Sunday, August 11, 2013

AT&T launches Enhanced Push-to-Talk for iPhone with WiFi calling

AT&T First U.S. Carrier to Offer Enhanced Push-to-Talk on iPhone Through New App Available to Business Customers

AT&T Expands Access via In-building Wi-Fi

DALLAS, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- AT&T* Enhanced Push-to-Talk (EPTT) is now available to AT&T business customers through a new app available for iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S. This marks the first time a U.S. carrier is offering push-to-talk capabilities on iPhone**.

In addition, AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk can now be used over Wi-Fi, giving U.S.-based customers improved in-building coverage and access to the service via compatible Wi-Fi networks. AT&T operates the U.S.'s largest Wi-Fi network***, including more than 32,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots.

"Across industries such as manufacturing, engineering, hospitality, construction and government, organizations need instant communications in challenging environments," said Mike Troiano, Vice President, Advanced Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions. "From the start, AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk was designed specifically for AT&T's speedy 4G LTE networks**** and now we are offering even more devices so our business customers can communicate faster and to larger talk groups."

IDC analyst John Weber recently wrote,1 "The performance of AT&T's EPTT service was comparable to traditional mobile voice services," and that, "With many mobile workers working within the four walls of the enterprise, building in Wi-Fi functionality is an important element to consider."

Key features of AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk for iPhone include:

-- Larger contact lists and talk groups than competitive push-to-talk solutions

-- Ability to combine push-to-talk services and mobile applications, with help available from AT&T's team of mobility consulting and integration experts

-- Supervisory override that allows supervisors to communicate important time sensitive messages to their team

-- Call setup in less than one second

To learn more about AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk, contact your AT&T sales representative.

* AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

** For full details on Enhanced Push-to-Talk features and requirements, see Terms of Service. AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk requires service subscription, download and installation of the Enhanced PTT software, and acceptance of the End User License Agreement. User interface may vary by device. Some features may not be available on all devices. Enhanced PTT performance may be limited in 2G coverage areas. Availability, security, speed, timeliness, accuracy and reliability of service are not guaranteed by AT&T.

***A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

**** Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. LTE is trademark of ETSI. 4G speeds not available everywhere.


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Comcast launching Xfinity-branded cloud-based home control, muni-fi services

Comcast Unveils Plans for Millions of Xfinity WiFi Hotspots Through Its Home-Based 'Neighborhood Hotspot' Initiative

WASHINGTON & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Comcast, a global media and technology company, today announced plans to create millions of WiFi access points for its customers through a neighborhood hotspot initiative. Comcast is beginning to give its Xfinity Internet customers an additional "xfinitywifi" signal (or SSID) in their home that is completely separate and distinct from the family's private and secure home WiFi signal. Offered at no additional cost to Xfinity Internet residential customers, the additional WiFi hotspots will enable friends, relatives, visitors and other Xfinity Internet customers instant, easy access to fast and reliable WiFi.

"WiFi is at the center of our strategy to offer our customers the best online experience, whether it's the fastest WiFi experience in the home, or a fast and reliable WiFi environment outside the home," said Tom Nagel, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Comcast Cable. "WiFi is an important part of our strategy to be the place where customers connect all devices, anywhere and at any time."

Comcast's newest Wireless Gateway broadcasts two WiFi signals. By default, one is securely configured for the private use of the home subscriber. The second is a neighborhood "xfinitywifi" network signal that can be shared. This creates an extension of the Xfinity WiFi network and will allow visiting Xfinity Internet subscribers to sign in and connect using their own usernames and passwords.

As the nation's largest ISP with nearly 20 million customers, Comcast started a neighborhood hotspot trial last year in parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Northern Virginia and the Greater Washington, D.C. metro area. Currently, more than 100,000 Xfinity Internet subscribers already enjoy these WiFi access points being offered by other Xfinity Internet subscribers.

WiFi is part of Comcast's broader strategy to create the foundation our customers need to power their Internet-connected devices in and out of the home. Comcast recently introduced a new Wireless Gateway that gives customers the nation's fastest wireless speeds with the most coverage throughout the connected home. By combining WiFi speeds with the latest Xfinity apps, home control technology and other Internet-enabled services, Comcast is giving customers new, simple and convenient ways to take advantage of the speed delivered on its broadband and WiFi networks.

Comcast's WiFi strategy currently includes two approaches. The first is the inclusion of tens of thousands of Xfinity WiFi access points in the CableWiFi Alliance, which enables Xfinity Internet customers access to more than 150,000 indoor and outdoor WiFi hotspots on the go in more than a dozen major cities across the country through the "CableWiFi" SSID. The second is this launch of the new home-based, neighborhood hotspot initiative.

Comcast has invested tens of billions of dollars to create a network across the U.S. that makes broadband widely available. The company has changed the Internet experience for millions of customers by providing the nation's fastest speeds, reliable service, trusted security and online content. Comcast has increased Internet speeds for its customers 11 times, most recently doubling two of its most popular Xfinity Internet speed plans, Blast! and Extreme 50, for no additional cost across the company's entire footprint.

A coverage map and more information about Xfinity WiFi are both available at: www.xfinity.com/wifi.

For more information, please follow Comcast on Twitter and Google+.

Comcast Launches New Xfinity Home Control and Energy Management Service

Xfinity Home Adds EcoSaver, a New Cloud-Based Solution that Learns Heating and Cooling Patterns of a Home for Additional Energy Savings

WASHINGTON & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Comcast, a global media and technology company, today announced the launch of Xfinity Home Control, a new product under the Xfinity Home umbrella of services. Xfinity Home Control is for customers who want smart home solutions like video monitoring and the ability to either schedule or remotely access lighting and thermostat controls, but do not choose the professional security monitoring that is offered with other Xfinity Home services, which are now called Xfinity Home Secure.

"The home control market is growing tremendously, and it's being driven by innovative technology, affordability and consumer demand," said Mitch Bowling, Senior Vice President and General Manager of New Businesses for Comcast Cable. "With the launch of Xfinity Home Control, we're adding yet another way customers can remotely manage their homes anywhere and at anytime."

Xfinity Home Control provides customers with the ability to get real-time text and email alerts when doors and windows open or close; watch live streaming video of their home via wireless cameras; and manage home devices including lights and thermostats remotely or by using automated schedules. Comcast is offering Xfinity Home Control service starting at only $9.95 per month. A "starter pack" of Xfinity Home Control monitoring equipment is available starting at $99.95.

Additionally, Comcast is adding to its Xfinity Home service today with the launch of EcoSaver, a new cloud-based solution that can help customers potentially reduce their energy use and save money on their utility bills year-round. The EcoSaver service, paired with the Xfinity Home thermostat, learns the unique heating and cooling patterns of a home and makes automatic and incremental adjustments to the thermostat based on real-time weather data, the thermal characteristics of the house and the temperature preferences of the occupants. The homeowner maintains full control over the thermostat. Over time, the system adapts to user inputs to help reduce energy while keeping the home comfortable.

Comcast continues to enhance its' Xfinity Home platform. Last week, Comcast and OSRAM SYLVANIA announced an agreement to offer energy efficient light bulbs that can be controlled remotely from anywhere through the Xfinity Home platform.

Xfinity Home is one of the primary services that takes advantage of the WiFi speeds that Comcast delivers. Comcast recently introduced a new Wireless Gateway that gives customers the nation's fastest wireless speeds with the most coverage throughout the connected home. This is part of Comcast's broader strategy to create the foundation for customers to power their Internet-connected devices and experiences, in and out of the home. By combining WiFi speeds with the latest Xfinity apps, home control technology and other Internet-enabled services, Comcast is giving customers new, simple and convenient ways to take advantage of the speed delivered on its broadband and WiFi networks.

For more information on Xfinity Home pricing, equipment and features, visit www.xfinity.com/home.

Please follow Comcast on Twitter and Google+.


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Sprint Vital coming June 14th for $100: 5-inch 720p display, 13MP camera, 1.2GHz dual-core processor

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Sprint Vital coming June 14th for $99 5inch 720p display, 13MP camera, 12GHz dualcore processor

The Sprint Vital is now more than just a phone featured in a simple leaked video -- it's a reality. The Now Network has publicly unveiled the ZTE-made device, confirming it's on course for a June 14th release for $100 with a two-year commitment. The specs are all there as well: as expected, the device will boast a 5-inch 720p IPS panel, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, a 13MP rear camera paired with a 1MP front-facing cam, 2,460mAh battery, NFC, 8GB internal storage and microSD support for up to 64GB. On paper, it's not too bad for a solid mid-range device, but how will the final product turn out? We imagine we'll find out soon enough.

Show full PR text

Great news for budget-conscious customers: Sprint is about to launch a powerful smartphone that doesn't sacrifice performance or high-end capabilities for less than $100. Sprint Vital™ packs many of today's must-have features, including the latest version of Android™.

Priced at just $99.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade, two-year service agreement and $50 mail-in rebate (excluding taxes), Sprint Vital comes with the high-end features ever customer wants. It is available beginning Friday, June 14th, in all Sprint sales channels, including Sprint Stores, 1-800-SPRINT1, Web Sales, and Business Sales.

Built on Android 4.1.2, Jelly Bean, Sprint Vital comes with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 13-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and video capture, 1-megapixel frontfacing camera and Sprint 4G LTE for surfing the Web at lightning-fast speeds.

Sprint Vital is also geared for gamers with a large 5-inch HD 1280 x 720 IPS display with break-resistant LCD and a 2,500 mAh removable lithium-ion battery that offers up to 15 hours talk time. To help take advantage of the built-in gaming capabilities, it comes preloaded with EA Mobile's Real Racing 3, offering trailblazing features, including officially licensed tracks, an expanded 22-car grid, and more than 45 meticulously detailed cars from makers like Porsche, Lamborghini, Dodge, Bugatti and Audi. Racing with friends gets kicked into another dimension with the reality-bending Time Shifted Multiplayer™ (TSM) technology.

Sprint Vital also keeps the Android experience closer to the way it was intended. This allows more freedom to customize your Android experience and enables enhanced performance with less clutter that could slow it down.

It is equipped with eco-friendly attributes, including Underwriters Laboratory Environment (ULE) Platinum Certification, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by ULE and Sprint, and packaging that is 98 percent recyclable.

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Engadget's pre-WWDC 2013 live broadcast from San Francisco!

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Engadget's preWWDC 2013 live broadcast from San Francisco!

Apple's 2013 edition of its notorious Worldwide Developers Conference is soon to be underway. But, while we wait for Tim Cook & Co. to hit the stage, who better than our own Tim Stevens and Darren Murph to strike up a conversation about what the Cupertino-based company may have in store for us. All signs point to a seventh major revision of iOS, but will we also see the fabled iWatch? How about the long-rumored iRadio music service? The clock's ticking, so join us after the break as we'll be broadcasting live from outside Moscone West, in beautiful San Francisco.

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Insert Coin: BubblePod clockwork turntable lets your phone capture 360-degree images

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In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Insert Coin

The problem with capturing panoramic stills with your phone is that you need to keep a steady motion when panning around, but we all know that only a robot can perform such feat perfectly. That's why this little BubblePod caught our attention. The device is essentially a mini clockwork turntable so no battery is required -- just wind it up, slip an iOS, Android or BB10 device into the silicone grip, fire up the BubblePix app and hit the BubblePod's release button for a steady 40-second rewind.

The sample panoramic shots (or "bubbles") we saw have almost no visible stitching, and the app can simultaneously record an audio clip to capture the atmosphere as well. Better yet, in addition to its rubberized base, the BubblePod is also built with a universal tripod mount plus a wine bottle insert mount!

This Kickstarter project will offer a unit if you pledge a minimum of £15 (about $23) for the limited early bird offer or £20 (about $31) later on, plus £5 (about $8) to ship outside the UK. Do check out the demo video after the break, and feel free to grab yourself a BubblePod before funding ends on July 9th.

Insert Coin: BubblePod clockwork turntable lets your phone capture 360-degree images See all photos 12 Photos

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Previous project update: The Rainbow Flash Wizard has only reached £2,428 of its £48,000 goal at the time of writing this report, but there are still 34 days remaining before its funding closes.

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The NSA's Boundless Informant: a data mining tool that maps collected intelligence

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The NSA's Boundless Informant a data mining tool that maps collected intelligence

Leaks, denials and declassifications aside, one thing has been clear recently: the National Security Agency takes in a lot of data -- allegedly collecting call logs, internet records and even Facebook photos from folks all over the world. So, how does the outfit handle all this data? With custom software, of course. According to documents obtained by The Guardian, the NSA sorts through its treasure-trove of intelligence with a tool called Boundless Informant, data mining software that helps the NSA sort out how closely they're monitoring a given part of the world.

According to the documents, Boundless Informant reportedly "allows users to select a country on a map and view the metadata volume and select details about the collections against that country." A screenshot found by The Guardian shows this in action, highlighting over two billion reports in the United States alone. According to the outlet, the screenshot also outs the program's heaviest hitters: in March of 2013, Boundless Informant boasted 14 billion reports from Iran, 13.5 billion from Pakistan and 12.7 billion from Jordan. We've got to hand it to the NSA -- we may not like what it's up to, but at least it's organized.

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