Knock App Lets You Unlock Your Mac By Knocking On Your iPhone

Posted: 15 Nov 2013 06:00 AM PST I have a confession: I dislike putting passwords and passcodes on my devices. I find the extra step to be a hindrance, especially since I find myself having to unlock devices several times in an hour. It is a security measure, for sure, but I would rather have something like a fingerprint scanner that will allow me to bypass having to key in my password. Call it lazy, if you want, but that’s how it is. Of course, not many devices today have fingerprint scanning capabilities, so we have to make do with what we have – that is, if we are in the slightest bit concerned about privacy and security. Knock knock knocking Enter the Knock App. The underlying idea is to make it simple for users to gain access to their Mac (or MacBook) by pairing it with an iPhone. As the name implies, you merely have to knock (literally) to have the door (figuratively) opened to you. How it works First you need to install the iOS app. If you’ve got $3.99 to spare, then it’s easy enough to download and install. To complete the process, you have to visit the Knock web site on your Mac and download the app there as well. You’ll then have to pair the two devices so that you’ll simply have to knock on your iPhone the next time you want to gain access to your computer. Pretty nifty, huh? Here’s a video to show you more. Conclusion I liked the idea so much that I didn’t think twice about purchasing the app. A week later, however, I have to say that I don’t use it anymore. One reason is that I couldn’t get it to work on my MacBook Air. For some reason, things just wouldn’t go beyond the pairing stage. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling several times, to no avail. Installation of Knock App did work on the MacBook Pro flawlessly. However, there seems to be an issue with unlocking. More often than not, you’d have to knock really hard – and many times, too – for the MBP to unlock. I have a feeling that it’s an iOS/OSX issue, so I’ll wait for further updates and see what happens. Still, others seem to have had issue-free experiences, so I think it’s worth a try. Anyone who uses Knock App here? Your input? [Image via The Verge] The post Knock App Lets You Unlock Your Mac By Knocking On Your iPhone appeared first on TechBeat.

Microsoft-Branded Handset In The Pipeline Posted: 15 Nov 2013 05:00 AM PST It has been confirmed that Microsoft is working on its own branded Windows phone. This confirmation comes two months after the company acquired Nokia for $7.2 billion. A senior executive at Microsoft said that part of the company’s strategy is to become a devices and services company but so far there has been no mention of a launch date. Director of the Windows Phone Business Group, Microsoft Corporation, Vineet Durani said, “We are waiting for regulatory clearances on the Nokia deal to merge the devices and hardware business, with Microsoft’s software business. The Microsoft-branded phone is under review, but in the meanwhile we continue to work with our partners like Huawei, Samsung and HTC for Windows OS handsets.” Image for concept only It has been reported that as part of the deal between Nokia and Samsung, the name “Nokia” moves over to Microsoft for mobile use for ten years, as well as the Lumia and Asha brands. It was even hinted that Lumia handsets would not carry the Nokia brand tag in the future. Anshul Gupta, principle research analyst at Gartner said that few have succeeded in beating Samsung and Apple when it comes to the handset market. So will Microsoft be able to succeed where Nokia failed? “While it is difficult to comment on how Microsoft would perform with its own branded handset, considering that we haven’t seen much  from them as a hardware player. By taking over Nokia, they will gain the device assets and manufacturing capabilities of an experienced global player, that puts them on par with other global players, and therefore in a better place than they were earlier,” said Gupta. [Image via iClarified] SOURCE: http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-microsoft-working-on-own-branded-phone-1918343 The post Microsoft-Branded Handset In The Pipeline appeared first on TechBeat.

Viber 4.0 Adds Stickers, Push to Talk & Android Tablet Support Posted: 15 Nov 2013 04:00 AM PST Viber 4.0 has just hit app stores!  The updated app carries new features such as; Stickers, push-to-talk voice messaging, and it also has support for Android tablets. CEO Talmon Marco recently said, “This is the most exciting release we’ve had for Viber since we launched the platform…Today’s updated version brings a vast new range of features and functionality to Viber.” On top of the list of the new features is the push-to-talk instant communication option, which allows users to send short voice messages to each other. The app creators are very happy with this new feature as it simplifies the typical PTT process.  The old process involves the user recording a message before sending it and then waiting for the recipient to download it and listen. Using this new feature however, Viber users can cut the average 60-second response time to approx five seconds. For fun, the updated app also comes with a new Sticker Market, where users can find a large selection of cartoon images to express their emotions. Viber has unveiled two new featured characters, Mayo and Blu, as well as exclusive content to tie in with annual themes and holidays. Users can choose from more than 300 stickers priced at $1.99. Android users can take advantage of the updates by downloading the Viber app on their tablet. It works in the same way as the desktop application.  The app carries over mobile contacts and synchronizes messages and calls on all the users’ devices. For those running Android 4.0 and up, they will have access to improved notifications, the ability to send messages while on a call and a Light up Screen setting for incoming messages!  “Viber has always aimed to provide a complete communications experience,” Marco said. “With the new features we’ve brought to the platform, Viber lets users connect and stay connected in more ways than ever.” [Image via imagenes.es] SOURCE: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2427025,00.asp The post Viber 4.0 Adds Stickers, Push to Talk & Android Tablet Support appeared first on TechBeat.

Amazon Source Program is Angering Booksellers Posted: 15 Nov 2013 03:00 AM PST Leave it up to Amazon to make everyday bookstore owners angry. It has long been wondered if and how soon digital books would overtake their physical book counterparts, and with the Amazon Source program, it might begin to happen sooner than originally thought. With this new program, Amazon hopes to give readers the best of both worlds by allowing traditional bookstores to sell various Kindles on top of the print books they already sell. The stores would then receive a small percentage of the sales from every e-reader that was sold. The Amazon Source program will have its first run in the United States. Tell Us How You Really Feel Early opinions about the Amazon Source program are anything but positive. One seller had this to say of Amazon’s program: it would be like…”inviting hungry foxes into the hen house.” Here’s how Amazon pictures the relationship working with the bookstores. The stores would buy a stockpile of Kindles, at 6% off the normal price, stores would then sell the Kindles and receive a small cut of the profits, and then they would receive 10% from any e-book sales from those specific Kindles for 2 years. Sounds like a win-win situation, right? Melville House decided to seek out opinions on the Amazon Source Program, and you can view them here. After reading down the page, I have yet to see one positive response. One response details how independent book stores do not exist as Amazon franchises, and this individual might have a very good point. Amazon has found 2 bookstores in the U.S. to attempt this program, and we shall see the results. It remains to be seen whether this will result in Amazon eventually controlling even more of the book world. If it’s up to the book sellers, though, it’s fairly clear that they have zero interest whatsoever in partnering with Amazon. And I, for one, can’t say I blame them. What do you think? Is this a good idea? [Image via wired] SOURCE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24868137 The post Amazon Source Program is Angering Booksellers appeared first on TechBeat.

Google Patents Lie Detector Tattoo Posted: 15 Nov 2013 02:00 AM PST Tattoos could be about to get a tech makeover. As well as being an outlet for artistic flair, Google wants to explore the idea of an electronic skin tattoo that could embed a microphone and lie detector into a users neck. Google owned Motorola Mobility has filed an application with the US Patent Office for a design that pairs tattoos with mobile devices titled,  “Coupling an Electronic Skin Tattoo to a Mobile Communication Device.” The electronic tattoo would be located on a user’s neck and would act as a supplemental phone microphone. It is thought that by being near to the user’s mouth, it would reduce background noise during calls and result in clearer audio. Included in the device would be a transceiver allowing for wireless communication when paired with a mobile device. This would improve how voice commands work on a phone. According to the patent the tattoo could also be used as a lie-detector. The device would have a “galvanic skin response detector to detect skin resistance of a user”, so someone who is nervous or telling a lie may have a different skin-related response. The patent also explains how the device will be powered. The tattoo could “employ solar panel technology, capacitive technology, nanotechnology or electro-mechanical technology,” or use a rechargeable battery. There is no mention of how the tattoo will be applied but if an electronic tattoo doesn’t appeal then the patent does mention the option of using a  “collar or band that would be worn around the throat”. [Image via Digital Trends] SOURCE: http://mashable.com/2013/11/12/neck-tattoo-google/ The post Google Patents Lie Detector Tattoo appeared first on TechBeat.

Beware, Smartphone Camera Can Reveal Your PIN Posted: 15 Nov 2013 02:00 AM PST According to a team from the University of Cambridge, a PIN for a smartphone can be discovered through the camera and microphone. The programme, called PIN Skimmer, can identify the codes that have been entered on a number-only soft keypad. It works by observing your face via the smartphone camera and then through the microphone listens to the clicks as you type the PIN. The research report explains that the microphone is used to detect “touch-events”, effectively it can “hear” the clicks that the phone makes as a result of the user pressing the virtual number keys. The camera estimates the position of the phone and “correlates it to the position of the digit tapped by the user”. Professor Ross and Anderson and Laurent Simon, who carried out the tests using the Google Nexus-S and the Galaxy S3 handsets, said: “We demonstrated that the camera, usually used for conferencing or face recognition, can be used maliciously.” “We watch how your face appears to move as you jiggle your phone by typing,” said Anderson, professor of security engineering at Cambridge University. It did surprise us how well it worked.” The programme was able to successfully detect four-digit PINs more than 50 percent of the time after five attempts. So with more smartphones using these PINs for more sensitive apps like banking, the researchers raise the question over whether they should be accessible with PINs. PIN Protection One possible solution to prevent a PIN being identified is to use a longer number but the researchers say this will affect “memorability and usability”. Another suggestion is “randomising” the position of the numbers but again it raises the issue of usability. There is the option of doing away with passwords altogether and instead using fingerprint or face recognition. Whatever the solution Prof Anderson has some words of warning for those developing payment apps: “If you’re developing payment apps, you’d better be aware that these risks exist.” [Image via ikeepcurrent] SOURCE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24897581 The post Beware, Smartphone Camera Can Reveal Your PIN appeared first on TechBeat.

Upp The Worlds First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Charger Posted: 15 Nov 2013 01:00 AM PST Hydrogen fuel cells could be the future of our power. Companies use Hydrogen mixed with Oxygen to produce energy.  In the process, creating water as the by-product. In the case of Intelligent Energy’s Upp, it uses a replaceable hydrogen cell to charge smartphones, tablets or mobiles.  In fact, whatever you have that needs power.  What is amazing about this device is that it delivers power at the same speed as a standard wall charger! Upp will launch in initially in Africa, as a means of a providing sustainable, eco-friendly power source. One hydrogen cell will provide five full charges of a mobile phone (25Wh capacity per cell). And the only by-product produced is water vapour. A USB type A socket means it will charge most USB devices with a 5V, 5W, 1000mA output. The Upp device also comes with an accompanying app on either iOS or Android, which can provide predictive usage statistics and user profile information.  This enables better management of fuel levels. The Upp itself carries an Intelligent Auto Shutoff feature that conserves energy and thereby protects the battery of the device that it is charging. Henri Winand, CEO of Intelligent Energy, said “We are delighted to launch Upp, which represents a new category of energy device, and are excited about the transformational implications for the portable electronics market and the consumer…With the growing demand for portable devices, mobile and cloud services, consumers want the energy independence to keep their devices connected and powered-up all the time.  “Upp is evidence that fuel cells are not just rocket science; the Upp fuel cell personal energy device has the power to extend your everyday life experiences and untether you from the wall socket, while making sure you stay connected.” Upp will be rolled out this coming December.  The Pricing structure and international availability have yet to be announced. [Image via intelligent-energy] SOURCE: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/125060-world-s-first-mobile-hydrogen-fuel-cell-charger-upp-unveiled The post Upp The Worlds First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Charger appeared first on TechBeat.