Thanks to encryption, UK efforts to block torrent sites are pointless
In the UK, ISPs are required to block access to a number of big-name torrent sites -- the thinking being that sites such as The Pirate Bay are used primarily for (gasp!) downloading pirated material. Despite the government's desire to control what people can access online, good old HTTPS means that people are able to very easily bypass any blocks that may be put in place.
There are all manner of proxy services and mirror sites that provide access to otherwise-blocked content, but these are really not needed. With the likes of The Pirate Bay and Kickass Torrents offering secure, encrypted connection, accessing the goodies they contain could involve little more than sticking an extra 's' in the URL.
The cost of mobile data breaches in big companies
A mobile data breach could cost a large enterprise over $25 million (£18 million) according to a new report.
The study of security and IT leaders in Global 2000 companies, carried out by mobile security specialist Lookout and the Ponemon Institute, examines the risk introduced by employees accessing increasing amounts of corporate data via their mobile devices.
Microsoft's Bill Gates sides with FBI in Apple iPhone unlocking row, likens it to 'cutting a ribbon around a hard disk'
The debate about whether Apple should help the FBI to access content stored on an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters rumbles on. Based on our poll, the majority of BetaNews readers are against Apple cracking the phone (67 percent say no, 30 percent say yes, and 3 percent are currently undecided), and most tech firms have expressed similar sentiment.
But in an interview today with the Financial Times (story behind a paywall) Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has come out firmly on the side of the FBI.
Google Compare is closing
From today, Google is starting the process of winding down Google Compare. The price comparison tool is to close completely in the US and the UK by 23 March.
From this date forward, anyone looking to find the best prices on auto insurance and mortgages, credit cards and more will have to turn to one of the alternative comparison sites. Considering the US version of Google Compare was only recently resurrected from the ashes of Google Advisor, the move will come as a surprise to many.
MWC: Mobile isn't everything; it's a few things
Mobile technology, data and analytics, mobile security, smart homes, fully autonomous cars, drones, wearable gadgets, enterprise mobility, Internet of Things, mobile commerce, app monetization, 'Internet +' -- you name it, they’re talking about it at Mobile World Congress. And the mix of people that crowded the huge halls of the venue all came from different industries and countries.
Amidst it all, I kept seeing the same three words pop up everywhere on signage in the exhibitor halls, in video ads and everywhere else -- smart, connected and Internet of Things. The more I saw and heard these three words, the more convinced I became that mobile -- in this very moment in time -- isn’t necessarily everything as the conference theme suggests. Instead, it’s a few things. To help illustrate what I mean, here are a few of those things that stood out for me on the first day of Mobile World Congress.
Are you ready to cut the cash?
One of the big debates happening at the moment is when -- and indeed, whether -- we will see the emergence of a cashless society where digital payments rule the roost.
We are already seeing it happening. Last year, cashless payments overtook physical currency in the UK and the release of services such as Apple Pay has helped propel mobile payments into the mainstream.
T-Mobile launches pre-orders of the Samsung Galaxy S7, adds bonuses
Samsung has recently unveiled its latest smartphone, the Galaxy S7, a follow-up in the same line the company has been producing for years now. Regardless of what you think of it, it's sure to be popular, and getting widespread adoption requires carriers to be on board.
One such carrier, T-Mobile, is trying to sweeten the deal in an effort to grab more customers. This involves the handing out of bonuses and there are several to be had if you pre-order this latest handset.
Snapchat gets 'On-Demand Geofilters'
As a dude in his 30's, I am a bit lost when it comes to Snapchat. Believe it or not, I have created a profile on the social network, and even managed to get a good number of folks to follow me. Unfortunately, I find the entire affair ponderous -- it is not particularly rewarding, nor fun for me. Snapchat is seemingly an unorganized mess. Maybe I just need to give it more time, but I digress.
One of the best features of the curious service, however, are the Geofilters. If you aren't familiar, by leveraging GPS, Snapchat can provide overlays for your images based on location. Today, the company is taking it a step further with really cool 'On-Demand Geofilters'.
Microsoft shutters video messaging app Skype Qik pushing users to Skype
As of 24 March, Microsoft's Skype Qik app will be no more. The video messaging app has essentially been swallowed up by its big brother Skype, meaning that it is now surplus to requirements.
Microsoft says that the reason for the closure is that Skype Qik's features are now available in Skype. As a result of this, iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone users who had come to rely on the tool to keep in touch will have to seek out an alternative and take steps to save any messages they want to keep.
Amazon pushes Prime by limiting free shipping to orders over $49
If you want to qualify for free shipping on your next Amazon order, you might find that you have to stick a few extra items in the basket. The online retailer is upping the threshold for free shipping from $35 to $49.
US customers who do not pay for Amazon Prime will have to shell out an additional $14 if they want to avoid shipping costs... unless they are buying books, that is. To qualify for free shipping on books, a spend of just $25 is needed, but the increase is part of a push to encourage more people to sign up for Prime.
How to get total control over Windows 10's automatic updates
One of the (many) things that divides opinion about Windows 10 is Microsoft’s decision to make updates mandatory. If you have Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise or Education editions you can defer updates, but you can’t reject them outright.
Windows 10 Home users don’t have this luxury and updates are installed automatically once they become available.
How to improve security in a BYOD enterprise environment
For most of us, our mobile and personal devices have become extensions of our lives and even bodies. Most of us carry our smartphones with us all the time, and when we can’t find them, we feel lost.
We are essentially always on, always connected to the Internet. This notion of anytime, anywhere access has extended not only to our personal lives but also our professional.
Explore, troubleshoot and diagnose your network with PortScan
Freeware developer The SZ has shipped a new version of PortScan, its one-stop network toolkit for Windows XP and later. We last checked out the program way back in 2012, so the new release seems like a good time to look at it again.
The download is a compact 387KB, and there’s no installation required. Just unzip the single program executable.
From the air back to the ground -- Telecoms are returning to their roots with Gigabit internet
Outside of those directly involved in the telecommunications industry, what goes on behind the cellular and wireless networks may be a mystery.
The truth is that telecoms is advancing just as fast as the rest of the world, and these quieter innovations are driving forces in the success of much of the technology we see featured in the news headlines today.
Moveable type: iClever Tri-folding Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard [Review]
A few months back, I took a look at the iClever Portable Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard and I was impressed. Now iClever is back with an updated version of the keyboard, the iClever Ultra Slim 3 Color Backlight Bluetooth Keyboard.
There are a number of enhancements to the original design, the most noticeable of which is that the keys have now grown to full size. As you'll have guessed from the name, the keyboard is now also backlit, and there are also little kick-out legs to help improve stability.
Most Commented Stories
It's finally time to say goodbye to Windows 11 -- Nitrux Linux 3.7.0 is the OS you've been waiting for!
Windows 12.1 is everything Windows 11 should be -- and the Microsoft operating system we need!
© 1998-2024 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy.