The 404 777: Where 10 bucks says it's a hoax (podcast)
Fooling people on the Internet is far from a difficult feat, but Web magicians are finding creative ways to make us question our own skepticism. Take YouTube user BITcrash44's concept video that shows him hacking video screens in Times Square.DragCloseThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.This guy supposedly fashioned a broadcast device that pulls video data from the headphone jack in an iPhone and can hijack any feed in the process. The accompanying video makes creative use of After Effects, but real techies should be able to spot the discrepancies--even still, without dissecting it to death like everyone else has online, can we at least appreciate the humor and ingenuity in this project? Well done BITcrash44!Unfortunately, not everyone uses the Internet in jest like our buddy BITcrash44--some people use it to exploit the philanthropy of innocent people who just want to donate money to charities in Japan to assist the relief effort. Be careful if you receive an e-mail that claims to be from the British Red Cross using the subject line "Japan Tsunami Appeal | British Red Cross"; it's a charity scam.You should also keep a lookout for traps hidden within your Facebook news feed. It's despicable, but some lowlife scammers are using the earthquake to trick people into clicking on a fake video showing a whale being launched into a building in Japan.If you made the mistake of clicking on the link, you can mitigate the "hack" by removing any irrelevant posts from your own profile in Facebook with the "X" that appears in the right corner of every post.We're starting yet another contest with Kodak this week with the chance to win a Kodak 7250 all-in-one printer! This time we want you to add us on Twitter and tell us what you think is the most overpriced product on the market. It doesn't have to be tech related, just make sure you add #kodak404 and @the404 to the end of your tweet so we can see it!Episode 777PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Phling- Streaming music library to the phone
Phling: Streaming music library to the phone
What do you get when you cross Facebook with iTunes and Slingbox? A big fat trainwreck of an application, you'd have thought. So it's something of a surprise to see a company produce a different result to this equation: Phling, a "free" music streaming service for mobile phones, with social-networking elements built in.Silly name aside, Phling's service is simple: An application sits on your desktop computer and creates a library of your MP3, AAC or WMA collection. A Java app then sits on your mobile phone (downloaded over the air) and lets you browse and stream your entire library over GPRS or 3G.There's also a social-networking aspect of the service, which lets you share your collection with up to six friends (or strangers, should you agree). You can also stream an unlimited amount of music from other peoples' collections (again, as long as they agree to your request) and leave messages on other people'sprofiles. Simple, no? Record labels shouldn't complain, Phling claims, as the usage of digital audio in this way is legal under fair and private use regulations.So how does it work? Phling is to strike deals with network operators across Europe to split the profit of data charges between the operator and Phling, promoting the idea that streaming music in this way can co-exist alongside operators' existing over-the-air music-download services. Such deals are already in place in Switzerland. Currently, before any deals are in place, users can stream as much as they like over GPRS or 3G, though they'll incur normal data charges as they do, unless they already have an unlimited flat-rate tariff.In theory, this all sounds very appealing. We saw it in action last week on a Nokia N73 handset. Music was indeed streaming over the air from various libraries stationed in the US, and others in the UK. The quality, over 3G, was akin to a 64Kbps stereo MP3.Back in our office, however, we ran into a hurdle immediately, when the installation software told us Windows Media Player 10 wasn't installed on our PC, despite WMP 11 sitting there quite happily. Still, we have seen it working, and in fairness, the software is still in its early stages.In principle, the system will work on over 100 handsets, anywhere in the world. Just make sure you've got an unlimited data bundle before you hemorrhage your earnings on a gargantuan phone bill.(Source: Crave UK)
What do you get when you cross Facebook with iTunes and Slingbox? A big fat trainwreck of an application, you'd have thought. So it's something of a surprise to see a company produce a different result to this equation: Phling, a "free" music streaming service for mobile phones, with social-networking elements built in.Silly name aside, Phling's service is simple: An application sits on your desktop computer and creates a library of your MP3, AAC or WMA collection. A Java app then sits on your mobile phone (downloaded over the air) and lets you browse and stream your entire library over GPRS or 3G.There's also a social-networking aspect of the service, which lets you share your collection with up to six friends (or strangers, should you agree). You can also stream an unlimited amount of music from other peoples' collections (again, as long as they agree to your request) and leave messages on other people'sprofiles. Simple, no? Record labels shouldn't complain, Phling claims, as the usage of digital audio in this way is legal under fair and private use regulations.So how does it work? Phling is to strike deals with network operators across Europe to split the profit of data charges between the operator and Phling, promoting the idea that streaming music in this way can co-exist alongside operators' existing over-the-air music-download services. Such deals are already in place in Switzerland. Currently, before any deals are in place, users can stream as much as they like over GPRS or 3G, though they'll incur normal data charges as they do, unless they already have an unlimited flat-rate tariff.In theory, this all sounds very appealing. We saw it in action last week on a Nokia N73 handset. Music was indeed streaming over the air from various libraries stationed in the US, and others in the UK. The quality, over 3G, was akin to a 64Kbps stereo MP3.Back in our office, however, we ran into a hurdle immediately, when the installation software told us Windows Media Player 10 wasn't installed on our PC, despite WMP 11 sitting there quite happily. Still, we have seen it working, and in fairness, the software is still in its early stages.In principle, the system will work on over 100 handsets, anywhere in the world. Just make sure you've got an unlimited data bundle before you hemorrhage your earnings on a gargantuan phone bill.(Source: Crave UK)
Norway Prime Minister governs with the iPad
Norway Prime Minister governs with the iPad
The iPad might be a fine alternative to a laptop for simple tasks, but can it really be relied upon to run an entire country? Norway Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg certainly thinks so.Stoltenberg--stranded in New York City because of a volcanic eruption in Iceland entering European airspace and disrupting travel--has been using the iPad to get his daily work done, according to a CNN report. The network said that it spoke with the prime minister, who said it's business as usual for his government."It's very normal for a prime minister to travel abroad, so this is not different from the other travels, it's just lasts some days more than expected," Stoltenberg told CNN. "We have the Internet, the mobile phone. I also use an iPad, which is excellent."Stoltenberg plans to get back to his country on Saturday, but he will be forced to travel in a roundabout way to do so. Until then, it seems that his iPad could be his best friend as he attempts to keep his government running amid an unlikely roadblock.For Apple's part, the company could use Stoltenberg's iPad use for its own gain. What better way for Apple to promote the iPad as a mobile companion than to say that it can help a prime minister run his country?
The iPad might be a fine alternative to a laptop for simple tasks, but can it really be relied upon to run an entire country? Norway Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg certainly thinks so.Stoltenberg--stranded in New York City because of a volcanic eruption in Iceland entering European airspace and disrupting travel--has been using the iPad to get his daily work done, according to a CNN report. The network said that it spoke with the prime minister, who said it's business as usual for his government."It's very normal for a prime minister to travel abroad, so this is not different from the other travels, it's just lasts some days more than expected," Stoltenberg told CNN. "We have the Internet, the mobile phone. I also use an iPad, which is excellent."Stoltenberg plans to get back to his country on Saturday, but he will be forced to travel in a roundabout way to do so. Until then, it seems that his iPad could be his best friend as he attempts to keep his government running amid an unlikely roadblock.For Apple's part, the company could use Stoltenberg's iPad use for its own gain. What better way for Apple to promote the iPad as a mobile companion than to say that it can help a prime minister run his country?
Nokia takes on iPhone 5, Galaxy S3 in latest Lumia video
Nokia takes on iPhone 5, Galaxy S3 in latest Lumia video
Nokia is taking the fight to Samsung and Apple in a new video posted to YouTube.Dubbed "The Hurricane," the video follows a roller coaster going around its track as it's being filmed by Nokia's new Lumia handset, the Lumia 928, as well as by Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S3. Thanks to the handset's 8.7-megapixel PureView camera, Nokia argues, Lumia's visuals will be much better than those of its rivals when recording video.After showing the roller coaster moving around the track, Nokia's video compares frames to those captured by the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3. It's clear, based on those frames, that the PureView takes the top spot, though whether it is truly a fair comparison is unknown.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Apple seeks ban on U.S. Nokia importsNokia patent shows shape-shifting phonePhotos leaked earlier this week of the Lumia 928. Nokia hasn't officially revealed all the details on the device, and has instead decided to slowly offer up tidbits.Notably, Nokia compares the Lumia 928 camera to that of the Galaxy S3 and not Samsung's latest handset, the Galaxy S4. It would be interesting to see how those two devices match up on an amusement-park ride.Here is Nokia's video:
Nokia is taking the fight to Samsung and Apple in a new video posted to YouTube.Dubbed "The Hurricane," the video follows a roller coaster going around its track as it's being filmed by Nokia's new Lumia handset, the Lumia 928, as well as by Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S3. Thanks to the handset's 8.7-megapixel PureView camera, Nokia argues, Lumia's visuals will be much better than those of its rivals when recording video.After showing the roller coaster moving around the track, Nokia's video compares frames to those captured by the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3. It's clear, based on those frames, that the PureView takes the top spot, though whether it is truly a fair comparison is unknown.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Apple seeks ban on U.S. Nokia importsNokia patent shows shape-shifting phonePhotos leaked earlier this week of the Lumia 928. Nokia hasn't officially revealed all the details on the device, and has instead decided to slowly offer up tidbits.Notably, Nokia compares the Lumia 928 camera to that of the Galaxy S3 and not Samsung's latest handset, the Galaxy S4. It would be interesting to see how those two devices match up on an amusement-park ride.Here is Nokia's video:
Will you buy the new iPad- (poll)
Will you buy the new iPad? (poll)
Finally, the rumor mill (and our heads) can stop spinning for a little while, as Apple officially introduced the new iPad in San Francisco today.New iPad: To buy or not to buy?Will you buy the new iPad?Due out on March 16 with preorders starting today, the iPad HD ushers in a handful of improvements. As many expected, the iPad 2's successor now features a 9.7-inch Retina Display with a 2,048x1,536-pixel resolution. With four times the pixels on the tablet's display, you need more power, and Apple gave us just that, as its new A5X chip promises to deliver four times the graphics performance.Also getting a boost? The iPad's connectivity speeds. Apple touted the fact that the new iPad has the most wireless bands of any device that's ever shipped, as it now supports HSPA+ for up to 21Mbps download speeds, dual-carrier HSDPA for up to 42Mbps, and 4G LTE for a maximum of 72Mbps. Other goodies include an improved rear-facing 5-megapixel iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording and built-in stabilization, as well as speech-to-text capabilities. So now that all the details are out, it's decision time: to buy or not to buy? The iPad HD will come in various flavors. The Wi-Fi-only version will cost $499 for the 16GB model; $599 for 32GB; and $699 for 64GB. Meanwhile, the 4G iPad, which will be compatible with AT&T and Verizon's respective LTE networks, is going for $629 (16GB); $729 (32GB); and $829 (64GB).There's something else to think about. Apple also dropped the price of the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 to $399 from $499.There's a lot to consider, so take our poll and share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Finally, the rumor mill (and our heads) can stop spinning for a little while, as Apple officially introduced the new iPad in San Francisco today.New iPad: To buy or not to buy?Will you buy the new iPad?Due out on March 16 with preorders starting today, the iPad HD ushers in a handful of improvements. As many expected, the iPad 2's successor now features a 9.7-inch Retina Display with a 2,048x1,536-pixel resolution. With four times the pixels on the tablet's display, you need more power, and Apple gave us just that, as its new A5X chip promises to deliver four times the graphics performance.Also getting a boost? The iPad's connectivity speeds. Apple touted the fact that the new iPad has the most wireless bands of any device that's ever shipped, as it now supports HSPA+ for up to 21Mbps download speeds, dual-carrier HSDPA for up to 42Mbps, and 4G LTE for a maximum of 72Mbps. Other goodies include an improved rear-facing 5-megapixel iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording and built-in stabilization, as well as speech-to-text capabilities. So now that all the details are out, it's decision time: to buy or not to buy? The iPad HD will come in various flavors. The Wi-Fi-only version will cost $499 for the 16GB model; $599 for 32GB; and $699 for 64GB. Meanwhile, the 4G iPad, which will be compatible with AT&T and Verizon's respective LTE networks, is going for $629 (16GB); $729 (32GB); and $829 (64GB).There's something else to think about. Apple also dropped the price of the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 to $399 from $499.There's a lot to consider, so take our poll and share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Will AT&T charge you for FaceTime over its network-
Will AT&T charge you for FaceTime over its network?
AT&T might charge customers to run FaceTime over its cellular network, according to a report.The folks over at Apple blog 9to5Mac yesterday published a screenshot of an error message that popped up in their developer version of iOS 6 when they attempted to place a FaceTime call over AT&T's network. The message reads that users must "enable FaceTime over cellular" by contacting AT&T or visiting their online account.FaceTime has historically been available only via Wi-Fi. However, in iOS 6, Apple will allow iDevices to hold video chats over cellular networks. That AT&T and more than likely, Apple's other carrier partners, might want to charge for FaceTime chatting, isn't much of a surprise. Video chats use up an inordinate amount of data, which could put significant pressure on the carriers' networks. The best way to ensure costs don't soar would be to charge for that.Charging for a feature is by no means new. AT&T, for example, charges for Personal Hotspot, which allows several people to share a single wireless connection through a device.So far, AT&T and its carrier competitors have not confirmed that they'll charge for FaceTime, and in a statement to 9to5Mac, the carrier said that it'll "share more information with our customers as it becomes available."Apple, meanwhile, has laid down some hints that charges are on the way. On its iOS 6 page, it notes that "carrier data charges may apply" for FaceTime over a cellular network.
AT&T might charge customers to run FaceTime over its cellular network, according to a report.The folks over at Apple blog 9to5Mac yesterday published a screenshot of an error message that popped up in their developer version of iOS 6 when they attempted to place a FaceTime call over AT&T's network. The message reads that users must "enable FaceTime over cellular" by contacting AT&T or visiting their online account.FaceTime has historically been available only via Wi-Fi. However, in iOS 6, Apple will allow iDevices to hold video chats over cellular networks. That AT&T and more than likely, Apple's other carrier partners, might want to charge for FaceTime chatting, isn't much of a surprise. Video chats use up an inordinate amount of data, which could put significant pressure on the carriers' networks. The best way to ensure costs don't soar would be to charge for that.Charging for a feature is by no means new. AT&T, for example, charges for Personal Hotspot, which allows several people to share a single wireless connection through a device.So far, AT&T and its carrier competitors have not confirmed that they'll charge for FaceTime, and in a statement to 9to5Mac, the carrier said that it'll "share more information with our customers as it becomes available."Apple, meanwhile, has laid down some hints that charges are on the way. On its iOS 6 page, it notes that "carrier data charges may apply" for FaceTime over a cellular network.
Will 350,000 people file taxes on smartphones-
Will 350,000 people file taxes on smartphones?
Intuit's SnapTax app for Apple's iPhone and Android-based smartphones has been downloaded 350,000 times since its launch last month, Intuit executives have told All Things Digital.All Things Digital's Ina Fried reported today that so far, it has seen more than twice as many downloads on the iPhone than on Android-based devices.SnapTax is designed for simple tax returns that include little more than a W-2 wage statement. After downloading the free app, users need only to snap a picture of their W-2 from their smartphone, and the program will automatically input that information into the user's return. The data is also encrypted to ensure it's kept secure from others. After inputting their personal information and reviewing the return, users can then file it with the Internal Revenue Service for $14.99.Actually paying that fee is somewhat difficult on an Android smartphone. Users must first download the free version of the program and then when they're ready to file, they have to dole out the $14.99 for the paid version of the app. The iPhone offering requires users to pay through an in-app payment system.Even with 350,000 downloads, there's no telling if all those people will actually file their taxes with the app. In fact, Intuit told All Things Digital that it was "surprised" that people would want to file their taxes with a smartphone, given that sensitive data is included in returns. But after performing its research, the company found that younger taxpayers aren't especially worried about that.For those with security concerns or with more sophisticated returns, hiring a tax preparer or using a software program is still the go-to way to pay Uncle Sam.
Intuit's SnapTax app for Apple's iPhone and Android-based smartphones has been downloaded 350,000 times since its launch last month, Intuit executives have told All Things Digital.All Things Digital's Ina Fried reported today that so far, it has seen more than twice as many downloads on the iPhone than on Android-based devices.SnapTax is designed for simple tax returns that include little more than a W-2 wage statement. After downloading the free app, users need only to snap a picture of their W-2 from their smartphone, and the program will automatically input that information into the user's return. The data is also encrypted to ensure it's kept secure from others. After inputting their personal information and reviewing the return, users can then file it with the Internal Revenue Service for $14.99.Actually paying that fee is somewhat difficult on an Android smartphone. Users must first download the free version of the program and then when they're ready to file, they have to dole out the $14.99 for the paid version of the app. The iPhone offering requires users to pay through an in-app payment system.Even with 350,000 downloads, there's no telling if all those people will actually file their taxes with the app. In fact, Intuit told All Things Digital that it was "surprised" that people would want to file their taxes with a smartphone, given that sensitive data is included in returns. But after performing its research, the company found that younger taxpayers aren't especially worried about that.For those with security concerns or with more sophisticated returns, hiring a tax preparer or using a software program is still the go-to way to pay Uncle Sam.
Wi-Fi-only Xoom launching March 27 for $599
Wi-Fi-only Xoom launching March 27 for $599
It took a while for Motorola Mobility to confirm it, but the Wi-Fi-only Xoom is now official.On March 27, the tablet will launch in the U.S. for $599, Motorola Mobility announced today. The device will feature the same 10.1-inch display as its 3G-equipped counterpart. It will also come with Android 3.0 Honeycomb, 32GB of onboard storage, and a 1GHz dual-core processor.Motorola Mobility currently offers a 3G version of the Xoom that retails for $799.99 without a contract and $599.99 with a two-year commitment with Verizon Wireless.With the upcoming launch of the Wi-Fi-only Xoom, Motorola Mobility is taking a page out of Apple's book. Apple, which released the iPad 2 last week, offers both Wi-Fi-only and 3G models. Pricing for the Wi-Fi-only iPad 2 starts at $499 for 16GB of storage. The 32GB model, which might be the best comparison to the Wi-Fi-only Xoom, retails for $599.Rumors have been swirling for weeks now that Motorola would be launching a Wi-Fi-only version of the Xoom. Earlier this month, photos leaked of a Wi-Fi-only-Xoom display at a Sam's Club. The photos suggested that the retailer, which is owned by Walmart, would be selling the Xoom for $539. That report was followed up earlier this week by a leaked flyer from Staples that turned out to be spot-on--it was promoting the Wi-Fi-only Xoom retailing for $599 and launching on March 27.According to Motorola Mobility, both Staples and Sam's Club will be among retailers selling the Wi-Fi-only Xoom in-store and online when the tablet launches. They will be joined by Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, RadioShack, and Walmart.
It took a while for Motorola Mobility to confirm it, but the Wi-Fi-only Xoom is now official.On March 27, the tablet will launch in the U.S. for $599, Motorola Mobility announced today. The device will feature the same 10.1-inch display as its 3G-equipped counterpart. It will also come with Android 3.0 Honeycomb, 32GB of onboard storage, and a 1GHz dual-core processor.Motorola Mobility currently offers a 3G version of the Xoom that retails for $799.99 without a contract and $599.99 with a two-year commitment with Verizon Wireless.With the upcoming launch of the Wi-Fi-only Xoom, Motorola Mobility is taking a page out of Apple's book. Apple, which released the iPad 2 last week, offers both Wi-Fi-only and 3G models. Pricing for the Wi-Fi-only iPad 2 starts at $499 for 16GB of storage. The 32GB model, which might be the best comparison to the Wi-Fi-only Xoom, retails for $599.Rumors have been swirling for weeks now that Motorola would be launching a Wi-Fi-only version of the Xoom. Earlier this month, photos leaked of a Wi-Fi-only-Xoom display at a Sam's Club. The photos suggested that the retailer, which is owned by Walmart, would be selling the Xoom for $539. That report was followed up earlier this week by a leaked flyer from Staples that turned out to be spot-on--it was promoting the Wi-Fi-only Xoom retailing for $599 and launching on March 27.According to Motorola Mobility, both Staples and Sam's Club will be among retailers selling the Wi-Fi-only Xoom in-store and online when the tablet launches. They will be joined by Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, RadioShack, and Walmart.
Where do most people accidentally destroy their iPhone-
Where do most people accidentally destroy their iPhone?
Where exactly do most people accidentally ruin their iPhone? If you guessed the toilet you'd be wrong, says a new survey.According to device warranty provider Squaretrade, most people -- 21 percent to be precise -- damaged their device in the kitchen. The runner up, at 18 percent, is the living room, followed by the bathroom at 16 percent. All in all, 51 percent of iPhone accidents happen inside the house instead of out in the wild, says Squaretrade. To find that out, the company tapped Survey Sampling International and asked 35 questions to 2,004 iPhone owners in August.Related storiesDoes iPhone damage rate suggest bathroom confusion?It's dangerous to be an iPhone or iPad in MississippiiPhone records 1,000-foot free-fall, survivesOther findings from the survey include that water is overwhelmingly the most common when it comes to liquid damage at 43 percent, followed by soda at 19 percent, and beer and coffee/tea, which both came in at 12 percent. The results follow a similar study published by SquareTrade last month that claimed Americans alone have spent $5.9 billion on damaged iPhones. That same survey noted that the main reason phones became damaged in the first place was falling out of user hands (at 30 percent of issues), followed by liquid damage at 18 percent. Of course, there's also an infographic for all this information, which you can view below:Click to enlarge.SquareTrade
Where exactly do most people accidentally ruin their iPhone? If you guessed the toilet you'd be wrong, says a new survey.According to device warranty provider Squaretrade, most people -- 21 percent to be precise -- damaged their device in the kitchen. The runner up, at 18 percent, is the living room, followed by the bathroom at 16 percent. All in all, 51 percent of iPhone accidents happen inside the house instead of out in the wild, says Squaretrade. To find that out, the company tapped Survey Sampling International and asked 35 questions to 2,004 iPhone owners in August.Related storiesDoes iPhone damage rate suggest bathroom confusion?It's dangerous to be an iPhone or iPad in MississippiiPhone records 1,000-foot free-fall, survivesOther findings from the survey include that water is overwhelmingly the most common when it comes to liquid damage at 43 percent, followed by soda at 19 percent, and beer and coffee/tea, which both came in at 12 percent. The results follow a similar study published by SquareTrade last month that claimed Americans alone have spent $5.9 billion on damaged iPhones. That same survey noted that the main reason phones became damaged in the first place was falling out of user hands (at 30 percent of issues), followed by liquid damage at 18 percent. Of course, there's also an infographic for all this information, which you can view below:Click to enlarge.SquareTrade
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