Internet giant Google would not have seen this coming. It probably did not think that it could actually commit a public blunder, but with the launch of its new social networking component Buzz it ended up doing just that.
Unveiled recently as a medium to share status updates and multimedia content through Google’s Gmail, Buzz was welcomed by some, who dubbed it as the next big thing in social media. However, this has proved to be only one side of the story. Buzz has now been heavily criticized for the open breach of privacy committed on the individual users of Gmail.
Buzz was automatically made available to everyone of nearly 176 million Gmail users. Google was eyeing to snatch a huge slice of the social networking market through the service but the company’s decision has turned out to be quite an ordeal for them. Buzz allows a Gmail user to follow everyone on their email contact list. This, being an invasion of privacy, has been one of the reasons for which Google was forced to apologize after being severely censured. The company has also had to cut down some on the functionality of the new service.
The apology issued by Google did not end the controversy. The Electronic Privacy Information Centre (Epic) in the US is calling upon regulators to see if Google Buzz violates consumer protection laws. Epic has urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to make it compulsory for Google to give notice and ask for Gmail users’ permission whenever they make any changes in their privacy policy in future. Epic also wants Google to be banned from making social networking lists with Gmail address books.
The controversy attracted by Google Buzz has proved that even though subscribers are fond of social networking, material changes in private policy without any notice are not welcome by users.
Whether you’re concerned about internet safety or just the safety of your download limits getting the broadband deal that is right for you can be a juggling act. If you choose your broadband provider through Broadband Genie, you’ll be given all the information you need about each supplier on their easy to use comparison table to help you choose the best broadband for you.
Cosmetic dentist in Dallas, Texas - If your smile concerns you, are aware of what an embarassment it can prove to be. You may find that you are being self concious when you smile or laugh. Or even worse, you may discover yourself not laughing or smiling.
Fortunately, there is an easy, safe, and fast wayto correct your smile.Cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is a special type of dentistry, it implements specialized dentistry procedures such as smile makeovers, tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, non-metal filling, accelerated orthodontics, even full mouth reconstruction.
Take note that , because cosmetic dentistry is a special form of dentistry, a very special type of dentist is needed to perform it. You must have a dentist who who is skilled and trained in cosmetic dentistry.
A cosmetic dentist in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Taylor is an LVI graduate and clinical instructor as well. As of of the premier cosmetic dentists in Dallas, Dr. Steven B. Taylor offers a full range of Dallas, Texas cosmetic dentistry services, and provides many financing options.
A beautiful new smile you can be proud of can be yours in less than a month! If you need a cosmetic dentist in Dallas, Texas, get in contact with a cosmetic dentist in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Taylor today to schedule your initial consultation. You have no need to be self-conscious with your smile again. Also, get the best football mouthguard and hockey mouthguard from Dr. Taylor. Converged Messaging Solutions are also available from Mavenir Systems.The messaging industry is in the midst of a shift from the old standard SMS messaging to new rich, multimedia MMS and IP based instant messaging. All mobile providers have a compelling need to integrate the messaging core among multiple service domains and new devices in order to meet these constantly changing needs. Mavenir does that by their strategy to cap investments in old systems and by providing new services to generate revenue. IP SMSC offered by Mavenir Systems is a highly scalable IP SMSC that reduces the costs to provide legacy SMS at rates greater than 5 times lower than the competition Instant Messaging and Presence allows a highly integrated IMS Presence and Instant Messaging server that reduces cost of introduction,and accelerates enhanced services deployment.
Industry analysts say that in order to lure customers, operators have excessively lowered mobile broadband prices, and this has dipped their profit margins. Now, operators are concerned because even value added services like laptops and netbooks are not pushing up sales.
Steven Hartley, senior analyst at Telecoms and Software consultancy Ovum, believes that while a flat-rate pricing model may attract potential customers, it is not a lucrative option for operators. He states that with the increase in mobile broadband penetration, the customer’s mobile broadband usage will also increase. This may lead to excessive data consumption. Moreover, video streaming is being popularised as the next big thing in mobile technology and this will definitely compound the data usage. Therefore, in the end, flat-rate pricing will reduce operators’ profit margins, as usage is bound to increase.
Hartley suggests that effective network optimization is the key to staying profitable in a competitive market. Mobile broadband providers need to manage data competently. It will enable them to accommodate high data usage without taking a brunt on their profits and without having to adopt the unpopular pay-per-usage pricing model.
Other analysts also recommend that efficiency in service and introduction of customer retention programs are win-win solutions for both customers as well as operators. Customers can look forward to improved services that will keep them loyal to their respective providers, who can thereby reap profits due to their customers’ loyalty.
“I never though it would happen to me,” is a common statement from auto theft victims.
Auto theft is on the rise in the U.S. A vehicle is stolen about every 20 seconds. An alarm system and most theft prevention tips will not stop car theft. In most cases, people are unalarmed by car alarms because many go off without a break-in. Some alarms shut off as soon as the door is closed. Even if an alarm does alert of the theft, most people are not willing to risk their life to stop the criminal in the act. Two cars have now been stolen since you started reading this.
According to the FBI 2004 Uniform Crime Report, only 63% of stolen vehicles were recovered. Auto theft will happen, and a FAST recovery is the only solution to protecting your assets. Vehicles that are not recovered immediately are usually chopped up in pieces or taken on a joy ride or wrecked at the owner’s expense. Many times, stolen vehicles are used in the commission of other crimes. No vehicle is theft proof. So, what’s the answer? The NCIB recommends a GPS tracking device.
Find out if your vehicle and the state you live in are among the top 10 for auto theft: Auto Theft TOP 10 List at www.trackyourvehicle.net.
Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc.
Brad Borst, Founder & President
309 S. Summit View Drive, Suite 15, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 207-1023
Fax: (970) 482-3774 http://www.trackyourvehicle.net
GPS, or global positioning system, is a tool that is used to measure distance and to help pinpoint location any place in the world. The fact is that it is an excellent tool that can do so much more than just tell you where you are. And, it is being used in everything from heart rate monitors to automobiles. If you havent heard of GPS, you need to get caught up. It could help to benefit your life in one way or another.
First, understand how GPS works. Circling the globe are 24 satellites. They are orbiting the Earth at different locations and make a complete orbit around the Earth in about 12 hours. They are located about 12,000 miles above the surface of the Earth. They correspond with receivers that are scattered around the world. They are always transmitting information through digital radio signals. These signals tells the transmitters where they are and the exact time. They are so precise that they transmit time to the billionth of a second in accuracy.
How They Work
Each of the satellites that work in the GPS network will send these signals to the transmitters down on Earth. They travel at the speed of light in fact. By knowing the length of time that it takes for the signal to get to the receiver, the receivers can get precise measurements. In other words, the longer it takes the receiver to receiver the signal from the GPS satellite, the farther away the GPS satellite is at that moment. This all helps the receiver and the transmitter to convey where they are on a longitude and latitude basis. When four receivers are used, this can also tell the altitude as well.
It was first developed and used by the United States Government in the Department of Defense. It allows for accurate, all weather navigation for such things as military ground, sea and air forces to work and communicate.
Today, though, it is used in much different circumstances. In fact, you will see it used throughout the world in many non governmental rolls.
Today’s Uses
There are many uses of the GPS system today. In many cases, the GPS is a great way for finding and keeping track of just about anything. It has the ability to communicate within seconds and with precision that is unmatched in any other application available. It is also simple to use and inexpensive in many cases as well. Here are some examples to think about.
You may have heard of cars and other vehicles using GPS tracking. This is one of the largest and most beneficial uses for the system. First, it allows for the car to be kept safe. For example, it can help to track a car that has been stolen. It works by transmitting data to the satellite receivers that then are sent to the authorities. The end result is that within seconds, you can know where your car has been taken.
But, that is far from all it can do on a car. In many of todays cars, there are GPS tracking systems that can be used to help navigate the car. For example, if your system is working, it can tell you how to get from point A to point B without a problem. It will even tell you when you should be turning.
Yet another example of its use in the car is its ability to help in emergency situations. The transmitted information can be sent to the authorities to alert them that you are in trouble. GPS jumps in and helps to find your location. Many vehicles are now being outfitted with this.
But, cars are not the only thing that uses GPS. Any device can be equipped with one if there is a need for it. An example would be the heart rate monitor. Many use these for exercise to let them know when they have reached a targeted rate and how long they are holding it for. Well, how about a watch that is equipped not only to monitor the heart rate, but to tell you where you are running, how long it took you to get from one place to the next and the distance that you just traveled? GPS allows for this!
GPS is a system that is useful and convenient. It allows for many uses and it has a real fit within the world. Youll find it in all sorts of unique products.
The recommendations made by Lord Carter’s Digital Britain report were in contrast to all the anticipation surrounding its release. The report, publicly submitted recently, contained nothing that was not known to people who had even the slightest idea about what was going on. It mostly continues from where the interim report left off earlier this year, emphasizing the need to get the whole country hooked to a decent broadband network, but falls short of mentioning ways of doing this.
The recommendations include proposals for providing more power to communication regulation agency, Ofcom, and also taking strict action against copyright infringement. The report also talks about access to mobile broadband on the Tube. The biggest plan, however, is a major investment of £200 million for better broadband connectivity and also pledging to bring areas not covered by fixed lines by introducing mobile broadband to connect the gaps. For up-to-date and accurate information on your ISP, click compare mobile broadband for provider reviews and news.
A proposal made by Carter’s advisor Kip Meek regarding the allocation of mobile broadband spectrum has also found support. 900 MHz spectrum allotted already to Vodafone and O2 will be left uncontested, which has made them happy. However, Orange and T-Mobile are in the lurch as they wait for the changeover to digital TV, which will free up new spectrum.
The report looks promising overall and is essentially good for British broadband. However, the target of providing just 2Mb broadband speeds in the next three years for the whole country seems too low. Moreover, with no word on how all these targets will be achieved, many people will feel disappointed with the report.
Broadband Genie had revealed recently that Vodafone would withdraw its overseas broadband packages, ‘Euro travel’, which used to cost £60 per month, and the £90 per month ‘Travel’, and bring in new tariffs soon.
A day after the announcement, Vodafone made it known that the news is true and new tariff plans, which will come into effect from 1st July were revealed. The tariff plan that Vodafone has come up with is determined by three aspects. These include, ‘where you travel’, what your data consumption is, and whether you use a dongle or a 3G-enabled mobile. Click here for more info on vodafone pay as you go dongle.
The roaming prices will be levied on a daily basis, from midnight to midnight, according to UK time. The places where people can use this service have been divided into three zones, with each zone having a different pricing. Zone1, called ‘Europe’ will run you a bill of £9.99 for every 50MB you consume, Zone2, called ‘World’ will cost you £29.99 for every 50MB downloaded and Zone3 which has not been named but comprises of South America, and regions of Asia and Africa will set you back by a princely £4.99 for each and every MB you download. These prices hold true if you are using a dongle, and for a 3G-enabled device they may differ slightly.
Vodafone highlighted the fact that the tariff plan is not suited for heavy downloading such as a movie or music download, but is ideal if you just plan to check messages and browse the internet abroad.
Vodafone will notify you when you are close to the 50MB mark. Thereafter you can decide whether you wish to curb your browsing and thus save money or go ahead with it if you can afford an extra charge on your bill. This way you will not be taken by surprise when you have to pay your monthly usage charges.
Although there are many advantages to cell phone GPS tracking, there are also privacy concerns. As most people carry their cell phone with them at all times, the ability is in place to track the exact movements of all individuals. Is this a case of Big Brother, and who can access to this information?
Cell Phone GPS tracking can prove useful in many walks of life and especially when an emergency arises. Picture the scene of a road accident where injuries have occurred. A 911 call made from a GPS cell phone would significantly speed up the arrival of the emergency services if the GPS signal from the cell phone can be pin-pointed to an exact location. This feature alone could save many lives.
For these reasons the FCC has instructed that wireless network providers provide the cell phone GPS tracking location information for 911 calls which have been made from cell phones. This is known as E911. In essence this is no different than a 911 call made from a land line, as the land line is registered to an address and the relevant emergency services can be quickly dispatched to that address.
However, where the difference occurs is that a property does not move but the tracking of a GPS cell phone is registering the day to day movements of an individual, and that has given rise to the privacy concerns of who can access such private information.
However, the relevant law relating to E911 is fairly explicit. It allows carriers to provide tracking location information to third parties for e911 emergency calls only, however not under any other circumstances whatsoever without the consent of the cell phone owner.
The privacy of cell phone GPS tracking has also been backed up by a number of recent court hearings. Recent court hearings have disallowed the requests of law enforcement agencies to obtain cell phone GPS tracking information from the cell phone companies for suspects. The courts have ruled that Congress have not authorized location tracking without actual evidence of wrongdoing and that probable cause is not sufficient reason for the release of records.
These events will ensure that the advantages of cell phone GPS tracking will not be compromised by privacy issues and that its long term future and usefulness is secured.
For more information on cell phone GPS tracking and other GPS products visit http://www.satnav-gps.info today.
GPS stands for global positioning system, a system that has been established and is managed by the Department of Defense. The GPS system utilizes satellites that have been put into orbit that help people determine their exact positioning on the plane t- whether it be for the purposes of navigation, for the purposes of military use, or any type of enterprise that requires an exact global positioning by latitude, longitude and altitude. In fact, sometimes GPS systems are installed in vehicles, and some are installed in fishing boats. Finally, some GPS systems are fixed into position, while some are portable.
GPS systems can also be purchased for motorcycles, and hikers sometimes use such systems to determine where they are while walking. Cyclists should not be left out of the mix, and runners, joggers, and skiers use navigation systems to prevent themselves from becoming lost in an unfamiliar area. Some PDAs - personal digital assistants - are equipped with built in navigation devices, while some Palm devices also include such systems.
Navigation systems are sold with a variety of features and what kind of features you should look for is solely dependent on two factors - price and need. The most basic of navigation systems will provide you with a route from one waypoint to another waypoint or to multiple waypoints, depending on your destination and trip plan. A benefit of such navigation systems is that they not only serve as a guide to your preplanned destination, they also serve as guide back to where you started. Any route you plan in a navigation system is completely reversible thanks to the innovative design of such systems.
Alternatively, you may pay more money for a navigation system that has voice capabilities. You can purchase a navigation system that will guide you to your destination vocally and while speaking to you it will offer up a turn-by-turn dictation of your journey. Conversely, those individuals that spend the majority of their time travelling - like a delivery man may find that they prefer a navigation system that they can preplan many destinations at one time and then move from one set of directions to another. Thus, such individuals require a uniquely designed navigation system -one that possesses multi destination capabilities. Finally, there are different navigation systems for boats, motorcycles, cars, and joggers so you will need to be sure to purchase the product you require for the use for which you intend it.
Navigation systems can be easily ordered from online distributors. If you are interested in purchasing a navigation system you may want to read the myriad reviews offered pertaining to such products before you make your purchase. In doing so, you will have a better idea of the various brands available and what other people recommend. Also, you will find complete reviews that will allow you to engage in comparative shopping - this way you know you will be able to find the best navigation system to meet your needs at a price that suits your budget.
The spectrum story has taken a fresh turn as T-Mobile has discontinued a joint litigation against Ofcom. O2, the other party that initiated the litigation, is now the only hurdle stopping Ofcom from auctioning the 2.6GHz spectrum. T-Mobile broadband has left the litigation without citing a reason.
The 2.6GHz spectrum is the targeted range for 4G services (like LTE), but providers are not ready to buy it yet. Ofcom caused a commotion in the industry when it announced the impending sale of the spectrum. However, with the fate of other spectrum ranges like the prime 900MHz 3G range still undecided, the industry is not ready to put a price tag on the 2.6GHz range.
Litigation against Ofcom was launched by T-Mobile and O2 in May last year with the purpose of holding up the auction until a decision could be made. The auction that Ofcom was hoping would be over by now is still stalled. It has also stopped WiMax, LTE’s rival technology from being launched into the 2.6GHz spectrum. This suits those mobile operators who are on LTE’s side in the battle.
Ofcom, of course, has been sticking to its claim that the 900MHz reallocation and the 2.6GHz sale are not linked in any way, and is planning to go ahead with the auction before the end of the year.
