Author Archives: Scalper1

Microsoft & Rakuten Ink Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement

Software developer Microsoft CorporationMSFT recently entered into a patent cross licensing agreement with Rakuten Inc. However, the specific terms and conditions of the agreement have been kept under wraps. This is second patent licensing deal that Microsoft has signed

Apple Sets March 21 To Launch Small iPhone, New iPad, Watch Bands

Apple ( AAPL ) sent out media invitations on Thursday for a March 21 event where it is widely expected to unveil a new 4-inch iPhone, a third-generation iPad Air and new bands for the Apple Watch. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said he expects the March event to be “largely incremental,” with the bigger announcements, namely the redesigned iPhone 7, slated for an event in September. The spring product launch event will be held at Apple’s Cupertino, Calif., headquarters. The invite reads “Let us loop you in,” which could be a reference to new Apple Watch bands or to Apple’s street address at 1 Infinite Loop. Much of what’s expected to be announced has been reported. Apple’s new 4-inch iPhone SE will replace the iPhone 5S, which was released in September 2013. The new model will have upgraded internal components similar to the iPhone 6S, released last September. The iPhone SE will sport an A9 chip, NFC technology to enable Apple Pay and a 12-megapixel, rear-facing camera. However, it won’t have a pressure-sensitive screen, which is reserved for its premium models. Apple also is expected to unveil a 9.7-inch iPad Pro tablet at the March event. The current iPad Pro has a 12.9-inch display. The smaller iPad Pro, also referred to as the iPad Air 3, will have the same internal components as its big brother. It will support accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. Plus, Apple is seen offering new Apple Watch wristbands and perhaps a software update, but no second-generation hardware. RELATED: Apple Making The Perfect Smartphone For Donald Trump Apple Working On Dual-Camera iPhone 7 Plus Smartphone: Analyst

AT&T: FCC Privacy Proposal Puts ISPs At Odds With Facebook, Google

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler proposed stricter rules to protect online consumer privacy on Thursday, cracking down on Internet service providers such as Comcast ( CMCSA ), AT&T and Verizon Communications. The Federal Communications Commission’s rules would require ISPs to obtain permission from customers before sharing Web browsing data with third parties, including business partners. While the Federal Trade Commission has rules to protect consumer privacy, the FCC says more regulation is needed. The FCC and Verizon ( VZ ) last week reached a settlement over the broadband and wireless-phone company’s use of “super-cookies” that provide subscriber data for targeted advertising. Verizon agreed to pay a $1.35 million fine. AT&T ( T ), in a blog post , said FTC regulation is sufficient and that the FCC could put broadband companies at a disadvantage while Alphabet ‘s ( GOOGL ) Google, Facebook ( FB ) and others track consumers. “Limiting ISPs’ ability to compete with ad supported business models — which are overwhelmingly favored by consumers — is bad for consumers and ultimately bad for broadband investment in this country,” wrote Bob Quinn, AT&T’s senior vice president, federal regulatory. “Time and time again, the FCC appears to want to place its thumb on the scale in favor of Internet companies and against the companies that invest in broadband infrastructure in this country.” Six telecom trade groups — including CTIA and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association — on Feb. 11 sent a joint letter to the FCC, asking Wheeler to hold off. The FCC will likely vote on whether to move ahead with Wheeler’s proposal at its March 31 meeting. After a public comment period, the agency could formally approve the rules by year-end. The FCC in early 2015 reclassified broadband services as a public utility, using Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. AT&T, Comcast and industry trade groups are challenging the net neutrality rules in federal court. A court ruling is expected in April. The FCC’s new consumer privacy proposal seeks broadband authority under Section 222 of the Communications Act of 1934. The FCC chairperson typically steps down after a new president takes office, but Wheeler hinted at a Senate hearing in February that he might seek to stay on.