JailbreakMe creator Comex joins Apple as an intern
Allow us to extend our congratulations to Nicholas Allegra. He’s more popularly known as Comex, the party responsible for crafting the infamous JailbreakMe and Spirit tools that’s given Apple so many headaches recently. Starting the week after next, he’ll be officially wandering around 1 Infinite Loop as a bona fide intern. We’re not terribly surprised, since the skill level needed to give iOS engineers a run for their money can be a highly valuable asset to the company; hiring someone with the know-how to spot vulnerabilities in Apple’s OS would only serve to make the platform more secure. It wasn’t mentioned how Allegra’s talents will be utilized by Apple, but — given the programmer’s extensive history — we can make a few educated guesses.
JailbreakMe creator Comex joins Apple as an intern originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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SignalGuru uses a smartphone camera to help you manage traffic lights, save fuel
Nothing burns fuel (or patience) faster than stop and go traffic, something MIT researchers are hoping to minimize with SignalGuru. The smartphone-based system commands you to slow down or speed up based on whether the light is green, yellow or red to help avoid gas-guzzling activities like idling and accelerating — reducing fuel consumption by 20 percent. Unlike Audi’s Travolution system that relies on WiFi and 3G to communicate with traffic lights, this latest development uses your smartphone’s camera to detect signal status and create a Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA), which will predict and learn traffic light patterns. So far it’s only been tested on the iPhone in Massachusetts and Singapore, but researchers hope to expand and commercialize the system, eventually including voice prompts and features like GPS navigation with add-ons such as parking space availability and local gas prices. Anti-road rage technology not included.
SignalGuru uses a smartphone camera to help you manage traffic lights, save fuel originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sony’s Digital Link Sound System brings all-in-one iOS integration to your dashboard
Sony’s Digital Link Sound System brings all-in-one iOS integration to your dashboard originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Samsung’s GT-19220 shows up in leaked photos, preps for battle with iPhone 5? (update: nope!)
If you’re a sucker for juicy handset rumors, then this one’s for you. A few months ago, a supposed Samsung roadmap leaked, revealing a slew of new Android, Bada and WP7 handsets on the horizon. Today, a picture purporting to be one of those phones, the GT-19220 (W43) surfaced, complete with some specs to further grease the rumor mill. Word on the web says that the Sammy will have a 1280 x 720 Super AMOLED Plus display that measures in at 5.29 inches diagonally — even bigger than the 5-inch Dell Streak tablet. If our observational geometry is right, we’d say that screen size is probably pretty accurate. Rather than taking tablet status like the Dell, however, it seems bound to be the Galaxy S II’s big brother, as sources claim it’s running Gingerbread with a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and packs an 8 megapixel camera. Of course, these specs can’t be officially confirmed until the phone is launched, but it’s safe to say it’s likely a part of the Android army taking on the iPhone 5 this fall.
Update: Alas, as many of you have pointed out in comments, there’s not a lot of truth to this story. First, both devices you’re seeing above appear to actually be PMPs, not phones — the Galaxy S players we’ve seen before. Secondly, we’re hearing the actual name of this supposed smartphone is GT-i9220, not 19220.
Samsung’s GT-19220 shows up in leaked photos, preps for battle with iPhone 5? (update: nope!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Netherlands judge rules that Samsung Galaxy S, S II violate Apple patents, bans sales (updated)
A judge in The Hague just issued a ruling in Apple’s patent infringement case against Samsung, prohibiting “the marketing of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace for violation of Apple Inc. EP 2,059,868.” In an official press release, the court explains that The Hague judge ruled to “ban trading of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace,” adding that Samsung also violated other did not violate Apple patents with its Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 10.1v. The judge determined that Samsung violated patent 2,059,868, which deals with “method of scrolling,” but did not infringe 2,098,948 for “recording a flag in connection with multiple screen taps,” or 1,964,022, which relates to dragging a slider to unlock the phone. We haven’t been able to confirm, but from an online translation it appears that The ban will remain in effect through begin on October 13th. Hit up the source link for the full 65-page verdict (in Dutch).
Update: A dutch IP attorney has pointed out that the judge has ruled patent 1,964,022 to be null and void, meaning Apple can no longer make claims in the Netherlands based on this patent. The judge also found that Samsung did not infringe on patent 2,098,948. The infringement of 2,059,868 does not affect the Galaxy Tab 10.1. (Correction: the main patent in question is 2,059,868 not 2,058,868.)
Update 2: According to Tweakers.net, Samsung says that it will replace the software that infringes on Apple’s patent (the Gallery application, specifically), which should allow it to continue to sell the phones. Notably, that Gallery application is the standard Android one used in Android 2.3, which also explains why the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is not affected by this ruling. Less clear is what the ruling means for other Android phones that use the same application.
Update 3: Samsung Mobile’s Kim Titus released the following statement:
Today’s ruling is an affirmation that the GALAXY range of products is innovative and distinctive. With regard to the single infringement cited in the ruling, we will take all possible measures including legal action to ensure that there is no disruption in the availability of our GALAXY smartphones to Dutch consumers. This ruling is not expected to affect sales in other European markets. Samsung has a proud history of innovation in the mobile industry. We will continue our plans to introduce new products and technologies that meet and exceed consumer expectations. And we will defend our intellectual property rights through the ongoing legal proceedings around the world.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Netherlands judge rules that Samsung Galaxy S, S II violate Apple patents, bans sales (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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iPhone 5 coming to Sprint, other carriers in mid-October?
Watch out AT&T and Verizon, it looks like there’s an iPhone 5 hat-trick coming this fall. WSJ is reporting that the Apple smartphone will hit Sprint at the same time as those other two networks, bringing a well-needed boost to the carrier’s shares in afternoon trading. We’ve heard mixed reports about an expected release date, but Wall Street Journal sources “familiar with the matter” are claiming that the phone will ship in mid-October. One source also stated that Sprint will begin carrying the iPhone 4 at the same time — presumably with a price drop in tow. Adding Sprint’s 52 million subscribers to the mix could bring the iPhone within reach of customers currently locked into contracts, family plans or corporate agreements with Sprint, making the move a huge win for both companies.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
iPhone 5 coming to Sprint, other carriers in mid-October? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Graft Concepts’ fancy Leverage iPhone case is probably fancier than your fancy case (video)
So you spent all of that money on an iPhone 4 — do you really want to cover it up with some discount protection? Graft Concepts’ new case is nearly as snazzy as the handset it was designed to protect. The Leverage is made out of polycarbonate with a matte finish and features a metal latch that secures it to the handset. The case is up for sale now, at a fittingly pricey $60. You can pick up additional backplates for $7 a piece.
Graft Concepts’ fancy Leverage iPhone case is probably fancier than your fancy case (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Square app update lets iOS users buy cookies on credit, sans signature
[Thanks, Chris]
Square app update lets iOS users buy cookies on credit, sans signature originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Apple to release cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks?
As the world waits for Apple to release the iPhone 5, Reuters is reporting that Cupertino may be refreshing the iPhone 4, as well. According to two anonymous sources “with knowledge of the matter,” an unnamed Korean manufacturer has already begun producing parts for a cheaper, 8GB version of the smartphone, slated to launch within the next few weeks. As for that next-gen handset, the insiders went on to say that the iPhone 4S / iPhone 5 will feature a more spacious touchscreen, better antenna and eight megapixel shooter, and that Apple is indeed aiming for a late September launch, after having already asked manufacturers Hon Hai and Pegatron to prep their facilities for the production of 45 million units, altogether. Details, as usual, are still scarce at this point, but we’ll let you know as soon as we get more information.
Apple to release cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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ERPLY’s mobile credit card reader handles NFC payments on an iPad, obliterates the check-out line
ERPLY’s mobile credit card reader handles NFC payments on an iPad, obliterates the check-out line originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.