Tech

Apple’s US online store begins selling unlocked, contract-free iPhone 4S: $649 and up

Engadget

via Apple’s US online store begins selling unlocked, contract-free iPhone 4S: $649 and up.

You can’t expect to see one for “one to two weeks,” but those hellbent on holding out for an unlocked iPhone 4S here in the US of A can finally snag one without jetting off to Australia (among other places). Nearly five months to the day after Apple started selling the iPhone 4 in unlocked fashion in the States, the iPhone 4S is joining the club, with a 16GB model going for $649, a 32GB model for $749 and a 64GB variant for $849. Just so you’re aware, the unlocked phone enables you to use any micro-SIM from any GSM carrier worldwide, but it won’t play nice with CDMA carriers “such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint.” And yes, both the black and white versions are up for order. Hit the source link to part ways with your chosen amount of cash.

Adobe confirms Flash Player is dead for mobile devices

Engadget

via Adobe confirms Flash Player is dead for mobile devices.

We heard the talk and now here’s the confirmation: Flash Player for mobile devices is officially dead. Adobe is reaffirming its commitment to “aggressively contribute” to HTML5, a platform with broader support and capabilities than Flash was ever able to deliver. Adobe will of course also be pushing developers to work in its AIR platform for a more native experience, and the company will continue to work on Flash Player for desktop operating systems, but one can’t help but see the platform as a whole standing on fairly shaky footing at this point.

Adobe confirms Flash Player is dead for mobile devices

Engadget

via Adobe confirms Flash Player is dead for mobile devices.

We heard the talk and now here’s the confirmation: Flash Player for mobile devices is officially dead. Adobe is reaffirming its commitment to “aggressively contribute” to HTML5, a platform with broader support and capabilities than Flash was ever able to deliver. Adobe will of course also be pushing developers to work in its AIR platform for a more native experience, and the company will continue to work on Flash Player for desktop operating systems, but one can’t help but see the platform as a whole standing on fairly shaky footing at this point.

Facebook Retreats on Privacy – Fox News

Top Stories – Google News

via Facebook Retreats on Privacy – Fox News.

Facebook is close to a settlement with the U.S. government over charges that it misled users about its use of their personal information, the latest sign of widening public concern over privacy in the digital age.

According to people familiar with the talks, the settlement would require Facebook to obtain users’ consent before making “material retroactive changes” to its privacy policies. That means that Facebook must get consent to share data in a way that is different from how the user originally agreed the data could be used.

The pact-which awaits only final approval from the Federal Trade Commission-has the

Google+ launches Pages for businesses and brands

Source//:Engadget

via//: Google+ launches Pages for businesses and brands.

“It may have taken a while, but Google has now officially opened up Google+ to business and brands, not just individuals. It’s calling the new feature Google+ Pages, but there appears to be little difference between a Page and an individual account in practice — you’re able to add Pages to any of your regular Circles, and Page owners are able to post as usual and take part in Hangouts.” – Donald Melanson

Continue reading Google+ launches Pages for businesses and brands

BMW 3 Series gets ‘full-color’ heads-up display

BMW 3 Series gets ‘full-color’ heads-up display — Engadget

“If you’ve been hankering for some HUD action in your next auto, you’ll have one more choice come next spring: the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series. The launch will mark the first time a heads-up display has made it into Bavaria’s volume seller, after debuting as an optional extra eons ago on its 5 Series. Since then, HUDs of limited hues have permeated München’s high-end, splaying speed and navigation directions in the line of sight of road-going elites everywhere. However, this iteration is “full-color,” which besides pleasing ROY G. BIV fans, makes it “more intuitive,” as the company reasons it’ll aid drivers in recognizing crucial alerts faster. That, or we’re really just a generation away from über cool AR wizardry and movies on our windscreens. Of course, no word on when the 3’s brethren will get the technicolor treatment, but we’re betting it won’t be long, given that’s the dash of a 6 Series you see above.”

Amazon Prime adds new reading option with Kindle Owners Lending Library — Engadget

Amazon Prime adds new reading option with Kindle Owners Lending Library — Engadget.

“Amazon’s home page has a new message for Prime members from CEO Jeff Bezos, indicating that their membership plan has a new bonus: free books. The Kindle Owners Lending Library service offers up to one book per month from a selection of thousands of titles, including “over 100 current and former New York Times Bestsellers” with no due dates. That’s in addition to the free two-day shipping and access to TV shows and movies offered through Prime Instant Video as a part of the $79/year package. Of course, it also serves to the platform lock-in tighter between a suddenly very compelling subscription entertainment service, and its hardware (you will need a Kindle device, from what we’re reading the apps won’t work), including the upcoming Kindle Fire. Fans of the E inked word can check out the press release after the break for a few more details.

[Thanks, Straton & Abbas]”

Continue reading Amazon Prime adds new reading option with Kindle Owners Lending Library

Find Out Which of Your Favorite Movies Are Streaming Right Now

Find Out Which of Your Favorite Movies Are Streaming Right Now.

With the content licenses changing on a regular basis, having a dedicated search engine to find out if you can stream your favorite movies is a genius idea. CanIStream.it searches the movie libraries of Hulu, Netflix, iTunes, and Amazon. Each search result is accompanied by four icons indicating how a movie can be viewed. The choices are streaming, rental, digital download and DVD/Blu-ray purchase. Of course, streaming is the biggie here.

First manned multicopter takes flight, brave human sits amidst blades (video) — Engadget

First manned multicopter takes flight, brave human sits amidst blades (video) — Engadget.

Is This the Apple Television Steve Jobs Imagined? | Apartment Therapy Unplggd

Have you read the Steve Jobs biography yet? Even if you haven’t, we’re sure you’ve seen the Steve Jobs’ “I’ve Cracked the TV” quote making the rounds, whetting the public’s appetite for Jobs directed technology in the coming months and years. One concept artist, Guilherme M. Schasiepen, has taken the quote and made it his own, envisioning an Apple branded HDTV like no other…

via Is This the Apple Television Steve Jobs Imagined? | Apartment Therapy Unplggd.