Archive for February, 2014

BlackBerry CEO Says That “Good Is Not Good Enough”

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2014 by itnerd

BlackBerry CEO used this weeks Mobile World Congress to take swipes at competitors while touting their own security creed. In a blog entry titled “Good Is not Good Enough” which was a swipe at Good Technologies, here’s part of what he said:

Pure play vendors such as Good Technology have been able to create healthy competition in the mobile MDM space, but it will be challenging for them to evolve past being just an MDM provider.

And, the approach that security can be ‘good enough’ that Good and other vendors are selling is often not good for customers. This is especially true for those in regulated industries – financial services, healthcare, insurance, government –where the highest security environments are required.

And when it comes to his own stuff, he said this:

BlackBerry is also making a strategic move by investing in a new architecture that goes beyond enterprise mobility management (EMM) to an application-based environment and ecosystem that provides a highly productive end-user experience. This new enterprise mobility platform is being executed by John Sims, BlackBerry’s President of Enterprise Services, who announced a new roadmap of differentiated and secure products and services tailored to meet any enterprise’s end-to-end mobility needs. This includes a new enterprise mobility foundation, devices and applications, including a new eBBM suite for enterprise customers.

And:

Despite the changes that the EMM market is experiencing, we will leave you with this example: BlackBerry is used and trusted by all seven of the G7 governments who recognize that BlackBerry provides the right approach to EMM with best-in-class security, management and ease-of-use that is demanded by their industry and end-users.

So. Clearly Chen is drawing the line in the sand. There’s the security that BlackBerry offers, and there’s everybody else. Someone who is responsible for mobile devices has to make the right choice or bad things will happen.

This I suspect will get some attention. It got mine.

Google SVP Says “Android Is Not Designed To Be Safe”

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2014 by itnerd

From the “he really said that” department comes this. Google’s Senior Vice President Sundar Pichai has said that Android is not designed to be a safe mobile operating platform.

Really. He said that. Here’s the proof which was an answer to a question at the Mobile World Congress:

We cannot guarantee that Android is designed to be safe, the format was designed to give more freedom. When people talk about 90% of malware for Android, they must of course take into account the fact that it is the most popular operating system in the world. If I had a company dedicated to malware, I would also be addressing my attacks on Android.

That’s a really lame answer. After all At least Microsoft makes attempts at combating threats to Windows with updates and the like. Plus you don’t see Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, or anyone else there saying “oh well, sorry but we aren’t going to bother.”

As far as I am concerned, this is a total #fail and I fully expect him to be fired shortly.

Rogers Opens Flagship Data Centre In Calgary

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 26, 2014 by itnerd

Rogers Data Centres announced the opening of a new data centre in Calgary that gives Canadian and international businesses a highly reliable and certified data  centre presence in Western Canada. The facility, called ‘Calgary_DC3’, is the first Tier III certified data centre in Alberta. It is Rogers Data Centre’s second Tier III centre in Canada and will provide businesses of all sizes with access to secure, world class data centre services.

This data centre is in close enough proximity to Calgary city limits to be used as a primary corporate data centre for that market, and far enough out to be used as disaster recovery site. This 85,000 square foot facility provides access to both raised floor and business resumption space, with capacity for over 900 cabinets, state-of-the-art and highly efficient cooling systems, world-class security measures and 24/7 customer support. The new site also gives customers the ability to implement a fully redundant in-province technology hosting solution to be used in tandem with Rogers Data Centres’ Edmonton-based facility.

Rogers Data Centres Calgary_DC3 has also received Uptime Institute’s Tier III certification for design and will be certified for construction. This third party validation assures customers that the site meets the highest industry standards for data centre design and construction. The facility is additionally SSAE 16, PCI, and HIPAA compliant to respond to internal and external auditing requirements. This compliance allows business customers to leverage Roger’s certification in their own auditing process. They will be assured through third party verification that the site is operated within the best practices in the industry, saving financial and human resources typically put towards auditing of data centres.

If you want to find out more about this and other Rogers Data Centres, visit www.datacentres.rogers.com.

 

Belkin Announces Cases, Armbands and Charger For The Samsung Galaxy S5

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 26, 2014 by itnerd

Accessories maker Belkin has unveiled a line of accessories designed for the new Samsung Galaxy S5 that was announced this week. Belkin’s new accessory collection includes stylish folios, everyday protection cases, athletic armbands and charging solutions for at home and on the go and they are designed to complement the new features of the Samsung Galaxy S5.

Here’s what Belkin has on offer:

2-in-1 Wallet Folio Case for Samsung Galaxy S5 (F8M924) – $39.99

  • Three-way versatility: protection, storage and viewing
  • Removable Xpose™ frame slides up for instant photos or as a separate protective case
  • Three inner card slots
  • Additional vertical storage pocket
  • Stand function for viewing videos and photos
  • Tab closure with magnetic snap
  • Available in four colours: Black/Gravel, Azalea/Fiesta, Ink/Lavender and Lagoon/Ink 

Classic Folio (F8M921) and Stripe Folio (F8M923) for Samsung Galaxy S5 – $29.99

  • Cover converts into a stand for easy hands-free viewing
  • Hard-shell frame with microfiber-lined outer cover for full-coverage scratch protection
  • One inner card slot
  • Tab closure with magnetic strap
  • Slim, form-fitting design
  • Classic Folio comes in five vibrant jewel-toned colors: Blacktop, Mask, Azalea, Lagoon and Orchid
  • Stripe Folio comes in five colours with a bold, contrasting stripe: Blacktop/Charcoal, Azalea/Red Violet, Mask/Lacquered, Lagoon/Peacock Green and Fiesta/Fuchsia

Air Protect™ Grip Extreme Case for Samsung Galaxy S5 (F8M911) – $34.99

  • Dual-layer protection with glass-fiber fortified inner ShocWave™ skeleton and flexible, shock-absorbent outer shell
  • Reinforced edge protects against drops
  • Soft-touch outer shell wraps around edges for enhanced scratch protection
  • Slim, form-fitting design for bulk-free damage defense
  • Available in five colours: Slate, Paparazzi Pink/Citrus, Pale Blue/Lavender, Topaz/Limelight and Lavender/Topaz

Air Protect™ Grip Max Case for Samsung Galaxy S5 (F8M912) – $34.99

  • Reinforced corners protect against drops
  • Dual-layer protection with rigid inner frame and flexible outer shell
  • Flared design keeps phone raised off surfaces to prevent scratches
  • Slim, form-fitting design for bulk-free damage defense
  • Available in five colours: Blacktop/Slate, Gravel/Topaz, Fuchsia/Mint, Lacquer/Hazard and  Topaz/Limelight

Air Protect™ Grip Bumper Case for Samsung Galaxy S5 (F8M913) –$29.99

  • Reinforced corners protect against drops
  • Dual-layer protection with rigid inner frame and flexible outer shell
  • Slim, form-fitting design for bulk-free damage defense
  • Soft-touch outer shell wraps around edges for enhanced scratch protection
  • Available in seven colours: Blacktop/Slate, Gravel/Topaz, Fuchsia/Mint, Lacquer/Hazard, Topaz/Limelight, Red Violet/Lagoon and Mask/Civic Blue

Air Protect™ Grip Vue Case for Samsung Galaxy S5 (F8M915) – $29.99

  • Dual-layer protection with rigid inner frame and transparent, shock-absorbent outer shell
  • Wraparound edges for enhanced scratch protection
  • Slim, form-fitting design for bulk-free damage defense
  • Available in three colour combinations: Stone, Lavender/Fuchsia, and Lagoon/Topaz

Air Protect™ Grip Candy SE Case for Samsung Galaxy S5 (F8M910) – $29.99

  • Textured edges for added grip
  • Flexible, shock-absorbent, soft-touch shell that wraps around edges for enhanced scratch protection
  • Slim, form-fitting design for bulk-free damage defense
  • Available in five colours: Gravel/Stone, Lacquer/Stone, Topaz/Gravel, Fuchsia/Orchid and Purple/Jade

Air Protect™ Grip Candy Case for Samsung Galaxy S5 (F8M909) – $24.99

  • Flexible, shock-absorbent, soft-touch shell that wraps around edges for enhanced scratch protection
  • Slim, form-fitting design for bulk-free damage defense
  • Available in seven colours: Clear/Gravel, Pale Blue/Blacktop, Orange/Gravel, Civic Blue/Mix It Blue, Orchid/Bubblegum, Fuchsia/Topaz and Topaz/Azalea

Slim-Fit Armband for Samsung Galaxy S5 (F8M919) – $29.99

  • Lightweight, breathable, hand-washable neoprene material
  • Slimmer, adjustable strap with integrated cord storage
  • Comfortable, easy-to-adjust loop design
  • Clear screen protection
  • Available in Blacktop and Fuchsia

Sport-Fit Plus Armband for Samsung Galaxy S5 (F8M702) – $29.99

  • Lightweight, breathable, hand-washable neoprene material
  • Pouch for key or cash
  • Adjustable strap
  • Clear screen protection
  • Available in Blacktop

Sport-Fit Armband for Samsung Galaxy S5 (F8M918) – $24.99

  • Lightweight, breathable, hand-washable neoprene material
  • Adjustable strap
  • Clear screen protection
  • Available in Blacktop

Belkin’s folios, cases, armbands and charging solutions for the Samsung Galaxy S5 are planned to be available starting in late March at belkin.com and select retailers across Canada.

 

Infographic: Apple And Samsung Lead Brand Retention

Posted in Commentary on February 26, 2014 by itnerd

AppleSamsungInfographic

Apple Releases Fix For Critical SSL Hole

Posted in Commentary with tags , on February 25, 2014 by itnerd

You might recall that Apple had an hole in its implementation of SSL that existed in pretty much everything they made that allowed someone on the same network as the victim to view encrypted traffic. Apple fixed this in iOS but not in OSX which left Macs vulnerable to this sort of attack. Thus it’s timely that Apple today released a patch for that hole today. Actually, they released several of them depending on what version of OSX that you run. Here’s the list:

Now, of interest was the notes relating to the security related items fixed in the above. It confirms that this issue only affects OSX Mavericks. Earlier versions of OSX were not affected.

I would recommend that Mac users running OSX Mavericks download and install this update right away. That way you’re fully protected from this exploit as it’s a safe bet that evil doers have got tools that take advantage of this.

BlackBerry Announces New Phones And Services

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 25, 2014 by itnerd

From the “We’re not dead yet” file, comes this announcement from BlackBerry. Two new phones are about to hit the streets:

  • The first thing that was announced was the BlackBerry Z3. It’s a 3G-only device with a 5-inch 960×540 pixel display, a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 1.5 GB RAM, 8GB storage, a 5MP rear camera and a 1.1MP front-facing camera. The Z3 will be available in Indonesia this coming April for under $200. It will be only available in Indonesia which is a BlackBerry stronghold – for now.
  • Next up is the BlackBerry Q20 which is unique because of the classic navigation keys (menu, back, send, end) and a trackpad. That may appeal to old school BlackBerry users. Other than a 3.5″ touch screen and a large battery, I don’t see any specs on the device. I guess we’ll have to wait until the second half of 2014 when this device is due to be released for more details.

Finally, BlackBerry announced the “eBBM Suite” of products specifically designed for the enterprise market. The first being BBM Protected. Think of it as BBM that’s secure enough for enterprises to really want to use it. That should hit the streets this summer. BES 12 was also announced and existing BES 10 users will be able to migrate for free.

I’m guessing that these announcements are resonating as the stock is up slightly in pre-market trading as I type this. That’s a good thing for them and shows that the company perhaps has a lot left in it.

Samsung Announces Galaxy S5 And Galaxy Gear

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 24, 2014 by itnerd

Samsung has decided to fire the next shot at Apple to try and gain control of the smartphone universe.

Let’s start with the new Galaxy S5 that was announced today. It has a 5.1-inch 1080P screen and includes a fingerprint sensor built into the device’s home button, mirroring Apple’s own Touch ID introduced with the iPhone 5s. Samsung’s sensor is activated using a swiping motion that scans the finger from base to tip as the phone utilizes a rectangular home button. To me it looks similar to previous models, though it has a unique soft-touch textured backing, a water resistant casing, and it comes in both blue and copper gold along with black and white. It also rolls up to the table with a 2.5GHz quad core processor, 2GB of memory and Android KitKat 4.4.2 along with an upgraded 16-megapixel camera with quick autofocus and real-time HDR. Not only that, there’s a heart rate sensor next to the camera’s flash which is able to measure heart rate with a finger on the sensor. The heart rate sensor accompanies the standard accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass and an IR-based gesture sensor.

The Galaxy S5 will also work with a suite of new smart watches that were announced in two announcements today as well:

  • The Gear Fit focuses on measuring heart rate and counting steps. It incorporates an AMOLED touchscreen panel and offers smartphone notifications and alerts, but it does not include a camera, a microphone, or a speaker.
  • The Gear 2 features a 1.63-inch touchscreen, 4GB of internal storage, 512MB of RAM, and mobile speakers, and contains a built-in IR blaster and a camera that has been moved from the wristband to the front of the device.
  • The Gear 2 Neo is lighter than its higher-end counterpart, and does not feature a camera.

And if you’re a Rogers or Telus customer, they’ve got news for you as well:

  • New and existing Rogers customers can reserve theirs on Rogers Reservation System at  http://rogers.com/reserve. More details can also be found on RedBoard: http://roge.rs/1msjtDO
  • Telus customers can pre-register on their website to receive information and early access to pre-order the Samsung GALAXY S5.

So, will you be rushing out to get one?

REPORT: Ford Dumps Microsoft For BlackBerry QNX

Posted in Commentary with tags , , on February 24, 2014 by itnerd

This has to sting for Microsoft.

Reports suggest that Ford is about to dump Microsoft as the provider of their Sync infotainment software for BlackBerry’s QNX OS. The same underpinnings that powers BB10 devices:

Using QNX will be less expensive than licensing Microsoft technology and will improve the flexibility and speed of the next Sync system, the people, who asked not to be identified because the decision hasn’t been made public, said Feb. 22. Ford has more than 7 million vehicles on the road with Sync using Microsoft voice-activated software to make mobile-phone calls and play music.

This has to be a huge vote of confidence for BlackBerry and if you’re Microsoft, this must, really, hurt because Ford made a big deal about being in bed with Microsoft when Sync first appeared. I also wonder if existing Sync owners will get an upgrade or does this only apply to new owners who buy new cars?

Assuming that this is true of course. We’ll see if it is or not soon enough I suppose.

BBM Coming To Windows Phone “In The Coming Months”

Posted in Commentary with tags , on February 24, 2014 by itnerd

It’s available on BB10 devices, along with iOS and Android. But BlackBerry has never had BBM available for Windows Phone. That changed today with this announcement:

BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB), a global leader in mobile communications, today announced that BBM™ will be made available to Windows Phone and Nokia X customers in the coming months.

BBM is a premier mobile messaging platform that offers best-in-class collaboration tools such as BBM Groups, BBM Voice and BBM Channels. BBM users rely on the privacy, immediacy and control that are at the core of BBM.

“BBM continues to grow in popularity as millions of people use our mobile platform for chatting and connecting with friends or colleagues, and we are very excited that we will soon welcome Windows Phone and Nokia X users to the BBM community,” said John Sims, President, Global Enterprise Solutions at BlackBerry.

“Today marks an exciting moment for Nokia,” said Bryan Biniak, Vice President and GM of Developer Relations, Nokia Corporation. “By bringing BBM to the Windows Phone and Nokia X communities, our customers will be able to experience this popular global messaging app.”

From the press release, it looks like it will be feature complete which is a good thing. I’m not sure what “In The Coming Months” means, but one would imagine that it would be before this summer.