To iPad or not to iPad: A tablet buyer's guide

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams%5C2012/February/120214%5C29738-wilson-rothman-mugshot_2010_sm.blocks_desktop_avatar.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>6 minutes ago</p><br /><img src="http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2013/November/131121/2D9748467-nokia.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>At first, there was only the iPad. Then came Android tablets - overpriced, oversized and app-less. Eventually, the table(t)s turned: Prices for Android tablets dropped while quality improved. Now, Android makes up the majority of tablet shipments in the market. Deciding on a tablet has gotten trickier.</p><br /><p>For this roundup, I gathered the tablets that cover 95 percent of what shoppers care about: Both new Apple iPads ($399 and $499), Google's Nexus 7 ($229), both new Amazon Kindle Fire HDX tablets ($229 and $379), and the new Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 ($549). The dark horse Windows tablet in my lineup wasn't the uninspiring Microsoft Surface 2. Instead, I checked out Nokia's candy-apple red, exceptionally sleek Lumia 2520 ($499) - and was glad I did.</p><br /><p>In fact, all turned out to be impressive in some ways, so instead of picking an overall winner, I looked at various aspects that will matter to you, and declared winners and losers for each.</p><br /><p><strong>Screen size</strong>There are basically two tablet categories: The 7- to 8-inchers, and the 9- to 10-inchers. These might sound similar in size, but because screens are measured diagonally, a 7-inch tablet can be half the size of a 10-inch tablet. So think of the two categories as small and large. (Panasonic's now selling a 20-inch tablet for $6,000 but we won't go there.)</p><br /><p>Your choice between small and large depends mostly on what you're going to do with it - and where: Are you reading books, watching TV and checking email? Or are you editing photos, recording music and working on spreadsheets? Will you be lying in bed, holding the tablet aloft in one hand? Or will it be propped up in front of you in conference rooms and airplane seats?</p><br /><p>I personally find the smaller size most appealing, but that's because I still also carry a laptop everywhere. I consider the tablet to be my 'low blood pressure' device - less work, more play. If you are trying to streamline your work setup, though, the larger size makes way more sense.</p><br /><img src="http://media2.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2013/November/131121/2D9748469-ipad.blocks_desktop_small.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p><strong>Pixel density</strong> The iPad Air is supposed to have a 'Retina' screen - with pixels so small you can't seem them - but in fact, at 264 pixels per inch, the screen is actually less dense than much of the competition's. It looks better than the screen on the older (now cheaper) iPad Mini and the iPad 2, but sharp eyes will definitely spot some dots.</p><br /><p>The new iPad Mini has a real Retina screen, with over 300 pixels per inch, and so does the Nexus 7, the Galaxy Note 10.1 and both Kindle Fire HDX tablets. If you spend a lot of time staring at text on a tablet, you should care about this.</p><br /><p><strong>Viewing angle</strong> Though important, pixel density isn't the only factor in a good screen. Viewing angle, another key indicator, can be tested by looking at the picture from any angle but head on. Suppose you and a loved one want to sit together and enjoy the same movie on a tablet - if the display doesn't have a wide enough viewing angle, you'll both experience bleached colors and limited contrast.</p><br /><img src="http://media2.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2013/November/131121/2D9744992-nexus.blocks_desktop_small.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p><strong>Brightness and outdoor visibility</strong> Tablets are famously hard to read outdoors, especially when the sun is shining. Finally, some manufacturers are changing that with bright and innovative screens. This is the first year that I've seen screens I'd recommend to be used outside, especially those on the Nexus 7 and the Nokia Lumia 2520.</p><br /><p>Unfortunately for Apple aficionados, the iPads are not so hot in the sun. (Neither is the Galaxy Note 10.1.) I will say this, though: Because the iPads have such comparatively low brightness, they're useful for reading in pitch-dark environments. As someone who reads at night, I like the fact that iPads get really dim. I just never realized until now that the benefit comes at the cost of outdoor visibility.</p><br /><p><strong>Battery life</strong> For now, iPads consistently have the best battery life - I got over 10 hours of streamed video over Wi-Fi with medium brightness. That said, if you are looking elsewhere and concerned about battery life, the largest tablets tested, the Galaxy Note 10.1 and the Nokia Lumia 2520, did run for upwards of 9 hours. The smaller Android tablets, the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HDX tablets couldn't quite hit 8 hours.</p><br /><p><strong>Camera</strong> I won't judge you if you like to take pictures with a tablet. Just don't do it in front of me at a concert that I paid $50 to attend. Also, be aware that even the best tablet cameras are just OK compared with smartphones. They're getting better, though, and the winners below could deliver medium- to low-light indoor shots suitable for most uses.</p><br /><strong>Winners:</strong> The iPads, Galaxy Note 10.1, Kindle Fire HDX 8.9-inch <strong>Losers:</strong> Nokia Lumia 2520 (surprising, given the fact that Nokia has the best camera-phone on the market), Nexus 7 <strong>Non-compete:</strong> The 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX has no back-facing camera, so it's not in this race at all.<br /><p><strong>Availability of content</strong> Lately, the availability of content for Android has gone through the roof. For video, you can find Netflix and Hulu, plus a growing lineup of pay TV or ad-supported services such as Watch TBS, HBO Go, FoxNow, Crackle and Xfinity (which is for cable subscribers of Comcast, NBC's corporate parent).</p><br /><p>The iPad nevertheless leads, because it's the crossroads for every video platform: Not only does it support everything I mentioned above plus Apple's own massive iTunes video catalog, you can even stream Google Play content, or Amazon video on demand. No other tablet gives you all that leeway.</p><br /><p>The same is true for other content types: You'll find reader apps and music apps of all stripes now on Android tablets - plenty enough to keep you satisfied. Still, if for some (bizarre) reason you buy books from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Google Play and Apple ... the iPad would be the only way to keep them all in one place.</p><br /><p>The final frontier for tablet content is gaming, and here Apple is still well ahead of everyone else. Sure, Electronic Arts has released 35 titles for Android, but that's for both phones and tablets. Meanwhile, the games publisher has 54 titles optimized specifically for the iPad. There's a similar imbalance with Activision and other publishers, though things even out more when it comes to viral casual gaming like Angry Birds.</p><br /><p>If you're looking to buy an Android tablet and want to make sure it will support all of your specific content needs, just go to the Google Play store and check out the apps.</p><br /><p>You can check app availability for the Kindle Fire HDX, too, but if you are interested in buying one of those you're either heavily invested in Amazon content or committed to putting Amazon in charge of your content needs. (And why not? Amazon has some of the better pricing for video and music, and I find its video streams and downloads to be reliable.)</p><br /><img src="http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2013/November/131121/2D9748468-amazon.blocks_desktop_small.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p><strong>Child's play</strong> If you have kids and let them use tablets, there's another set of content choices to be made: Do you want the best and freshest kids apps? Do you want a tailored, controlled experience for them?</p><br /><p>Apple still gets the best kids' apps first - I'm talking about the ones that aren't shady or thrown together, real high-production-value stuff that costs between $2 and $8 a pop. And the iOS does let you control children's access to the iPad. If you go into Settings, you can hit restrictions, pick a PIN, then block all kinds of content and activities. No buying stuff on iTunes or surfing the Web. No rated-R movies and 17+ rated apps and games. You can also shut down advertising, social media and other services that you may find inappropriate for young ones.</p><br /><p>Still, on an iPad, there's no way to put the kids in a customized sandbox of their very own apps, shows and games. That's what you can do with the Kindle Fire HDX, which lets you create multiple accounts on your device for each child. Best of all, you can set the timing parameters for each media type, so it'll let the kids read books indefinitely, while putting time limits on TV and games.</p><br /><p><strong>Some more stuff to think about</strong> The tablet business really isn't a three-way battle - I looked at the Nokia because it's fresh and frankly quite stunning, but I still don't recommend its operating system, Windows 8.1 RT, to folks who don't already know what that is. Microsoft's fraction of the tablet business is still tiny but, unlike Microsoft's lackluster Surface 2, that Nokia will certainly turn heads.</p><br /><img src="http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2013/November/131121/2D9748498-samsung.blocks_desktop_small.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>The other tablet I can't recommend wholeheartedly is the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, and not just because it had the worst screen in my tests. Samsung has been actively covering up all that's good about Android with gaudy, noisy, unintuitive interface components that don't cohere well and interfere all too often. On top of the software mess, the company adds features - stylus tools, gesture sensing and Samsung-to-Samsung device interactions - that often don't work as billed, and tend to take away the promise of harmony among Android devices. Samsung doesn't want you on Android ... it only wants you on Samsung.</p><br /><p>Regardless of which tablet you choose, you'll invariably have the option to add 4G cellular data capability for a premium cost. I find that to be excessive: Wi-Fi-only tablets are fine, and I can deal with the rare occasions where I don't have Wi-Fi access. There are now plenty of ways to download video and other content for trips, and many phones can become Wi-Fi hotspots in a pinch.</p><br /><p>That said, if you do opt for a 4G wireless tablet, carriers tend not to require you to sign a 2-year contract, and you can shove the hardware onto your existing plan for a nominal monthly fee (and take them off of your plan almost as easily).</p><br /><p>This brings me to pricing. Now that so many tablets are worthwhile, price may be the most important factor of the tablet buying decision. The newest iPads scored pretty highly in most of my tests here, but they cost a lot. If you have $229 in your pocket, you could do far worse than to buy the Nexus 7 or the 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX. In fact, if you only have $300 to spend, I recommend that over buying the last-generation iPad Mini, especially if you plan to do a lot of reading.</p><br /><p>If you are an Amazon Prime customer or spend a lot on Kindle and Amazon Instant Video, then the Kindle Fire HDX is almost a no-brainer buy, even if you are an otherwise Apple-friendly family.</p><br /><p>And if you are a PC household that has happily made the jump to Windows 8, and you have an Xbox 360 (or are about to score an Xbox One), then you should really check out that Nokia. It was the surprise of the lineup, a genuinely pleasant device to test, even if its mobile Windows platform isn't yet ready for all audiences.</p><br />Wilson Rothman is the Technology & Science editor at NBC News Digital. Catch up with him on Twitter at @wjrothman, and join our conversation on Facebook.</div>

Technology To iPad or not to iPad: A tablet buyer's guide

6 minutes ago At first, there was only the iPad. Then came Android tablets - overpriced, oversized and app-less. Eventually, the table(t)s t...

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Apple Agrees To Pay More City Taxes Under New Mothership Deal

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://cdn.cultofmac.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif" width="600"/><img src="http://cdn.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/apple_spaceship_campus_5.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>Apple and the city of Cupertino have reached an agreement that will see the tech giant paying more taxes to the city as part of the deal for its new Apple Campus 2 project.</p><br /><p>The new deal is up to receive final approval Tuesday night. If approved, Apple's tax increase will actually come from a reduction in the percentage of the tax rebate the city gives Apple each year, according to a report from the LA Times.</p><br /><p>Under its current deal with the Apple, the city of Cupertino gives back about 50% of the sales taxes it receives from Apple-related purchases. From now on that number will only be about 35% of sales taxes.</p><br /><p>Here's what Cupertino Mayor Orrin Mahoney had to say about the new tax agreement:</p><br /><p>'This item was one of many negotiated between Apple and the city of Cupertino as part of the development agreement. The Apple 2 campus is expected to have long-term impacts on the city with respect to traffic and other issues and Apple agreed to a financial offset for some of those impacts.'</p><br /><p>The city originally agreed to the tax rebate back in 1997 - when Apple was on the brink of bankruptcy - in exchange for Apple moving more sales within the city. Its hard to forecast how much the tax deal will cost Apple going forward, however if you look to 2012 the company generated $12.7 million in sales tax but the city of Cupertino gave $6.2 million of it back.</p><br /><p>Under the new agreement the city would have kept $1.8million more, which is a nice pay bump for a city with only $51.4 million in projected general fund revenues.</p><br /><p>Apple plans to finish its campus by 2016, however its questionable whether they'll meet that deadline. Over 20 buildings still have to be demolished off the property. Apple also plans to turn the area that is currently 80% concrete to 20% grass into 80% grass and 20% concrete with orchards of new trees and vegetation throughout the campus.</p><br /><img src="http://cdn.cultofmac.com/wp-content/themes/com2012/i/a/buster_heine.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p><strong>Buster Heine</strong> is Cult of Mac's Social Media Editor. Hailing from Roswell, New Mexico, but now spending his days in Phoenix, Arizona, he wastes most of his time eating burritos and reading Spanish romance novels. Twitter: @bst3r.</p><br /><p>(sorry, you need Javascript to see this e-mail address)| Read more posts by Buster Heine.</p><br /></div>

Technology Apple Agrees To Pay More City Taxes Under New Mothership Deal

Apple and the city of Cupertino have reached an agreement that will see the tech giant paying more taxes to the city as part of the deal for...

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Qualcomm CEO vows to return 75 percent of free cash flow

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://media.mwcradio.com/mimesis/2013-11/20/2013-11-20T123154Z_1_CBRE9AJ0YTF00_RTROPTP_3_TECH-US-QUALCOMM-CHIPS_JPG_475x310_q85.jpg" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>By Noel Randewich</p><br /><p>SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Qualcomm Inc CEO Paul Jacobs promised on Wednesday to return 75 percent of free cash flow to shareholders through stock buybacks and increased dividends, a new commitment that was lower than some investors hoped for following record returns last year.</p><br /><p>Unveiling his new capital return commitment, Jacobs said Qualcomm would increase dividends faster than earnings and continue repurchases as well.</p><br /><p>Many investors have called for the debt-free and cash-flush company to distribute more profits to shareholders and make firm commitments rather than occasional buybacks. Its plans for capital returns have been a major question for analysts going into this year's investor day in New York.</p><br /><p>'I was looking for something systematic rather than one-time - seems like we've got that,' said Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon.</p><br /><p>Qualcomm is among a growing number of technology companies, including Yahoo Inc and Microsoft Corp, that investors have urged to pay out more capital as earnings growth loses steam. Activist investor Carl Icahn has urged Apple Inc CEO Tim Cook since August to buy back $150 billion in stock.</p><br /><p>In fiscal 2013, Qualcomm returned $6.7 billion, or 86 percent of free cash flow, to shareholders in the form of $2.1 billion in dividends and $4.6 billion of repurchased stock. That percentage of cash return is a bit above average for companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index, according to Cowen analyst Timothy Arcuri.</p><br /><p>Earlier this month, Qualcomm committed to buy back $4 billion in shares in fiscal 2014 and pay $2.5 billion in dividends, but some on Wall Street wanted the chipmaker to make a long-term capital return commitment.</p><br /><p>At the end of September, Qualcomm had $8 billion in cash onshore. It also had $21 billion offshore, which was held by foreign subsidiaries and would be taxed if the company brings it to the United States.</p><br /><p>Qualcomm's shares traded down 0.1 percent after Jacobs' described the capital return plan. They are up 16 percent year to date, less than the S&P 500's 27 percent increase.</p><br /><p>NEW CHIPS</p><br /><p>Earlier on Wednesday, Qualcomm announced a handful of new chips for mobile and networking gadgets ahead of the investor event, where analysts are concerned about a shift in smartphone growth from the United States to China and other developing countries.</p><br /><p>Qualcomm said the fourth generation of its Long-Term Evolution chip, used for fast data transfer in top-tier smartphones, would begin sampling by manufacturing customers early next year.</p><br /><p>Qualcomm is the world's leading mobile chipmaker and is far ahead of Intel Corp and smaller rivals in LTE technology.</p><br /><p>With growth in the smartphone industry shifting away from wealthy markets such as the United States and toward China and other emerging economies, Wall Street has been concerned that less-expensive phones may affect Qualcomm's ability to sell high-end chips and hurt its profitability.</p><br /><p>This month, Qualcomm said it would curb fast-growing operating expenses and release new chips a little less often as it focuses more on less-costly devices.</p><br /><p>While the new LTE chips unveiled on Wednesday are for top-tier smartphones, some of the technology used in them will find its way into cheaper components used widely in low-cost handsets, Cristiano Amon, executive vice president and co-president of Qualcomm's chipmaking division, told Reuters.</p><br /><p>The San Diego company also announced its newest Snapdragon 805 processors for tablets and smartphones, with new features for Ultra HD video.</p><br /><p>The new Snapdragon chips will have up to 40 percent more graphics horsepower while using the same amount of battery power, Amon said.</p><br /><p>Also, Qualcomm said that early next year, manufacturers would start selling routers and media servers with beefed-up Qualcomm processors that allow for more connections and Internet traffic within the home.</p><br /><p>(Editing by Alden Bentley and Lisa Von Ahn)</p><br /></div>

Technology Qualcomm CEO vows to return 75 percent of free cash flow

By Noel Randewich SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Qualcomm Inc CEO Paul Jacobs promised on Wednesday to return 75 percent of free cash flow to sh...

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Google kills Currents, launches a Flipboard

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/shutterstock_1542757671.jpg?w=300&h=200&crop=1" width="600"/><br /><p>Apple is no longer the only mobile platform with a digital Newsstand: Google said on Wednesday that it is launching a one-stop Android shop for magazine, newspaper and blog content called Google Newsstand, an app created by merging Currents - the Flipboard-style magazine app it first launched in 2011 - with its existing Google Play magazine store. The company says the app will offer more than 1,900 free and paid content sources.</p><br /><p>In addition to the magazine partners it already had through Currents, Google is adding subscription-only newspaper providers like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal to the Newsstand app. Google Play product manager Scott Dougall said users will be able to import accounts they already have with those outlets, and will also be able to click and subscribe to other news-content providers such as the Financial Times from within the app. Existing users of Currents and Google magazines just have to upgrade their apps, he said.</p><br /><img src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/newsstand_n7_readnow_landscape.png?w=708&h=470" width="600"/><br /><p>The Newsstand gives users a single place to catch up on all the news and information from the sources they want with its 'Read Now' stream, Dougall said - and it will also recommend new types of content or new topics based on what it knows about a reader. This kind of smart curation, driven by the vast quantities of data Google has about users, could be one of the app's biggest strengths, especially when compared with a similar service such as Flipboard.</p><br />A shot across Flipboard's bow<br /><p>In what appeared to be a shot at Flipboard, Dougall said that while the reading experience of Google Newsstand is similar to the app - in that content from multiple sources is pulled in - the Google experience involves a closer relationship with the media partners whose content appears there. 'We have full article access, we're not just repurposing content that's out there,' he said. 'We are working very closely with our media partners.'</p><br /><p>Flipboard has faced some criticism in the past for not providing enough value to the media companies whose content it uses, but the company says it has been working to develop better relationships with providers like the Wall Street Journal - where Flipboard also integrates with the paper's paywall. CEO Mike McCue has also said that it plans to roll out support for more subscription-based media offerings, and wants to help providers take advantage of premium advertising as well.</p><br /><img src="http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/newsstand-feature3-all.png?w=708" width="600"/><br /><p>The name Newsstand suggests similarities to Apple's mobile magazine and newspaper store, but Google's version is very different, Dougall said. Whereas the Apple version of the Newsstand contains discrete magazine and newspaper apps, he said - something that has drawn a lot of criticism from those who feel apps get lost in the Apple Newsstand, and are difficult for users to find or update - Google's version is more of a Flipboard-style experience, he said, where content flows into the app from different sources.</p><br /><p>Media companies like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times weren't part of Google Currents because the web giant's app didn't support subscription models or paywalls, Dougall said, but they are part of Newsstand because Google can now integrate with those plans. The company has a revenue-sharing arrangement with its partners that involves either a share of advertising or subscription revenue, but Dougall wouldn't give any details about the size of the share it gets.</p><br />Post and thumbnail courtesy of Shutterstock / Christopher Boswell Related research<br /><p>Subscriber Content</p><br /><i>?</i>Subscriber content comes from Gigaom Research, bridging the gap between breaking news and long-tail research. Visit any of our reports to learn more and subscribe. Analyzing the wearable computing market <img src="http://0.gravatar.com/avatar/0bdf7ab171ade0708a11fa3378e6d8cb?s=64&d=retro&r=PG" width="600"/> By Mathew Ingram<br /><p>Like this post? Share it!</p><br /><p>Follow @mathewi or@gigaom for more stories like this.</p><br /><p>Get top stories delivered daily. Subscribe</p><br /><p>You're subscribed to our newsletter. If you'd like, you can update your settings</p><br />Join the conversation<br /><p>Advertisement</p><br />Related stories Samsung calls for mistrial over alleged 'Asian' innuendo by Apple lawyers<br /><p>In a high-profile patent trial, Samsung suggested that remarks by Apple about the decline of the American...</p><br />Jeff John Roberts The Chrome Show: A less-expensive touchscreen Chromebook is on the way<br /><p>After rumors of a lower-cost touchscreen Chromebook, Amazon France outed it: Look for Acer to bring touch...</p><br />Kevin C. Tofel New York Times launches bite-size video news<br /><p>The 'New York Times Minute' launched today, featuring a video with three highlights from current news.</p><br />Jeff John Roberts</div>

Technology Google kills Currents, launches a Flipboard

Apple is no longer the only mobile platform with a digital Newsstand: Google said on Wednesday that it is launching a one-stop Android shop ...

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FCC announces plans to upgrade century

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://a57.foxnews.com/global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/Scitech/660/371/RTR2OF7R.jpg?ve=1" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>The proposed changes to the current landline system in the United States will replace the currently used copper wires.Reuters</p><br /><p>Move over, Ma Bell.</p><br /><p>While cellular iPhones and VoIP calls placed over fiber-optic cables are how many Americans make phone calls today, the backbone of the country's communication system is still a century-old network of copper wires -- the POTS network, short for <i>plain old telephone system.</i> And even cellular calls still touch and depend on all that old copper.</p><br /><p>That's about to change, however.</p><br />'This is what I have called the Fourth Network Revolution, and it is a good thing.'<br /><p>- FCC chairman Tom Wheeler</p><br /><p>The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday announced plans to expedite the largest change to the nation's phone system in decades -- a move away from circuit-switched systems that send analog signals over copper cables to a digital, IP-based network that largely relies on fiber optic.</p><br /><p>'This is what I have called the Fourth Network Revolution, and it is a good thing,' FCC chairman Tom Wheeler wrote in a blog post. 'The way forward is to encourage technological change while preserving the attributes of network services that customers have come to expect ... we have listened, and now it is the time to act. In this, I agree with my commission colleagues.'</p><br /><p>In January, the FCC is expected to begin 'a diverse set of experiments' in order to figure out how to transition to the new IP-based system, a transition that will likely take years, if not decades. The initial tests will experiments will likely include regional tests of an IP-based system to ascertain reliability, scalability and so on, an FCC spokesman told FoxNews.com.</p><br /><p>The upgrade may mean introducing the age of video calling to landlines. An IP landline network, unlike current copper wires can handle much larger amounts of data that could be used to make video calls.</p><br /><p>'Our current infrastructure has served us well for almost a century but it no longer meets the needs of America's consumers,' AT&T's Jim Cicconi said in a response published online. 'The transition to broadband and IP services that has already begun is driven by consumers who are moving to the Internet and choosing to connect in ways not imagined just a decade ago.'</p><br /><p>Companies like Verizon and AT&T currently control the existing landline phone network and are subject to strict rules by the FCC to protect consumers. It is unclear how the planned changes will affect the telephone companies as the FCC has historically been opposed to classifying broadband Internet as a telecom service.</p><br /><p>'The way forward is to encourage technological change while preserving the attributes of network services that customers have come to expect,' Wheeler wrote. 'History has shown that new networks catalyze innovation, investment, ideas, and ingenuity.'</p><br /></div>

Technology FCC announces plans to upgrade century

The proposed changes to the current landline system in the United States will replace the currently used copper wires.Reuters Move over, Ma...

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Instagram arrives on Windows Phone today, lacks some major features

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://cdn3.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/logos/instagram_windows_8-578-80.jpg" width="600"/>Photos to follow<br /><p>Instagram is finally arriving on Windows Phone, filling a major hole in Microsoft's mobile OS app ecosystem.</p><br /><p>Users won't find it yet in the Windows Phone Store as it won't be available until 11 a.m. PST/7 p.m. GMT.</p><br /><p>In the vein of WP, Instagram Live Tiles will refresh with new Start screen info, and the app supports fast resume.</p><br /><p>Despite its welcome if not overdue arrival, the app will be missing some major features, including video capture and upload. Photo tagging is also MIA as is viewing geotaxis. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, in-app capture is sorely lagging.</p><br /><p>Instagram will land on Windows Phone 8, meaning owners of non-upgraded phones are out of luck.</p><br />That's now all...<br /><p>Instagram itself is a score in itself for Windows Phone users, but there's more in store for the OS than just the filter-ific photo app.</p><br /><p>According to Engadget, Waze is also making it's way to Windows Phone.</p><br /></div>

Technology Instagram arrives on Windows Phone today, lacks some major features

Photos to follow Instagram is finally arriving on Windows Phone, filling a major hole in Microsoft's mobile OS app ecosystem. Users won&...

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Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor to bring 4K to smartphones

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://www.theinquirer.net/IMG/631/261631/qualcomm-snapdragon-chip-270x167.jpg?1371728264" width="600"/><br /><p><strong>CHIP DESIGNER</strong> Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 805 processor on Wednesday, which it claims is the first processor designed to deliver 4K quality video, imaging and graphics to mobile devices.</p><br /><p>The new chip features the Adreno 420 GPU, which Qualcomm claims is 40 percent more powerful than its previous GPU. What makes the Adreno 420 GPU special is that it supports new hardware tessellation and geometry shaders for 4K rendering, which the firm says produces 'more realistic scenes and objects [and] user interface' at lower power.</p><br /><p>'The Snapdragon 805 processor is the first mobile processor to offer system-level Ultra HD support, 4K video capture and playback and enhanced dual camera Image Signal Processors (ISPs), for superior performance, multitasking, power efficiency and mobile user experiences,' Qualcomm said.</p><br /><p>Said to be the highest performing Snapdragon processor to date, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 features a Krait 450 quad-core CPU, which the firm said is the first mobile CPU to run at speeds of up to 2.5GHz. There's also memory bandwidth support up to 25.6GBps, Qualcomm said, for super fast multimedia and web browsing performance.</p><br /><p>The Snapdragon 805 is all about streaming more video content at higher quality using less power. It supports Hollywood Quality Video (HQV) for video post-processing, and is also the first to introduce hardware 4K HEVC (H.265) decode for mobile for low power HD video playback.</p><br /><p>There's also support for Gpixels throughput to increase camera speed and imaging quality.</p><br /><p>'[The] sensor processing with gyro integration enables image stabilisation for sharper, crisper photos,' Qualcomm added.</p><br /><p>Qualcomm said the Snapdragon 805 processor is 'sampling now and expected to be available in commercial devices by the first half of 2014'. µ</p><br /></div>

Technology Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor to bring 4K to smartphones

CHIP DESIGNER Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 805 processor on Wednesday, which it claims is the first processor designed to deliver 4K qu...

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Instagram for Windows Phone will be available today

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://mobilesyrup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/instagramwp8.png" width="600"/><br /><p>Microsoft promised that they'll bring more reputable apps to Windows Phone 8 users and today Instagram will be made available. The app reportedly features the same filters that iPhone and Android users have, but the experience will be limited to just photos and lacks video uploads. An rep from Instagram stated that 'We're not finished, and our team will continue developing the Windows Phone app to keep releasing features and bringing you the best Instagram possible.'</p><br /><p>The app for the Windows Phone Store will go live at 11:00am PST (2PM EST).</p><br /><p>Source: Windows Phone Store Via: The Verge</p><br /></div>

Technology Instagram for Windows Phone will be available today

Microsoft promised that they'll bring more reputable apps to Windows Phone 8 users and today Instagram will be made available. The app r...

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Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon 805 chipset with Adreno 420 GPU

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://cdn.thedroidguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/qualcomm-snapdragon.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>Qualcomm has just unveiled the new Snapdragon 805 SoC featuring Krait 450 CPU cores in comparison to the Krait 400 we see on the Snapdragon 800. This chip also brings an all new Adreno 420 graphics chip, replacing the Adreno 330 from the Snapdragon 800. This refreshed chipset is capable of clocking CPU speeds of up to 2.5 GHz, which was revealed in a leak the other day, but little did we know back then that Qualcomm was prepping an all new SoC. This chip supports recording and playback of 4K UHD videos, which is a first for a mobile device, so it's certainly not a minor upgrade from the Snapdragon 800.</p><br /><p>We can expect most upcoming flagships to sport this chipset and that includes devices from HTC, Sony and Samsung which should launch in Q1 and Q2 next year.</p><br /><p>It's a little disappointing that Snapdragon 800 had to be upgraded this early in the day, given that it's been around for only a few months now. But according to Qualcomm, the first set of Snapdragon 805 devices could break cover anytime in the first half of 2014, so we think there's still some time before Snapdragon 800 becomes the second best in the chipset industry.</p><br /><p>Source: Qualcomm</p><br /><p>Via: Android Beat</p><br /></div>

Technology Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon 805 chipset with Adreno 420 GPU

Qualcomm has just unveiled the new Snapdragon 805 SoC featuring Krait 450 CPU cores in comparison to the Krait 400 we see on the Snapdragon ...

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Logitech PowerShell Turns iPhone Into Game Console: Hands On

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://media.bestofmicro.com/S/0/410544/original/Powershell-main.jpg" width="600"/>Playing mobile games with touch-screen controls can be frustrating. More often than not, the on-screen buttons take up valuable display real estate that can hinder the overall gaming experience, especially on the iPhone's smaller, 4-inch display. Logitech hopes to eliminate this issue with its PowerShell Controller + Battery - a combination game controller and external battery for the iPhone 5, 5s and fifth-generation iPod Touch.</p><br /><p>The 4.2-ounce Logitech PowerShell is among the first iPhone-focused gaming controllers to launch since iOS 7 rolled out in September. Unlike previous versions of Apple's mobile software, iOS 7 comes with support for gaming controllers - a feature that Android has supported for quite some time. The $99.99 Moga ACE Controller is the only other iOS-compatible competitor at the moment.</p><br /><strong>MORE: 10 Best Mobile Games for Hardcore Gamers</strong><br /><p>Logitech tells us that the iOS app store hosts 300 apps with support for hardware controllers, and that number is growing. These apps include 'Lego Lord of the Rings,' ' Dead Trigger' and 'Bastion,' among others, as Pocket Gamer reports.</p><br /><p>The $99.99 iPhone accessory houses your idevice through a cutout in the middle, and it essentially feels like snapping your phone into a case. That being said, the controller felt surprisingly secure. We turned the controller over so that its backside faced up with the phone inside, and the iPhone didn't budge from its holster.</p><br /><strong>PowerShell controls</strong><br /><p>The PowerShell features a directional pad on the left side of the phone and action buttons on the opposite side. Left and right bumpers can be found along the top of the case, as well, and a pause button sits just below the action buttons. Logitech has included cutouts for the volume buttons and camera, so you won't need to remove your phone to adjust sound or to snap photos.</p><br /><p>The device is called the PowerShell Controller + Battery for a reason - a switch near the bottom allows you to use the PowerShell as a charger so that you don't drain your phone's battery. The case itself comes with its own 1500mAh battery so that it doesn't need to draw power from your iPhone or iPod Touch.</p><br /><strong>MORE: Xbox One Review</strong><br /><p>During our time with the Logitech PowerShell, we noticed that gameplay felt fluid and responsive. We used the action buttons to create combinations in ' Real Steel World Robot Boxing,' and our character executed our commands seamlessly with no lag. The case was the same when we played the casual classic 'Pac Man.' It was much easier to zip around tight corners using directional buttons than onscreen controls. The PowerShell's buttons sported a smooth, glossy texture similar to that of the Xbox 360 controller's buttons, and the build quality didn't feel cheap.</p><br />Less joy without the stick<br /><p>However, we were slightly disappointed with the PowerShell's lack of analog control sticks. Using direction buttons is fine for platformers, fighting games and casual gaming, but certain titles such as 'Dead Trigger' would really benefit from controls that allow for panoramic viewing. Still, the PowerShell's minimalistic design makes it sleeker and less bulky than competitors such as the Moga ACE Controller. This means you can easily slip it into your bag, and it probably feels lighter than the Moga ACE while gaming.</p><br /><p>Overall, the Logitech PowerShell offers a smooth gaming experience, an attractive design and is capable of charging your iPhone on the go. But for $99.99 we'd prefer a controller that includes analog sticks, too. The Logitech PowerShell Controller + Battery is available for preorder via Best Buy and the Apple Online Store beginning today, and Logitech says it will be available through additional retailers in early December.</p><br />Follow Lisa Eadicicco @LisaEadicicco and on Google Plus. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.</div>

Technology Logitech PowerShell Turns iPhone Into Game Console: Hands On

Playing mobile games with touch-screen controls can be frustrating. More often than not, the on-screen buttons take up valuable display real...

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Say hello to Hatch and your new Fugu pet friend

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/adam/31416bbf4c406b1aad7132b3a97e7f40/fugu-top.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>There's something about virtual pet apps that just draw you in. You get introduced, spend a few minutes with your new BFF and you're hooked. We've seen this phenomenon happen en masse with the Tamagotchi, but we haven't had a similar hit on the iOS platform -- until now. The latest entry in the world of digital companions is Hatch, a collaborative effort from Impending and RealMac. If you are a virtual pet type of person, then you are going to love the app and its Fugu pet.</p><br /><p>When you launch Hatch for the first time, you are told the history of the Fugu egg and are introduced to your sidekick, Max, who will help you along your journey. You are also prompted to pick a color for you egg, which will hatch in a short time after you go through these initial steps. Once your egg hatches, you can name your new pet and start your adventure together.</p><br /><p>Fugu is a cute, blob-like character that purrs when you pet it, kisses you, waves at you and otherwise interacts with you in a loving way. It's a cutesy interaction and not an overblown type of affection. As an owner, you are required to feed your pet on a regular basis, play with it and clean up after it poops. And yes, it does its 'business' in a loud and boisterous way that'll delight any juvenile in the room. It also sleeps when when you plug in your phone to charge at night and wakes up in the morning --sometimes crying for food and attention. The background image cycles along with the day -- it's light when it's daytime and dark at night.</p><br /><p>Food, like apples, oranges and grapes, can be harvested from the trees and is plentiful. Just grab one a fruit and drop it in your Fugu's mouth. If it is hungry, it will chomp down. When your Fugu doesn't want to eat that luscious piece of fruit, you can store the food in a bag for later or place it in a donation bucket that earns you acorns or hearts from Fugu.</p><br /><img src="http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/adam/c71c5e0890496c47d7b584aa761f5252/fugu-mid.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>Besides feeding, your Fugu pet requires attention. To pet your Fugu, just rub it with your finger and it will purr and roll over in delight. You can also poke its tummy to make it laugh, bark or blow kisses. Every once in a while, your Fugu will be so happy it will jump at you and give you a big, wet kiss. It makes my two-year-old and the kid in me go 'awww.' Fugu also does a happy dance, which will earn you a cornucopia of fruit.</p><br /><p>Other rewards in the game include starfruit, acorns and stickers. The starfruit can be harvested from trees and is also hidden in the environment of the app. These turn into gold coins when you harvest them. You also need to search for stickers and acorns . Hatch supports the parallex effect of iOS 7 so you can tilt your phone to change what you see in the background. Sometimes you really have to drag and tilt the background to search in every nook and cranny.</p><br /><p>Stickers can be stored in a notebook and shared with others via social networks or messaging. Acorns and starfruit, though, are the currency in the app and can be used to purchase blankets, bags and other items for your Fugu pet. The store is manned by your sidekick Max during the day and closes every night. There are no in-app purchases -- you have to earn every acorn or coin in your coffers. The best purchase is the camera, which allows you to take photos of your Fugu pet with you or another object in the background. You can then share the pictures with your friends. I had a great time with my daughter, who was also playing with the app. She and I would share pictures of our Fugu pets doing wild and crazy things.</p><br /><img src="http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/adam/67cc8d5b710a5b88caa99163f4b172bd/fugu-camera.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>Rewards are not only earned, they are also given as a gift from your Fugu pet. These gifts are not only rewards for taking care of the Fugu, they also serve to remind you to interact with your pet throughout the day. The gifts are small, but fun. Sometimes Fugu will give you a piece of fruit that you can feed to it. Sometimes you will get a sticker or a handful of acorns. If you are really fortunate, you will get a gold coin. Rewards are not overly bountiful, but there are enough of them to keep you and your Fugu satisfied.</p><br /><p>Taking care of the Fugu pet is the perfect level of difficulty -- it is not too hard to pet, feed and play with it regularly. It takes just a few minutes every few hours to provide a level of care that keeps your pet happy. Unlike other virtual pet apps that require you to monitor a variety of metrics to gauge the happiness of your pet, you can tell how happy your Fugu is just by how it behaves. Is it sulking or crying? Then you need to play with it or feed it. Does it jump for joy when you launch the app? Then keep doing what you are doing as your Fugu is happy. If you need a more concrete gauge, there's a trust level that starts at 60 and increases up to 100 as you take care of your pet.</p><br /><p>One interesting thing I noticed about Hatch is that it is not a scripted experience. I installed Hatch on my phone and on my daughter's phone and our in-game experience was very different. She received different stickers than I did and was offered different items in the store. Not everyone travels down the same path with their Fugu pet, which adds to the overall experience and makes playing the game with others much more enjoyable.</p><br /><p>There are a few little shortcomings in Hatch that could use some polish. I found it too easy to slip into the store when scanning the environment for stickers and acorns. The store is accessed by grabbing the background and swiping from right to left. This same motion is used to move the background when you are looking for treasures. At least a few times a day, I would end up in the store when I was looking in a corner instead.</p><br /><img src="http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/adam/3279d9073b6555c3a32f9deb30b3d39d/fugu-night.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>I also found myself wanting more interaction with my Fugu pet. There are a handful tricks it can do, but it basically stays stationary on its mat. I would love to have it move around and be more interactive. The same applies to the store, which is filled with blankets and bags for storing food. After a few weeks of playing with the app, I already own nine different blankets, a bag that holds infinite pieces of fruit and a camera. I have enough coins and acorns to buy out the store, but I'm not interested in buying yet another blanket. How about some hats or scarves to put on my Fugu?</p><br /><p>Lastly, there are a few glitches, like food getting stuck in the bottom left corner and sound cutting out. Anytime these occurred, a simple force close of the app (double-tap the home button and swipe the app off the screen) fixed the problem. And for the kids out there who think they can cheat at the game by setting the iOS clock forward, don't do it -- you will throw off the internal time of the game, which will have unexpected consequences. I would expect some of these hiccups to be addressed in future versions of the app. Overall, though, these problems were minimal and did not effect my enjoyment of the app.</p><br /><p>In summary, Hatch is an excellent launch app from Impending and RealMac. You can tell the Hatch team spent a lot of time getting the app right. There is more than just the engaging interaction with your Fugu pet -- the backgrounds are delightfully colorful, the animations fit in with the lighthearted nature of the game and both the sound effects and music are just perfect. Without a doubt, kids are going to love the Fugu. Adults, too, will find themselves enamored of their little pet, even if they might be a little embarrassed to admit they woke up at 5AM to feed their pet before it got too hungry.</p><br /><p>You can download Hatch today from the iOS App Store for US$1.99. It is compatible with the iPhone running iOS 6.1.1 or greater.</p><br /></div>

Technology Say hello to Hatch and your new Fugu pet friend

There's something about virtual pet apps that just draw you in. You get introduced, spend a few minutes with your new BFF and you're...

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Apple Releases iOS 7.1 Beta to Developers

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://www2.pcmag.com/media/images/407997-ios-7-1-beta.jpg?thumb=y" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>Apple today released a beta version of iOS 7.1 to developers, and while it mostly focuses on bug fixes, there are a few small cosmetic tweaks that iOS 7 users might notice when it's widely released.</p><br /><p>The release notes tip some technical upgrades. But as noted by 9to5Mac, there are also a few tweaks to the interface.</p><br /><p>When you have read all your messages, for example, the Notification Center that pulls down from the top of the screen will display a 'No Missed Notifications' or 'No Notifications' message. The small notice at the bottom of the screen that says weather and stock information come from Yahoo, meanwhile, has also been updated with the new Yahoo logo.</p><br /><p>Apple will also add the option to switch to 'dark keyboard' in the accessibility menu (Settings > General > Accessibility), 9to5Mac said. The camera settings will also include the option to 'Upload Burst Photos' to a Photo Stream.</p><br /><p>The release is intended only for developers, so they can test it out with their apps before a final release. 'This version of iOS is intended for installation only on devices registered with the Apple Developer Program. Attempting to install this version of iOS in an unauthorized manner could put your device in an unusable state,' Apple warns in the release notes.</p><br /><p>The iOS 7.1 beta comes just a few days after the release of iOS 7.0.4, which included 'a fix for an issue that causes FaceTime calls to fail for some users.' iOS 7.0.3 arrived several weeks before that with an update that resolved a problem with iMessage. In September, iOS 7.0.2 fixed a bug that allowed hackers to bypass a user's lock screen.</p><br /><p>For more, see PCMag's full review of iOS 7.</p><br /></div>

Technology Apple Releases iOS 7.1 Beta to Developers

Apple today released a beta version of iOS 7.1 to developers, and while it mostly focuses on bug fixes, there are a few small cosmetic twea...

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Logitech PowerShell Turns iPhone Into Game Console: Hands On

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://media.bestofmicro.com/S/0/410544/original/Powershell-main.jpg" width="600"/>Playing mobile games with touch-screen controls can be frustrating. More often than not, the on-screen buttons take up valuable display real estate that can hinder the overall gaming experience, especially on the iPhone's smaller, 4-inch display. Logitech hopes to eliminate this issue with its PowerShell Controller + Battery - a combination game controller and external battery for the iPhone 5, 5s and fifth-generation iPod Touch.</p><br /><p>The 4.2-ounce Logitech PowerShell is among the first iPhone-focused gaming controllers to launch since iOS 7 rolled out in September. Unlike previous versions of Apple's mobile software, iOS 7 comes with support for gaming controllers - a feature that Android has supported for quite some time. The $99.99 Moga ACE Controller is the only other iOS-compatible competitor at the moment.</p><br /><strong>MORE: 10 Best Mobile Games for Hardcore Gamers</strong><br /><p>Logitech tells us that the iOS app store hosts 300 apps with support for hardware controllers, and that number is growing. These apps include 'Lego Lord of the Rings,' ' Dead Trigger' and 'Bastion,' among others, as Pocket Gamer reports.</p><br /><p>The $99.99 iPhone accessory houses your idevice through a cutout in the middle, and it essentially feels like snapping your phone into a case. That being said, the controller felt surprisingly secure. We turned the controller over so that its backside faced up with the phone inside, and the iPhone didn't budge from its holster.</p><br /><strong>PowerShell controls</strong><br /><p>The PowerShell features a directional pad on the left side of the phone and action buttons on the opposite side. Left and right bumpers can be found along the top of the case, as well, and a pause button sits just below the action buttons. Logitech has included cutouts for the volume buttons and camera, so you won't need to remove your phone to adjust sound or to snap photos.</p><br /><p>The device is called the PowerShell Controller + Battery for a reason - a switch near the bottom allows you to use the PowerShell as a charger so that you don't drain your phone's battery. The case itself comes with its own 1500mAh battery so that it doesn't need to draw power from your iPhone or iPod Touch.</p><br /><strong>MORE: Xbox One Review</strong><br /><p>During our time with the Logitech PowerShell, we noticed that gameplay felt fluid and responsive. We used the action buttons to create combinations in ' Real Steel World Robot Boxing,' and our character executed our commands seamlessly with no lag. The case was the same when we played the casual classic 'Pac Man.' It was much easier to zip around tight corners using directional buttons than onscreen controls. The PowerShell's buttons sported a smooth, glossy texture similar to that of the Xbox 360 controller's buttons, and the build quality didn't feel cheap.</p><br />Less joy without the stick<br /><p>However, we were slightly disappointed with the PowerShell's lack of analog control sticks. Using direction buttons is fine for platformers, fighting games and casual gaming, but certain titles such as 'Dead Trigger' would really benefit from controls that allow for panoramic viewing. Still, the PowerShell's minimalistic design makes it sleeker and less bulky than competitors such as the Moga ACE Controller. This means you can easily slip it into your bag, and it probably feels lighter than the Moga ACE while gaming.</p><br /><p>Overall, the Logitech PowerShell offers a smooth gaming experience, an attractive design and is capable of charging your iPhone on the go. But for $99.99 we'd prefer a controller that includes analog sticks, too. The Logitech PowerShell Controller + Battery is available for preorder via Best Buy and the Apple Online Store beginning today, and Logitech says it will be available through additional retailers in early December.</p><br />Follow Lisa Eadicicco @LisaEadicicco and on Google Plus. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.</div>

Technology Logitech PowerShell Turns iPhone Into Game Console: Hands On

Playing mobile games with touch-screen controls can be frustrating. More often than not, the on-screen buttons take up valuable display real...

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Bill Gates says he's met with 'a lot' of Microsoft CEO candidates to replace Steve ...

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/h/v/3/n/0/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1384904695050.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is on the hunt for a CEO to replace Steve Ballmer. <cite><i>Photo: Bloomberg</i> </cite> </p><br /><p>Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said he and other directors have met with 'a lot of CEO candidates' to replace chief executive officer Steve Ballmer.</p><br /><p>The board convened on Monday to discuss some of the candidates, Gates said at the company's annual shareholder meeting in Bellevue, Washington, Ballmer's last before he steps down. Gates said he wouldn't give a timeline for the decision.</p><br /><p>The world's largest software maker is going through its biggest transition in decades, seeking a new leader while it adopts a new corporate structure focused on devices and services. Microsoft is also buying Nokia's handset unit, its largest acquisition by number of employees. The new CEO will have to keep pace with a shift among consumers and businesses to mobile devices and Web-delivered software.</p><br /><img src="http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/h/v/3/n/1/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1384904905442.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>Outgoing Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. <cite><i>Photo: Bloomberg</i> </cite> </p><br /><p>'It's a complex role to fill,' Gates said. He thanked Ballmer and choking up, said that 'we share a commitment to make sure the next CEO is the right person for the right time for the company we both love.'</p><br /><p>The company's directors, including Ballmer, were re-elected by a majority. Shareholder advisory firm Glass Lewis had recommended withholding votes for lead independent director John Thompson, who is also leading the CEO search committee. Glass Lewis expressed concern that Thompson is the CEO of start-up Virtual Instruments, which received $US2.3 million from Microsoft in fiscal 2013 for software and equipment. Glass Lewis considered this a conflict of interest.</p><br />Next steps<br /><p>The directors are seeking to narrow the list of CEO candidates to three to five, a person with knowledge of the matter said last week. The board is aiming to have a final choice as soon as next month, three people said.</p><br /><p>External choices to replace Ballmer include Ford Motor CEO Alan Mulally and former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, among others, people with knowledge of the search have said. Because the board perceives the new CEO will have to lead change at Microsoft, the final choice is more likely to be an outsider, said one person with knowledge of the search last week.</p><br /><p>Directors are also considering three internal candidates: business development and evangelism chief Tony Bates and Satya Nadella, who oversees the company's cloud and enterprise business, as well as chief operating officer Kevin Turner, people have said.</p><br /><p>Gates didn't name any candidates.</p><br />Ballmer farewell<br /><p>The meeting was better attended than in recent years, with extra chairs being added at the back as it got underway.</p><br /><p>Ballmer was all smiles, calling the event a 'fun meeting', compared with the teary goodbye message he gave to employees at an internal companywide meeting in September.</p><br /><p>One shareholder asked whether Ballmer would take a position as the US Secretary of Information Technology, were such a job created. Ballmer, who has a net worth of $US17.7 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, thanked the man for trying to help him find work.</p><br /><p>Nokia's shareholders, also meeting on Monday, cleared the sale of its mobile phone unit to Microsoft for 5.44 billion euros ($7.8 billion). Once the world's largest smartphone maker, Nokia agreed to sell the phone division in September, after failing to regain relevance in smartphones following Apple's iPhone introduction in 2007.</p><br /><p>'Our industry is in a period of incredible innovation, and Microsoft is uniquely positioned to drive and define the next big thing,' Ballmer said. 'There is no way for this company to succeed unless it is willing to bet.'</p><br /><p>Ballmer pledged growth in the future would be so significant that, looking back, future shareholders will say, 'weren't we a small company back in 2013?'</p><br />Bloomberg</div>

Technology Bill Gates says he's met with 'a lot' of Microsoft CEO candidates to replace Steve ...

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is on the hunt for a CEO to replace Steve Ballmer. Photo: Bloomberg Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said he an...

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The Google Glass Developer Kit Live: Here Are New Glassware

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://images.seroundtable.com/glass-app-icon-1374668657.png" width="600"/>Yesterday, Google officially launched the Google Glass Developer Kit (GDK) that allows developers to build glassware that works in a more integrated way with Glass.</p><br /><p>Part of the announcement of the GDK was to launch several Glassware apps that utilize the service.</p><br /><p>The five third-party glassware apps introduced at the event were:</p><br /><strong>Allthecooks</strong>: A cooking app to help you read recipes without using your hands. <strong>Spellista</strong>: A word jumble game. <strong>GolfSight</strong>: A tool to calculate distances and the like as you wear silly pants and wave sticks at small round objects. <strong>Strava</strong>: A run tracking app. <strong>Wordlens</strong>: Translate printed words into a language you can understand <img src="http://images.seroundtable.com/new-glassware-gdk-1384953240.gif" width="600"/><br /><p>Google themselves made a few simple glassware including:</p><br /><p>Plus there were a few glassware apps released by third-party developers approved yesterday including:</p><br /><strong>IFTTT</strong>: IFTTT is a service that lets you create powerful connections with one simple statement - if this then that. <strong>Jewish Guide for Glass</strong>: A companion for observant Jewish people. Reminds you to pray, where to pray, what to pray and much more. <strong>Umano</strong>: With Umano you will hear REAL voice actors read interesting news articles to you. <img src="http://images.seroundtable.com/jewish-guide-google-announced-1384953399.png" width="600"/><br /><p>Here is a video of the event:</p><br /><p>Disclosure, my company built the Jewish Guide for Glass, more details over here.</p><br /><p>Forum discussion at Google+.</p><br /></div>

Technology The Google Glass Developer Kit Live: Here Are New Glassware

Yesterday, Google officially launched the Google Glass Developer Kit (GDK) that allows developers to build glassware that works in a more in...

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Logitech PowerShell Turns iPhone Into Game Console: Hands On

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://media.bestofmicro.com/S/0/410544/original/Powershell-main.jpg" width="600"/>Playing mobile games with touch-screen controls can be frustrating. More often than not, the on-screen buttons take up valuable display real estate that can hinder the overall gaming experience, especially on the iPhone's smaller, 4-inch display. Logitech hopes to eliminate this issue with its PowerShell Controller + Battery - a combination game controller and external battery for the iPhone 5, 5s and fifth-generation iPod Touch.</p><br /><p>The 4.2-ounce Logitech PowerShell is among the first iPhone-focused gaming controllers to launch since iOS 7 rolled out in September. Unlike previous versions of Apple's mobile software, iOS 7 comes with support for gaming controllers - a feature that Android has supported for quite some time. The $99.99 Moga ACE Controller is the only other iOS-compatible competitor at the moment.</p><br /><strong>MORE: 10 Best Mobile Games for Hardcore Gamers</strong><br /><p>Logitech tells us that the iOS app store hosts 300 apps with support for hardware controllers, and that number is growing. These apps include 'Lego Lord of the Rings,' ' Dead Trigger' and 'Bastion,' among others, as Pocket Gamer reports.</p><br /><p>The $99.99 iPhone accessory houses your idevice through a cutout in the middle, and it essentially feels like snapping your phone into a case. That being said, the controller felt surprisingly secure. We turned the controller over so that its backside faced up with the phone inside, and the iPhone didn't budge from its holster.</p><br /><strong>PowerShell controls</strong><br /><p>The PowerShell features a directional pad on the left side of the phone and action buttons on the opposite side. Left and right bumpers can be found along the top of the case, as well, and a pause button sits just below the action buttons. Logitech has included cutouts for the volume buttons and camera, so you won't need to remove your phone to adjust sound or to snap photos.</p><br /><p>The device is called the PowerShell Controller + Battery for a reason - a switch near the bottom allows you to use the PowerShell as a charger so that you don't drain your phone's battery. The case itself comes with its own 1500mAh battery so that it doesn't need to draw power from your iPhone or iPod Touch.</p><br /><strong>MORE: Xbox One Review</strong><br /><p>During our time with the Logitech PowerShell, we noticed that gameplay felt fluid and responsive. We used the action buttons to create combinations in ' Real Steel World Robot Boxing,' and our character executed our commands seamlessly with no lag. The case was the same when we played the casual classic 'Pac Man.' It was much easier to zip around tight corners using directional buttons than onscreen controls. The PowerShell's buttons sported a smooth, glossy texture similar to that of the Xbox 360 controller's buttons, and the build quality didn't feel cheap.</p><br />Less joy without the stick<br /><p>However, we were slightly disappointed with the PowerShell's lack of analog control sticks. Using direction buttons is fine for platformers, fighting games and casual gaming, but certain titles such as 'Dead Trigger' would really benefit from controls that allow for panoramic viewing. Still, the PowerShell's minimalistic design makes it sleeker and less bulky than competitors such as the Moga ACE Controller. This means you can easily slip it into your bag, and it probably feels lighter than the Moga ACE while gaming.</p><br /><p>Overall, the Logitech PowerShell offers a smooth gaming experience, an attractive design and is capable of charging your iPhone on the go. But for $99.99 we'd prefer a controller that includes analog sticks, too. The Logitech PowerShell Controller + Battery is available for preorder via Best Buy and the Apple Online Store beginning today, and Logitech says it will be available through additional retailers in early December.</p><br />Follow Lisa Eadicicco @LisaEadicicco and on Google Plus. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.</div>

Technology Logitech PowerShell Turns iPhone Into Game Console: Hands On

Playing mobile games with touch-screen controls can be frustrating. More often than not, the on-screen buttons take up valuable display real...

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Microsoft's Device Strategy: The Remaining Flaw

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Microsoft's Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 represent big improvements over the originals, but they still make sense only for certain users.</p><br /><p>Of all the critiques that have been directed at Microsoft's device strategy, Apple CEO Tim Cook's is probably the most apt: The Surface campaign is 'confused.'</p><br /><p>'Confused' fits better than 'doomed,' 'failing,' or any of the other terms that seemed appropriate a few months ago, when the Surface line was defined entirely by unenthusiastic reviews, unsold inventory, rapid price reductions, and a $900 million writedown.</p><br /><p>The harshest criticisms are no longer appropriate because the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 are big improvements. The former beats its predecessor in every regard, while the latter addresses the original Pro's biggest weaknesses, such as battery life. Windows 8.1 is also a much more cohesive experience -- even the Modern UI, whose once-anemic core apps are now full-featured enough for comfortable day-to-day use. The devices also come with pretty nice perks: a year of free Skype WiFi and 200 GB of SkyDrive storage for two years.</p><br /><p>Why does this progress represent a confused strategy? Because the devices still cater to a single idea with limited short-term upside: desktop-laptop convergence. Hybrid devices might eventually be the norm, but for now, they represent a niche category.</p><br /><p>If this weren't so, Windows 8 tablets would have already made an impression on the market. The research firm Gartner projected in September that the devices will account for just 1.7 percent of the field this year. IDC estimated in August that the devices accounted for 4 percent of second-quarter shipments, which suggests modest improvement, but the firm emphasized in October that Windows slates were struggling to win consumer support.</p><br /><strong>[ Take a look at the battle for tablet supremacy. See Apple Vs. Microsoft: Tablet Empire Strikes Back. ]</strong><br /><p>The subtext is clear: If tablets that supported true multitasking and native desktop apps were so appealing, they wouldn't have sold so poorly. Windows 8's rough edges deserve some of the blame, and Windows 8.1 should help. But if the core concept had more than niche appeal, more people would have taken a chance on some of the first-generation devices.</p><br /><p>Analyst surveys add more evidence. Over the summer, separate studies from Gartner and Forrester indicated many users consider tablets and laptops to be separate tools. Forrester's research also indicated many people who want to use tablets with keyboards are content to pair iPads with third-party options, and that interest in Windows 8 tablets had declined since the OS launched.</p><br /><p>Apple still produces laptops without touchscreens and an iPad catalogue bereft of first-party attachable keyboards. The company's refusal to embrace convergence has had little perceptible impact on the iPad's marketshare. If anything, early iPad Air sales suggest Apple is poised to conquer new ground.</p><br /><p>If you add up the preceding factors, demand for a superlative tablet experience is enormous. That's why Apple makes the most money, commands the most attention from developers, and dominates most usage-share metrics, as Tim Cook is fond of pointing out. It's also why Samsung, Amazon, and others have had success with premium Android devices. The market is big enough for many players.</p><br /><p><img src="http://img.deusm.com/informationweek/2013/11/899780/Surface.jpg" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>But Microsoft hasn't pursued this mainstream market. Both the Surface Pro and the Surface Pro 2 cater to much more specific needs. They're for people who want touch apps but don't need (or are at least willing to wait for) a fully developed ecosystem. They're for people who like to use their tablets in landscape mode more than in portrait mode. They're for people who need Microsoft Office but want to use it on a relatively small 10-inch screen, and who are willing to type on relatively cramped keyboards. Everything the devices excel at, in other words, appeals only to niches.</p><br /><p>Take the Surface Pro 2's much-ballyhooed support for desktop apps. What is running Photoshop on a 10-inch screen if not a niche use case? Granted, the Pro 2 can also dock to an external monitor, which might sway some users. But powerful as it is, the Pro 2 still isn't a workstation replacement for desktop power users. It's a niche device for people who need power and portability in a very specific ratio.</p><br /><p>To be fair, Surface-friendly niches are numerous enough for Microsoft to sell millions of units over the next year. It seems like a big number, but it's also one that the iPad Air has likely already annihilated. And that's where Microsoft's strategy becomes confused. The company has hyped its Surface products with the same gusto -- and willingness to spend -- that Apple applies to its iPads. But what is the company trying to achieve by doubling down on such a finite product category?</p><br /></div>

Technology Microsoft's Device Strategy: The Remaining Flaw

Microsoft's Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 represent big improvements over the originals, but they still make sense only for certain users....

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Carriers Reject Kill Switch for Stolen Smartphones

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://media.graytvinc.com/images/smart+phone+1.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>MGN Online</p><br /><p>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco's top prosecutor says Samsung Electronics, the world's largest mobile phone manufacturer, has proposed making a 'kill switch' that would render stolen or lost phones inoperable a standard feature, but the nation's biggest carriers have rejected the idea.</p><br /><p>District Attorney George Gascon says AT&T, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, Sprint and T-Mobile rebuffed Samsung's proposal to preload its phones with Absolute LoJack anti-theft software.</p><br /><p>Gascon, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and other officials are demanding that manufacturers create kill switches to combat surging smartphone theft across the country.</p><br /><p>But the wireless industry says kill switches aren't the answer because a hacker could potentially disable people's phones.</p><br /><p>According to the Federal Communications Commission, almost 1 in 3 U.S. robberies involve mobile phone theft.</p><br /></div>

Technology Carriers Reject Kill Switch for Stolen Smartphones

MGN Online SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco's top prosecutor says Samsung Electronics, the world's largest mobile phone manufactur...

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You've Got Mail.Ru: Russian Internet Giant Looks For U.S. Expansion With My.com

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://b-i.forbesimg.com/ryanmac/files/2013/11/grishin.png" width="600"/>Mail.ru cofounder and CEO Dmitry Grishin. (Photo courtesy of My.com)<br /><p>As American internet firms go public, many have looked overseas to unearth untapped user bases. One Russian-based internet behemoth is doing the same, but instead of scoping out BRICs or other emerging nations, it's coming to the home of Twitter and Facebook.</p><br /><p>On Tuesday, Mail.Ru Group, Russia's second-largest web company by revenue, launched My.com, a suite of mobile messaging, e-mail and gaming applications that represents its first foray into an already crowded U.S. market. For some, the move would seem counterintuitive in a nation's whose mobile users do not lack for a 'next big thing.' But for Mail.Ru cofounder and CEO Dmitry Grishin, the company's decision is a signal of intent-an attempt to make one of the world's biggest internet firms even bigger.</p><br /><p>'It's a very exciting market to learn from,' says Grishin, wearing a standard-issue Silicon Valley hoodie with leather dress shoes in a recent interview in San Francicso. 'We also think that launching a product on the U.S. market will make us stronger on our local market because we're learning more and more and fighting here with the best of the best.'</p><br /><p>In entering the land of giants, Mail.Ru, an $8.2 billion (market cap) firm controlled my majority shareholder and billionaire Alisher Usmanov, is in uncharted territory. Best known abroad for its Yahoo -like offerings that combine internet services like email and search on a single portal, the Russian company, with only a handful of games to date, is not known for its app-building prowess. This venture, however, represents a more focused approach,which hopes to engage users by enticing them to use multiple apps at any given time. To that end, Mail.Ru purchased the domain name My.com, allowing for the easy branding of its products, naturally called myMail, myChat and myGames.</p><br /><p>'Guess any number and multiply it by five,' jokes Grishin when asked about the price.</p><br /><p>While the U.S. market isn't totally foreign to Mail.Ru-the company was a large stakeholder in Facebook and benefitted handsomely off the social network's 2012 IPO-it opened its first office in the U.S. earlier this year, starting small with a six-person operation based in Mountain View, Calif. There, in the shadow of Google , it'll hope to replicate the same multiple-offering success that has defined the search giant and its products like Gmail, Google+ and Google Play.</p><br /><p>MyGames represents the first aspect of that strategy, with freemium titles already launched in the U.S. including the FarmVille-esque Lucky Fields and Jungle Heat, already a top game on Android. While wary of the precedent set by social gaming failure Zynga, Grishin is betting on a similar thesis that all games, not just those on your phone, will eventually be free-to-play with users paying for in-game additions. It's Mail.Ru's way of dipping its toe in the market, introducing titles as a primer for grander announcements to come, says the CEO.</p><br /><p><img src="http://b-i.forbesimg.com/ryanmac/files/2013/11/my.com_.png" width="600"/>'Businesses in Russia and China are very focused on freemium models,' says Grishin. 'For example, if you look at the U.S., [big] gaming business here are based on a subscription model. You pay per month-$20 for World Of Warcraft... companies like Electronic Arts still stick with this old model.'</p><br /><p>MyMail is perhaps a safer play. Without introducing a new email client, the Mail.Ru's mail app is similar to the iOS offering that comes standard on all iPhones. 'We decided it was would be the right move to connect already existing mailboxes,' says Grishin, as opposed to providing new email addresses and competing for market share.</p><br /><p>Most intriguing is MyChat, whose swiss-army knife approach to communication combines the functionalities of popular voice and video apps like FaceTime and Viber with the text-message alternatives of WhatsApp and KakaoTalk. It's in communication that Mail.Ru's CEO sees the biggest potential, as one voice or messaging service hasn't grasped majority mindshare in the U.S market.</p><br /><p>MyChat seems to borrow inspiration from other previous apps, delivering their functionalities all in one place. There's the push-to-call video ability like Skype, along with the cute messaging interfaces (complete with stickers) that have propelled offerings like KakaoTalk and Line to the top of Asian markets. And with so many options across different mediums, Grishin believes there's value in offering everything in one place. The only thing he needs now are users to pick up calls or message back from the other side.</p><br /><strong>Follow me on Twitter at @RMac18 or email me at rmac@forbes.com.</strong></div>

Technology You've Got Mail.Ru: Russian Internet Giant Looks For U.S. Expansion With My.com

Mail.ru cofounder and CEO Dmitry Grishin. (Photo courtesy of My.com) As American internet firms go public, many have looked overseas to unea...

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The Logitech PowerShell Sure Beats Crappy iPhone Touch Controls

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Fingers in the way. Missed or misunderstood inputs. Imprecise control. The problems with trying to play games on an iPhone are well-documented. But the iOS 7 era has ushered in controllers. Glorious plastic housings that will make oily, greasy screens of frustrations a thing of the past. I touched one of them this week and my experience was promising.</p><br /><p>The first thing that struck me about Logitech's Powercell Controller is that it's looong. The Logitech rep who demoed the accessory for me nonchalantly pulled it out his pocket and replied that he wasn't wearing special pants when I remarked at the thing's size. But as tall as it is, it's pretty slim everywhere else, hugging an iPhone 5 tightly on the sides and the back. (You'll need an included cushion to accommodate the slimmer profile of the newer iPod Touch titles.)</p><br /><p>The whole thing is pretty light, despite its size. Better still, there's a firmness to it that's satisfying, especially when compared to the cheap feel of MOGA's newly-released Ace Power controller. The buttons and d-pad are analog, so they'll be sensitive to the amount of pressure applied. Most games don't have pressure sensitivity functionality built in yet but the controller will be there when they do.</p><br /><p>The Powercell uses a hardwired connection with a Lightning dongle on the right side of the housing. No wireless tomfoolery here. I sampled a few games using the Powercell, which improved the act of playing action and platformer-style games greatly. The few minutes I spent with Limbo, Lego Lord of the Rings and MetalStorm Aces was smooth. I could see the whole screen and didn't experience any flubbed moves. Some games already recognize the controller is attached and change their on-screen prompts accordingly, saying press A, for example, instead of tap.</p><br /><p>As the name implies, the Powercell also houses a back-up battery that charges via micro-USB adapter. Logitech claims the battery will double the life of the iDevice it's attached to. It's also got built-in speakers, too. All of this will cost $100 when the controller comes out in December. Kotaku will have a full review once we get a unit in our hands.</p><br /><p>Related</p><br /><img src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18zquedp29co8jpg/k-small.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>Announced today at Apple's special event in California, the eagerly-anticipated iO7 update rolls out free to most iOS devices on September 18,... Read...</p><br /></div>

Technology The Logitech PowerShell Sure Beats Crappy iPhone Touch Controls

Fingers in the way. Missed or misunderstood inputs. Imprecise control. The problems with trying to play games on an iPhone are well-document...

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