New Tablet Computer From ?
Now that Amazon
According to the Wall Street Journal, they are planning to release a new tablet powered by Google‘s Android operating system by October of this year, with another design on it’s way next year.
The Wall Street Journal‘s unnamed source claimed that it will have a nine inch screen and will be manufactured in Asia. But unlike the iPad it may not have a camera, though I personally suspect next year’s model may have one.
Scammers On The Prowl
Warning – If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the “Software Maintenance Department of Online PC Care“, do not give them any information and do not give them access to your computer.
I’ve been receiving calls from these India based scam artists and identity thieves for a while now. And the routine is generally the same.
They call you at random from an VOIP site based in the states and with an Indian accent claim to be calling people in your city in regards to software that is alledgely downloading material without your knowledge or consent.
They ask you for five minutes of your time and ask to gain access to your computer remotely to correct the alledged issue. Then they proceed to install malicious software on your machine, in essence creating the issue they claim to be correcting whilst gaining access to sensitive financial and/or personal information on your hard drive.
Basically they peddle anti-virus software that they first ask you to install and then later demand renewal fees for, which is usually upwards of $150. And they can claim you consented to all of this nonsense because they’ve recorded you, if they happen to have charged your credit card using information they got from your hard drive.
An online version of this scareware scam can also be found at certain sites, that install software through your internet browser. But of course there are plenty of more reasonably priced anti-virus programs out there, some of which i’ve listed under “Consumer Security” on my Consumer Links page.
Not only do these programs address the issue alledged by the con artists but Microsoft itself issues patches against these problems via their web site. And no, Microsoft does not call people over these issues.
They will of course alter their pitch at will in their attempts to gain access to your computer. But in the end the results are the same if you allow these people access ; An infected computer and a large credit card bill, at least.
Meanwile, you can address any concern in regards to any infection by using Microsoft Safety Scanner, which costs nothing and does not conflict with your existing anti-virus software.
Security Warning Issued
On Wednesday information relating to the jailbreaking of Apple devices the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch had been published online resulting in a warning that this information could be used maliciously.
This hack of the iOS operating system takes advantage of a security flaw that Apple is currently working to patch for an upcoming update. And security experts through-out the world are warning the users of these devices to be careful opening PDF files, which could contain malicious code.
Canada Post Delays
Canada Post has reported significant delays in their processing of mail. The postal strike had resulted in a backlog of mail, according to their customer relations site.
Two Months To Go !
The digital television transition in Canada is two months away.
This means television stations airing in Canada’s major cities will no longer broadcast in analog over the air. But this signal will be replaced by a digital signal that most LCD, LED and plasma televisions are ready to receive via antenna. Most other televisions will require a digital to analog converter box
Of course those of you who subscribe to cable, satellite and IPTV services will not need to do a thing. But on September 1st, 2011 you may have this additional option, depending on where you live.
I’ve dropped my extra outlets and have hooked up several televisions to an antenna, saving $7 in fees per month. And from the information gathered from TV Fool, it appears that I should get all but one or two of my local channels after the transition, which will probably come in if I invest in the Terk antenna
Those who have or are able to erect an antenna outside will probably have the best luck getting the further transmissions. But i’m also considering an attic installation myself, to get all the local stations and possibly PBS from Norwood, NY.
I managed to get the latter with an indoor antenna last summer for a few days and i’m hoping to get it more regularly.
I will of course be doing quite a large amount of experimenting in the last few days of August. But of course it’ll be worth it, just to get off cable.
HMV Canada Sold To Hilko UK
HMV Canada has been sold to British restructuring company Hilko UK.
HMV Canada is expected to expand their online presence with streaming content according to today’s press release, whilst retaining their CD and DVD stores.
“The management team of HMV Canada has built a plan that will extend the period over which the residual hard-copy music and film market can be maintained. The new product categories it is introducing to the business will help sustain sales levels during the transition of entertainment sales into the digital realm.” – Paul McGowan, Hilco UK Chief Executive
HMV Canada is expected to recieve $25 million from Hilco UK to continue their transition plan and additional details will be made available shortly.