Blogger Bob--TSA's Internet mouthpiece (Q&A)
The Transportation Security Administration appears to have pulled off an Internet first: hiring the U.S. government's most controversial spokesblogger.All federal agencies have spokesmen. Some have blogs. But it's the pseudonymous Blogger Bob who, more than anyone else, has come to represent the online voice and personality of his employer--not always with entirely successful results.Internet fact checkers have accused Blogger Bob of eliding relevant facts about disputes involving the TSA. A Forbes.com column noted that Blogger Bob had curbed critical comments (and then subsequently permitted them). Reason Magazine has dubbed Blogger Bob someone who's paid to "mock people harassed by TSA," and he appears to have been the inspiration for the TSAgov parody account on Twitter.Blogger Bob came to national attention last fall when he spent innumerable hours downplaying a backlash over the TSA's new air traveler screening policies, which gave travelers a choice of full-body scans or what the TSA delicately calls "enhanced pat-downs." The changes resulted in software engineer John Tyner's memorable line ("If you touch my junk, I'll have you arrested"), lawsuits, congressional hearings, and, eventually, some modest concessions from the agency. He's even offered suggestions on what kind of underwear not to wear.CNET posed a series of questions to Blogger Bob in November 2010, and, after some prodding, he finally replied this week. Below are Blogger Bob's responses to our original questions, along with responses to the last six questions that we asked this week about topics currently in the news. Q: In her USA Today op-ed, Secretary Napolitano said the TSA's security approach is "risk-based." Can you do a series of blog posts sharing the documents with the public, or even summaries of those documents, that TSA used in its risk calculations?Good suggestion, I'm looking into this.What's your full name? What else do you do at TSA?Blogger Bob: My full name is Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin von Steuben, but my friends just call me Bob. (Curtis Robert Burns) I'm a Social Media Analyst for TSA's Office of Public Affairs. In a nutshell,I manage the TSA Blog, Twitter Account, and the Talk to TSA program, as well as monitor social media trends daily for emerging stories.The White House press secretary uses his real name--do you worry that someonerepresenting TSA as "Blogger Bob" lacks the kind of credibility that an agency like the TSA should have?Blogger Bob: No. I've never hidden the fact that I'm a real person in various interviews I've done, and I have a bio on the blog, I just don't advertise my full name on the blog. I've also been recorded on video several times for the blog and other venues. I'm not afforded the luxury of a security detail, though it would be cool to have a posse. And a theme song too... Anyway, I'm at the point where I've received enough attention on the blog that my efforts to remain somewhat anonymous may be futile.Are your blog posts and replies vetted by anyone else at TSA or DHS before you write them?Blogger Bob:My posts are always vetted to some degree, but my comments and most tweets are not. The posts are always vetted through the appropriate program office for a fact check and then through public affairs. Depending on how sensitive the subject is, a post may occasionally be vetted with TSA Leadership.How has your blog.tsa.gov traffic changed since the new search procedures were announced in late October?Blogger Bob: For the month of November, you couldn't turn on the news or read a paper without seeing a headline about TSA. We addressed many of those headlines during this time, so naturally, a lot of extra traffic was generated and we saw a sharp spike in the number of people who were visiting our blog.Besides the @TSABlogTeam Twitter account, what other social networks do you use for public outreach?Blogger Bob: At this time, TSA uses Blogger, Twitter, YouTube, and iTunes.We know that Al Qaeda already has used explosives concealed in body cavities, which can't be detected by full-body scanners or enhanced pat downs. If a terrorist tries to blow up a U.S. plane with body-cavity-concealed explosives, how would TSA's security procedures be changed?Blogger Bob: While you are correct about full body scanners and pat-downs not detecting items concealed in body cavities, we know advanced imaging technology and pat-downs are two of the best tools we have to detect non-metallic explosives.Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet technology that does it all--we are well aware that one piece of technology is not going to prevent all potential threats. We're waiting on Ron Popeil to unveil that one...Until Ron or somebody else invents the silver bullet, we'll have to rely on our many layers of security that are in place. (Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response, Travel Document Checker, Behavior Detection Officers, Secure Flight, Federal Air Marshals, Federal Flight Deck Officer, Employee Screening, and Checkpoint Screening Technology just to name a few)One vital tool we have are Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) machines. Whenever you see us swabbing something with a white piece of paper, we're using ETD technology. What most don't know is if someone has been in contact with explosives, you have traces of explosives on everything you've touched and our ETDs can detect it.Lots of CNET readers have e-mailed me asking about the technical capabilities of the full-body scanners. Can you do a blog post with a detailed technical overview, and perhaps post some original documents?Blogger Bob: We have a section of our web page devoted to the body scanners and we've published nearly 50 blog posts on everything we can talk about. Feel free to share these links with your readers.* 3/17/2011 TSA Scanner Levels 10x Higher Than Expected?* 3/12/2011 TSA Releases Radiation Testing Reports* 2/1/2011 Airport Testing of New Advanced Imaging Technology Software Begins Today!* 1/14/2011 FOIA Request for 2,000 Images is for Lab Images, Not Checkpoint Images* 1/7/2011 A Friendly Suggestion on Products Designed to Conceal Sensitive Areas [CNET Ed. Note: very long list of links dating back to 2008 abbreviated.]How many U.S. airports are routinely using the full body scanners on all security checkpoints, with no metal detectors routinely in use? Which ones?Blogger Bob: Unfortunately, I can't get into details for security reasons, but I can tell you that our Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) units are co-located with walkthrough metal detectors which can be used for overflow when the checkpoint gets busy.You can see a full list of the airports using AIT here. There are currently nearly 500 units at 78 airports.I presume you've seen the YouTube video showing how former Miss USA Susie Castillo said she was "violated" and her vaginal area groped by a TSA screener. Does TSA still stand by its claim to ABC News that the TSA screener "followed proper procedures?"Blogger Bob: Yes, the officer followed proper current procedures. When you opt out of AIT screening, you receive a pat-down. It's important from a security perspective to ensure that everyone is properly screened. If you opt out of AIT screening, we can't just say "Okay then...have a great day!" You still have to be screened.I read with interest your blog post on the Texas House of Representatives bill -- my interpretation is that you're arguing any such law would be null and void because of the Supremacy Clause. Is there any constitutional limit, in your opinion, to the ability of federal regulations dealing with passenger screening to override state laws dealing with unwanted touching and battery?Blogger Bob: This question is really one for our legal team. I'm happy to connect you with them.Have any TSA screeners ever been arrested by state, local, or federal police for inappropriately, in the words of the Texas bill, touching "the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person, including touching through clothing," or touching "in a manner that would be offensive to a reasonable person?"Blogger Bob: No officer has ever been arrested for doing their job at the checkpoint.How many hours a week do you spend on the blog?Blogger Bob: There really is no set number of hours. It depends on what's going on in the aviation security world and what I've got on my plate at the time.Sometimes there aren't enough hours in the week and I end up doing some work from home.Why don't you publish your email address?Blogger Bob: I rely on the tsablog@dhs.gov address that's listed on the blog sidebar for blog related correspondence. I often share that address in tweets and forums with others so I can get more information about questions readers might have. I would be hesitant to do that with my main email address.
Pioneer's new flagship navigation system plays well with Pandora, iTunes
Pioneer's new flagship navigation system plays well with Pandora, iTunes
We were pretty impressed with Pioneer's AVIC-Z110BT when we reviewed it last year (we're talking Editors' Choice impressed), but that was last year, a veritable eternity ago in the consumer electronics world. What have you done for us lately, Pioneer?Most recently, Pioneer has announced an update to its flagship model with its reveal of the AVIC-Z120BT in-dash navigation system, a double-DIN receiver that features some pretty heavy integration with Pioneer's software suite for multimedia and GPS navigation: PandoraLink, MusicSphere, and AVIC Feeds.The new Z120BT combines the features we loved from the Z110, such as the crisp 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth hands-free calling, GPS navigation, and iPod integration--all accessible by voice command--and rolls in the new features from the AVIC-X920BT, specifically PandoraLink for iPhone, MusicSphere, and the ECO Graph navigation interface.After downloading and installing the PandoraLink app on an iPhone and connecting to it via USB, users gain control over the Pandora Internet radio service directly from the AVIC-Z120BT's interface, streaming audio from the Internet using the iPhone's data connection. Pandora will be displayed in the list of audio sources in the Z120BT's menu with album artwork and track metadata. Users will be able to skip tracks, rate songs with Pandora's "thumbs up" or "thumbs down," bookmark songs and artists, and choose from their saved channels or a Quickmix.MusicSphere is a downloadable iTunes plug-in that analyzes your music library and creates playlists based on mood (such as bright, relaxing, or energetic); rhythm pattern; beats per minute; or year recorded. The software will also create what Pioneer calls a "DJ Playlist," which is a sort of nonstop mix of songs of a selected style, complete with blends and transition effects. When an iPod or iPhone is synced and connected to the AVIC-Z120BT, the playlists are accessed through an animated 3D sphere that can be flicked and rotated using the touch screen.iPhone and iPod-specific features aside, the Z120BT features an updated interface with 3D graphics, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and CD/DVD playback. The Tele Atlas maps feature data for all 50 states and Canada with 3D landmarks for major cities. The unit is upgradeable to support rearview cameras, rear seat entertainment, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and HD radio with extra equipment. Traffic and data services can also be added with an optional MSN Direct module--we're not too happy about that bit.The new ECO Driving module uses information gathered by the GPS navigation system to estimate fuel costs and emissions, while generating a real-time eco score that shows how greenly the vehicle is being driven along with detailed drive reports that can be stored on an SD card for retrieval via Pioneer's AVIC Feed's software.The AVIC-Z120BT will be available in June for a suggested retail price of $1,599.
We were pretty impressed with Pioneer's AVIC-Z110BT when we reviewed it last year (we're talking Editors' Choice impressed), but that was last year, a veritable eternity ago in the consumer electronics world. What have you done for us lately, Pioneer?Most recently, Pioneer has announced an update to its flagship model with its reveal of the AVIC-Z120BT in-dash navigation system, a double-DIN receiver that features some pretty heavy integration with Pioneer's software suite for multimedia and GPS navigation: PandoraLink, MusicSphere, and AVIC Feeds.The new Z120BT combines the features we loved from the Z110, such as the crisp 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth hands-free calling, GPS navigation, and iPod integration--all accessible by voice command--and rolls in the new features from the AVIC-X920BT, specifically PandoraLink for iPhone, MusicSphere, and the ECO Graph navigation interface.After downloading and installing the PandoraLink app on an iPhone and connecting to it via USB, users gain control over the Pandora Internet radio service directly from the AVIC-Z120BT's interface, streaming audio from the Internet using the iPhone's data connection. Pandora will be displayed in the list of audio sources in the Z120BT's menu with album artwork and track metadata. Users will be able to skip tracks, rate songs with Pandora's "thumbs up" or "thumbs down," bookmark songs and artists, and choose from their saved channels or a Quickmix.MusicSphere is a downloadable iTunes plug-in that analyzes your music library and creates playlists based on mood (such as bright, relaxing, or energetic); rhythm pattern; beats per minute; or year recorded. The software will also create what Pioneer calls a "DJ Playlist," which is a sort of nonstop mix of songs of a selected style, complete with blends and transition effects. When an iPod or iPhone is synced and connected to the AVIC-Z120BT, the playlists are accessed through an animated 3D sphere that can be flicked and rotated using the touch screen.iPhone and iPod-specific features aside, the Z120BT features an updated interface with 3D graphics, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and CD/DVD playback. The Tele Atlas maps feature data for all 50 states and Canada with 3D landmarks for major cities. The unit is upgradeable to support rearview cameras, rear seat entertainment, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and HD radio with extra equipment. Traffic and data services can also be added with an optional MSN Direct module--we're not too happy about that bit.The new ECO Driving module uses information gathered by the GPS navigation system to estimate fuel costs and emissions, while generating a real-time eco score that shows how greenly the vehicle is being driven along with detailed drive reports that can be stored on an SD card for retrieval via Pioneer's AVIC Feed's software.The AVIC-Z120BT will be available in June for a suggested retail price of $1,599.
MySpace buries Imeem
MySpace buries Imeem
On Tuesday, MySpace completed its acquisition of Imeem, a service that used to let users upload music and videos and share playlists. In the press release announcing the finalization of the deal, MySpace noted that it will be "working as quickly as possible" to migrate "aspects of" Imeem to MySpace Music.What does that mean? As of Tuesday, it means that Imeem's gone. Imeem.com and my personal Imeem profile both redirect to MySpace Music.The press release promises that MySpace will "be working to offer users the Imeem playlists they've created on MySpace Music," but the phrasing on the FAQ doesn't leave me much hope--"will attempt to transition" leaves a lot of wiggle room. The free Imeem app for iPhone is still in the iTunes Store, but it's going to be inoperable until MySpace pushes an update out, and there's no telling how close the new app will be to the old one.I always found Imeem a little confusing--especially in its early days--but I did like its user-contributed content model, which gave it a large selection of music, and I personally used it to post a lot of recordings from long-dead bands I used to play in. But I suspect that user-contributed content is one reason why MySpace is treating Imeem so differently than it treated iLike: some of that content may not have been properly licensed from content owners. In contrast, MySpace boasts that its content is "fully licensed."Unfortunately, using MySpace Music is still a pain. It's gotten a bit better since the last time I took a close look, but I still can't find the home pages for certain artists using the MySpace search engine (Google works), the advertisements are still annoying and intrusive (text ads above search results; audio ads on a music site), and there are still no playable Led Zeppelin tracks. (Although MySpace does have The Beatles and AC/DC, which most other services don't.)There's no free lunch, and the recent consolidation among free online music sites is beginning to look like a crackdown.
On Tuesday, MySpace completed its acquisition of Imeem, a service that used to let users upload music and videos and share playlists. In the press release announcing the finalization of the deal, MySpace noted that it will be "working as quickly as possible" to migrate "aspects of" Imeem to MySpace Music.What does that mean? As of Tuesday, it means that Imeem's gone. Imeem.com and my personal Imeem profile both redirect to MySpace Music.The press release promises that MySpace will "be working to offer users the Imeem playlists they've created on MySpace Music," but the phrasing on the FAQ doesn't leave me much hope--"will attempt to transition" leaves a lot of wiggle room. The free Imeem app for iPhone is still in the iTunes Store, but it's going to be inoperable until MySpace pushes an update out, and there's no telling how close the new app will be to the old one.I always found Imeem a little confusing--especially in its early days--but I did like its user-contributed content model, which gave it a large selection of music, and I personally used it to post a lot of recordings from long-dead bands I used to play in. But I suspect that user-contributed content is one reason why MySpace is treating Imeem so differently than it treated iLike: some of that content may not have been properly licensed from content owners. In contrast, MySpace boasts that its content is "fully licensed."Unfortunately, using MySpace Music is still a pain. It's gotten a bit better since the last time I took a close look, but I still can't find the home pages for certain artists using the MySpace search engine (Google works), the advertisements are still annoying and intrusive (text ads above search results; audio ads on a music site), and there are still no playable Led Zeppelin tracks. (Although MySpace does have The Beatles and AC/DC, which most other services don't.)There's no free lunch, and the recent consolidation among free online music sites is beginning to look like a crackdown.
iPhone sales could hit 50 million in fourth quarter, says analyst
iPhone sales could hit 50 million in fourth quarter, says analyst
Apple may receive a nice Christmas bonus in the form of 50 million iPhones sold over the December quarter.Courtesy of J.P. Morgan analyst Katy Huberty, that forecast is a bit higher than the previous estimate and is based on heavy iPhone 5 demand anticipated by both suppliers and carriers. Last week's preorders for the new iPhone also were greater than expected, rising 100 percent from 2011's numbers for the iPhone 4s.For the current quarter ending this month, Huberty now sees iPhone sales of 25 million, a modest bump from the previous forecast. The actual numbers for both the third and fourth quarters could be higher if component supplies improve. And if the first quarter of 2013 proves healthier than usual, the analyst predicts total iPhone sales of 200 million for all of next year.Apple is already off to a solid start. The company said today that it sold more than 5 million iPhone 5 handsets over the weekend. However, some analysts were projecting sales as high as 10 million.Related storiesiPhone 5 preorders indicate hot demandiPhone 5 matches monthlong sales figures for 4S in just 3 daysiPhone 5 sales top 5M units over first weekend, Apple saysHere's to the iSheep, iPhone 5 vindicates themChina is likely to be a major contributor to iPhone 5 sales with more carriers set to offer the new phone, Huberty said in a research note out today.China Unicom could start shipping the iPhone 5 as soon as this December. China Telecom is expected to follow suit in next year's first quarter. And Apple is reportedly working with China Mobile to offer an iPhone 5 compatible with the carrier's TD-LTE network.Huberty expects the LTE-enabled iPhone 5 to trigger a strong wave of upgrades for the rest of the year and throughout 2013.
Apple may receive a nice Christmas bonus in the form of 50 million iPhones sold over the December quarter.Courtesy of J.P. Morgan analyst Katy Huberty, that forecast is a bit higher than the previous estimate and is based on heavy iPhone 5 demand anticipated by both suppliers and carriers. Last week's preorders for the new iPhone also were greater than expected, rising 100 percent from 2011's numbers for the iPhone 4s.For the current quarter ending this month, Huberty now sees iPhone sales of 25 million, a modest bump from the previous forecast. The actual numbers for both the third and fourth quarters could be higher if component supplies improve. And if the first quarter of 2013 proves healthier than usual, the analyst predicts total iPhone sales of 200 million for all of next year.Apple is already off to a solid start. The company said today that it sold more than 5 million iPhone 5 handsets over the weekend. However, some analysts were projecting sales as high as 10 million.Related storiesiPhone 5 preorders indicate hot demandiPhone 5 matches monthlong sales figures for 4S in just 3 daysiPhone 5 sales top 5M units over first weekend, Apple saysHere's to the iSheep, iPhone 5 vindicates themChina is likely to be a major contributor to iPhone 5 sales with more carriers set to offer the new phone, Huberty said in a research note out today.China Unicom could start shipping the iPhone 5 as soon as this December. China Telecom is expected to follow suit in next year's first quarter. And Apple is reportedly working with China Mobile to offer an iPhone 5 compatible with the carrier's TD-LTE network.Huberty expects the LTE-enabled iPhone 5 to trigger a strong wave of upgrades for the rest of the year and throughout 2013.
iPhone owners report iOS 4.0.1 installation errors
iPhone owners report iOS 4.0.1 installation errors
Apple looks to have yet another problem on its hands.iPhone owners attempting to install the latest software update from Apple Thursday afternoon say that the process repeatedly fails. The reports cropped up on Apple's own support forums. A user with the handle evan127 wrote Thursday, "So, this is the seventh time I've tried to restore. I keep getting error 9. I've tried both usb ports and another cable. Now I am trying a new user account. What else can I do?...I get 3/4 of the way through the firmware update and it gives me an error."Other users reported similar experiences. "I'm having the same problem everyone else is reporting with the upgrade timing out 2/3 of the way through," wrote user stteve. "I've tried all the things recommended on the Apple site, from deleting software, trying another computer, etc." Apple released iOS 4.0.1 earlier Thursday as a partial solution to the antenna-related problems that have dogged the iPhone 4 since its debut in June. But the system update is only meant to change the way the phone displays signal strength, and does not address the weakening or dropped signals when the phone is gripped in a certain way. Apple will likely address the antenna-related problems at the special press conference it has called for Friday morning.Problems installing 4.0.1 don't appear to be universal. CNET had no problem installing the update earlier Thursday. It's possible Apple's servers that are delivering the update are overloaded by many iPhone owners trying to download the update simultaneously.We've reached out for comment from Apple to see if it's aware of the issue, but have not yet heard back. We'll update this post if we hear more.
Apple looks to have yet another problem on its hands.iPhone owners attempting to install the latest software update from Apple Thursday afternoon say that the process repeatedly fails. The reports cropped up on Apple's own support forums. A user with the handle evan127 wrote Thursday, "So, this is the seventh time I've tried to restore. I keep getting error 9. I've tried both usb ports and another cable. Now I am trying a new user account. What else can I do?...I get 3/4 of the way through the firmware update and it gives me an error."Other users reported similar experiences. "I'm having the same problem everyone else is reporting with the upgrade timing out 2/3 of the way through," wrote user stteve. "I've tried all the things recommended on the Apple site, from deleting software, trying another computer, etc." Apple released iOS 4.0.1 earlier Thursday as a partial solution to the antenna-related problems that have dogged the iPhone 4 since its debut in June. But the system update is only meant to change the way the phone displays signal strength, and does not address the weakening or dropped signals when the phone is gripped in a certain way. Apple will likely address the antenna-related problems at the special press conference it has called for Friday morning.Problems installing 4.0.1 don't appear to be universal. CNET had no problem installing the update earlier Thursday. It's possible Apple's servers that are delivering the update are overloaded by many iPhone owners trying to download the update simultaneously.We've reached out for comment from Apple to see if it's aware of the issue, but have not yet heard back. We'll update this post if we hear more.
iPhone owned 63 percent of smartphone marketshare at AT&T
iPhone owned 63 percent of smartphone marketshare at AT&T
Apple's share of the smartphone market dominated at AT&T and Verizon, but Samsung's share was growing, records show. In the first quarter of 2010, Apple owned 60 percent market share compared with Samsung's 3 percent. The combined market share belonging to all the other phone makers equaled 37 percent. The data was made public as part of Apple v. Samsung, the ongoing patent trial that has enabled tech fans to take a peek at some of each company's trade secrets. Apple filed suit last year and accused Samsung of pilfering the iPhone and iPad's "look and feel." Samsung countersued and alleged that the iPhone and iPad violated some of its patents. While it won't surprise anyone that Apple's market share at AT&T or Verizon was big, it is interesting to note that Samsung was making gains. In the fourth quarter of 2011, Apple's share of the market had grown by 3 percent from the first quarter of 2010, while Samsung's had more than quadrupled to 12 percent during the same period. At the same time, the combined share for all other manufacturers fell to 24 percent. The data shows a dramatic change in market share at Verizon. In Q1 2010, with the iPhone still unavailable at the carrier, Samsung controlled 3 percent of the smartphone share while the other carriers controlled 97 percent. Verizon began selling the iPhone in Q1 2011 and by the fourth quarter of that year, the iPhone owned 54 percent of the market at the carrier. Samsung was up to 12 and the other competitors' combined market share had plummeted to 34 percent.
Apple's share of the smartphone market dominated at AT&T and Verizon, but Samsung's share was growing, records show. In the first quarter of 2010, Apple owned 60 percent market share compared with Samsung's 3 percent. The combined market share belonging to all the other phone makers equaled 37 percent. The data was made public as part of Apple v. Samsung, the ongoing patent trial that has enabled tech fans to take a peek at some of each company's trade secrets. Apple filed suit last year and accused Samsung of pilfering the iPhone and iPad's "look and feel." Samsung countersued and alleged that the iPhone and iPad violated some of its patents. While it won't surprise anyone that Apple's market share at AT&T or Verizon was big, it is interesting to note that Samsung was making gains. In the fourth quarter of 2011, Apple's share of the market had grown by 3 percent from the first quarter of 2010, while Samsung's had more than quadrupled to 12 percent during the same period. At the same time, the combined share for all other manufacturers fell to 24 percent. The data shows a dramatic change in market share at Verizon. In Q1 2010, with the iPhone still unavailable at the carrier, Samsung controlled 3 percent of the smartphone share while the other carriers controlled 97 percent. Verizon began selling the iPhone in Q1 2011 and by the fourth quarter of that year, the iPhone owned 54 percent of the market at the carrier. Samsung was up to 12 and the other competitors' combined market share had plummeted to 34 percent.
iPhone launching across five U.S. regional carriers today
iPhone launching across five U.S. regional carriers today
The iPhone is branching out from its major U.S. carrier roots to grab even more customers.Five regional carriers have made good on their promise to offer local subscribers the iPhone as of today.Customers of the five regional carriers will actually enjoy at least one advantage over those on Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint.A peek at the iPhone 4S pages for Alaska Communications, Appalachian Wireless, Cellcom, GCI, and nTelos show the phone selling for $50 less than the price tag offered by the three nationwide carriers.The iPhone 4 is also available among the five, selling for the usual $99 from some and $50 from others. Buyers can opt for a range of voice and data plans from across the carriers, including individual, family, statewide, nationwide, and even prepaid.Alaska Communications obviously covers Alaska. Appalachian Wireless covers parts of Kentucky and Virginia. Cellcom covers Wisconsin and Michigan. GCI covers Alaska. And nTelos covers Virginia and parts of other states.Related storiesUh, T-Mobile? NTelos just got the iPhone 4ST-Mobile: Yeah, we still don't have the iPhoneWill T-Mobile get the iPhone 5?As the iPhone expands across the U.S., one carrier, though, is still left out of the loop, namely T-Mobile. But it's not for lacking of trying.The company has shown its desire to pick up the iPhone, but so far Apple hasn't acted on the request."T-Mobile thinks the iPhone is a good device and we've expressed our interest to Apple to offer it to our customers," the company said in a statement e-mailed to CNET last October. "Ultimately, it is Apple's decision."Corrected at 9:00 a.m. PST. Fifth carrier is GCI.
The iPhone is branching out from its major U.S. carrier roots to grab even more customers.Five regional carriers have made good on their promise to offer local subscribers the iPhone as of today.Customers of the five regional carriers will actually enjoy at least one advantage over those on Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint.A peek at the iPhone 4S pages for Alaska Communications, Appalachian Wireless, Cellcom, GCI, and nTelos show the phone selling for $50 less than the price tag offered by the three nationwide carriers.The iPhone 4 is also available among the five, selling for the usual $99 from some and $50 from others. Buyers can opt for a range of voice and data plans from across the carriers, including individual, family, statewide, nationwide, and even prepaid.Alaska Communications obviously covers Alaska. Appalachian Wireless covers parts of Kentucky and Virginia. Cellcom covers Wisconsin and Michigan. GCI covers Alaska. And nTelos covers Virginia and parts of other states.Related storiesUh, T-Mobile? NTelos just got the iPhone 4ST-Mobile: Yeah, we still don't have the iPhoneWill T-Mobile get the iPhone 5?As the iPhone expands across the U.S., one carrier, though, is still left out of the loop, namely T-Mobile. But it's not for lacking of trying.The company has shown its desire to pick up the iPhone, but so far Apple hasn't acted on the request."T-Mobile thinks the iPhone is a good device and we've expressed our interest to Apple to offer it to our customers," the company said in a statement e-mailed to CNET last October. "Ultimately, it is Apple's decision."Corrected at 9:00 a.m. PST. Fifth carrier is GCI.
iPhone 6 might let you 'feel' objects on screen
iPhone 6 might let you 'feel' objects on screen
The next killer feature on Apple's expected iPhone 6 could be a display that provides tactile feedback to users -- giving users the impression, for instances, of a physical keyboard on a flat touchscreen. This latest iPhone 6 rumor stems from a report Wednesday on Chinese site Laoyaoba, which said so-called "haptics" technology will be added into the new device. Haptics technology is built into devices to create tactile feedback or vibrations so a user feels something when touching the screen of a mobile device. For instance, someone could feel the sensation of clicking a button or moving an object around the screen when using the technology. Related storiesiPhone 6 leaks show a device begging for extreme torture-testingApple iPhone 6 sapphire display rumors flyiPhone 6 may offer better battery performancePurported iPhone 6 cover makes video appearanceCNET has reached out to Apple for comment and will update this story with any further details.Samsung last year signed a multiyear licensing deal with Immersion for its haptics products, and Samsung already uses Immersion's haptics technology in some smartphones. Apple has made no public statements about the rumored iPhone 6. With the device expected to come out in the fall, rumors about its size, display, and features have been coming out for months. Many reports predict the smartphone will come out in two sizes -- 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch -- bigger than the latest 4-inch models. Past feature upgrades for the iPhone, Apple's biggest moneymaker, have included the Siri virtual assistant in 2011 and a fingerprint reader for the latest model, the iPhone 5S, though neither proved to be a major leap forward for the iPhone.
The next killer feature on Apple's expected iPhone 6 could be a display that provides tactile feedback to users -- giving users the impression, for instances, of a physical keyboard on a flat touchscreen. This latest iPhone 6 rumor stems from a report Wednesday on Chinese site Laoyaoba, which said so-called "haptics" technology will be added into the new device. Haptics technology is built into devices to create tactile feedback or vibrations so a user feels something when touching the screen of a mobile device. For instance, someone could feel the sensation of clicking a button or moving an object around the screen when using the technology. Related storiesiPhone 6 leaks show a device begging for extreme torture-testingApple iPhone 6 sapphire display rumors flyiPhone 6 may offer better battery performancePurported iPhone 6 cover makes video appearanceCNET has reached out to Apple for comment and will update this story with any further details.Samsung last year signed a multiyear licensing deal with Immersion for its haptics products, and Samsung already uses Immersion's haptics technology in some smartphones. Apple has made no public statements about the rumored iPhone 6. With the device expected to come out in the fall, rumors about its size, display, and features have been coming out for months. Many reports predict the smartphone will come out in two sizes -- 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch -- bigger than the latest 4-inch models. Past feature upgrades for the iPhone, Apple's biggest moneymaker, have included the Siri virtual assistant in 2011 and a fingerprint reader for the latest model, the iPhone 5S, though neither proved to be a major leap forward for the iPhone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)