October, 2017 - itbusinessdirect

Gambling companies warned against using images appealing to children

October 23, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Britain’s betting industry faces its biggest crackdown on child gambling after regulators demanded that operators pull hundreds of casino games, that contain graphics and images that are likely to be attractive to minors, from their websites. Regulators said the “unacceptable” ads and third-party media, should be “immediately” removed or amended adding that this particularly applied to adverts for free and pay-to-play games. In a joint letter, the regulators said under-18s and other vulnerable people should be protected from exploitation. The Gambling Commission, the Advertising Standards Authority, the Committee of Advertising…

Essential phone slashes price by $200

October 23, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Essential has slashed the price of its eponymous phone down to $499, a $200 price cut from the original $699 price, less than two months after it began shipping to customers. This move may be a signal that it wasn’t selling well at $699, especially given that the only US carrier stores it’s available in have “Sprint” above the door. Another reason is that it now has to face the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL head-to-head. Of course, that’s not how Essential sees it, saying that the price drop…

Microsoft displeased with Google over approach to security patches

October 19, 2017November 30, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Microsoft’s Windows security team have been unhappy with Google for the past year. While the pair are bitter rivals for a number of different reasons, Google disclosed a major Windows bug before Microsoft was ready to patch it last year. This irritated the company so much that Windows chief Terry Myerson authored a blog post criticizing Google for not disclosing security vulnerabilities responsibly. That resentment still remains today. Microsoft discovered a remote Chrome vulnerability last month and is now demonstrating what it feels is responsible disclosure. In a new blog…

HTC might announce U11 successors on November 2nd

October 17, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

HTC might announce two new versions of its U11 smartphone in an event its holding on November 2nd.The phone company sent out invitations for an event in Taiwan to local media yesterday, with the note including a large “U” at the top, indicating that the HTC U line will be the focus there. Over the past several weeks, leaks have come out suggesting there are two new phone models in the works: a mid-range device meant for Google’s Android One program, and a higher-end device meant to stand up to…

Canon adds best image sensor to its most stylish pocket camera

October 16, 2017October 17, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Canon is putting its 80D image sensor used in its best prosumer camera in an all new, more portable shooter known as the Powershot G1X Mark III. The new Camera, which will Feature a built-in 24-72mm, f2.8-5.6 zoom lens, is set to hit the shelves in November and will cost $1,299. The G1X Mark III is simultaneously an evolution of the Powershot G1X lineup as well as a spiritual successor to 2015’s G5X. The G1X Mark I and II were some of the better slim compacts Canon released in the…

Microsoft redesigning outlook for Mac and Window apps

October 16, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Microsoft is redesigning its Outlook for Mac and Windows apps to simplify the user interface on both.The tech giant revealed teasers for the new design during an Ignite conference session last month. Most of the changes look very similar to the Outlook for iOS app, with a single-line ribbon and a smaller set of default commands. A new customizable ribbon will let Outlook for Mac and Windows users control which buttons are available, so you can tailor the email interface to your own common tasks. The left navigation panel will…

Samsung CEO resigns as tech firm projects record profits

October 13, 2017October 13, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Samsung electronics has today made two contrasting announcements. First, it issued an optimistic third-quarter earnings guidance then it later posted a resignation letter from chief executive officer and vice chairman Oh-Hyun Kwon. In the letter, Kwon said it is time for new leadership as the company faces an “unprecedented crisis inside out.” In terms of earnings, the chaebol has had a good year so far, posting strong first and second-quarter results thanks to its components business, which Kwon also oversees. From a leadership perspective, however, it has had a very difficult…

Google set to simplify Android Video Calling

October 13, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Video calling is about as easy as it can possibly get these days. You can do it on computers, mobile devices, and even tablets. It’s popular and widespread enough that you even have options. There are plenty of options available for those looking to video chat with their friends or family. Now, Google is rolling out a new Duo integration for its own Pixel, Pixel 2, Android One, and Nexus phones to allow users to place a video call directly from the Android Phone, Contacts, and Messages apps. Later this…