Jordan Kahn

Update: Google’s Senior Vice President of Communications and Policy Rachel Whetstone reached out with a statement. Excerpt below, full statement after the break.

Microsoft omitted important information from its blog post today.

Microsoft uses a “self-declaration” protocol (known as “P3P”) dating from 2002 under which Microsoft asks websites to represent their privacy practices in machine-readable form. It is well known – including by Microsoft – that it is impractical to comply with Microsoft’s request while providing modern web functionality. We have been open about our approach, as have many other websites.

Today the Microsoft policy is widely non-operational. A 2010 research report indicated that over 11,000 websites were not issuing valid P3P policies as requested by Microsoft…

For many years, Microsoft’s browser has requested every website to “self-declare” its cookies and privacy policies in machine readable form, using particular “P3P” three-letter policies…

Today the Microsoft policy is widely non-operational.

Much like allegations over Google  “bypassing the privacy settings” of Safari on the iPhone, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Internet Explorer claimed Google is taking similar action to “track IE users with cookies.” After hearing that Google bypassed Safari settings, Google investigated and confirmed a different bypassing mechanism used on Internet Explorers. In a blog post on the IEBlog, Dean Hachamovitch described what they discovered:

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Following allegations that Google was “bypassing the privacy settings” of the iPhone’s Safari browser, three members of the U.S. House of Representatives want the FTC to look into whether Google’s actions violate a settlement agreement with the FTC stemming from “deceptive tactics” used during the launch of Google Buzz.

Lawmakers, including Joe Barton and Edward J. Markey, Co-chairman of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus, and Chairman of Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations Cliff Stearns sent a letter to FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz on Friday (via ComputerWorld):

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It looks like Barnes & Noble plans to release a new 8GB model of its Nook Tablet that is only available in a 16 GB version for $249. The proof comes from documentation acquired by The Verge, and as the publication pointed out, it is pretty much safe to assume the new 8GB Nook Tab will come in closer to the price tag of its biggest competitor the Amazon’s $199 Kindle Fire. At the launch of the Nook Tablet, B&N CEO William Lynch claimed the Kindle Fire is “deficient for a media tablet” due to its 8GB of storage (6GB available for user content). According to the document, the 8GB Nook Tablet will be landing in Walmart this Wednesday, Feb. 22.

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As pointed out by AndroidWorld (via Engadget), Google’s latest update to Maps for Android only listed minor performance improvements. However, some report it seems to have introduced a new Foursquare-like global leaderboard integrated into Latitude that ranks Google+ users based on points earned by checking-in. Many report having to check-in before being able to access the feature, and it does not appear to have rolled out to everyone as of yet. Google has not made any official announcements, but we will keep you posted when we get official word from Google on the new feature.

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Google made things official for Android’s appearance at the upcoming Mobile World Congress set to take place later this month in Barcelona, Spain from Feb. 27 to March 1, 2012. There are not many hints about exactly what Google plans to show off f when it comes to Android, but the teaser countdown page on Android.com shows a graphic of the Android mascot being unboxed. We will be keeping you posted in just over 9 days when MWC kicks off. Despite Samsung confirming it will not hold a press event, we also heard rumors of a mystery Android 4.0 device being unveiled at the event, as well as a 10.1-inch version of the Galaxy Note.

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If you ever tried Google’s current line of 3G capable Chromebooks, Samsung’s Series 5, you might be pleased to know new Chromebooks with vastly improved performance are on the way. Google’s Senior Vice President of Chrome Sundar Pichai gave an interview to Cnet recently, and while noting Chrome OS improves with every update to the Chrome browser (every six weeks), he talked about the new, upcoming Chromebooks:

“We remain very excited about Chromebooks. We got a lot of positive feedback, and we are really looking forward to the next generation of Chromebooks. We will improve on the dimensions of speed, simplicity, and security.”

Overall improved performance on Chromebooks, as Cnet’s Stephen Shankland pointed out while talking in length about his experiences using the Samsung’s Series 5 Chromebook, is greatly needed to get the device up to the standards of the average notebook user:

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Facebook for Android was just given a significant update that brought a number of new features, including access to games, apps, and an overall improved browsing experience. Facebook also included a “navigate anywhere” interface with a quicker single-tap access to groups, pages, and settings. Photos will now show tags and allow you to zoom in, and the update claims to bring faster push notifications.

Other improvements listed with the update include the ability to see your mobile timeline, and the ability to access subscriptions and friend lists. The update is available in the Market now.

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Spotted by The Verge, Samsung’s invitation to the upcoming “Samsung Developer Day,” set to take place at Mobile World Congress later this month, might have revealed a yet -to- be announced product: “The Galaxy Note 10.1”. The product name appears next to “Galaxy Note,” which is Samsung’s current 5.3-inch device (pictured above) that integrates the S Pen stylus. Of course, it is likely the invitation was supposed to read “Galaxy Tab 10.1.” However, the invitation does list only the S Pen SDK and bada 2.0 SDK as software being demoed. While the company already confirmed it would not be holding any press events at MWC, it will still be attending the event that is taking place Feb. 27 to March 1 in Barcelona, Spain. We will keep you posted.

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After we learned that Google Wallet was cracked rather easily on rooted phones, and then shortly after on non-rooted devices, Google quickly addressed the problem by temporarily disabling provisioning of prepaid cards. The flaw would allow a user to access an existing pre-paid balance after loading up a new prepaid card on a device that did not belong to them. Today Google announced a fix was issued yesterday afternoon that “prevents an existing prepaid card from being re-provisioned to another user”:

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iFixit gave the Motorola’s Droid 4 its usual teardown treatment to reveal a few issues with repairability, and it gave the device its lowest score ever for a Droid product. While claiming the device has the “best keyboard yet,” iFixit said the keyboard is integrated into the motherboard, which forces you to replace both parts even for minor keyboard repairs. Although iFixit was able to get it off the battery with a little force, the teardown also revealed the battery is not meant to be removable by the user (unlike past Droids).

Motorola definitely understood the importance of designing a good keyboard for this phone. From our limited txt-testing, it appears to be the best Droid keyboard yet. The same shows in its internal construction (aside from it being integrated into the motherboard).

The positives noted in the teardown: No proprietary screws, and the LCD and glass are separate to allow for cheaper repairs of cracked displays. You can check out iFixit’s full teardown to see exactly why it gave the device a 4 out of 10 repairability score.
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As first reported by SammyHub, Samsung today announced its first tablet running Android 4.0 with the new Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0). A clear evolution of the original Galaxy Tab, the 10.5 mm thin Galaxy Tab 2 sports a 7-inch WSVGA display (1024×600), a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 3-megapixel main cam (VGA on front), A-GPS, Bluetooth 3.0, microSD, and a 4,000mAh battery. It will also come in 8, 16, and 32GB variants, and both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G models when it is released in the United Kingdom in March.

As for pricing, we get an idea from Scandinavian countries that list the Wi-Fi model for around $450 USD and the 3G model for about $550. We will keep you posted as we learn more. Full press release after the break.

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With the Mobile World Congress set to kick off later this month Feb. 27 to March 1 in Barcelona, Spain, PhoneArena (via BGR) posted alleged leaked photos of an unannounced HTC device running Ice Cream Sandwich. Your guess is as good as any when it comes to what the device will market as, but we do learn much about the mystery Android 4.0 smartphone’s specs.

The hardware information screen from one of the images indicates the device will sport a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, an 8-megapixel main camera (VGA on front), 1GB of RAM, and LTE capabilities. The report said sources claim the device has an AMOLED display and runs Sense UI 4.0 on top of ICS.

As for the device’s physical design, there are not many clues as to whether this is an upgraded model or a new product line. PhoneArena noted the backside of the device appears similar to the DROID Incredible 2, which led them to speculate it could possible be the HTC DROID Incredible 3. The design is not a huge departure from most of the company’s current smartphone offerings.

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A Federal Communications Commission filing from Google last week requested permission to test an unspecified “entertainment device” that would connect to home networks over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Today a report from The Wall Street Journal claimed the company is developing a Google-branded “home-entertainment system” for wirelessly streaming music.

Google Inc. is developing a home-entertainment system that streams music wirelessly throughout the home and would be marketed under the company’s own brand, according to people briefed on the company’s plans. The effort marks the Internet company’s first full-fledged effort to design and market consumer electronics devices under the Google brand, and represents a sharp shift in strategy.

Citing “people briefed on the company’s plans,” the report said the Android team leads the project, and it has been in development for several years. WSJ said the “Google Android entertainment system” would allow users to download content, possibly not limited to music, and stream it to other devices and Google-certified accessories. There was also a mention of controlling the device with a smartphone or tablet. WSJ’s source said the device would launch later this year.

Update: Silicon Filter points out the possibility that Google could have shown off prototypes for the new streaming device at Google I/O last year. Google stressed that they were “conceptual examples”. You can see the video from I/O after the break.

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Rh1ytHrhj2E]

We told you yesterday that security firm zVelo was able to demonstrate a hack that would allow a user to bypass Google Wallet’s PIN verification system on a device with root access. We followed up with reports that Google was working on a fix for the bug. Now, a new hack posted online claims to allow access to Google Wallet without the need for root access, which further allows anyone to easily access funds in a few steps. TheSmartphoneChamp reported (via AndroidandMe):

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With the 54th Grammys set to take place this Sunday, Feb. 12 at 8/7c on CBS, Google Music is getting ready for the big show by offering a selection of 59-cent songs and $3.99 albums from some of this year’s nominees selected by the The Recording Academy. You can visit the Best of the Grammys 2012 page in the Android Market now, and access dozens of albums and songs from artists like Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Codplay, Mumford & Sons, and David Guetta.

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A report from AllThingsD confirmed today that Google’s first employee Craig Silverstein (technically the third employee following founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page), will officially leave the company to take up a new role at online education portal Khan Academy. Silverstein held various positions at Google since his days working to build Google search with Brin and Page from Stanford University dorm rooms. There is no word on what exactly Silverstein will be doing at Khan Academy, but AllThingsD said he was most recently mentoring engineers and working on a “variety of projects” at Google.

A Google spokesperson provided the following statement to AllThingsD:

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If you ever happen to have no messages in your Gmail inbox, you might notice Google’s subtle way of promoting Google Reader with the small ad for Google Reader (below). Now, Google has removed the “Try Google Reader” link and replaced it with a new message promoting Google+ (via Google Operating System blog). The message now reads, “No new mail! See what people are talking about on Google+” (pictured above). Within the new message is a link to the “What’s Hot” stream of Google+.

With the launch Google+, and its incredible growth (about 750,000 new users a day), many warned the growth was attributable to Google’s ability to pull in Google+ users. So, what happens when it runs out of Gmail users to bring in? Google may have already thought that through with a recent update to the Google account creation process requiring users to both create a Gmail account and automatically create a profile and Google+ account. In other words, not only is the company pulling in Gmail users, but also anyone that wants or needs a Google account for other services.

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The Phoenix Suns, in partnership with Samsung Mobile and Verizon Wireless, announced today it would become the first NBA franchise to “fully integrate” Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 into its basketball and business operations. As part of the initiative, The Suns will begin to use the tablet to offer in-game programs, interactive client and season ticket holder presentations, and “business development opportunities.” Not only that, but every player will receive their own Tab 10.1 preloaded with schedules and itineraries for road games, the Suns’ playbook, game and practice videos, and scouting reports. Suns head coach Alvin Gentry made a statement about the announcement:

“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new era in the NBA, where I think teams throughout the league will want to integrate a tablet into their operations.”

The team will use the tablet on game nights throughout the US Airways Center, and it will also be integrated into radio and TV broadcasts. The press release explained:

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Do you want to be paid to surf the web using the Google Chrome browser? A new Google program called “Screenwise panel” (first reported by SearchEngineLand) is apparently providing users with that exact opportunity. In exchange, Google requests that you give up your privacy and provide your personal browsing data to Google. There has not been an official announcement, but there is already a signup page available here.

A few requirements for users of the service are listed on the signup page. You have to be 13 years of age or older to sign up (for Chrome and a Google account anyway), and —as mentioned before—you will have to give up your browsing data. Participants will get a $5 Amazon gift code after installing a special browser extension, and another $5 Amazon code for every three month period they spend in the program. The signup page noted a maximum payout of $25; however, Google noted in fine print that it would consider giving out additional gifts to users who participate for longer than a year.

Amazon is not actually a partner in the program. Instead, Google has enlisted Knowledge Networks as its “panel management partner.” A Google spokesperson reached out with a brief description and clarification of the program:

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pinvuidqgDw]

With the Mobile World Congress trade show set to take place later this month in Barcelona, we might be getting our first look at what LG has planned with a new device called “Optimus Vu” teased in new advertisements (via BGR). We already know much about the device: 5-inch display (4:3 aspect ratio), a 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel camera, and a 8GB of onboard storage. Rumors indicate that the LG Optimus Vu will run Android 2.3 Gingerbread, as opposed to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It is likely we will learn more about the device during MWC from Feb. 27 to March 1. 
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lVjw7n_U37A]

Google just announced on the Google Chrome Blog the long-rumored release of Google Chrome for Android Beta. The initial release focuses on bringing three main aspects of the Chrome browser for desktops, with Google’s blog post highlighting “Speed,” “Simplicity,” and “Sign in” as the browser’s main features.

After a few minutes of use, all we can say is, “Wow!” Without a doubt, this is the most advanced mobile browser we have ever seen—extremely quick, great transforms.  The question we have to ask, however, is: What does this mean for Chromebooks?  If I can get an ASUS Transformer with Keyboard and this very awesome Chrome implementation, why am I going to buy an Intel-based Chromebook for almost the same amount?

As for “Speed,” Google noted the browser loads a user’s top search results in the background, and also implements a version of the desktop browser’s omnibox. “Simplicity” is courtesy of brand new UI, specifically focusing on redesigned tabs for the smaller screen that allow you to “swipe between an unlimited number of tabs” as if you were holding a deck of cards. The browser also includes several privacy features from the desktop version, such as incognito mode and “fine-grained privacy options.” However it is the Sign In features that really make Chrome for Android the best browser option for Chrome users…

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