Today’s Tech Sightings:
Edward Snowden Hits 1 million Twitter Followers
The former government contractor who leaked thousands of classified NSA documents, has officially joined Twitter. His opening tweet was: “Can you hear me now?” The profile bears the blue check mark, meaning Twitter has verified that Snowden is the true owner of the account. He added to his profile: “I used to work for the government. Now I work for the public”. He is following only one account — @NSAgov.
He’s Keeping Old School Computers Alive
In 2011 Jonathan Hefter started Neverware. A company worked with Google to develop a cloud-based operating system called Cloudready, runs entirely on the web, utilizing Google’s online apps — like Google Drive to store files or Google Docs to create documents. Older computers are revived, basically converted into a Google Chromebook. The program has the potential of saving dollars by recycling old computers.
Apple Expands Music Streaming Service Into China for First Time
Apple Music began offering its three-month-old music streaming service as well as movies and electronic books in China, promising a library of content geared toward its most important market outside of the U.S. In China, the service will carry regional and international artists.
Google Unveils New Nexus Phones, Chromecast Devices
Ahead of the holiday shopping season and on the heels of Apple’s announcements earlier this month about the latest iPhones, iPads and Apple TV, Google unveiled two new Nexus smartphones running the latest Android mobile operating system and the next generation of its Chromecast streaming device — including an audio device. The Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X includes features such as a fingerprint scanner, a new Nexus camera and Android’s improved personal assistant, Google Now.
New TiVo Bolt Touts 4K, Improved Ad Skipping and Speed Watching Features
All dressed in white, the latest TiVo set-top box, will be an all-in-one video device. The new Ultra HD 4K-ready Bolt features advertisement SkipMode feature and QuickMode playback. For now, the Bolt is compatible with current cable services and Verizon Fios — but not satellite TV or AT&T. Preinstalled with a few apps such as Netflix and YouTube; other apps supported include Amazon Instant Video, Xfinity and Cox on demand, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify and Vudu.
Samsung New Smartwatch Goes on Sale October 2 Starting at $300
The Gear S2 is Samsung’s first circular smartwatch, and its first to work on other Android devices. It uses Tizen rather than Android OS. Samsung promised “over 1,000” apps for the watch around launch time. Only time will tell if it measures up to its competitors.
That Big Security Fix for Credit Cards Won’t Stop Fraud
Oct. 1 is the deadline for banks and retailers across the US to roll out new, more secure Visa and MasterCard bank cards with microchips embedded in them. Card issuers and retailers have spent billions for the new features and card readers capable of reading the chips. Despite their efforts, retailers say the new system is highly flawed.
TrueCrypt Critical Flaws Revealed: It’s Time to Jump Ship
Due to serious security flaws discovered in TrueCrypt, PC users who wish to encrypt their hard drives and virtual disk images are asked to download the spin-off Veracrypt or use Microsoft’s BitLocker instead.