iPhone 6 Super-size: More fuel on the fire Leaked schematics point

Even though we're several months away from Apple's announcement of the iPhone 6, that doesn't mean there are plenty of rumors to mill over. One specific rumor alleges that there will be two iPhone 6 models: one with a 4.7-inch display and one with a 5.5-inch display. Throw another log on the fire because yet another leak has come out strongly hinting at a larger iPhone.

Nowhereelse.fr acquired a document from a Chinese website that shows an alleged schematic design for the iPhone 6. The schematic purports a length of 5.9 inches and a width of 3.3 inches, a significant jump from the iPhone 5S, which comes in at 4.87 x 2.32 inches. According to the French blog, the dimensions would put the iPhone 6′s display with a diagonal of at least 5 inches.

As mentioned before, the schematic's dimensions don't exactly line up with what others have reported, though it's possible that Apple is playing around with different dimensions. Even so, all rumors indicate that the iPhone 6 will be the largest iPhone Apple has made, finally addressing the competition's insistence on larger screens for their handsets. Nokia, LG, HTC, and even BlackBerry have all released bigger-sized handsets, with the iPhone 5S looking smaller with each passing day.

For a more complete look at all the many, many rumors surrounding Apple's upcoming iPhone, check out our full iPhone 6 Rumor Roundup.
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Gay and Lesbian (Same-sex) couples can legally marry from midnight

Gay marriage will be legalised at midnight in England and Wales
Same-sex couples will be allowed to legally marry in England and Wales for the first time from midnight.

Politicians from the main parties have hailed the change in the law.

David Cameron said the move sent a message that people were now equal "whether gay or straight", but some religious groups remain opposed.

Scotland passed a similar law in February; the first same-sex marriages are expected there in October. Northern Ireland has no plans to follow suit.

In an article for the Pink News website, the prime minister wrote: "This weekend is an important moment for our country."

'Feels safer'

The law change would encourage young people unsure of their sexuality, he added.

"It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth.

"We are a nation that is growing stronger economically because of our long term economic plan. But I hope we can also be a country that is growing stronger socially because we value love and commitment equally."

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg praised the legal change, saying "Britain will be a different place" as a result.

He congratulated his party for being part of the reform, saying: "If our change to the law means a single young man or young woman who wants to come out, but who is scared of what the world will say, now feels safer, stronger, taller - well, for me, getting into coalition government will have been worth it just for that."

'Unchartered territory'

Labour leader Ed Miliband congratulated gay couples planning to tie the knot.

"This is an incredibly happy time for so many gay couples and lesbian couples who will be getting married, but it's an incredibly proud time for our country as well, recognising equal marriage in law," he said.

However, he warned that the "battle for true equality" was not yet won.

While a BBC poll suggests a fifth of British people would turn down an invitation to a same-sex wedding, some gay vicars are prepared to lose their jobs for the right to marry.

The Rev Andrew Cain says he does not want confrontation with the Church, but "must do what is right"
Among them is the Reverend Andrew Cain, who said he will not be "frightened" out of doing what is true to him.

Mr Cain said the Church of England was faced with "unchartered territory".

The Church of England has urged priests to support members of the congregation who are in same-sex marriages, but it has ruled that priests themselves must not enter into one.

The CofE is prohibited by law from performing same-sex marriages, and the Roman Catholic Church is also opposed to them.

Mr Cain, who plans to marry his partner in the summer, said he intends to do so whether the Church approves or not.

"They didn't say we weren't allowed to; they urged us not to and there is a debate going on in the Church about the issues of same-sex marriage, and I happen to have a different perspective on that debate than my bishops," he said.

"It is more important to do what is right than to be frightened into not doing what I believe to be true.

"And I won't be frightened by what the possible consequences are for me. I could lose my job, absolutely. Lose my job, my home and my place."

He said that while the Church's bishops had made it clear they were uncomfortable with some of their clergy planning same-sex marriages, he wanted to move the debate on the issue forward and be part of the "progressive" side.

On Friday, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told the BBC the church would now drop its opposition to the introduction of same-sex marriage in England.

He said Parliament had made a decision and the church had to respect it.

The Roman Catholic group Catholic Voices said the findings of the BBC's survey reflected the reality that people remained "deeply uncomfortable" with the move.

Helen Brearley and Teresa Millward decided a civil partnership would not mean as much as marriage
Long-term couple Teresa Millward and Helen Brearley plan to get married on Saturday morning.

The pair, who will wed in Halifax, have not had a civil partnership because they believed it did not offer the same rights as marriage.

Ms Brearley said the new legislation puts them on a more equal footing with heterosexual married couples.

Ms Millward, her fiancee, added: "The certificate we get on the day will be the same as the certificate that my dad has with his wife, that my mum has with her husband, that my brother has with his wife and that my sister has with her husband.

"There will be no difference, so in that case, there is true equality."

James McCarraher, a toastmaster from Hayling Island in Hampshire, said he agreed with the government's decision to allow same-sex marriages.

"For a truly happy and integrated society, there has to be equality - gay couples should be entitled to marry each other in a modern and progressive society," he said.

'Hypocritical'

David Beaton from Leicester said he agreed with civil partnerships but would not attend a gay wedding. He said he thought getting married in a religious ceremony would be hypocritical.

"If gays or lesbians believe in the Christian, or other faiths, and claim to be following doctrine and the tenets of the church they belong to then it is hypocritical for them to demand a ceremony that is at odds with their own claimed beliefs," Mr Beaton said.

"You can't have it both ways."
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Beware: Scam Google apps appearing in Windows Phone Store

A curious case of mushrooming apps have surfaced in the Windows Phone Store, with Google's Hangouts, Voice, Maps, Search and Plus applications suddenly appearing without an announcement from the company. Before you pick up your phone and click download, know that these are fake and that your money is better spent on another iteration of Angry Birds.  

We have no idea what these apps will do and where any data you put into them will go.

Spotted by Winbeta.org, the developer for the dubious apps is said to be "Google, Inc." To date, Google only has one official app in the Windows Phone Store, its search app, which is under the developer name "Google Inc." Another thing that clouds the authenticity of the apps are its $2 price tags. It's clear that whoever put these up is just out for a quick buck before being kicked out of the Windows Phone Store.

Google and Microsoft have always had a tenuous relationship and Windows phones have become collateral damage. The two companies are in a bitter fight for market share (though it's more like a brawl between an old man and a bear named Android) and they compete directly in search, storage, and many other areas. Any Google app releases in the Windows Phone Store will come with at least an announcement, if not a lot of Internet speculation about world peace. The way things are, though, it looks like there won't be a break in the ice anytime soon, especially since a product management director at Google went on record saying that Windows phones need to corner a larger market share before his company would consider any app releases. This means that if you see a Google app in the Windows Phone Store, you should be very skeptical. 

 If you're curious, the apps can be found here. Just be sure not to buy them.
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Too bad, Roku CEO calls Apple TV a money loser, shrugs off new Amazon streaming device

The streaming wars between leading set-top box providers Roku, Apple, and Google have remained civil to this point, but things just heated up. Among many "speculative" comments made during an interview at a Re/Code conference yesterday, Roku CEO and founder Anthony Wood said that Apple "lose(s) money" with its Apple TV, and also brushed off predictions of a new Amazon streaming box expected to launch at an event next week in New York.

First reported by CNet, the outspoken Roku leader said of Amazon's expected device: "Every year about this time, the Amazon box comes up that they're about to launch…" He went on to categorize Apple's popular streamer as little more than "an accessory for the iPad."

Wood claims Apple TV is little more than "an accessory for the iPad."

Wood's somewhat vitriolic comments come on the heels of news by Apple that its self-described "hobby" device put up revenue of an estimated $1 billion last year alone, which includes figures from Apple TV hardware, as well as content sold through Apple's iTunes store. It's hard to imagine the company is losing money with that kind of revenue on an estimated 10 million units sold last year, but then again, that's why Wood said he was speculating.

With streaming devices rising on all sides, Apple TV, Google's extremely popular Chromecast, a forthcoming Amazon device, and multiple other devices, from gaming consoles to smart TVs, Roku's fearless leader seems to be anything but worried. But that's how Roku has always played the game.

Roku's success in a circle of great white sharks is anything but coincidence, though. Wood said part of the answer to his company's ability to thrive in competition is that, unlike his titanic adversaries, Roku has remained focused directly on the platform business.

While many of its competitors offer only a single device from which to stream, Roku has developed a multi-tiered approach to its hardware. The company sells a variety of devices which start at the $50 mark, rising to its top-tier Roku 3, which sells for $100, lining up directly with the Apple TV. 

Apple's box originally sold for a whopping $250 when it was released in March of 2007, but eventually dropped its price, ostensibly to compete directly with the Roku. According to Wood in his latest interview, when Apple dropped its price down to the $100 line, Roku sales doubled. Apparently a high streaming tide raises all boxes. And when the $35 Chromecast opened up its SD kit to programmers, Roku answered by revamping its own Streaming Stick, which offers all of Roku's features in a $50 dongle.

Apart from the company's wide variety of hardware choices, it has also always offered an extremely intuitive interface. And then there's the apps. Roku's wide stable has pushed to over 1,200, far surpassing others in the field. Compare that massive number to the 17 or so apps currently available for Chromecast, and you can start to get the picture as to why Wood is so brazen in the face of his peers.

Playing defense

Still, as more and more companies lineup for their piece of the streaming pie, Roku must play harder defense. Apart from basic streaming, an entirely new form of Internet-TV may be on the way. Recent news that Apple is in negotiations to strike a deal with the all powerful Comcast for a new piece of Internet-TV hardware, looking to gain access to the fast lane of Comcast's streaming pipeline, could mean a whole new front for which Roku will have to account.

But with reams of ways to use Roku's services, including an updated Aereo app that allows users to tap into Aereo's 'rogue' streams of broadcast TV, the company seems to have a knack for finding new and innovative ways to keep up with the Johnson's of the streaming world.

As the streaming universe seems to expand exponentially, Roku seems ready for the challenge. Ask Anthony Wood if he's worried and you can probably guess the answer.

(Image courtesy of Re/Code)
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Apple releases a new build of OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 to developers

Apple has pushed a new build of OS X Mavericks version 10.9.3, dubbed 13D28, to developers today, according to MacRumors. As has been the case in the past, the developer-only update is available through the Mac App store and Mac Dev Center at this writing.

Mavericks 10.9.3 13D28 is the third version of the OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 beta that has been released to developers. The second build, 13d21, was released only a week ago. It has been almost a month since Apple made the original 10.9.3 beta available to developers.

With the 13D28 build, Apple is pushing developers to work on graphics drivers and audio. To this point, the OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 beta includes support for 4K displays, offers Retina display resolution settings, and adds 60 Hz support to the Macbook Pro with Retina.

In other Mac OS X Mavericks news, Internet advertising network Chitika recently reported that OS X Mavericks has been adopted by 40 percent of U.S. and Canadian-based OS X users since it was released back in October. However, those numbers have varied slightly from one stat tracker to another, with Net Applications indicating that adoption was at 45 percent in February.

It's currently unclear when the final version of OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 will be released to the public.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.
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EXCLUSIVE Microsoft pledges to stop reading customer emails

Microsoft has announced that the company will rely and lean on law enforcement agencies when it comes to investigating instances of people using Microsoft services to "traffic in stolen intellectual or physical property from Microsoft," as Brad Smith, Microsoft's General Counsel & Executive Vice President of Legal & Corporate Affairs says in this blog post. Smith said that the change in policy is "effectively immediately."

The announcement comes just over a week after the arrest of Alex Kibkalo, a former Microsoft employee who reportedly leaked Windows 8 code to a French blogger prior to its release in 2012. As part of Microsoft's investigation into the matter, the company read messages stored in the Hotmail account of the blogger that Kibkalo leaked the data and information to. This revelation raised privacy concerns.

"While our own search was clearly within our legal rights, it seems apparent that we should apply a similar principle and rely on formal legal processes for our own investigations involving people who we suspect are stealing from us," said Smith. "Therefore, rather than inspect the private content of customers ourselves in these instances, we should turn to law enforcement and their legal procedures."

Smith also announced that Microsoft will partner with The Center for Democracy and Technology and The Electronic Frontier Foundation as part of efforts to "consider the best solutions for the future of digital services."
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Google video reveals how the company handles search warrants for user data

For governments and law enforcement, Google is an increasingly popular place to gather information on suspects. Google has seen a 120 percent jump in government request for user data since 2009, the company revealed today in an announcement of its most recent Transparency Report.

In a post on the Google blog, Richard Salgado, Google's Legal Director of Law Enforcement and Information Security, says the rise is due to both a rise in Google users, and the fact that "more and more governments" are exercising "their authority to make requests."

From July through December 2013, Google fielded 27,477 user data requests from 64 world governments pertaining to 42,648 user accounts. Of these, 10,574 requests came from U.S. government and law enforcement agencies, and they concerned 18,254 user accounts – far more than any other country (which is consistent from what we've seen in previous Google Transparency Reports). On average, Google complied with 64 precent of requests form all governments, but acted on 83 percent of requests from U.S. authorities.

The second highest rate of requests came from the U.K., which served 1,397 requests pertaining to 3,142 accounts. The majority of countries and territories on the list served requests in the single or double digits.

Release of this report follows efforts by Google and other major Internet companies to provide users with more information about requests that involve National Security Letters, and those issued under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

As part of Google's efforts to increase transparency around government surveillance and data requests, the company has released a kid-friendly video explaining how the data request process works in the U.S. – a welcome addition, considering how bureaucratic the whole process is. That said, the video is also clearly an attempt to help Google look like the responsible player in this game of data collection – so take all of this with a dash of salt.
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ZTE launches the selfie-loving Nubia X6 to take on the Oppo N1

Remember the Oppo N1? It has a rotating camera module at the top, which sees the 13-megapixel camera employed for taking both rear and front-facing shots. In these selfie-obsessed days, it trumps even the 5-megapixel cameras found on hardware such as HTC's new One M8. Now, ZTE wants a piece of the action, and has launched the Nubia X6, a phone with two 13-megapixel cameras. It doesn't bother with the rotating module at all, preferring to just slap a separate camera lenses on the back and above the screen.

You'll know ZTE, but its Nubia brand is less well-known outside of China. It's a shame, as all the models are considerably better built, and more interesting than the devices which usually get all the attention here. The 13-megapixel cameras are differentiated not only by their location on the phone, but also by their aperture. To help squeeze more of your friends into the shot, the front camera has an f/2.2 aperture, over the f/2.0 on the rear. The rear cam does get optical image stabilization and a dual-LED flash though.

To keep the bigger-is-better theme going, the Nubia X6 has an enormous 6.44-inch display, boasting a 1080p resolution. That puts it beyond even the Galaxy Note 3, and in-line with Sony's stupidly large Xperia Z1 Ultra. The processor is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 running at 2.3GHz, known for its power-sipping features, and it's accompanied by 3GB of RAM. To make sure the phone has enough power to take all those pictures, a huge 4250mAh battery lives inside.

Sadly, ZTE hasn't seen the error of its ways, and looks to be keeping the Nubia X6 in China, where it can be pre-ordered for the equivalent of about $640.
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Man hops on subway track to grab cell phone, survives being run over by train

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-----Original Message-----
From: "BEN Latest News" <cwizard123@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 14:10:58
To: Ben Latest News<cwizard123.bennews2@blogger.com>; Ben Latest News<cwizard123.bennews3@blogger.com>; Ben Latest News<cwizard123.news@blogger.com>; 2Blogger Emails<cwizard123.world@blogger.com>; 2Blogger Emails<cwizard123.bennews4@blogger.com>; 2Blogger Emails<cwizard123.9janews@blogger.com>; 2go Number All Bloggers<cwizard123.aggey@blogger.com>; 2go Number All Bloggers<cwizard123.bsnm@blogger.com>; 2go Number All Bloggers<cwizard123.todaynews@blogger.com>
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Subject: Man hops on subway track to grab cell phone, survives being run over by train

Detailed by the local CBS affiliate in New York this week, an unidentified man at the East 105th Street L train station in NYC dropped his cell phone onto the track around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday and decided that it was too valuable to leave on the track. According to the account from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the man jumped down onto the subway track in order to recover his phone. Unfortunately, the man wasn't able to get off the track in time as the L train rapidly approached the station.

The man chose to lie down flat within the gap between tracks as the L train came to a screeching halt on top of him. Amazingly, the man was able to wiggle out from under the train after it came to a complete stop. Outdoor tracks, like the station at 105th Street, have a larger amount of space on the tracks compared to indoor stations around New York City. According to authorities, the FDNY sent medics to the scene, but the man has already run away from the platform, presumably unharmed, when they arrived. The L train resumed service shortly after the incident.



Speaking about the man's decision to jump onto the subway track, MTA spokesperson Kevin Ortiz told CBS New York "We can't say it enough. You should never, ever under any circumstances go onto the tracks to retrieve anything. Your life is certainly much more important than a cellphone…In essence, those trains can come at you very quickly. What most people don't understand is that often it's very difficult to climb back onto the platform from the tracks."

Due to the 53 deaths that were attributed to NYC subway trains last year, the MTA distributed a PSA video during December 2013 that warns NYC residents and visitors about the danger of jumping down onto the tracks. In the video shown below, a man hops onto the track to retrieve his iPhone, but can't muster the leverage to lift himself off the track before the train races into the station.
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Rosberg quickest in Malaysia practice

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-----Original Message-----
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Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 14:11:23
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Subject: Rosberg quickest in Malaysia practice

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg beat Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen to set fastest time in second practice at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel was third as the fastest three cars were split by just 0.061 seconds.

Rosberg's team-mate Lewis Hamilton was fourth from Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, both of them within 0.2secs of Rosberg.

Williams' Felipe Massa was sixth, from Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren's Jenson Button.

The second Williams of Valtteri Bottas and Force India's Nico Hulkenberg completed the top 10, from Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne and McLaren's Kevin Magnussen.

Rosberg was just 0.035secs quicker than Raikkonen, while Vettel's lap was impressive as it came on the second lap on the faster 'medium' tyres.

"We are more or less there in terms of pace, which is very good news," said Vettel. "For everything else we have to be patient. It is still early days, we still have a lot of problems we need to solve.
"But when we get the package together we seem to be on the right page, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow and Sunday."

BBC F1 analyst Allan McNish pointed out that Hamilton and Alonso both appeared to have more potential than they showed.

"They were both 0.5secs off the pace in the first sector of the lap," McNish said. "If they put a lap together, they look like they have more in their cars than their team-mates."

"We're just focusing on ourselves," said Hamilton. "You're guess is as good as mine [how everyone stands]. The car feels quite good. On the longer run it is pretty tough but I think everyone is in the same boat."

McNish added that he believed Mercedes may face a threat from Red Bull.

"For me, it's very close and competitive on single-lap performance and very close on the long runs. This is not a foregone conclusion. Mercedes look very good, and we don't know how much fuel they had on board to set those times, but Vettel and Red Bull are looking a lot more competitive than they did in Melbourne," he said.

An analysis of the times when the teams were doing race preparation suggests Mercedes have an advantage over Red Bull of about 0.4secs a lap, with Ferrari and Force India another 0.6secs further adrift.

Williams do not appear as competitive as they did in Australia two weeks ago and Button said McLaren were struggling.

The teams had to make changes to their cars to cope with the high ambient temperatures in tropical Malaysia - Mercedes and Ferrari both had increased cooling in their engine covers.

McLaren have a new front nose to their car, with a higher top to the bodywork behind the forward 'anteater' section, aimed at getting more airflow under the car and increasing downforce.
However, the change did not appear to deliver the half-second improvement chairman Ron Dennis had predicted in Australia.

Magnussen, who finished a sensational second to Rosberg in his debut race in Australia two weeks ago, had a difficult day.

His car ground to a halt in the first session when a sensor put the car into 'limp mode' to protect the engine. And in the second session he complained of not being able to get the power down and the team made changes to both the front suspension and brakes.

The Dane's problems paled compared to those of Lotus, however.

Still trying to catch up after a late start to pre-season testing, the car's reliability is poor.

Pastor Maldonado failed to set a time in either of the sessions following an engine problem and while Romain Grosjean managed 14 laps in the second session, he was 2.6 seconds off the pace and ended his day early when the car ground to a halt out on the track.
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Galaxy S5 launches early in South Korea, Samsung ‘very puzzled’

There appears to be a certain amount of confusion surrounding the global launch of the Galaxy S5, which maker Samsung had earlier announced would take place on April 11.

A day after Samsung co-CEO JK Shin dismissed rumors that the S5 might launch sooner than expected, guess what happened – that's right, it went on sale across South Korea at three of the country's main carriers.

A spokesperson for the Korean tech firm told TNW on Thursday the carriers hadn't asked for permission to begin selling Samsung's new flagship device.

"The official global launch date of the Galaxy S5 is April 11, as previously announced," the spokesperson said, explaining that Samsung had provided mobile carriers in the country with a limited number of S5 handsets for marketing and pre-sale purposes.

The spokesperson said the decision to start selling it ahead of of time "was made by the mobile carrier itself, independently of Samsung," adding, "We express our regret at this decision and we are working to verify all the facts."

In a statement to Bloomberg the company claimed to be "very puzzled" by the early launch.

Some observers might suggest Samsung's been spooked into action by HTC's recently unveiled and very well-received One M8 smartphone – set for release in the coming weeks – and as a result quietly nudged the carriers into action.

However, there's another possible reason as to why they've started selling the S5 earlier than expected, though how they could've done this without permission from Samsung seems odd, to say the least. A 45-day ban on certain business operations of SK Telecom, LG Uplus, and KT Corp – imposed by the government for unfair business practices – kicks in before April 11, meaning sales of the new high-end handset will be severely restricted at that time.

While it may be the case that Samsung had no idea the Korean carriers would jump the gun with the sale of its S4 successor, it's a safe bet it's going to let this one go, though now we're wondering if it's going to launch ahead of schedule in other countries, too….

[Source: Korea Herald]
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Wall Street thinks Candy Crush’s time is already running out

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Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 14:10:49
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Subject: Wall Street thinks Candy Crush's time is already running out

King Digital Entertainment, makers of Candy Crush Saga, began life as a publicly-traded company earlier today, but it's not off to a great start on the New York Stock Exchange. While the company was initially priced at $22.50 per share, it opened at roughly $20.

According to Saxo Bank's Peter Garnry, time is of the essence for King. "King Digital is putting all its energy into finding the next game that can leave the company less reliant on cash-generator Candy Crush," said Garnry in a report. "Given what we have seen with other mobile games' trajectory in engagement, time is not King Digital's best friend."

Keep in mind that, during the last three months of 2013, Candy Crush accounted for roughly 80 percent of King's revenue. Though Candy Crush is a free download, King makes money off of in-game microtransactions. As such, investors are wary that King is simply relying on Candy Crush to ride the Wall Street wave, much like Zynga did with FarmVille back in 2011. Zynga suffered for it, shares have plunged by more than half since its initial public offering (IPO) back in 2011.

However, King CEO Ricardo Zacconi told CNBC that the company is focused on not having to solely rely on Candy Crush. "What we want to achieve is not to find another Candy Crush. That's not what we are here for," said Zacconi. "What we are here for is to build a portfolio of games. We want to build a network of players, of loyal players, who play out portfolio of games."

Also downplaying the lower-than-expected IPO is Rapid Ratings CEO James Gellert, who told Bloomberg that King is flexible enough to withstand the initial disappointment. "The market is focusing on whether Candy Crush can be replicated and the fact that they've had declining revenue over the past few quarters," said Gellert. "The company is really quite solid and is run in an efficient way that makes it well-positioned to be nimble."

At this point, it's to be determined whether King will avoid or suffer Zynga's similar fate.

(Image courtesy of Bloomberg)
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Amazon’s set-top Apple TV competitor looks primed for an April 2 launch

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Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 14:11:15
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Subject: Amazon's set-top Apple TV competitor looks primed for an April 2 launch

This year has been a busy one for Amazon, so far. The media giant has already unveiled more original content for its Amazon Instant Video service, and teased at a Chromecast-esque dongle in the works. Today, the company announced an invitation to an "Update" on its video business set for April 2nd, which many predict will offer the unveiling of its answer to the Apple TV and Roku devices — Amazon's very own set-top box.

The device has been highly anticipated since Amazon first mentioned news of its development just over a year ago. And in less than a week, the world may finally be able see what the company has spent all this time developing.

The set-top box, initially slated for release this month, is positioned to compete directly with Roku, Google's Chromecast dongle, and Apple TV, which secured its spot in the living room streaming hierarchy with $1 billion in revenue last year.

Similar to Roku's game plan, revealed earlier this month, Amazon appears to have a chosen a dual-device strategy for taking on its rivals — rather than betting on either the dongle or the bulkier set-top box, the company chose to develop both, and allow its customers to choose their preferred streaming method. Google and Apple acolytes currently have only one choice.

Amazon has indicated that its box will have third-party app compatibility for services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, possibly nabbing more than just its own Amazon Instant Video users. The box will likely come with its own remote control, but Amazon could also just let users launch apps from mobile devices by including some form of send-to-screen technology, effectively making any tablet or smartphone a potential remote.

Many of these questions won't have definitive answers until (we hope) April 2 — a short wait considering the preceding year's rumors and pushed back release dates. Stay tuned as we cover the press release in detail next week.
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Samsung gets into the lighting game, announces new line of smart bulbs

Hot on the heels of a similar announcement from LG a few days ago, Samsung has just unveiled a new line of smart LED light bulbs that will launch next week at the Light + Building 2013 trade show in Frankfurt, Germany. The range of bulbs will include options for both consumers and businesses alike, and will come with wireless connectivity built in.

Much like other bulbs, Samsung's Smart Bulb is designed to fit into traditional light sockets, and will be controllable via a companion app for smartphones and tablets. In addition to brightness controls, the color temperature of the bulbs will also be adjustable, with output ranging from 2700K to 6500K for warm or cool white colors. In terms of lifespan, Samsung says the bulbs should last around 15,000 hours, which equates to roughly ten years.

For the most part, these bulbs aren't all that different from other smart lights on the market. However, unlike bulbs from competitors including Philips and LG, Samsung's smart lights will not support Wi-Fi. Instead, they'll be Bluetooth-only. By using Bluetooth exclusively, Samsung says there's no need for users to install a hub or access point, which simplifies the setup process, yet still allows users to control up to 64 bulbs at a time. Samsung also mentioned it will release a Smart Bulb model with a ZigBee radio built in, which would make it possible for the bulbs to be integrated into more advanced home automation setups. 

Truth be told, Samsung breaking into the smart bulb business isn't all that surprising. Despite the fact that other companies have been making network-connected bulbs for quite some time now, the smart lighting space is still relatively uncrowded, and Samsung has both the manufacturing capabilities and marketing clout to become a big player in it.

There's word on how much the bulbs will cost or when they'll be available to consumers, but we'll keep you updated as soon as that information surfaces. You can find out more here.
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Google video reveals how the company handles search warrants for user data

For governments and law enforcement, Google is an increasingly popular place to gather information on suspects. Google has seen a 120 percent jump in government request for user data since 2009, the company revealed today in an announcement of its most recent Transparency Report.

In a post on the Google blog, Richard Salgado, Google's Legal Director of Law Enforcement and Information Security, says the rise is due to both a rise in Google users, and the fact that "more and more governments" are exercising "their authority to make requests."

From July through December 2013, Google fielded 27,477 user data requests from 64 world governments pertaining to 42,648 user accounts. Of these, 10,574 requests came from U.S. government and law enforcement agencies, and they concerned 18,254 user accounts – far more than any other country (which is consistent from what we've seen in previous Google Transparency Reports). On average, Google complied with 64 precent of requests form all governments, but acted on 83 percent of requests from U.S. authorities.

The second highest rate of requests came from the U.K., which served 1,397 requests pertaining to 3,142 accounts. The majority of countries and territories on the list served requests in the single or double digits.

Release of this report follows efforts by Google and other major Internet companies to provide users with more information about requests that involve National Security Letters, and those issued under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

As part of Google's efforts to increase transparency around government surveillance and data requests, the company has released a kid-friendly video explaining how the data request process works in the U.S. – a welcome addition, considering how bureaucratic the whole process is. That said, the video is also clearly an attempt to help Google look like the responsible player in this game of data collection – so take all of this with a dash of salt.
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LG G3′s coming soon: 1440p screen, octa-core chip, and everything else we’ve heard

From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
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From: "BEN Latest News" <cwizard123@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 17:12:12
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Subject: LG G3s coming soon: 1440p screen, octa-core chip, and everything else we've heard

The G2 is not only one of LG's best ever smartphones, but also one of 2013's best buys, and its sequel is highly anticipated. Rumors of the so-called LG G3 have been spreading for several months now, and we're edging closer to its eventual release. To prepare for its arrival, we've gathered together all the most exciting gossip on the phone, and it's shaping up to be very exciting.

It'll probably be called the LG G3

Reports from the end of 2013 said LG hadn't settled on the G3 name, and the phone is currently under development using the codename B2. LG abandoned the Optimus name for its high-end hardware last year, so we know that's not going to make a return, but it also proves the firm isn't afraid to reinvent itself.

Various model numbers have also been attached to the G3. For example, one leak claims the phone will be the LG-D851, while the Verizon version will be reclassified as the LG-VS985. The LG-D972 is another possibility, along with LG-D830. For the record, the LG G2 wears the model number LG-D802, while the Nexus 5 is the LG-D820.

A 1440p touchscreen is almost certain

This has been one of the longest running rumors regarding the G3. In August 2013, LG showed off a prototype 5.5-inch smartphone screen boasting a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution, which it referred to as Quad HD. LG didn't provide any indication on when the screen would be fitted to a smartphone we could buy, but as it didn't show up on the G Pro 2, the G3 is the next bet. 1440p screens are no longer science fiction, and are fitted to a pair of Chinese smartphones, the Vivo XPlay 3S and the Oppo Find 7. 

At the end of December 2013, a Korean news source said the G3 would be the first phone to use the Quad HD panel, but it also said we'd see the device launch during Mobile World Congress. Almost a month later, another report from Korea repeated the rumor, adding the screen size could increase to a monster 5.9-inches. Subsequently, the G Pro 2 was announced with a screen that size, suggested the wires were crossed somewhere.

This is LG's new 1440p super HD screen.
More recently, a tweet from the @evleaks Twitter account showed a screenshot taken from a User Agent Profile (special documents created by manufacturers which contain information relevant to content providers), which listed an LG phone with the model number D850 as having a 2560 x 1440 pixel display.

If LG does equip the G2 with such a high-res display, it'll successfully kick sand in the face of Samsung, which has gone with another 1080p panel for its Galaxy S5, Sony's Xperia Z2, and probably HTC's All New One too.

An octa-core processor is on the cards

In the same December 2013 report which claimed the G3 will have a 1440p screen, it was also suggested the device would be powered by an octa-core processor running at 2.2GHz. This would be a change from the G2, which used a Snapdragon 800, and like the screen resolution, would see the G32 stand apart from the competition.

However, which octa-core chip will it use? Opinion seems to be split between it being the MediaTek MT6595, and LG's own Odin chipset. The MediaTek "true octa-core" processor is seen as a cheap alternative to Qualcomm's chips, which probably isn't the impression LG wants to give potential buyers about the G3. MediaTek is keen to gain a wider international audience though, and any offer it made to LG may have been hard to resist.

MediaTek is one of several chip makers that could power the G3.
If it's not the MediaTek chip, what about the Odin? LG hasn't confirmed its existence, and unlike Samsung, isn't known for its mobile processors. Rumors first circulated in November last year. Apparently, LG is developing both a quad-core and an octa-core version, the latter running Cortex A15 and Cortex A7 cores at 2.2GHz. In late December, a reference to an LG Odin chip appeared on a benchmarking website, but running at a slow speed. 

The other, perhaps more likely option, is the use of the new Snapdragon 805 processor. It's Qualcomm's update to the immensely popular Snapdragon 800, and we're expecting the 2.5GHz, quad-core chip to find its way into smartphones during the summer. Failing all that, the Snapdragon 801 would fit in nicely too.

A 16-megapixel camera with OIS+ is possible

LG fitted a 13-megapixel camera to the G2 and to the G Pro 2, and it looks like it'll do the same with the G3, should the information given with this leaked picture be correct. When camera test shots are leaked, it's often of something boring like a desk or wall, but for the G3, we got an awesome picture of a cat. It was shared at the beginning of March through an online chatroom, and according to the poster, comes from the G3's 13-megapixel camera.

This pic may have been taken by an LG G3.
LG added OIS+, a tweaked optical image stabilization system, to the G Pro 2, along with a depth of field adjustment tool, so it's possible both will also be included on the G3.

However, if LG does stick with a 13-megapixel camera, it'll fall behind the Galaxy S5. Last year, a rumor did emerge LG was planning to add a 16-megapixel camera to the G3, which would match that of its arch-rival.

LG could make the G3 waterproof

Waterproofing flagship smartphones is all the rage, with both Sony and Samsung making their high-end hardware resistant to the wet stuff. A report from Korea says LG will do the same with the G3, and it's apparently working on a new way of keeping the phone dry. No specifics were shared on what this technology could be though. A week earlier, an additional report also spoke about a waterproof and dust proof G3, adding weight to the rumor.

LG considering fingerprint or retina scanning features

During a February press conference in Korea, LG's VP of Europe, Cho Seong Ha, was quoted as saying the company is considering the possibility of adding fingerprint or retina scanning technology to the G3. Fingerprint scanning is another Galaxy S5 feature, and is also present on the Apple iPhone 5S.

Will you unlock your G3 with your eyes?
Back in January, another Korean report indicated LG wanted to add fingerprint scanning to the G3, and that a sensor had been dropped from the G2 during the final development stage.

Release could come sooner than initially expected.

The LG G2 was announced in August 2013, so it's still several months away from turning one year old. It's therefore logical to expect LG to at least wait until summer to replace the device. Early rumors pointed to a July date, which sounds reasonable. However, some sources have also claimed LG is aiming for June instead, making the G2 only 10 months old when it's superseded. June isn't the final offer either. A report published in January said LG was targeting May 17 as the release date for the G3.

LG's G Watch to join it?

LG's G Watch may not have received the same level of attention as the Moto 360, but it's currently the only other Android Wear device we know of, and that makes it exciting. LG hasn't said much other than it having a summer release date, and therefore it may debut alongside the G3. Samsung treated its new Gear 2 watches in the same way, and put them alongside the Galaxy S5 during its MWC 2014 press conference.

There's still plenty we don't know about the G3, including what it'll look like, and whether the now famous rear-mounted controls will see an upgrade. We'll be keeping a close eye on the news, and update here when anything new breaks regarding the G3.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
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BlackBerry CEO says phone leaks have to stop, will take serious action if they don't

BlackBerry CEO John Chen has taken to the Inside BlackBerry blog to speak out against leaks, calling them "at best, distracting, and at their worst downright misleading." He's so annoyed about the prospect of secret BlackBerry plans being leaked out, he's promising to take action against those who do, which includes dragging them off to court.

Leaks have become an everyday part of tech news coverage online, but Chen points out how damaging they can be to companies. "One of the most frustrating things for us at BlackBerry," he says, "is when a critical and confidential project is reported in the media before we're ready to discuss it." It's not just about ruining the surprise for potential buyers, with Chen adding, "The business implications of a leak are seldom advantageous." 

Chen isn't all bark, and in the post describes how he's already taking legal action against someone who stole and subsequently leaked information about a secret BlackBerry phone. Apparently, the person in question "posed as an employee of a carrier partner to obtain access to secured networks," to obtain the details.

The nature of the leak which prompted the blog post isn't discussed, but the most recent unofficial news from the BlackBerry world is about version 10.3 of the BlackBerry 10 operating system, which could feature a fresh new design. Prior to this, there was some coverage of a nasty-looking prototype phone, the leak of which probably didn't please anyone.

While no-one will challenge Chen's stance on information so obviously criminally obtained, it's unusual to see a company make such a public fuss about leaks today. By condemning leaks, the post inadvertently gives them credence, hence why most manufacturers completely ignore them. Chen warns that because of the crackdown, we will see fewer leaks regarding future BlackBerry plans, so the company's dwindling fan base will have even less to talk about. Doesn't sound like anyone wins here.
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Flying jets and driving Formula 1 racers must surely be the basis for every boy-racers dreams. I know they are in mine.

Frustratingly, the opportunity to drive like a mad racer rarely present themselves.

Instead of counting sheep, Seat (Volkswagen's Spanish brand) created a driving simulator for some of its diehard fans. Now your dreams of popping on a helmet, strapping in, and going on one of wildest rides of your life can come true.

According to Autoblog, Seat created the simulator to give hot-hatch dreamers a taste of the new Leon Cupra. The Cupra boasts 276 horsepower and will scoot around the Nurburgring in under 8.0 minutes. It's no wonder why Seat created a driving simulator to try and grasp what it would be like to drive the world's fastest production hatchback on one of the best tracks of all time.  

Two "Seats" were chosen for fans to get a glimpse of their hot-hatch dreams. Little did they know, once they stepped into the driving simulator, their driving experience was actually real life.  

The Leon Cupra driving simulator isn't traditional in any sense of the word "simulation". A car with a mechanical front-wheel differential and dynamic chassis control should be used to its full potential, which Seat has aptly done.

This is truly the car of anyone's dreams, as it is the king of hatchbacks and also returns an impressive 44 miles per gallon. Who knew you could lap the Nurburgring and do so at a low cost? Eat that, Civic Type R, Focus RS, and Golf GTI. I'm moving to the country of my dreams: Spain.

Watch the video below to find out what really happens with the world's fastest fwd-production car.    



See Also: Need space but hate SUVs? Volvo V90 luxury wagon could be your perfect car »
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LG G3′s coming soon: 1440p screen, octa-core chip, and everything else we’ve heard

The G2 is not only one of LG's best ever smartphones, but also one of 2013's best buys, and its sequel is highly anticipated. Rumors of the so-called LG G3 have been spreading for several months now, and we're edging closer to its eventual release. To prepare for its arrival, we've gathered together all the most exciting gossip on the phone, and it's shaping up to be very exciting.

It'll probably be called the LG G3

Reports from the end of 2013 said LG hadn't settled on the G3 name, and the phone is currently under development using the codename B2. LG abandoned the Optimus name for its high-end hardware last year, so we know that's not going to make a return, but it also proves the firm isn't afraid to reinvent itself.

Various model numbers have also been attached to the G3. For example, one leak claims the phone will be the LG-D851, while the Verizon version will be reclassified as the LG-VS985. The LG-D972 is another possibility, along with LG-D830. For the record, the LG G2 wears the model number LG-D802, while the Nexus 5 is the LG-D820.

A 1440p touchscreen is almost certain

This has been one of the longest running rumors regarding the G3. In August 2013, LG showed off a prototype 5.5-inch smartphone screen boasting a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution, which it referred to as Quad HD. LG didn't provide any indication on when the screen would be fitted to a smartphone we could buy, but as it didn't show up on the G Pro 2, the G3 is the next bet. 1440p screens are no longer science fiction, and are fitted to a pair of Chinese smartphones, the Vivo XPlay 3S and the Oppo Find 7. 

At the end of December 2013, a Korean news source said the G3 would be the first phone to use the Quad HD panel, but it also said we'd see the device launch during Mobile World Congress. Almost a month later, another report from Korea repeated the rumor, adding the screen size could increase to a monster 5.9-inches. Subsequently, the G Pro 2 was announced with a screen that size, suggested the wires were crossed somewhere.

This is LG's new 1440p super HD screen.
More recently, a tweet from the @evleaks Twitter account showed a screenshot taken from a User Agent Profile (special documents created by manufacturers which contain information relevant to content providers), which listed an LG phone with the model number D850 as having a 2560 x 1440 pixel display.

If LG does equip the G2 with such a high-res display, it'll successfully kick sand in the face of Samsung, which has gone with another 1080p panel for its Galaxy S5, Sony's Xperia Z2, and probably HTC's All New One too.

An octa-core processor is on the cards

In the same December 2013 report which claimed the G3 will have a 1440p screen, it was also suggested the device would be powered by an octa-core processor running at 2.2GHz. This would be a change from the G2, which used a Snapdragon 800, and like the screen resolution, would see the G32 stand apart from the competition.

However, which octa-core chip will it use? Opinion seems to be split between it being the MediaTek MT6595, and LG's own Odin chipset. The MediaTek "true octa-core" processor is seen as a cheap alternative to Qualcomm's chips, which probably isn't the impression LG wants to give potential buyers about the G3. MediaTek is keen to gain a wider international audience though, and any offer it made to LG may have been hard to resist.

MediaTek is one of several chip makers that could power the G3.
If it's not the MediaTek chip, what about the Odin? LG hasn't confirmed its existence, and unlike Samsung, isn't known for its mobile processors. Rumors first circulated in November last year. Apparently, LG is developing both a quad-core and an octa-core version, the latter running Cortex A15 and Cortex A7 cores at 2.2GHz. In late December, a reference to an LG Odin chip appeared on a benchmarking website, but running at a slow speed. 

The other, perhaps more likely option, is the use of the new Snapdragon 805 processor. It's Qualcomm's update to the immensely popular Snapdragon 800, and we're expecting the 2.5GHz, quad-core chip to find its way into smartphones during the summer. Failing all that, the Snapdragon 801 would fit in nicely too.

A 16-megapixel camera with OIS+ is possible

LG fitted a 13-megapixel camera to the G2 and to the G Pro 2, and it looks like it'll do the same with the G3, should the information given with this leaked picture be correct. When camera test shots are leaked, it's often of something boring like a desk or wall, but for the G3, we got an awesome picture of a cat. It was shared at the beginning of March through an online chatroom, and according to the poster, comes from the G3's 13-megapixel camera.

This pic may have been taken by an LG G3.
LG added OIS+, a tweaked optical image stabilization system, to the G Pro 2, along with a depth of field adjustment tool, so it's possible both will also be included on the G3.

However, if LG does stick with a 13-megapixel camera, it'll fall behind the Galaxy S5. Last year, a rumor did emerge LG was planning to add a 16-megapixel camera to the G3, which would match that of its arch-rival.

LG could make the G3 waterproof

Waterproofing flagship smartphones is all the rage, with both Sony and Samsung making their high-end hardware resistant to the wet stuff. A report from Korea says LG will do the same with the G3, and it's apparently working on a new way of keeping the phone dry. No specifics were shared on what this technology could be though. A week earlier, an additional report also spoke about a waterproof and dust proof G3, adding weight to the rumor.

LG considering fingerprint or retina scanning features

During a February press conference in Korea, LG's VP of Europe, Cho Seong Ha, was quoted as saying the company is considering the possibility of adding fingerprint or retina scanning technology to the G3. Fingerprint scanning is another Galaxy S5 feature, and is also present on the Apple iPhone 5S.

Will you unlock your G3 with your eyes?
Back in January, another Korean report indicated LG wanted to add fingerprint scanning to the G3, and that a sensor had been dropped from the G2 during the final development stage.

Release could come sooner than initially expected.

The LG G2 was announced in August 2013, so it's still several months away from turning one year old. It's therefore logical to expect LG to at least wait until summer to replace the device. Early rumors pointed to a July date, which sounds reasonable. However, some sources have also claimed LG is aiming for June instead, making the G2 only 10 months old when it's superseded. June isn't the final offer either. A report published in January said LG was targeting May 17 as the release date for the G3.

LG's G Watch to join it?

LG's G Watch may not have received the same level of attention as the Moto 360, but it's currently the only other Android Wear device we know of, and that makes it exciting. LG hasn't said much other than it having a summer release date, and therefore it may debut alongside the G3. Samsung treated its new Gear 2 watches in the same way, and put them alongside the Galaxy S5 during its MWC 2014 press conference.

There's still plenty we don't know about the G3, including what it'll look like, and whether the now famous rear-mounted controls will see an upgrade. We'll be keeping a close eye on the news, and update here when anything new breaks regarding the G3.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/benlatestnews

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BlackBerry CEO says phone leaks have to stop, will take serious action if they don't

BlackBerry CEO John Chen has taken to the Inside BlackBerry blog to speak out against leaks, calling them "at best, distracting, and at their worst downright misleading." He's so annoyed about the prospect of secret BlackBerry plans being leaked out, he's promising to take action against those who do, which includes dragging them off to court.

Leaks have become an everyday part of tech news coverage online, but Chen points out how damaging they can be to companies. "One of the most frustrating things for us at BlackBerry," he says, "is when a critical and confidential project is reported in the media before we're ready to discuss it." It's not just about ruining the surprise for potential buyers, with Chen adding, "The business implications of a leak are seldom advantageous." 

Chen isn't all bark, and in the post describes how he's already taking legal action against someone who stole and subsequently leaked information about a secret BlackBerry phone. Apparently, the person in question "posed as an employee of a carrier partner to obtain access to secured networks," to obtain the details.

The nature of the leak which prompted the blog post isn't discussed, but the most recent unofficial news from the BlackBerry world is about version 10.3 of the BlackBerry 10 operating system, which could feature a fresh new design. Prior to this, there was some coverage of a nasty-looking prototype phone, the leak of which probably didn't please anyone.

While no-one will challenge Chen's stance on information so obviously criminally obtained, it's unusual to see a company make such a public fuss about leaks today. By condemning leaks, the post inadvertently gives them credence, hence why most manufacturers completely ignore them. Chen warns that because of the crackdown, we will see fewer leaks regarding future BlackBerry plans, so the company's dwindling fan base will have even less to talk about. Doesn't sound like anyone wins here.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.com
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Galaxy S5 launches early in South Korea, Samsung ‘very puzzled’

There appears to be a certain amount of confusion surrounding the global launch of the Galaxy S5, which maker Samsung had earlier announced would take place on April 11.

A day after Samsung co-CEO JK Shin dismissed rumors that the S5 might launch sooner than expected, guess what happened – that's right, it went on sale across South Korea at three of the country's main carriers.

A spokesperson for the Korean tech firm told TNW on Thursday the carriers hadn't asked for permission to begin selling Samsung's new flagship device.

"The official global launch date of the Galaxy S5 is April 11, as previously announced," the spokesperson said, explaining that Samsung had provided mobile carriers in the country with a limited number of S5 handsets for marketing and pre-sale purposes.

The spokesperson said the decision to start selling it ahead of of time "was made by the mobile carrier itself, independently of Samsung," adding, "We express our regret at this decision and we are working to verify all the facts."

In a statement to Bloomberg the company claimed to be "very puzzled" by the early launch.

Some observers might suggest Samsung's been spooked into action by HTC's recently unveiled and very well-received One M8 smartphone – set for release in the coming weeks – and as a result quietly nudged the carriers into action.

However, there's another possible reason as to why they've started selling the S5 earlier than expected, though how they could've done this without permission from Samsung seems odd, to say the least. A 45-day ban on certain business operations of SK Telecom, LG Uplus, and KT Corp – imposed by the government for unfair business practices – kicks in before April 11, meaning sales of the new high-end handset will be severely restricted at that time.

While it may be the case that Samsung had no idea the Korean carriers would jump the gun with the sale of its S4 successor, it's a safe bet it's going to let this one go, though now we're wondering if it's going to launch ahead of schedule in other countries, too….

[Source: Korea Herald]
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ZTE launches the selfie-loving Nubia X6 to take on the Oppo N1

Remember the Oppo N1? It has a rotating camera module at the top, which sees the 13-megapixel camera employed for taking both rear and front-facing shots. In these selfie-obsessed days, it trumps even the 5-megapixel cameras found on hardware such as HTC's new One M8. Now, ZTE wants a piece of the action, and has launched the Nubia X6, a phone with two 13-megapixel cameras. It doesn't bother with the rotating module at all, preferring to just slap a separate camera lenses on the back and above the screen.

You'll know ZTE, but its Nubia brand is less well-known outside of China. It's a shame, as all the models are considerably better built, and more interesting than the devices which usually get all the attention here. The 13-megapixel cameras are differentiated not only by their location on the phone, but also by their aperture. To help squeeze more of your friends into the shot, the front camera has an f/2.2 aperture, over the f/2.0 on the rear. The rear cam does get optical image stabilization and a dual-LED flash though.

To keep the bigger-is-better theme going, the Nubia X6 has an enormous 6.44-inch display, boasting a 1080p resolution. That puts it beyond even the Galaxy Note 3, and in-line with Sony's stupidly large Xperia Z1 Ultra. The processor is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 running at 2.3GHz, known for its power-sipping features, and it's accompanied by 3GB of RAM. To make sure the phone has enough power to take all those pictures, a huge 4250mAh battery lives inside.

Sadly, ZTE hasn't seen the error of its ways, and looks to be keeping the Nubia X6 in China, where it can be pre-ordered for the equivalent of about $640.
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Google video reveals how the company handles search warrants for user data

For governments and law enforcement, Google is an increasingly popular place to gather information on suspects. Google has seen a 120 percent jump in government request for user data since 2009, the company revealed today in an announcement of its most recent Transparency Report.

In a post on the Google blog, Richard Salgado, Google's Legal Director of Law Enforcement and Information Security, says the rise is due to both a rise in Google users, and the fact that "more and more governments" are exercising "their authority to make requests."

From July through December 2013, Google fielded 27,477 user data requests from 64 world governments pertaining to 42,648 user accounts. Of these, 10,574 requests came from U.S. government and law enforcement agencies, and they concerned 18,254 user accounts – far more than any other country (which is consistent from what we've seen in previous Google Transparency Reports). On average, Google complied with 64 precent of requests form all governments, but acted on 83 percent of requests from U.S. authorities.

The second highest rate of requests came from the U.K., which served 1,397 requests pertaining to 3,142 accounts. The majority of countries and territories on the list served requests in the single or double digits.

Release of this report follows efforts by Google and other major Internet companies to provide users with more information about requests that involve National Security Letters, and those issued under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

As part of Google's efforts to increase transparency around government surveillance and data requests, the company has released a kid-friendly video explaining how the data request process works in the U.S. – a welcome addition, considering how bureaucratic the whole process is. That said, the video is also clearly an attempt to help Google look like the responsible player in this game of data collection – so take all of this with a dash of salt.
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