhone 4 achieves 24 hour availability * Skyfire's Flash app zapped from app store * Microsoft posts huge quarterly results * iPad making dent in netbook sales * Intelligent pill bottle caps * Smartphone habits * Keyless hotel rooms * Michael Jackson's glove * Surfing the web at 29,035 feet Apple says it is changing their song preview from 30 seconds to 90 seconds. Apple sent a letter out to record labels, informing them that song sample length times will increase for songs over two minutes and 30 seconds long. All labels are required to do is continue to make their content available on the iTunes Store, which will signal their acceptance of the terms. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by iFrogz. (http://www.shareasale.com/image/468x6058.jpg) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple has started to accept app submissions for their forthcoming Mac App Store. Apple has yet to set an official launch date for the Mac App Store, but did announce during the “Back to the Mac” conference to expect a launch “within 90 days.” That should give developers about two and half months at most if they want to have their apps ready for the store’s launch. The Mac App developer program is $99/year just like the iOS App developer program. If you noticed that your iPhone 3G or 3GS started running more slowly and/or crashed more often after you upgraded to the iOS 4, you're not alone. A class-action lawsuit filed last week against Apple alleges that Apple practiced "unsavory, dishonest and deceptive" business practices by releasing iOS 4 for iPhone 3G and 3GS users and touting it as an "upgrade." The lead plaintiff in the case, San Diego resident Bianca Wofford, says after she installed iOS 4 on her iPhone 3G, she noticed "significantly reduced speed, the inability to use previously downloaded/purchased applications, and an overall substantially decreased functionality and decreased reliability of the device." Wofford said she would be unable to restore her iPhone to its previous state (iOS 3.X) without engaging in "hacker" activities that would void her warranty. She claims that, because of the phone's decreased reliability and functionality, she has personally suffered harm and economic loss. The lawsuit specifically says (courtesy of Wired) "In essence, APPLE knowingly and intentionally released what it called a system software an ˜upgrade' that, in fact, made hundreds of thousands of the Third Generation iPhones that were exclusively tethered to AT&T data plans ˜useless' for their intended purpose. Since the release of iOS4 in conjunction with the sale and release of the Fourth Generation iPhone, or the iPhone 4 in June 2010, APPLE has falsely, intentionally and repeatedly represented to owners and consumers of the iPhone 3G that its new operating system for the device, iOS4, was of a nature, quality, and a significant upgrade for the functionality of all iPhone devices, when in fact, the installation and use of the iOS4 on iPhone 3G resulted in the opposite -- a device with little more use than that of a paper weight." Several months after iOS 4 was released in the summer, Apple said iOS 4.1 update would fix both the iPhone 4's antenna problems and the iPhone 3GS's iOS4 problems. Target will start selling the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 4 on November 7. Patrick Wiscombe no 43:27 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/26/wi-spy/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/26/wi-spy/#comments Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:00:58 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6358 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/26/wi-spy/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: AT&T activations Apple offers laser engraving Apple announces white iPhone 4 delay Google cracking down on privacy (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * AT&T activations * Apple offers laser engraving * Apple announces white iPhone 4 delay * Google cracking down on privacy * Android marketplace expanding quickly * Walmart selling Facebook credits * MySpace sharing personal data * Barnes & Noble announce color e-reader * Amazon announces digital book sales * Sprint announces third quarter results * Comcast charging more for services AT&T said they activated 5.2 million iPhones, setting an all-time record and said they added 2.6 million customers during the quarter. The company now has 92.8 million customers and said they have a churn rate of 1.14 percent. They temporarily became the number one wireless carrier in the nation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by GetAwayToday.com (http://www.getawaytoday.com) (http://patrickwiscombe.com/images/get_away_today_logo.jpg) Save an extra $10 on your Disneyland or SeaWorld San Diego vacation, when you use promo code CASTLE at checkout ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple is now offering a free laser-engraving service for the iPad. The inscription can be two lines of 36 characters each. The service will delay the shipment of an iPad order one - three days. Apple says the white iPhone 4 won't be available until spring. Google said they're changing their privacy procedures so employees don't accidentally reveal what kind of information they collect and store about users. Google said it will require all 23,000 of its employees to undergo privacy training and is introducing more checks aimed at making sure workers are obeying the rules. Google acknowledged in May that one of its engineers had created a program that collected potentially sensitive personal information, including e-mails and passwords, from unsecured wireless networks. The information was collected as Google cars went up and down streets around the world. The vehicles were sent out to take photos for Google's online mapping service, but they also carried equipment to log the location of Wi-Fi networks. Google initially said it had only captured fragments of people's online activities, but Canada's investigation determined that entire e-mails, passwords and website addresses had been obtained and stored. In confirming Canada's findings, Google said it wants to delete all the Wi-Fi data remaining on its computers as quickly as possible, but must hold on to most of the information while authorities in different countries conduct their own investigations. So far, Google has deleted the Wi-Fi data it obtained in Ireland, Austria, Denmark and Hong Kong after gaining clearance from regulators in those countries. It still has the data from more than 20 other countries, including the United States, where a coalition of state attorneys general has been looking into the breach. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by Cliphanger. (http://www.shareasale.com/image/loadbanner1228124.jpeg) The perfect accessory for all cell phones, PDAs, iPods, and MP3 players. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Google has confirmed it had officially passed 100,000 active apps in Android Market. Apple officially hit 250,000 iOS apps in August and is now unofficially over 280,000. Android device sales have overtaken iPhone sales, but apps continue to lag. Patrick Wiscombe no 54:52 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/19/hp-predicts/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/19/hp-predicts/#comments Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:00:45 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6334 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/19/hp-predicts/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Facebook sharing private data Android 3.0 details leaked Google is being "disingenuous" Palm Pre 2 set to debut Office365.com debuts (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Facebook sharing private data * Android 3.0 details le... Patrick Wiscombe no 34:48 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/12/apples-big-mistake/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/12/apples-big-mistake/#comments Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:00:25 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6307 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/12/apples-big-mistake/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Chilean miners receive iPods from Steve Jobs Teenagers send lots of texts each month Former Apple CEO calls himself a "big mistake" (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Chilean miners receive iPods from Steve Jobs * Teenage... Patrick Wiscombe no 47:12 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/05/oops/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/05/oops/#comments Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:00:00 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6281 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/10/05/oops/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Verizon Wireless issues refunds Fake iTunes receipts Toasted Skin Syndrome Apple ordered to pay up Apple close to market cap domination (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Verizon Wireless issues refunds * Fake iTunes receipts * Toasted Skin Syndrome * Apple ordered to pay up * Apple close to market cap domination * Android passes iPhone * Apple voluntarily pays $1.7 million to couple * Google introduces URL shortening service * Facebook issues 5 for 1 stock split * Facebook supports high-resolution images * Windows Phone 7 coming October 11 Verizon Wireless said it will pay millions of dollars in refunds to 15 million cell phone customers who were erroneously charged for data sessions or Internet use. Verizon did not disclose how much exactly it would have to pay but said 15 million customers would receive credits or refund checks that in most cases would range from $2 to $6 and be on customer's October or November bills. Former customers will get refund checks while existing customers will get credits. A person familiar with the matter said the refunds would come to more than $50 million. If all 15 million customers receive $6 in refunds each this would come to $90 million. The New York Times reported that the Federal Communications Commission is pressing Verizon to agree to a penalty for the unauthorized charges. The charges affected customers who did not have data usage plans, but were billed because of exchanges initiated by software built into their phones. For example, trying out a demonstration of a game that Verizon Wireless had pre-loaded onto a phone would sometimes trigger data transmissions from the phone unbeknownst to the customers who were then charged by Verizon Wireless for the data. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by GetAwayToday.com (http://www.getawaytoday.com) (http://patrickwiscombe.com/images/get_away_today_logo.jpg) Save an extra $10 on your Disneyland or SeaWorld San Diego vacation, when you use promo code CASTLE at checkout ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PandaLabs said that the company has discovered fake iTunes receipts being sent to iTunes users in an attempt to steal personal information. Ironically, the attack uses Flash. According to PandaLabs, the research arm of antivirus vendor Panda Security, users are sent a "receipt" from iTunes that looks completely authentic, with no telltale spelling errors or issues with the image's source code. However, an image posted to the PandaLabs blog had problems with the bill's total. The attack begins when the user is invited to click a link to "report a problem". After clicking the link, the victim is asked to download a fake PDF reader. Once installation is complete, the user is redirected to an infected Web page containing the Zeus Trojan, which is specifically designed to steal personal data. According to medical reports, having a hot notebook on your lap is creating "toasted skin syndrome," a skin condition caused by long-term heat exposure. In one recent case, a 12-year-old boy developed a sponge-patterned skin discoloration on his left thigh after playing computer games a few hours every day for several months. The temperature underneath another person's laptop registered 125 degrees. The condition also can be caused by overuse of heating pads and other heat sources that usually aren't hot enough to cause burns but cause permanent skin darkening. In very rare cases, it can cause damage leading to skin cancers according to researchers. A jury in Texas has ordered Apple to pay $625.5 million for violating patents owned by a firm founded by a computer science professor. Patrick Wiscombe no 39:32 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/28/microsoft-gives-up/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/28/microsoft-gives-up/#comments Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:00:01 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6264 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/28/microsoft-gives-up/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Research in Motion announces 'PlayBook' Texting crashes up Apple tops in customer satisfaction Apple grabs headlines (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Research in Motion announces 'PlayBook' * Texting crashes up * Apple tops in customer satisfaction * Apple grabs headlines * Amazon's "Kindle for the Web" * Skype coming to Facebook * Microsoft moving to WordPress * Microsoft Office for Mac coming October 26 * Twitter's "Promoted Accounts" * Twitter surpasses MySpace traffic RIM unveiled its 'PlayBook' tablet computer and said it won't be available until early 2011. The PlayBook has a 7-inch display, weighs under a pound, has 1GB of memory, a dual-core processor, has dual HD cameras, HD video recording capability, and an HDMI output. The PlayBook supports MP3, AAC, and WMA, and capable of handling Apple and Microsoft proprietary audio formats and will support Adobe Flash Player and HTML5. The price for the new device wasn't announced. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by GetAwayToday.com (http://www.getawaytoday.com) (http://patrickwiscombe.com/images/get_away_today_logo.jpg) Save an extra $10 on your Disneyland or SeaWorld San Diego vacation, when you use promo code CASTLE at checkout ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A new study from the insurance industry finds texting while driving laws have had no immediate benefit in reducing crashes. The study looked at crash data from four states with texting bans. It found that in three of the states — California, Louisiana, Minnesota — crashes actually increased. The study spokesperson said the increase might be the result of drivers moving their phones down, of out public view, while they text and thus looking away from the road longer. Drivers distracted by talking or texting on cell phones killed an estimated 16,000 people from 2001 to 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Apple's iPhone is the number-one smartphone in customer satisfaction according to J.D. Power and Associates when measuring customer satisfaction for both traditional mobile phones and smartphones. Customers are keeping their mobile devices an average of 20.5 months, the longest period since the study began in 1999. The length depends on the brand, with the longest average period at 27.8 months, and the shortest at 17.5 months. The average monthly wireless service plan is now $78, including taxes and fees, compared to $69 three years ago. The increases are due to data services and additional usages, such as texting. But while service costs are increasing, device costs are dropping. The survey found the average price of a traditional wireless phone is now $76, down from an average of $81 at the beginning of last year. Nearly half of all respondents said they received a free mobile phone from their carrier as a result of subscribing to the service. When measuring satisfaction, the survey found that the key factors for smartphones are ease of operation for 26 percent of customers, operating system for 24 percent, physical design for 23 percent, features for 19 percent, and battery function for eight percent. On a 1,000-point scale for satisfaction, Apple's devices rank 800 and took first place for the fourth straight survey. Second place was taken by Motorola at 791, with HTC third at 781. BlackBerry, Samsung, Palm and Nokia were next, in that order. Among traditional handsets, LG is highest for the fourth straight survey with a score of 731. Sanyo ranks second at 712, and Samsung third at 709. Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Nokia and Kyocera took fourth through seventh places. Patrick Wiscombe no 1:06:45 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/21/please-leave-us-alone/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/21/please-leave-us-alone/#comments Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:00:15 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=6221 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/21/please-leave-us-alone/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: "Please leave us alone." AT&T to sell satellite phone The Verizon iPhone switch Smartphone interpretation Napster iPhone app (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * "Please leave us alone." * AT&T to sell satellite phone * The Verizon iPhone switch * Smartphone interpretation * Napster iPhone app * We're number 2 A Long Island University student allegedly received several argumentative e-mails from Steve Jobs after she criticized the company's Media Relations Department. (Here's the audio of this story from ABC's Good Morning America.) The student claims to have repeatedly called the PR department asking for a quote regarding iPad use in academic settings, but the company representatives allegedly did not bother to respond. "Mr. Jobs, I humbly ask why Apple is so wonderfully attentive to the needs of students, whether it be with the latest, greatest invention or the company's helpful customer service line, and yet, ironically, the Media Relations Department fails to answer any of my questions which are, as I have repeatedly told them, essential to my academic performance," Isaacs wrote in her first e-mail to the CEO. "Our goals do not include helping you get a good grade," Jobs allegedly responded. "Sorry." Isaac claims to have countered the blunt response with another message denying that she asked for help getting a good grade. She then asked if the company considers it a duty to return calls from a client or customer. "But I guess that's not one of your goals," she wrote. "Nope," Jobs allegedly responded. "We have over 300 million users and we can't respond to their requests unless they involve a problem of some kind. Sorry." The student continued the confrontation by claiming to be one of Apple's 300 million users, and with a problem that can only be addressed by the Media Relations team. She again asked for a response for her school project and reminded the CEO that she is "on deadline." The purported correspondence ends with a final plea from Jobs, as he asks her to "please leave us alone." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by GetAwayToday.com (http://www.getawaytoday.com) (http://patrickwiscombe.com/images/get_away_today_logo.jpg) Save an extra $10 on your Disneyland or SeaWorld San Diego vacation, when you use promo code CASTLE at checkout ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AT&T said they're going to start selling a satellite phone to fill in their spotty network coverage. In order to use the phone, it has to have a clear view of the southern sky, where the satellite hovers, with no intervening trees, buildings or hills. AT&T will initially sell the phone to professional customers through business channels, but it will be in retail stores later this year. The phone will cost $799 and requires regular AT&T voice and data service plans but no contract and will use the AT&T network where it's available. The option to be able to switch over to the satellite costs $25 extra per month, and then 65 cents per minute of calling. The phone will also allow users to browse the web and send and receive texts. It will run Windows Mobile 6.5 software and has a full keyboard and won't have a large protruding antenna. The cost to send data is $5 per megabyte and text messages are 40 cents each. According to a report from Credit Suisse, 63 percent of iPhone users would stick with AT&T if the carrier ends it exclusivity deal with Apple, about 23 percent - or 1.4 million customers - would jump ship to Verizon. If the option existed, about 3 percent would switch to Sprint, 2 percent would move to T-Mobile. About 20 percent said that if another carrier offered the iPhone, Patrick Wiscombe no 48:15 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/14/save-money-call-bette/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/14/save-money-call-bette/#comments Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:00:08 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5944 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/14/save-money-call-bette/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: GoDaddy looking for a sugar daddy iPhone 4 production numbers Apple killing free bumper program Android is #2 Paying for apps (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * GoDaddy looking for a sugar daddy * iPhone 4 production numbers * Apple killing free bumper program * Android is #2 * Paying for apps * Wal-Mart branded cell phone service * Facebook passes Google * News consumption * Really fast internet access The Wall Street Journal is reporting GoDaddy.com has put itself up for sale and could be sold for more than $1 billion in an auction. The company says they have more than 43 million domains under management and posted revenue between $750 million and $800 million in 2009. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by GetAwayToday.com (http://www.getawaytoday.com) (http://patrickwiscombe.com/images/get_away_today_logo.jpg) Save an extra $10 on your Disneyland or SeaWorld San Diego vacation, when you use promo code CASTLE at checkout ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple will end its free iPhone 4 case program on September 30. Customers who purchase an iPhone 4 after that date and experience connectivity or "death grip" issues can contact Apple and discuss a free case option on a case-by-case basis. Foxconn is producing about 137,000 iPhone 4s per day at one of its Chinese plants. The rate translates into 1.5 per second, 90 a minute and over 50 million a year. According to research firm Gartner, Google's Android will become the world's second most popular operating system for cell phones this year and will account for nearly 30 percent of all cell phone operating system sales by 2014. Google CEO Eric Schmidt says more than 200,000 Android devices are sold every day. NPD said Android became the No. 1 operating system for U.S. smartphones in the second quarter. Gartner projected that Apple's iOS software will add nearly 3 percentage points of market share to achieve a 17.1 percent slice of the global market by 2011, but will slip back to a 14.9 percent share in 2014. Research in Motion will see its share fall from 19.9 percent in 2009 to 11.7 percent in 2014 while Microsoft's Windows Phone software will decline to 3.9 percent in 2014 from 8.7 percent in 2009. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by invisibleSHIELD (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3098998-10539527)(http://www.tqlkg.com/image-3098998-10539527) (http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-3098998-10539482) Click the invisibleSHIELD link to see the latest promotions and discounts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- According to new research from Nielsen, mobile phone owners are willing to pay for apps. Of those surveyed, a significant majority, or 91 percent, say they would pay for a game app, and 86 percent would pay for an entertainment app. Eighty-four percent would pay for a navigation app, 82 percent for productivity, and 76 percent for news apps. iPhone owners typically paid for one app for every two free apps downloaded. Android and BlackBerry owners downloaded only one paid app for every three and a half free apps. BlackBerry owners were also the least likely to convert from a free version to the full. Wal-Mart said they are introducing the first cell phone plan that uses the Wal-Mart name. The Wal-Mart Family Mobile service will run on T-Mobile USA's network. Unlimited calling and texting will cost $45 per month for the first line and $25 for each additional line for the family. Patrick Wiscombe no 38:14 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/07/ping-not-bing/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/07/ping-not-bing/#comments Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:00:54 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5904 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/09/07/ping-not-bing/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Android's torrid selling pace HP's Hurd lands at Oracle Google under investigation by Texas Google's top 10 Adwords buyers (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Android's torrid selling pace * HP's Hurd lands at Oracle * Google under investigation by Texas * Google's top 10 Adwords buyers * Google bringing the web to televisions * YouTube turning a profit * Apple's new iPod line * Apple introduces 'Ping' * Verizon introduces pre-paid data plans * Adults texting more Android now accounts for 25 percent of mobile operating systems in North America, a 2 percent increase, month-over-month, and an 18.6 percent increase year-over-year. These numbers come from Quantcast, saying Android has owns 17.2 percent of the global smartphone market. Android is starting to chip away BlackBerry’s market share and is the top-selling OS in the U.S., according to Gartner. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by GetAwayToday.com (http://www.getawaytoday.com) (http://patrickwiscombe.com/images/get_away_today_logo.jpg) Save an extra $10 on your Disneyland or SeaWorld San Diego vacation, when you use promo code CASTLE at checkout ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oracle has hired former Hewlett-Packard CEO Mark Hurd. Oracle CEO Larry Ellison called HP's decision to oust Hurd the worst personnel decision since Apple forced out Steve Jobs. The company said Hurd will also serve as a member of the board of directors and will report to Ellison. In hiring Hurd, Oracle doesn't necessarily get everything he knows. Part of Hurd's severance package from HP — which could top $40 million — includes a confidentiality agreement that restricts what he can tell a future employer about internal HP dealings. Google's methods for recommending websites are being reviewed by Texas' attorney general because of complaints that the company has abused its power as the Internet's dominant search engine. The review looks to be focused on whether Google is manipulating its search results to stifle competition. Search engine results can make or break websites because Google's search engine processes about two-thirds of the search requests in the U.S. Google has been accused of favoring its own services in its results instead of rival websites. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by invisibleSHIELD (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3098998-10539527)(http://www.tqlkg.com/image-3098998-10539527) (http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-3098998-10539482) Click the invisibleSHIELD link to see the latest promotions and discounts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ad Age obtained an internal Google document that highlights some of the biggest AdWords buyers for the month of June 2010. According to the documents, the biggest buyers of AdWords in June included AT&T Mobile, Amazon, eBay and BP. BP was a newcomer to the list, spending $3.59 million on search ads in the wake of the gulf oil spill (compared to just $57,000 in the two months prior). The top spender in June, AT&T Mobile, spent $8.08 million on search ads to coincide with the release of the iPhone 4. According to Ad Age, AT&T's the third-largest U.S. advertiser overall. Other companies making up the top 10 include: * Apollo Group - which is The University of Phoenix spent $6.67 million in June 2010 * Expedia - $5.95 million * Amazon - $5.85 million * eBay - $4.25 million * Hotels.com - $3.30 million Patrick Wiscombe no 58:34 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/31/evaporating-food/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/31/evaporating-food/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:00:06 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5885 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/31/evaporating-food/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Microsoft betting big on Windows Phone 7 Google and AP make nice Google planning to expand YouTube Intel buy Infineon Microsoft raises prices (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Microsoft betting big on Windows Phone 7 * Goo... Patrick Wiscombe no 52:48 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/24/windows-95-forever/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/24/windows-95-forever/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:00:27 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5833 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/24/windows-95-forever/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Windows 95 turns 15 Apple applies for 'kill switch' patent iPhone on Sprint and T-Mobile first Foxconn to hire 400,000 new employees (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Windows 95 turns 15 * Apple applies for 'kill switch' patent * iPhone on Sprint and T-Mobile first * Foxconn to hire 400,000 new employees * MicroHoo becomes official * Oracle sues Google * Glasses-less 3D television * Google's 'Live' search * Verizon's gaming portal * Dell's 'Streak' and 'Aero' phones * HP, Dell in bidding war * Intel buys McAfee Microsoft's Windows 95 turned 15 today. Its launch campaign included an ad blitz with the Rolling Stones song "Start Me Up" and ultimately saw Microsoft spend $300 million on marketing. It introduced true multitasking as well as 32-bit computing with long file names and a much stronger emphasis on media playback. The Mac OS wouldn't support full multitasking until the release of Mac OS X in 2001. Windows 95 is credited with cementing Microsoft's monopoly position in the desktop operating space. Windows 7 is the fastest-selling release ever at 175 million copies in less than a year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by Cliphanger. (http://www.shareasale.com/image/loadbanner1228124.jpeg) The perfect accessory for all cell phones, PDAs, iPods, and MP3 players. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple has applied for a patent that could deactivate iPhones or other devices when it believes the device is being used illegitimately or by unauthorized users—and the devices could make these determinations both by how the device is being used, but also through biometric information like a user’s face, voice, and even their heartbeat. The patent targets a number of behaviors Apple describes as compromising or hacking a device, including removing the SIM card, unlocking, jailbreaking, and even moving a predetermined distance from a synced device. The patent also identifies a number of methodologies for determining whether a user is legitimate, including photographing the user and applying facial recognition software, analyzing their voice, and analyzing a users’ heartbeat using a “heartbeat sensor.” The technology could also be used to wipe sensitive information—address books, email, passwords, account details, and those sensitive text messages—if it detects an unauthorized user. Other implementations could have the device go into spy mode, recording and reporting the users’ activities, including sending pictures of the current user to a remote service, along with keylogs, location information, and data traffic. The Library of Congress recently ruled that jailbreaking mobile phones to switch carriers or add unauthorized applications is not a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Apple's iPhone could come to Sprint or T-Mobile first, according to one analyst, saying Apple and Verizon Wireless are still negotiating important details for the iPhone, "including technology and economics." Existing iPhones can technically run on T-Mobile already, and the phone's chip would need a relatively small modification to support 3G on T-Mobile's network. Verizon is having success sellling Android phones from Motorola and HTC, and the amount Apple charges AT&T will drop once exclusivity ends. If Apple doesn't get what they want, they will look to other carriers who will pay more, resulting in bigger profits per sale. Foxconn said it would hire 400,000 workers at new plants in China and will be built closer to the new employees' homes. The company's revenue has increased 50 percent and will grow the company to 1.2 and 1.3 million employees. Patrick Wiscombe no 1:21:49 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/17/defection/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/17/defection/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:00:45 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5696 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/17/defection/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Apple employee kickbacks AT&T defection Social network advertising Internet Explorer turns 15 The 'Tweet' button RIM caves to Indian government demands (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Apple employee kickbacks * AT&T defection * Social network advertising * Internet Explorer turns 15 * The 'Tweet' button * RIM caves to Indian government demands * Updated Xbox 360 in first place * Apple TV becomes iTV A manager at Apple has been charged with taking kickbacks he received after leaking corporate secrets to Asian companies that supplied iPhone and iPod accessories. Paul Shin Devine, a global supply manager at Apple since 2005, was accused by federal authorities of accepting kickbacks from six Asian companies. Devine also faces a civil suit filed by Apple which accused him of receiving more than $1 million in payments and bribes over several years, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Devine was charged in a federal grand jury indictment with 23 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and accepting kickbacks. Devine allegedly used his position at Apple to obtain confidential information that he shared with Apple suppliers to help them negotiate favorable contracts with the company. In return, the suppliers paid Devine kickbacks. The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI and Internal Revenue Service. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by Cliphanger. (http://www.shareasale.com/image/loadbanner1228124.jpeg) The perfect accessory for all cell phones, PDAs, iPods, and MP3 players. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If the iPhone came to Verizon's network, one survey says a sizable chunk of AT&T and Sprint customers would defect because of frustration with of AT&T's network quality. The Morpace Omnibus' poll of 1000 American consumers claims that more than half of all Verizon subscribers would likely to buy an iPhone. The survey also shows that 23 percent of current AT&T customers would go for a Verizon iPhone, 22 percent of current Sprint customers, and 20 percent of T-Mobile customers. The survey also highlights concerns that Verizon's network would face the same difficulties handling bandwidth demands and would "drastically impact" if consumer would consider purchasing an Android device. An iPhone prototype is said to be in the testing stage. Another survey from ChangeWave, which polled 4,000 US consumers, found that 53 percent of Verizon subscribers wanted an iPhone on Verizon's network. Engadget is reporting that Apple is indeed making some major overhauls to the Apple TV and will now be called iTV and will get apps. iTV will still be limited to 720p video. The iTV is expected this fall and is rumored to cost $99. Plus, the iTV would have 16GB of flash storage and could introduce iTunes streaming. Apple's updated iPod line is will tentatively be announced for mid-September. It's expected the iPod touch will have a front camera for FaceTime as well as a rear camera and will have the Retina display. A new iPod nano is expected to be announced as well as a significant redesign of the iPod shuffle with an extra small touch screen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by Bluehost.(http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-3098998-10383360)(http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-3098998-10376707) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- According to an eMarketer project report, advertisers will spend nearly $1.7 billion in the U.S. on social networking sites in 2010. Worldwide, spending will hit $3.3 billion. Patrick Wiscombe no 50:11 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/10/iphone-for-all/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/10/iphone-for-all/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:00:09 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5551 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/10/iphone-for-all/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Skype files for an IPO iPhone coming to all carriers Blackberry ban averted Apple cans antenna executive Android expected to dominate by 2012 Android activations (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Skype files for an IPO * iPhone coming to all carriers * Blackberr... Patrick Wiscombe no 49:57 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/02/who-honketh-my-horn/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/02/who-honketh-my-horn/#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:00:37 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5439 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/08/02/who-honketh-my-horn/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Jailbreak your iPhone Android sales outpacing iPhone New iPhone factory being built Data consumption is on the rise Android sales outpacing iPhone Defective iPads (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Jailbreak your iPhone * Android sales outpacing iPhone * N... Patrick Wiscombe no 49:55 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/07/19/antennagate-really/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/07/19/antennagate-really/#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:00:18 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5401 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/07/19/antennagate-really/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Antennagate iPhone 4 cases for all Apple considered dumping AT&T in 2007 FaceTime rumored to be coming to iPod touch iPad coming to 9 new countries Gizmodo gets their stuff back (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Antennagate * iPhone 4 cases for all * Apple considered dumping AT... Patrick Wiscombe no 53:58 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/07/12/flaming-iphone-4/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/07/12/flaming-iphone-4/#comments Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:00:50 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5367 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/07/12/flaming-iphone-4/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: iPhone 4 class action lawsuit iPhone 4 catches fire iPhone 4 patch won't fix antenna problem Blackberry owns phone OS wars Proposed e-commerce taxes (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * iPhone 4 class action lawsuit * iPhone 4 catches fire * iPhone 4 patch won't fix antenna problem * Blackberry owns phone OS wars * Proposed e-commerce taxes * Five billion mobile phone owners * Best Buy enters mobile phone space * Google paying for Twitter spam research A federal judge says a monopoly abuse lawsuit against Apple and AT&T's mobile phone unit can move forward with a class action status.  The lawsuit consolidates several filed by iPhone buyers starting in late 2007, a few months after the first generation of Apple's iPhone went on sale.  An amended complaint filed in June 2008 takes issue with Apple's practice of "locking" iPhones so they can only be used on AT&T's network, and its absolute control over what applications iPhone owners can and cannot install on the gadgets.  The lawsuit also says Apple secretly made AT&T its exclusive iPhone partner in the U.S. for five years. Consumers agreed to two-year contracts when they purchased their phones, but were in effect locked into a five-year relationship with AT&T, the lawsuit argued.  The actions hurt competition and drove up prices for consumers, the lawsuit claims.  In court documents filed July 8, Judge James Ware of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California said parts of the lawsuit that deal with violations to antitrust law can continue as a class action. The class includes anyone who bought an iPhone with a two-year AT&T agreement since the device first went on sale in June 2007.  The judge dismissed other claims against Apple, among them allegations that the company broke laws when an update to the iPhone's operating software caused some phones to stop working and deleted programs that users had purchased.  The lawsuit seeks an injunction to keep Apple from selling locked iPhones in the U.S. and from determining what iPhone programs people can install. It also seeks damages to cover legal fees and other costs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by Cliphanger. (http://www.shareasale.com/image/loadbanner1228124.jpeg) The perfect accessory for all cell phones, PDAs, iPods, and MP3 players. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In an exclusive story on the Boy Genius Report, a flamed-out iPhone 4 was returned because "the brand new iPhone 4 caught on fire while being hooked up to a computer using the Apple USB cable that accompanied the device." Neither AT&T nor the Boy Genius had seen a flaming iPhone before. In the comments section of the Boy Genius post, blogger Carlos Martins wrote the following: "A couple days ago, while doing a UStream from my iPhone 4 I had to plug it to charge it (while streaming), and in a couple of minutes I got my first ever 'excess temperature' warning – with the iPhone entering safe mode! Yesterday, as I plugged it to charge at night like usual, it began heating up seriously!" The Boy Genius Report said that "an Apple Store did confirm to our AT&T connection that this did appear to be a defective USB port and not some sort of user error." The damage to the phone was severe and it did slightly burn the owners hand, according to the story. "The USB port in the phone was slightly melted and the cord was badly melted." An upcoming firmware patch to address what Apple is calling a miscalculation in the iPhone 4's signal-strength formula won't solve connection problems. Apple finally said that the iPhone 4's signal drops more than the usual amount and is blaming the problem on an incorrect formula that displays the signal strength too high. Patrick Wiscombe no 1:07:22 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/07/05/next-of-kin/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/07/05/next-of-kin/#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:00:52 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5349 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/07/05/next-of-kin/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Apple's signal strength iPhone 4 manufacturing costs Microsoft's next of "Kin" Windows 7 sales YouTube serves video like no other Google scores huge legal victory (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Apple's signal strength * iPhone 4 manufacturing costs * Microsoft's next of "Kin" * Windows 7 sales * YouTube serves video like no other * Google scores huge legal victory * Chrome making their move * Government to nearly double wireless spectrum Apple said that it was "stunned" to find that its iPhones have for years been using a "totally wrong" formula to determine how many bars of signal strength they are getting. They said that's the reason there's been widespread complaints from users that the iPhone 4 can show a sudden plunge in signal strength when they hold it in a way that covers a small black strip on one edge of the phone.  Apple said the drop seems exaggerated because the phone can wrongly display four or five bars of signal strength when it shouldn't. The company said it will fix the formula to one recommended by AT&T through a free software update within a few weeks for iPhone models, 3G, 3GS and 4. However, the "wrong" formula goes back as far as the original iPhone, launched in 2007. Apple also said they'll make bars 1, 2 and 3 a bit taller so they will be easier to see. Apple's new iPhone 4 costs almost $20 more to make than its predecessor, the iPhone 3GS, according to research group iSuppli.  iSuppli estimated the cost of the parts total $187.51. That's more than the $170.80 iSuppli estimates for the cost of the materials inside the iPhone 3GS. The estimate doesn't include manufacturing, software, marketing and other costs. The most expensive part of the iPhone 4 is the new, higher-resolution LCD screen, which iSuppli estimates carries a cost of $28.50. Flash memory, which has been in short supply, costs $27. Apple's processor, which was manufactured by Samsung, according to iSuppli, costs $10.75, and the capacitive touch screen costs $10. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by Cliphanger. (http://www.shareasale.com/image/loadbanner1228124.jpeg) The perfect accessory for all cell phones, PDAs, iPods, and MP3 players. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Microsoft said it is killing the Kin line of mobile phone it unveiled in April. The company said it made the decision to focus on the Windows Phone 7 launch and will not ship Kin in Europe this fall as planned. Microsoft added that it will continue to work with Verizon to sell Kin smartphones that have already been made. Sales of Windows 7 have reached about 150 million licenses -- or about seven copies of Windows 7 sold every second and said about 75 percent of all enterprises are "looking at Windows 7 for their organization." Earlier this month, Microsoft said that more than 100 million licenses had been sold in the first six months of the operating system's release, which was in October. Last Thursday, Microsoft released a beta of Windows Live Essentials. The company also said that an overwhelming majority of Windows 7 users approve of the new OS, with about 90 percent rating it as excellent, very good, or good. Google served up a record number of video clips in May to U.S. Internet users, mostly through YouTube and said each Google visitor watched an average of more than 100 clips during the month, according to comScore. Almost 183 million U.S. residents watched online video during the month, with 14.6 billion video clips viewed at Google sites, primarily YouTube. That's a record for Google, which also nabbed 43.1 percent of all online video clips served up during the month. Hulu came in a distant second place, with 1.2 billion video clips, or 3.5 percent of the total, Patrick Wiscombe no 1:01:08 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/06/28/iphone-death-grip/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/06/28/iphone-death-grip/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:00:06 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5307 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2010/06/28/iphone-death-grip/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: Apple reports stellar sales of iPhone 4 iPhone 4 'Death Grip' Apple said it sold more than 1.7 million units of its new iPhone 4 model in the first three days, (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg)(http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/patrick.jpg) In this edition of the Digital Zone, we talked about: * Apple reports stellar sales of iPhone 4 * iPhone 4 'Death Grip' Apple said it sold more than 1.7 million units of its new iPhone 4 model in the first three days, making it the most successful product launch in the company's history from a sales standpoint. Some stores sold out within hours. Analysts have said Apple is having a hard time procuring enough parts for the phone. Apple said the white iPhone it plans to produce has been more challenging than expected and won't be available until late July so only the black models are available right now. Amazon said it added a new video feature to the software that lets people read Kindle books on Apple gadgets. The newest version of Amazon's app can now play video and audio clips embedded in e-books. Amazon also said that the iPhone Kindle app has also been optimized for the new higher-resolution screen on Apple's iPhone 4. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PODCAST SPONSOR: The Digital Zone is sponsored by LegalZoom.com. (http://legalzoom.directtrack.com/42/1729/8/) Enter discount code DIGITAL at checkout. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patrick Wiscombe no 44:51 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/19/mobile-me-saves-the-day/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/19/mobile-me-saves-the-day/#comments Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:00:07 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5966 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/19/mobile-me-saves-the-day/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg) Patrick Wiscombe no 16:27 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/18/taxed-in-a-new-york-minute/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/18/taxed-in-a-new-york-minute/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:00:31 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5976 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/18/taxed-in-a-new-york-minute/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg) Patrick Wiscombe no 15:11 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/17/macworld-minus-the-mac/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/17/macworld-minus-the-mac/#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:00:59 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5964 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/17/macworld-minus-the-mac/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg) Patrick Wiscombe no 12:41 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/16/what-recession/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/16/what-recession/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:00:27 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5988 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/16/what-recession/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg) Patrick Wiscombe no 11:54 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/12/bopaboo/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/12/bopaboo/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:29 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5992 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/12/bopaboo/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg) Patrick Wiscombe no 16:52 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/05/ipod-shortage/ http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/05/ipod-shortage/#comments Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:00:36 +0000 Patrick Wiscombe http://patrickwiscombe.com/?p=5998 http://patrickwiscombe.com/2008/12/05/ipod-shortage/feed/ 0 free podcast,free podcasts,tech news,technology news (http://www.patrickwiscombe.com/images/subscribeinitunes300x38.jpg) Patrick Wiscombe no 15:14