Star Wars: Episode VII Cast Features Mix of Old Favorites and New Faces

Big news in the geeky world of sci-fi today, as the cast for Star Wars: Episode VII has been officially announced. The latest installments with comprise a star studded cast featuring several of our log time favorites, alongside a plethora of new additions!

J.J. Abrams will helm the first installment in the third trilogy of Star Wars. Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga. Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker will reprise their original roles in the all new film.

Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

The movie, is set to begin filming shortly and is expected to be released Dec. 18, 2015. While the storyline and plot has yet to be reviled what we do know is that it is set 30-35 years after the leave off from the1983's Return of the Jedi.

Source: StarWars.com

The Department of Homeland Security Issues Internet Explorer Warning

Amidst ongoing reports that a recently discovered zero-day exploit is being used to attack financial and defense organizations in the US via Internet Explorer 9, 10, and 11. The US Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning urging everyone to stop using IE until the exploit is patched!

US-CERT is aware of active exploitation of a use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer. This vulnerability affects IE versions 6 through 11 and could lead to the complete compromise of an affected system.

US-CERT recommends that users and administrators enable Microsoft EMET where possible and consider employing an alternative web browser until an official update is available.

For more details, please see VU#222929.

The vulnerability, which was first discovered over the weekend has been confirmed by numerous sources an advisory issued by Microsoft to be currently active in 'limited attacks' in the wild. While all versions of the web browser, IE 6 through 11, are affected by the vulnerability, attacks are currently targeting IE versions 9, 10 and 11, according to security firm FireEye, which first reported the flaw Friday.

The attack leverages a previously unknown "use after free" vulnerability -- data corruption that occurs after memory has been released -- and bypasses both Windows DEP (data execution prevention) and ASLR (address space layout randomization) protections, according to FireEye.

While the Microsoft security advisory offers some suggested actions there was no word as to when we'll see a patch from for the flaw. Given that we feel the best course of action would be to stop using Internet Explorer entirely and switch to Google's Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or another browser of choice (not one back-boned by IE of course).

In a separate set of attacks, security researchers have also warned of an active campaign that was targeting a critical vulnerability in fully patched versions of Adobe's ubiquitous Flash media player. These attacks threatened not only Windows based PCs but OS X and Linux as well causing Adobe too issue an emergency update.

The vulnerability was fixed in the newly released Flash Player 13.0.0.206 for Windows and Mac and Flash Player 11.2.202.350 for Linux. The Flash Player versions bundled with Google Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 8 and Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 8.1, will get the fix automatically through the respective update mechanisms of those browsers.

Have A Bad iPhone 5 Sleep/Wake Button? Apple Will Fix It For Free

An 'unknown issue' that has reportedly been plaguing what Apple calls "a small percentage" of the company's previous-generation smartphones as forced Apple into action resulting in free repairs for qualifying customers.

Apple said on its user-support page that "iPhone 5 models manufactured through March 2013 may be affected by this issue," in which the button, also known as a sleep/wake mechanism, stops functioning or works only intermittently.

Those affected by the bug that wish to have their phones serviced simply need to enter your device's serial number on the user support page that Apple has specially set up for dealing with this issue. Once you qualify — and we're not quite sure what criteria Apple is looking for in the "verify serial number" process, other than perhaps being phones from a certain release date or time frame - then you'll be able to drop your phone off at your nearest Apple Repair Center or mail it in to have it fixed.

Replacement of the sleep/wake button will have to be done at an Apple Repair Center. Giving users two options —carry-in or mail-in. Unfortunately the replacement process takes approximately 4-6 days from the time your iPhone is received at the repair center until it is returned to you. So expect to be without your beloved iPhone for up to six days as the Apple crew fixes it up. (If you require a loaner during the time that your iPhone is being serviced, participating Apple Retail Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers MAY have iPhone 5 models (16GB only) available.)

Before sending your iPhone off for repairs you'll need to remove any cases, turn off 'Find my iPhone' and back up all your data as Apple is requesting that all customers erase all of the content and settings on their devices. Additionally, Apple has noted that if you are running iOS 6, your iPhone will need to be upgraded to iOS 7 after the sleep/wake button mechanism is replaced.

6 Legitimate Ways To Watch TV Online For Free

Over the last couple of years millions of Americans have ditched their cable plans in favor of online streaming services like Netflix and iTunes. While these services are great most would agree that free or even lower cost alternatives would be ideal. Here are the tops 6 options we've found for watching our favorite shows online, 100% free and totally within the letter of the law!

Network Websites

Perhaps the most often overlooked by my fellow geeks out there is the fact that all of the major over-the-air networks, like NBC, ABC and CBS, will post episodes of recently aired TV shows to their respective websites. In addition to OTA networks several major cable channels now offer full episodes of their shows via their own sites as well. Generally, network sites only host a handful of the most recent episodes and don’t include episodes from previous seasons.

Hulu

Hulu, unless you've been hiding under a rock recently you've likely already been using Hulu, or at the very least you already know the name. Sure the site does have commercials, but if you’re looking for free shows, you usually have to sit through advertising of some form anyway. The upside is that Hulu features shows from a wide variety of networks so there is always a little something for everyone. One major downside to Hulu is that you can't yet get it on the go. You'll need a Hulu Plus subscription to use it on your mobile device.

Update: According to a post on the Hulu blog, the site will offer free streaming on mobile devices starting this summer. The specific shows that will be available weren’t mentioned, and Hopkins added that mobile device streaming will require new licensing deals.

YouTube

YouTube is often looked at as a user generated content only site. However they have been working over the past several years to add a great library of content. You can not only find full episodes of some of the more mainstream content but you'll also find some great indie-style shows. For those looking for full length movies, YouTube has you covered there. You can checkout the movies section for a great list of free movies, most you may have never heard of!

Crackle

Perhaps one of the best options for geeks looking to stream content on the go is Crackle. The service features a great mobile app that supports almost any device out there. Unfortunately it doesn’t offer a huge variety of stuff to watch, and there are ads to deal with. However, Crackle features some of our favorite full TV series alongside some of our favorite cult movies that you might want to check out.

LiveStation

LiveStation is a must for new geeks! The site compiles live news feeds from networks from around the world in one place. Some of the news streams that LiveStation offers include Al Jazeera, Sky News, Reuters, BBC, and more–all for free. Image and audio quality are generally good, but in our experience, it took a few moments to load streams. For those that need their news fix on the go they also have a great set of apps for mobile content.

TV.com

TV.com offers users a bit more of a social hub than just a video steaming site. The site features more of a blog type feel with news, reviews and community style content. However, if you look past all that and hit the “Videos” tab, you’ll find full episodes of recently aired network shows. It’s a lot like Hulu, but with less variety and fewer commercials. There’s no need to fret about any legal issues either: the site is run by CBS Interactive, and don't let that detract you either. There is still plenty of content from none CBS stations

Honorable mention goes to the BBC iPlayer which streams content from up to 250 programs from the British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC iPlayer does restrict streaming to the UK-only, but setting up a proxy to get past those restrictions is relatively easy.

I know we've probably overlooked several great sources out there since these are just the few that we've used recently. If you have some sites that we've overlooked that you think we should checkout, please feel free to comment below with your suggestions! 

Geeks Work Hard and Play Harder

Being a tech blogger, social media guru and overall geek in general is loads of work. Technology changes at break-neck speeds and unfortunately in the 'always on, always connected' era never rests. So it should come at no surprise that we work hard. That however comes with a wonderful upside, we get to play hard as well.

There are always new gadgets to checkout, new sites and services to review, conferences and meetings and then of course the occasional LAN party or hack-fest to keep us busy. The great upside to that is access to some of the newest and best tech on the market, without which I doubt I could get through this hustled life unscathed.

With the many devices I have available to me the one that I always have in my geeks toolbox is my #Intel2in1. I've found, after much trial and error, that trying to fulfill my daily requirements was going to be more than most devices could handle. So I have decide an #2in1 device best suited my overall needs. It is portable enough for on the go use, yet still fill all the functionality and productivity requirement of the demanding geek lifestyle.

Being a blogger means needing something that not only hands the fast paced on the go lifestyle but something that meets our rigorous productivity needs when typing out articles or reviews. While being a geek means needing a device that can handle the demands of a few games, some photo editing and maybe even a few more demanding tasks.

Over the course of the next few weeks I'll be putting my new device to the stress test that is the everyday life of a blogger. Which will be followed by a post with a comprehensive review sharing my hands on experience. So be sure to check back for more!


#spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel This could include Intel providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

4 Great Green Technologies to Celebrate Earth Day

Environmental Advocate Shares Affordable Gadgets that Shrink Your Footprint – and Your Bills

Just as intended, the 44th annual celebration of Earth Day is surrounded by talk of our environment, our impact on it and what we can do to better live in harmony with it.

“We’re seeing more and more people who realize that, if each of us does what we can every day, collectively, we can have a tremendous impact,” says Lynda Chervil, a thought leader and green technology advocate whose new book, “Fool’s Return,” (http://lyndachervil.com/), mirrors real-life efforts to develop sustainable energy sources.

“All the people carrying reusable grocery sacks, people who’ve quit the plastic water bottle habit, folks heating their pools or houses with solar panels – that’s what we should be celebrating this Earth Day.”

This year’s March Gallup Environment poll found that 42 percent of Americans believe the outlook for the environment has improved, up from only 26 percent in 2008.

Chervil, who studies the science behind green technology, says environmental awareness has ramped up production of affordable goods that can shrink individuals’ carbon footprints. She shares four devices she says would make a nice gift for Mother Earth on her day:

•  HybridLight Solar Flashlight:  These flashlights never need batteries, can be charged from any light source, and they always work. The 120 lumens model will burn for eight hours on one charge. HybridLight’s flashlights are so reliable, the Boy Scouts’ Utah National Parks Council endorse them – and they come with a lifetime guarantee. For every 10 hours of use, 100 HybridLight flashlights avert 60 pounds of toxic battery landfill waste. An added very cool note – HybridLights has a mission to light up corners of the world with little or no electricity. Recently, the company supplied everyone in a Kenyan village with their own flashlight.  Cost: Prices start at less than $20.
•  Bedol Water Alarm Clock: Imagine a water-powered alarm clock that’s loud enough to scare you out of bed! Bedol’s water clocks run strictly on tap water – no batteries, no nothing else. The energy comes from a natural reaction between the water and two metal plates. The smallest clocks in the line run for six to 12 weeks before the display begins to fade, indicating that the water needs to be changes. Occasionally, you also need to clean the metal plates with vinegar. Just in time for Earth Day, Bedol is launch it’s 12-by-15-inch wall-mount water clock! Cost: Prices start at $19.
•  iGo Green Power Smart Wall:  We’ve all heard of the “vampires” in our homes that suck up power whether we’re using them or not – everything from coffee pots to laptops. Stem the bleeding with this surge protector that cuts the suck by up to 85 percent. The unit, which plugs into the wall, has four outlets, two of which are always on. The other two automatically power down when the attached appliance is not in use. Cost: Prices start at about $12.
•  Pama Eco Navigator Satellite Navigation system:  This GPS system also saves gasoline by providing you with the most energy-efficient routes to your destinations, and feedback on your car’s performance, so you can adjust your driving habits to improve your gas mileage. It also saves all your routes, so you can assess their fuel efficiency. Cost: Watch for pricing and availability on Amazon.

“Most of these items are not only budget priced, they save you money in batteries, electricity and fuel,” Chervil says. “Not only are you doing something great for the planet when you use green technology, you’re taking a load off your wallet.”

About Lynda Chervil

Lynda Chervil is the author of “Fool’s Return,” http://lyndachervil.com/, a new novel that incorporates valuable life lessons in a page-turning tale that touches on technology, the green movement, and other aspects of contemporary society. She graduated from New York University with a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and has extensive experience in consumer and commercial banking and has held positions in new business development, sales management and executive leadership. Chervil seeks to push the limits of established understanding by exploring alternative forms of spiritual healing, and, through creative writing, to expand the narrative of cutting-edge energy technology to promote sustainability.

Samsung Brings SideSync Phone-PC Mirroring App To All Users

Ever wanted to access files or view and control your phone directly from your PC? Well now you have a new option. Samsung has made the company's SideSync software, which allows Galaxy device users to mirror their devices to a PC, available for all Windows users.

The App, which was previously launched alongside Samsung ATIV laptops and desktops and was limited to use on those devices, allows Galaxy device owners running SideSync 3.0 to use their PC’s keyboard and mouse effortlessly with the phone.

With SideSync an image of the phone appears as a resizeable window on the screen, so users can launch apps or view content, even drag-and-drop files between the two devices. You can also copy and paste text, or type on the phone using the PC's keyboard.

To run the latest version of SideSync you have a Galaxy phone or tablet with the SideSync 3.0 installed, currently Samsung says that is limited to the Note 3, Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note Pro and Tab Pro line-up running Android KitKat and above. If you own one of these devices and you want to checkout the app or want more information you can grab that from Samsung's website.

Viruses and Malware On Your Smart TV May Soon Be A Reality

Security researchers warn that today's connected devices might soon become tomorrow's targets for hackers, viruses and malware.

Speaking to the Telegraph about the future of computer security in the wake of Heartbleed, Eugene Kaspersky, the chief executive of Kaspersky Labs warns consumers that as the Internet of Things expands more devices will be targeted by malware and viruses.

“The threats will diversify to mobile phones and to the home environment, such as through televisions, which are now connected to the Internet,” said Kaspersky.

Each year there are millions of attacks the thing we know. Like our Microsoft Windows equipped PCs, mobile phones running both Android, and Apple’s iOS.

Kaspersky warns, "More and more engineers are developing software for Android. All the systems are vulnerable and I am afraid it is very possible to see the scenario of bad guys developing malware for iOS. Technically, it is possible to infect millions of devices. Internet-enabled TV sets use both Android and Linux."

While Kaspersky admits that the company hasn't seen anyone produce a successful virus for a television set he believes it will happen stating that the company already has a product for mobile and we a prototype for TV. He said that it was only “a question of time” before a smart TV virus appeared in the wild.

Most Smart TVs on the market today run a version of Android similar to that found on any Android based smartphone. With the popularity of the connected devices growing, and the likely introduction of a new Apple TV soon which will likely grow the market even more. Smart TVs and other connected devices that for now have little to no security in place may soon become the next easy target on the web.

Apple Offering Developers 'Second Chance' At Unclaimed WWDC Tickets

If you weren't one of the lucky lottery winners for your chance to get tickets to this year's Apple Worldwide Developers Conference don't despair just yet. According to several reports, Apple is directly contacting developers, asking them if they'd like to purchase any unclaimed tickets to WWDC that may become available.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple has been reaching out to developers who didn't win to give them a chance to purchase unclaimed tickets. When the first invitations for WWDC passes went out on April 7, the company indicated that those who initially won a chance at tickets under the new lottery system had exactly one week to purchase their tickets. 

At the time Apple made no indications as to what might happen to those extra tickets remaining unclaimed from anyone that didn't take advantage of their lottery win by 8 p.m. ET on April 14. It would however, stand to reason that Apple would take advantage of any unclaimed tickets to make nice with developers and offer them a chance at attending the widely popular event. 

At this time it is uncertain how Apple is determining who to invite or how many of the new WWDC invites it will offer up. What we do know is that those lucky developers who receive an email about purchasing one of the new WWDC tickets made available have exactly 24 hours from receipt the email to make the buy. If they don't, we can only assume that Apple's going to offer up their ticket to the next person in line, and so on and so forth.


The event will be held at San Francisco's Moscone Center West from June 2 to 6. The $1600 tickets generally sale out in minutes, so this year, the company moved to a lottery format to open up attendance and ease concerns many long time developers have had.



 

This Weekend Only Get 30 PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita For $1 Each

This weekend only Sony has dropped the prices of more than 30 games for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita--ranging from older $6 PlayStation Classics to $20 PS3 games--to $1. This promotion doesn't require a PlayStation Plus membership or anything of the sort; from now until Monday, April 21 at 7 a.m., everyone is free to take advantage of this $1 deal.

Gamer can get classic titles like Braid, Everyday Shooter, Gotham City Impostors, Plants vs Zombies, Retro City Rampage, Super Stardust HD, Tokyo Jungle and more for just $0.99 each. Click here and check out the full lineup which includes the following games:

• Back to the Future: The Game - Full Series 
• Blast Factor
• Braid
• Crash Bandicoot
• Crash Bandicoot 2
• Crash Bandicoot 3: WARPED
• Crash Commando
• CTR: Crash Team Racing
• echochrome ii
• Everyday Shooter (PS3 and PS Vita)
• Gex: Enter the Geko
• Gotham City Impostors
• Jurassic Park: The Game - Full Season
• Plants vs Zombies
• Red Faction
• Red Faction 2
• Red Faction: Battlegrounds
• Retro City Rampage (PS3 and PS Vita)
• Retro/Grade
• Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse
• Spyro: The Dragon
• Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage
• Spyro: Year of the Dragon
• Stuntman: Ignition
• Super Stardust HD
• Tales of Monkey Island
• Tokyo Jungle
• Urban Trial Freestyle (PS3 and PS Vita)
• When Vikings Attack (PS3 and PS Vita)
• World Gone Sour

Google Glass Goes Onsale To Everyone April 15th

Google Glass is all the rage with many tech geeks clamoring to be added to the wait list to get their hands on the hottest thing in tech. Unfortunately until now the device has only had limited been availability to the general public. So far, the face-mounted computers have been sold only to Google "Explorers," the company's name for early adopters. At first only developers could buy Glass, but Google slowly expanded the program to include regular people.

If like most you've been dying to try out Google Glass then Tuesday will be your lucky day. Google is opening sales of Glass for one day only to any adult in the United States who wants one of the devices. In true sale fashion, Google is throwing in free frames or sunglasses for those first-time customers and the supply is limited. Sales start at 9 a.m. ET on April 15, but people can sign up now with Google to receive a reminder.

Here’s the details direct from Google:

Next Tuesday, April 15th at 6am PDT, we’re opening up some spots in the Glass Explorer Program. Any adult in the U* can become an Explorer by visiting our site and purchasing Glass for $1500 + tax – and it now comes with your favorite shade or frame, thanks to feedback from our current Explorers. The number of spots available is limited, so mark your calendar if you want to get in. You can find us on Tuesday at: http://google.com/glass/start/how-to-get-one

If you have the extra $1500 laying around or if you are expecting that big tax refund, this might be the ultimate tax day relief. Personally I've been holding out in hopes that the prices would come down, or we'd see someone else enter the market.

So Long Windows XP You'll Be Missed: Microsoft Officially Terminates Support for Windows XP

A mere twelve and a half years after its launch, Microsoft has finally pulled the plug on Windows XP officially ending any further support for the long lived and much beloved operating system. The OS lived far longer than Microsoft had ever hoped. Reaching new heights with the failed launch of Windows Vista and still holding a strong market share even after Windows 7 and Windows 8 were launched.

Mainstream support for Windows XP ended five years ago, in April 2009, and since then, the company has been providing ‘extended support’ for the OS. Today, April 8, 2014, marks the official end of the extended support phase for Windows XP (and also for Office 2003) – from today, Microsoft will no longer offer free security patches, updates or fixes of any kind to users of Windows XP across the globe, including consumers and businesses alike.

Although Microsoft officially ends its support for Windows XP today, there is no for mass panic to spread out across the web. Your computer will not immediately shut itself down, or spontaneously self-destruct. In fact, most of you probably won’t notice any real difference at all. The main risk here is that, according to most security researchers hackers are waiting at the gates with exploits that could soon be launched to target the masses of Windows XP computers that are still accessing the web worldwide.

For those of you, like myself, that still have at least one Windows XP based machine on their network there are still a few options for securing your machines and keeping them safe. However, those options are slowly fading away, with many companies slowing ending support for aging OS.

I still have Windows XP what are my options now?

Windows XP will no longer be a viable long term option. At some point every company out there that hasn't already ended support will. For the short term you'll want to at the very least find a good security suite and malware detector. Microsoft will continue to provide basic security protection for Windows XP through its Security Essentials suite and the anti-malware Malicious Software Removal Tool; both of these will continue to be updated through to July 14, 2015. However, a third party option may still be in order. You'll also want to make sure all of your current applications, plugins ect are fully patched and updated.

Short of all that you'll want to start looking for a long term solution. This would require either upgrading to a newer Windows based OS, perhaps buying a new computer or taking the plunge and checking out something entirely different altogether. There are several great Linux distributions out there that are extremely user friendly. There is also the option of Google’s streamlined Chrome OS, which is available on notebooks and desktops that might feel more familiar to XP users.

Either way you go you would be much better off taking the leap sooner rather than later!

Did You Catch The Premiere of Mike Judge’s ‘Silicon Valley’?

While I'm sure most of my fellow geeks were glued to the TV watching the season four premiere of Game of Thrones, there was a second equally geeky show that premiered immediately following. Mike Judge’s new half-hour show that takes on the tech scene, Silicon Valley debuted right after Game of Thrones on HBO.


The new show follows the lives of 6 would be Silicon Valley programmers, played by as they try to make it big in the tech world. In case you missed it, HBO is offering the first episode free on YouTube. Just click below to check it out!

Did you checkout the ‘Silicon Valley’ premiere? Share your thoughts about the new show with us in a comment below.

Apple Announces WWDC Dates For June 2-6, Adds New Ticket Lottery System

Apple today announced that it will hold its wildly popular Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) June 2 through June 6 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. The event which features conferences and developers forums  will allow lucky tickets holders an inside glimpse into the future of iOS and OS X

The 2014 WWDC will feature more than 100 technical sessions, over 1,000 Apple engineers, hands-on labs to help developers integrate new technologies and fine tune their apps, as well as the Apple Design Awards which showcase the best apps from the past year.

WWDC 2014 activities include:

• More than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers on a wide range of topics for developing, deploying and integrating the latest iOS and OS X technologies;
• more than 1,000 Apple engineers supporting over 100 hands-on labs and events to provide developers with code-level assistance, insight into optimal development techniques and guidance on how they can make the most of iOS and OS X technologies in their apps;
• the latest innovations, features and capabilities of iOS and OS X, and how to enhance an app’s functionality, performance, quality and design;
• the opportunity to connect with thousands of fellow iOS and OS X developers from around the world—last year more than 60 countries were represented;
• a new series of get togethers for attendees focused on particular topics with special guest speakers and activities; 
• engaging and inspirational lunchtime sessions with leading minds and influencers from the worlds of technology, science and entertainment; and
• Apple Design Awards which recognize iPhone, iPad and Mac apps that demonstrate technical excellence, innovation and outstanding design.

Unlike in years past, tickets for WWDC 2014 will not be sold in a first-come-first-served fashion, a move that  seeks to eliminate the mad rush of the past, when tickets sold out so quickly many developers only heard about their availability after the supply had been exhausted.

Developers can apply for tickets via the WWDC website (developer.apple.com/wwdc) now through Monday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. PDT, and tickets will be issued to attendees through random selection. Developers will know their status by Monday, April 7 at 5:00 p.m. PDT. There will also be 200 Student Scholarships available, giving students around the world the chance to earn a free ticket (developer.apple.com/wwdc/students). This year the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and its alliance partners will help promote scholarships to female engineers and coders.

Microsoft Releases Office for iPad Today For Free

Microsoft has finally made a move to bring the company's widely used Office Suite to the Apple iPad. The new app was announced today in San Francisco and is available today for iPad owners via Apple App store.

The apps have the same familiar look and feel that is found in the desktop versions of Office, while offering a fantastic touch experience built from the ground up for iPad. With the free versions of the apps, you can read your Word documents, view your Excel data and present with PowerPoint. Your documents will look no different than they do on your PC and Mac.

For those users wanting to do more than just basic tasks, they'll have to pay for an Office 365 subscription. This will allow for more advanced tasks, such as editing documents or accessing OneDrive for Business.

Your Office 365 subscription not only gets you the Office for iPad apps installed on up to 5 tablets, but also 5 copies across Office for your PCs and Macs.  With one subscription all of your devices are covered, so you can work the way you want.

The Office suite is available as three separate apps: Microsoft Word for iPad, Microsoft Excel for iPad, and Microsoft PowerPoint for iPad.

Not wanting to leave out iPhone and Android users Microsoft has also released Office Mobile for iPhone and Android phones free. With Office Mobile, you have the ability to view and edit your Office content on the go directly from your smartphones.  Office Mobile is available in the App Store and Google Play.

For more details on the new apps checkout the official announcement via the Microsoft Office Blog.

New Twitter Update Allows Others to Tag You In Photos

Twitter has added a few new 'social' features to the site, and they are all about sharing pictures. With today's update you can tag up to 10 people in your images as well as attach up to four images to a single post all without wasting any of you 140 characters.

Tag up to 10 people in a photo

Tagging people in a picture is a quick easy conversations starter or any easy way to get someone's attention. With the new feature you can tag up to 10 people in a photo and still have all 140 characters at your disposal, making it easier to connect with your friends or others on Twitter. If you’re the one being tagged, you’ll get a notification allowing you to checkout the photo or join the conversation.

The new feature allows not only tagging of friends but almost anyone on Twitter, so for some this might be an annoyance or a violation of their privacy. For those that are concerned be sure to checkout the bottom of the post for options to select who can tag you.

Share up to 4 photos in a single Tweet

Hitting iOS devices first and coming soon to both Android and the Twitter website, will also be the option to upload multiple photos to a single tweet. Users will be able to share a series of up to four photos that automatically create a collage. Just tap on a preview to get the full image and slide through the group. The ability to upload multiple photos is starting to roll out today on iPhone, and is coming soon to Android so hit your respective app store now to get the appropriate update.

How Do I Turn Off Twitter Photo Tagging?

For those that aren't at all interested in being tagged in photos of others the settings are fairly easy to change. You can adjust notifications, as well as who can tag you, in your Security and Privacy Settings. Under Privacy you'll have three options - allow anyone to tag me, only allow people I follow and don't allow anyone. Simply select which option you prefer and save your changes and you are done, easy peasy! To learn more, read this Help Center article.

Nvidia Announces $3k Dual-GPU GeForce Titan Z

Looking to build the ultimate gaming powerhouse? If money is no object then Nvidia might have just announced the card for you!

Announced today at the GPU Technology Conference (GTC), the new Dual-GPU GeForce Titan Z packs two GK110 chips which translates into a mind bending 5,760 CUDA cores and 12GB of memory for 8 TeraFLOPS of performance. Nvidia says unlike traditional dual-GPU cards, Titan Z’s twin GPUs are tuned to run at the same clock speed, and with dynamic power balancing. So neither GPU creates a performance bottleneck.

"If you’re in desperate need of a supercomputer that you need to fit under your desk, we have just the card for you," Jen-Hsun stated in a blog post.

Given the hefty price tag it is unlikely that the Titan Z is aimed gaming and is more geared towards high-end computing and most likely Bitcoin style farming. Those few gamers that can afford it however might want to throw it into a screaming desktop gaming machine and for those Huang showed a demo from Epic Games which was built with Unreal Engine 4.

Other than the monstrous $2,999 price tag and an April release date, few other GeForce Titan Z specifications or details are known at this time.

Google Celebrates Small Businesses With 'Get Your Business Online Week'

For a small business nothing can have a greater impact than having an online presence. It is possibly the fastest, easiest thing you can do to grow your business. Sadly however the majority of small businesses still don't have a virtual presence. That’s Google's inspiration behind Get Your Business Online Week, building opportunities with local partners to get businesses in our communities online and growing.

Starting today, Google will be broadcast free virtual workshops for business owners, available to anyone with an Internet connection. Here’s a glimpse of what you can look forward to:

• Conversations with businesses that have prospered online, like Barkbox, GoldieBlox and Dollar Shave Club
• Step-by-step demos on building a website and getting found on Search and Maps
• Interviews with small business experts like SmallBizLady Melinda Emerson
• Workshops on Google tools for businesses (Google Apps, Google Trends, Google Alerts), online advertising (AdWords), and measuring your success online (Analytics)
• Free help and advice from experts over Helpouts by Google

Google is also partnering with small business organizations across the country including local chambers of commerce, Small Business Development Centers and SCORE chapters to host live events with broadcasts of each of the virtual trainings and various other in person workshops. You can find a screening closest to you via the  GYBO website.

Motorola Jumps Into The Smartwatch Business With Sexy New Moto 360

Wearable tech is the hottest thing going today, with companies like Samsung, Pebble, Sony and even Apple (reportedly) jumping into the smartwatch business. It should be no surprise then that more manufactures are looking to cash in on the new crazy. Motorola has become the latest to do so as today the company unveiled the Moto 360, one of the first smartwatches powered by Google's new Android Wear platform.

While the video above gives us a brief overview of the design of the new device hardware and specification details are still a bit scarce on the Moto 360. As for the new Android Wear platform we do have a bit more information than to Google's developer preview. 

The new software will provide the same type of card alerts as Google Now, letting you know when you have an appointment, what the score is in your favorite team's game or how long it will take you to get to work. The software will also feature a voice-activated search that fires up when you say the phrase “OK Google.” Just say ‘Ok Google’ to ask questions, like how many calories are in an a slice of bread, what is the weather or what time your flight leaves. You can also use basic commands by saying things like ‘Ok Google’ to get stuff done, like calling a taxi, sending a text, making a restaurant reservation or setting an alarm.

Moto 360 will be available in a variety of styles globally in Summer 2014, starting in the US. To learn more about Moto 360 and stay up to date on product news, click here. 

Intel Announces The 2014 Intel Level Up Game Demo Contest

Game developers are you looking for a little recognition and a chance at some great prizes? Then checkout the 2014 Intel Level Up Game Demo Contest with over $13,000 in cash prizes, the chance for inclusion in the game demo in the STEAM DEMOS page and even the opportunity to have your game developed by the Valve Corp.

For full details check out the Intel Level Up Contest Rules the Intel Level Up Contest FAQ and the Intel Level Up Contest Forum

Participants can win in multiple categories except for the grand prize and game genre categories. An individual game demo can win the prize package in only one (1) of the game genre categories, consistent with the genre of the demo they submit.

1. Grand Prize Category: Professional/ Independent and student game developers who submit playable game demos that meet submission requirements and are selected by the contest judges will be eligible to win the “Game of the Year” grand prize category.
   1. “Game of the Year” grand prize winner will receive:
      • A USD 5.000,00 cash prize
      • Inclusion of their game demo in the Steam DEMOS page.
      • The opportunity to turn their game demo into a full playable game title and sign a Steam®** online gaming platform commercial distribution contract with Valve Corporation*. This will be offered to the winner but is subject to negotiation until both Valve Corporation* and the winner are in agreement.
2. Game Genre Prize Categories: All game developers who submit playable game demos that meet submission requirements and are selected by contest judges as winners in one of the Game Genre Prize Categories are eligible for the following prize package:
   • A USD 3.000,00 cash prize
     • Inclusion of their game demo in the Steam DEMOS page.
3. Skills & Craft Categories: All game developers who submit playable game demos that meet submission requirements and are selected by contest judges as winners in one of the Skills & Craft Categories are eligible for the following prize package:
   • A USD 3.000,00 cash prize
     • Inclusion of their game demo in the Steam DEMOS page.

For complete contest rules, requirements, and prize details, see the Terms and Conditions.

Popcorn Time Resurrected As Promised

Torrent-based Streaming App Popcorn Time certainly has had a wild ride this week! Over the course of the past week the app went live, was killed off and removed and has now been resurrected.

As reported over the weekend,  the original creators of Popcorn Time bid a fond farewell to the app due to undo pressure from their overnight success and what was sure to be even more impending questions over the legality of the service. Following the announcement they'd be dropping any further development of the project it was reported that YTS (Yiffy Torrents) would be taking up the projects.

Today however, it appears as though that might not be the case. Following TorrentFreak's initial reports, YTS contradicted Jduncanator, writing on its homepage that "YTS is not taking over, and is in no way affiliated with Popcorn Time… Popcorn Time is a community driven project, not owned nor maintained by a single person or entity."

While it looks like YTS wants to distance itself from the project, likely due to legal concerns,  and insuring there isn’t a single entity here that Hollywood’s lawyers can attack, the development continues with a newly released installer and a new back-end. 

For those of you that tested out the earlier app, you'll need to uninstall any previous version and install the latest beta. For those that haven't tested it yet and would like to test out the new Popcorn Time, checkout the Github page for the project , but keep in mind, streaming pirated movies is still illegal and could eventually put you into some legal hot water. Stream at your own risk.

App Featuring Steve Jobs Quotes Rejected From Apple App Store

A new app featuring quotes from the late great Steve Jobs has appeared online. However, it looks as though the Apple isn't up to the high standards set by the Apple App store.

Quoth Steve as it is aptly named, provides daily quotes from former Apple CEO Steve Jobs which can be saved, shared via social networks, or synched to different devices. That app which has been relegated to Web app only status was rejected entry into the Apple App store because "Apple doesn't accept apps related to Jobs".

Speaking to Recode in an interview published Monday, app creator John Gill claims that he attempted to have his app approved by Apple, only to be told by the company that it won't accept any apps focused solely on its co-founder. Apple asked that he add quotes from other popular figures in addition to Jobs, but Gill told Recode that he didn't feel it was in the spirit of the app.

Apple’s suggestion went against the entire premise on which this app was built. So Gill decided not to take their suggestions to modify the app to be in compliance with App Store rules. Instead, Quoth Steve Jobs, now exists as a web app that only provides quotes from the Apple legend.

For those of you that are interested you can get the app and your daily fill of Quoth Steve quotes here.

Goodbye Popcorn Time We Hardly Knew You [Update]

 **[Update 3/17] As promised Popcorn Time has returned, click here for more info!**

For a fleeting moment Popcorn Time stole the limelight as a free open source project that allowed users to stream many of today's most popular movies. After a whirling four short days of beta testing that saw Popcorn Time become and overnight hit the service was shuttered do to pressure and 'talks' it didn't want to engage in with Hollywood.

“Popcorn Time is shutting down today. Not because we ran out of energy, commitment, focus or allies. But because we need to move on with our lives. Our experiment has put us at the doors of endless debates about piracy and copyright, legal threats and the shady machinery that makes us feel in danger for doing what we love. And that’s not a battle we want a place in.” reads the website.

There was no question that Popcorn Time was popular. The service was downloaded in almost every single country and made a major splash with social media and headlines from many major news sources. With all that success it was inevitable that the legality of the service was going to come into question and that the service and it's operators were going to run afoul of organizations like the MPAA and its counterparts in other countries.

Will Popcorn Time Rise Again?

While the back-end of the original service might be done for now, and the link to download the installer is gone, the overnight success the service and the open source nature of the project suggest that it may not be dead forever. We are already seeing talks of other developers taking up the project.

YTS (formerly YIFY-Torrents), which was used in conjunction with other services to supply the streamed movies has told TorrentFreak.com that they will be picking up where the Popcorn Time team has left off.

“The YTS team will now be picking up the Popcorn Time project and continuing on like previously. We are in a better position copyright wise as for us, because it’s build on our API, it’s as if we have built another interface to our website. We are no worse off managing the project than we would be just supplying the movies,” the dev explains.

“It’s our vision at YTS that we see through projects like these and that just because they create a little stir in the public, it doesn’t mean they are shut down. That stir is exactly what the public needs and it’s already evident that people are becoming more aware of copyright-related issues.”

The project files are now hosted on Github and are open to all former developers who will be given contributor access upon request. TorrentFreak has said the Popcorn Time installer will be made available shortly, however it is unclear if this will be a new program running a different back-end or if it will be the exact same installer and service as previously used**.

** It should be noted that the previous installers and App will not work, you will need to install the newest version of Popcorn Time!!**

Google Drops Google Drive Pricing 100GB Now Just $1.99 Per Month

Cloud storage has taken a few years to take hold. At first perceptions over security issues raised many concerns, the connections were slow and the prices high. However over the past few years things have changed considerably with sites and services like DropBox, iCloud and Google Drive gaining major popularity. Most of these services offer several free options with considerably lower price points for those needing more storage.

Earlier this week Google dropped prices to an unprecedented level. They have lowered the price of all of their major monthly storage plans. For just $1.99/mo you can get 100GB (previously $4.99). For those of you looking for much more storage just $9.99/mo will get you 1TB (previously $49.99), and if that doesn't seem to be enough for $99.99 you'll get a whopping 10TB.

 Like before, storage continues to work across Drive, Gmail and Google+ Photos. And, of course, the 15GB plan remains free.

You can sign up for one of these new Google Drive plans at www.google.com/settings/storage. If you already pay for storage, Google has said you’ll automatically move to a better plan at no additional cost. You can visit the storage purchase page to make a change or review your account, and see the Help Center for more information on these simpler storage options.

These new prices certainly make Google Drive a more appealing option for those looking for cloud based storage question remains however; will these new prices be low enough to attract more users to cloud storage in the first place? Our bet is that Google Drive’s free 15GB plan is more than enough for the average user and most of us Geeks our there are already using other alternatives.

What do you think? Sound off and share your comments below.

Got Milk? If You Are a Galaxy Device Owner Samsung Hopes You Soon Will!!

Samsung Milk, no its not something you'd find in your new Samsung refrigerator, it just happens to be the name of Samsung's new totally free (even ad-free for now) streaming radio service that was announced earlier today. 

“Milk Music introduces a fresh approach to music that reflects our innovation leadership and our focus on creating best-in-class consumer experiences,” said Gregory Lee, president and CEO of Samsung Telecommunications America and Samsung Electronics North America Headquarters. “We’re offering consumers amazing, rich music experiences built around what matters most to them and their lifestyle.”

Samsung's Milk Music, works a lot like most other online streaming services such as Google Play Music’s All Access, Pandora, Spotify, and Rdio, which employ similar models. Milk Music lets you choose from 200 genre based stations and over 13million songs all ad-free. And here’s a critical caveat: Although Milk Music’s Google Play page says that it’s free without advertisements, this is apparently only for a limited time (notice the asterisk attached to the very first sentence in the Play store app description). We are assuming this might change once it gets a chance to catch on!

The app utilizes a “radio dial” interface that you can easily rotate with just your thumb to get to the genre you’re looking for. The dial displays up to nine genre-based stations, which you can customize to your liking. If you prefer to setup your own stations a quick tap of the menu button brings up several options including 'My Stations' allowing you to create your own personal station based on your favorite songs and albums. Here you can also customize the dial to your liking; sift through your list of favorite songs; and checkout your listening history.


Milk Music is available now exclusively for Galaxy consumers to download on Google Play on the Galaxy S 4, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note 3, and Galaxy Note II across all carrier and retail channels as well as the Galaxy S 5 in April. For more information about Milk, visit www.samsungmilk.com.

Geeks Will Soon Have Fewer B&M Options As RadioShack & Staples Announce Closures

Weak sales and fierce competition continue to take a toll on brick and mortar locations, leaving tech geeks fewer and fewer in-store buying options. Earlier this week two more retailers announced they'll be shuttering several location across the U.S., leaving us with even fewer options.

Long time geek favorite RadioShack, has announced it is closing 1,100 stores across the U.S. These 1,100 stores represent about a fifth of its total, with about 4,000 stores remaining once the closings are complete. Following suite Staples announced that it would close hundreds of members of its own chain. According to CNN, Staples plans to close 225 stores in North America by mid-2015, which equates to about 12 percent of its North American stores total.

Both companies reported that lower than expected sales and earnings during their last quarter, a period that included the holiday shopping season, and increased competition from online retailers like Amazon, and Newegg, as well as fiercer competition from other brick-and-mortars, such as Office Depot are the two major contributing factors to the closures.

Samsung Shows Off The Galaxy S5, Gear 2, and Gear Fit In Official Introduction Videos

For you smartphone Geeks out there, Samsung has posted a little bit of Geek Pr0n today with two new videos featuring the company's recently announced flagship device and its two new wearables. The first video seen below shows off some of the newest features packed into the all new Galaxy S5, including a look at the device specs, new camera features which include auto focus and selective focus, as well as some of the other new features like the download booster and ultra battery saving mode.

In the second video we get an overview of the Gear 2 and Gear Fit. The video includes a look at the newly update design with an interchangeable strap, the addition of the hear rate monitor and a look at the new UI on the Gear 2. We also get our first detailed look at the all new Gear Fit, including the screen and some of the available applications.

Cellphone Unlocking May Soon Be Legal Again

Did you know that as of Jan 26, 2013, it was "illegal" to unlock your phone? Today however, the tides have changed and the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act by a vote of 295-114. The new bill would make it entirely legal for any consumer to 'unlock' any device (no longer on subsidies we suppose) and take said device to any carrier of their choosing.

For those unfamiliar, service providers like AT&T and Verizon typically lock their devices so they can only be used with their service. If unlocked, phones can be taken over to other carriers. This is hugely important for promoting healthy competition and empowering consumer choice, not to mention being very useful for travel.

A provision of the DMCA and federal copyright laws has always made it illegal to circumvent phone locking software and unlock phones to use on a different carrier without the original carriers permission. Until last year that provision was granted exemption by the Librarian of Congress who is allowed to grant exceptions, and did until his October 2012 decision to allow the DMCA to regulate cell phone locking.

Fast forward to Jan 26th, when the exceptions expired, and the software used to lock phones quickly lost its exemption and once again became covered under the same digital copyright laws as most other software. Meaning users could no longer bypass those locks or software, or create any software that could be used at unauthorized attempts at unlocking phones.

Under current law, those unlocking their phones without permission could face legal ramifications, including jail. The notion of undoing that law has had wide support from both Republicans and Democrats as well as many consumer groups since the bill's introduction in the House in 2013.

If passed within the Senate, and signed into law, the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act would repeal the Library of Congress (LOC) rulemaking determination and reestablish the previous exemption to those provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) prohibiting such circumvention and permitting the use of computer programs, in the form of firmware or software, to unlock phones.

This would be great news for consumers looking for choice in their wireless plans. Major carriers, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T Inc, Sprint Corp, T-Mobile US and U.S. Cellular, in December made a voluntary pledge to make it easier for consumers to unlock their cellphones. However, there have still been several hurdles to for consumer to clear and the process has been anything but painless.

Would You Buy A $25 Firefox OS Based Smartphone?

We've know for awhile now that Mozilla has been working on a Firefox OS based smartphone and now it looks like we have a bit more detail as to what those phones might look like and how much they might cost.

Mozilla, the company all geeks should know as the parent to the Firefox web browser, has teamed with mobile SoC maker Spreadtrum to come up with a prototype for a smartphone that costs just $25. The key to the prototype is an ultra-cheap processor from Spreadtrum, the SC6821 SoC. The chip’s predecessor, the SC8620, sells for about $1.40 in mass quantities. Meaning even if the new chip cost a bit more, a $25 device running Firefox OS would be well within reach.

For $25, Spreadtrum says you’ll be able to get a humble 3.5″ HVGA display, rear-facing camera, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and FM radio support. Full specs aren’t being discussed yet, and that’s because they’ll be left up to the individual OEMs that actually build handsets using Firefox OS and the Spreadtrum SC6821 chip. Spreadtrum is providing the necessary internals, and Mozilla’s worked with them to ensure full hardware support within Firefox OS.

While Mozilla and Spreadtrum have said the initial goal is to bring their low cost entry level Firefox OS phones to emerging markets in developing countries they have not ruled out the option of offering them to US based carriers. So they question begs, would you be interested in the low cost phones or would you hold out for something with a bit more substance?

Personally I prefer higher end devices, which we are also starting to see with various new operating systems. For instance, Mozilla has also announced several new Higher Performance Firefox OS devices which include the ZTE Open C and Open II, Alcatel ONETOUCH Fire C, Fire E, Fire S and Fire 7 tablet, all using Snapdragon processors from Qualcomm Technologies Inc. We've also seen reports that we should expect an influx of Ubuntu based smartphones in 2014.

InfoGraphic: The Internet of Things Explained

Every geek knows what "The Internet of Things" means right? Well if like some you aren't entirely sure then this new infographic will help make sense of the often confusing term. 

For those not into infographics here is our brief explanation: The term “the internet of things” is an all encompassing reference to the plethora of devices which can communicate and share data with each other. Devices like smart watches, health monitors, and even household items like internet connected refrigerators, blenders, smoke detectors and security systems. All with sensors and intelligence built into those physical objects. These devices will talk to and monitor each other, regardless of distance or power consumption.

According to Gartner there will be nearly 26 billion devices on the Internet of Things by 2020. According to ABI Research more than 30 billion devices will be wirelessly connected to the Internet of Things (Internet of Everything) by 2020. Cisco created a dynamic "connections counter" to track the estimated number of connected things from July 2013 until July 2020 (methodology included).

Check out the infographic below for a visual explanation of the internet of things, and how it works.

As Galaxy S5 Launch Date Nears Samsung Talks KitKat 4.4

If rumors are true, and we highly expect them to be, then Samsung's newest flagship device the Galaxy S5 will launch next week at the Samsung 2014 Unpacked Event. Ahead of that launch date we've seen plenty of rumors surrounding the newest addition to the Galaxy family. Many of which revolve around the devices hardware. One major rumor though involves the potential of a new TouchWiz UI and perhaps even a major change in operating systems.

It was long suggested that the Galaxy S5 would be running Android KitKat 4.4. However, at least a few sites have suggested that might not be the case. The rumor mill has suggested we might see a GS5 running Samsung's Tizen OS. While we'll have to wait to see if those rumors hold true we do now know that Samsung will be updating all most all of their current devices to Android KitKat 4.4.

Samsung verified that most of its Galaxy devices will soon be upgraded to the newest offering by Google. According to the posting, beginning today several U.S. gadgets will start seeing the roll out. Some carrier such as Sprint have already started rolling out the update to GS4 owners. With US Cellular rumored to be releasing theirs tomorrow.

Scheduled to receive the update include select carrier variants of the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy S4 Zoom, Galaxy S III, Galaxy S III Mini, Galaxy Mega, Galaxy Light, Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Tab 2, Galaxy Note 10.1, and Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition.

The upgrade provides a number of innovative, easy-to-use features that enhance the user experience, including a more intuitive user interface, enhanced messaging capabilities and updated applications:

• Location Menu: An integrated location menu enables users to easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously checking the battery usage of apps running location service capabilities.
• Enhanced Messaging: Enables users to choose between Messages or Hangouts as their preferred default messaging application, and select from a larger assortment of updated Emoji icons.
• Upgraded Google Mobile Service (GMS) apps: Users can automatically back up photos and video and can open, view, rename and share Google Docs and files.

As with all of Samsung's updates availability will vary by carrier and product. Which means even though the updates are said to be beginning today some devices and some carrier might not see them for awhile as Samsung has said the roll will be ongoing and continuing throughout the coming months.

Microsoft Asks OEMs To End Windows 7 PC Sales Oct 31st

Microsoft has set a deadline for OEM PC manufacture's such as Dell, HP and others to stop the sale of Windows 7 equipped home PCs as of Oct. 31st. End of sales refers to the date when a particular version of Windows is no longer shipped to retailers or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

On the Windows Lifecycle site where it posts such policies, Microsoft now notes that Oct. 31, 2014, is the end-of-sales date for new PCs equipped with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium or Ultimate.The setting of such deadlines is nothing new to Microsoft, and users wanting to get their hands on per-manufactured machines will still have the option of business machines equipped with Windows 7 Professional.

Microsoft's practice, first defined in 2010, is to stop selling an older operating system in retail one year after the launch of its successor, and halt delivery of the previous Windows edition to OEMs two years after a new version launches. The move is an intentional one, with Microsoft hoping to spur sales of its newest operating systems as well as keeping consumers updated to the latest versions.

Often citing high consumer demand, some OEMs, notably Hewlett-Packard, have made headlines for marketing PCs with previous version of Windows Pre-loaded. Most notable in the case of Windows Vista and Windows XP. Poor feedback and low consumer demand for Vista prompted many OEM's to release PCs with downgrade options to XP.

Microsoft's Windows 8 originally showed impressive numbers, hitting 100 million licenses sold as of last May. However, since then sales have slumped and the new OS continues to lag behind its predecessor.

Tami Reller, Microsoft's executive vice president of marketing, announced that Microsoft has sold 200 million Windows 8 licenses in about 15 months. That's way ahead of Windows Vista, which only hit 180 million licenses after 18 months, but well behind Windows 7, which only took a year to reach 240 million licenses sold.

With Windows 7 still holding a dominate market share one would have to question why Microsoft would be pushing so strongly to stop the sales of the popular OS. Perhaps they are looking to avoid the fiasco of Windows Vista and Windows XP?

Adobe Offers 45 Min Video For Photoshop Beginners

For those that are new to Photoshop the experience can quickly become overwhelming. Even with its much more friendly design and more intuitive tools Photoshop is still an immensely powerful program with a fairly steep learning curve. The sheer volume of features alone makes picking up even the basics in the application a daunting task for many users.

While most user might choose to jump right in, others will opt for searching the web for Photoshop tutorials or how to guides. However, even these can be confusing, enter Adobe's Terry White. Terry has put together an excellent 45 minute video showing you how to accomplish "10 Things Beginners Want to Know How To Do".

The video runs through a gamut of useful tools, like spot correction, layers and adjustment layers, cropping, fixing exposure and white balance, content aware fill, and more. So if that sounds like something you'd like to learn, carve yourself out a block of time, and get yourself an education.

Now for those of you who are advanced Photoshop geeks, obviously, this video isn't aimed at you, and even an intermediate user might find some of the content a bit redundant. But someone just starting out will probably find the videos Terry has created are invaluable—and the rest of us might just pick up a new method or two along the way, too.

If you like this video Terry has several more Adobe Creative Cloud Videos available on Adobe Creative Cloud TV or for more videos from other Adobe Evangelists and Experts checkout Adobe TV.

Apple Sheds Light On Law Enforcement Data Collections

Government inquiry reports are nothing new, after all Google, Verizon, AT&T and others have published 'transparency reports' for awhile now. Today however, marks one of the few times ever that we have seen Apple disclose their NSA and law enforcement data numbers.

The report, which can be viewed here as a PDF file, comes on the heels of several tech companies reaching a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice over disclosing national security information requests. A deal which will enable more tech firms to report more detail about security requests.

According to the report Apple responded to fewer than 250 national security requests and roughly 927 law enforcement request nationally from the period between January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013 disclosing data for 747 accounts, Apple objected to 102 requests and disclosed no data in 254 requests, for a total disclosure rate of 81 percent.

Apple said the numbers reported are "the actual number of requests for information related to law enforcement investigations and all of the national security orders received under FISA and NSLs guidelines."

This data represents every U.S. national security order for data about Apple's customers regardless of geography. The report also reiterates previous statements the company has made that unlike some other tech companies during the time from they did not receive any orders for bulk data.

Apple believes the number of accounts affected in comparison to the sheer volume of accounts the registered with the company is "infinitesimal". Yes I'd say so! So much so that I'd be skeptical of how accurate these numbers are and call into question the results. In comparison to the numbers we generally see these seem minute.

One reason may be is that perhaps the government agencies are circumventing the need for a direct order and obtaining the data needed in other ways. According to a new report from The New York Times and corroborated by other news agencies, the NSA can obtain data from iOS and Android apps as it travels over the Internet, in real time.

FBI Warns Retailers of The Likelihood of More Credit Card Attacks

Following reports of targeted attacks on retailers and the theft of personal information from customers, the FBI has released a statement warning retailers of the potential for future attacks, as well as the increased trend in malware affecting POS (Point of Sale) machines such as cash registers and credit card swiping devices.

According to Reuters, which initially obtained the report, there have been about 20 hacking cases in the past year that involved the same kind of malicious software similar to that used against Target stores over the past holiday shopping season. This high number of reported attacks not only has the FBI on alert and leads them to believe that "POS malware crime will continue to grow over the near term, despite law enforcement and security firms' actions to mitigate it".

In their 3 page report they also made note of the availability of malware on "underground forums" as well as the large potential for profits to be made from POS attacks, as warnings to the retailers in an attempt to get them to tighten up security. The report was dated January 17 and entitled "Recent Cyber Intrusion Events Directed Toward Retail Firms." A spokeswoman for the FBI confirmed the agency had issued the report as part of efforts to share information about threats with the private sector.

The vice president of the National Retail Federation, the world's largest retail trade association, stated that "Retailers have been and remain vigilant in their efforts to provide the highest level of security for their data systems in order to protect against malicious and criminal acts. As the criminal investigation continues and more information becomes available, you can be sure that the retail industry will be responsive and engaged to ensure this particular cyber-attack does not happen again."

Only time will tell, however, exactly how proactive these retailers will be in protecting their customers' personal information. One thing is clear: retailers need to move quickly to get better tools in their networks that can analyze traffic patterns on the fly and identify any unusual activity, said another expert in retail security, who has audited POS systems to find vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

Your Banking App May Be Putting Your Money At Risk

With several recent high profile data breaches making big headlines more and more consumers are questioning the security of not only the retailers they use but the websites they shop and apps the use on their mobile device. We often fall victim to a false sense of security believing that official apps are more secure than they really are. Security is undoubtedly very important in every app, of course, but if there is one group of mobile apps that we tend to believe should be secure more secure than any others we use it would probably mobile banking apps. 

Earlier this month security researcher Ariel Sanchez of IOActive published a rather shocking report that indicates that 90% of mobile banking apps from top banks around the world may have serious security vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise sensitive user data. Ariel Sanchez took a close hard look at mobile banking apps for the iPhone and iPad from 40 of the 60 top banks in the world and discovered serious security flaws in almost all of them. Here is a small sampling of his discoveries:

• “A few apps (less than 20%) did not have Position Independent Executable (PIE) and Stack Smashing Protection enabled. This could help to mitigate the risk of memory corruption attacks.”
• “40% of the audited apps did not validate the authenticity of SSL certificates presented. This makes them susceptible to Man in The Middle (MiTM) attacks.”
• “50% of the apps are vulnerable to JavaScript injections via insecure UIWebView implementations. In some cases, the native iOS functionality was exposed, allowing actions such as sending SMS or emails from the victim’s device.”
• “90% [of the apps] contained several non-SSL links throughout the application. This allows an attacker to intercept the traffic and inject arbitrary JavaScript/HTML code in an attempt to create a fake login prompt or similar scam.”

This incredibly troubling study should open the eyes of the consumer as it lifts the veil on that false sense of security that we all have. The research brings to light a few very serious problems for the banking industry — and for consumers that utilize these apps — that will only become more severe over time as mobile banking app usage grows. Sanchez notes in his report that the various security vulnerabilities he identified could allow malicious hackers to intercept sensitive data, install malware or even seize control of a victim’s device handing over full account access and control.

“Home banking apps that have been adapted for mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, have created a significant security challenge for worldwide financial firms,” Sanchez stated in his conclusion. “As this research shows, financial industries should increase the security standards they use for their mobile home banking solutions.”

Intel To Dish Out $1.3 Million To Inventors Who 'Make It Wearable'

Intel is making a major leap into the 'wearable computing' market and they are looking for developers to help them make it happen. In his CES keynote address, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich issued a challenge to the smartest and most creative minds to participate in the Intel "Make It Wearable" challenge (PDF).

Intel will award $1.3 million in cash awards to winners and will connect contenders with industry luminaries to help realize their ideas. Winners will create wearable devices that will help computing evolve to become ever more personal and connected. The inventors are encouraged to consider areas of importance for the proliferation of wearable devices and ubiquitous computing, such as meaningful usages, aesthetics, battery life, security and privacy.

 Guidelines for submissions are as follows:

• The challenge will begin in summer 2014 and is open to individuals in selected countries to submit ideas via a website (makeit.intel.com) for new wearable products. 
• Winners will be announced by January 2015 
• The grand prize winner will receive US$500,000. The second and third place winners will receive $200,000 and S$100,000, respectively.
• The ten finalists will receive $50,000 to help get their ideas off the ground Each will be provided with more than 70 hours of intensive mentoring over two months
•  The product must be based on Intel technology and be a sensor or computing device that is attached, embedded or worn on the body. 
• Categories include fashion, wellness, social, education, environment, security and healthcare. 
• Judges and mentors will be luminaries in various fields related to wearables such as technology, entrepreneurship and design. 

Visit makeit.intel.com for more details, additional eligibility requirements and official rules, to be posted before submission opening.