Bypass the Android Lollipop lockscreen by entering a really long password


A lengthy password is a good thing, right? For some Android users running Lollipop, however, it may be possible to bypass the lockscreen simply by entering a password that is incredibly long. Copy and paste a lengthy string into the password field, and it is possible to crash the lockscreen and gain access to the phone or tablet.
While the vulnerability is worrying, it is not something that can be exploited remotely -- it is necessary to have physical access to the phone. The bug was discovered by security researchers at Texas University and while a patch has been issued for Nexus devices, other handsets remain vulnerable.
Russia opens antitrust investigation against Google


Google has been hit by anti-monopoly lawsuits all over the world. The Americas, Europe, India, China, have all had (or currently have) some sort of lawsuit against the search giant, claiming the American company abuses its dominant position in the search engine market.
Now, Russia is jumping on the bandwagon, with its anti-monopoly agency saying Google is using Android to promote its other services.
Bad news for Apple Watch owners, watchOS 2 won't be released today after all


As an Apple Watch owner I’ve been excitedly awaiting the arrival of the next generation of watchOS for my device. I really like Watch, but it’s currently fairly limited. The updated OS gains support for native apps (you’ll be able to run apps on the Watch not just mirroring them from your iPhone) and there are new communication features, improved Siri functionality and additional faces to look forward to as well.
Unfortunately, while watchOS 2 was set to be made available later today, the discovery of a major bug has scuppered those plans.
AirDrop exploit can be used to push malicious apps to iOS and OS X


A vulnerability has been discovered in iOS and OS X that could be used to install apps without permission, using AirDrop. The feature exists to provide a way for people to quickly send files from one device to another, but security researcher Mark Dowd has been able to exploit the vulnerability to push apps to iOS even if the user does not accept the file that is AirDropped.
Dowd has reported the vulnerability to Apple, but the company has failed to patch the problem so it still exists in iOS 9. Using a combination of techniques, it is possible to bypass the security screen that asks if an app is to be trusted or not, meaning that a malicious app can be installed without permission or notification.
Microsoft to announce new Windows 10 devices at October event


We knew that Microsoft won’t be making any announcements related to its newly released operating system during the IFA 2015 fair, but now we have more details.
Microsoft has taken to Twitter to announce it is holding a separate event on October 6 at 10 am EDT (3 pm London time) in New York.
Microsoft has huge discounts on Surface Pro 3, Windows PCs and tablets


If you are interested in buying a Windows PC or tablet or accessories for one, now is the time to take a look at what Microsoft Store has to offer. Part of its One Day Only Sale, the software giant offers major discounts on top-notch devices, slashing up to hundreds of dollars off the price of premium devices, like its own Surface Pro 3.
Surface Pro 3 has already seen some pretty big discounts this year, but as it is most likely to be replaced soon Microsoft is taking the axe to the price tags once again. You can save up to $200, and also get a free sleeve included in the box.
Mobile messaging helps businesses connect with customers


A new infographic from enterprise mobile specialist OpenMarket looks at how companies are using mobile messaging to improve marketing and awareness, and make a positive impact on customer experience.
Findings include that mobile messaging is the most frequently used communication channel on the planet and that 90 percent of texts are read within the first three minutes of opening. The millennial age group is 40 times more likely to react and respond to a business via text.
Permission based publishing lets users keep control of content


Once content has been published online it's almost impossible to retain control and know who sees it or where it's distributed.
A new solution from StoryCloud seeks to offer online content publishers control over how their material is consumed. Called Share By it provides user-controlled file transferring for media, videos, music and various file formats with easy to interpret analytics, integrated social networking and ecommerce.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 gets September 2015 firmware update


As Microsoft's flagship tablet, Surface Pro 3 has been well supported since its debut last year. It has frequently received firmware updates to squash bugs, add new features and improve performance. Just last month Microsoft issued a new graphics driver to make it run faster on Windows 10.
Microsoft this month brings a new firmware update for Surface Pro 3, which, this time around, is meant to improve power consumption. The slate is the only Surface device to get a new firmware update in September 2015.
Apple Watch battery life is just fine for most people


The Apple Watch has been with us for a few months now and while there were initial concerns about the battery life, it seems that these fears were unfounded. The ways in which people have ended up using their Apple Watches means that a single charge is enough to get through the day in most cases.
A survey of 1,200 Watch wearers by Wristly found that the overwhelming majority of users reported that their battery lasted a full day. A startling percentage of people (44 percent) said that they did not check battery level at all during the day, and most have fallen into the habit of simply recharging overnight. But what is the biggest battery killer?
IT decision makers worry about the security of containerized applications


Containerization makes deploying applications faster and more cost-effective than using traditional means. As a result container technologies have become more popular with Docker rising rapidly in popularity and market share.
But a new survey from enterprise security specialist Twistlock shows that 91 percent of respondents said they are concerned about container security.
Broadband Internet should be at least 10 Mbps


Broadband is a convoluted term, but market research firm Ovum wants to bring some restrictions, claiming 10Mbps should be the minimum download speed to use the term.
Market performance and surveys suggest that 10Mbps is the lowest speed customers will accept from their broadband provider. Anything lower, and it is unusable on today’s Internet, which needs broadband for high-quality video streaming and video gaming.
Microsoft releases the Windows 10 UI you've always wanted -- and you can't have it!


Today is a frustrating day. On the positive side, Microsoft finally released the Windows 10 experience we’ve been clamoring for. It comes with all the goodness of Windows 8.1’s refined touch UI plus a familiar old friend: A Start Menu that retains the core of the previous versions but supplements it with some new-fangled Live Tile tricks.
The frustrating part is that most users can’t have it. In fact, unless they’re running one of the handful of Windows RT-based devices (e.g. Surface or Surface 2), they’ll never see this wonderful incarnation of the Windows 10 UI everyone wanted.
Why companies need to embrace mobile marketing


With mobile overtaking desktop as the main way of accessing the internet, brands have new opportunities to reach their customers on their preferred platform.
Mobile technology company Zumobi has produced an infographic looking at the opportunities for brands to harness the power of mobile content marketing strategies.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 now free on Origin


Classic RTS game Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is currently available for free via Electronic Arts' "On the house" scheme.
You get the full package, both campaigns -- Red Alert 2 and Yuri’s Revenge -- and it’s yours to keep forever.
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