Keys2iPhone Offers Hassle Free Unlocks for iPhone 4, 4s, 5 Models – At&t and Vodafone
There is no secret that getting an IMEI factory unlock for your iPhone 4, 4s or 5 may be a real hassle, depending on the carrier to which your iPhone is locked. The good news is that you don’t need to wait for days to get your official IMEI factory unlock if you order it via http://Keys2iPhone.com – the top rated service that has direct connections with carriers that allow to speed up the entire unlocking process. It will take only a few hours to get a confirmation for official At&t unlock and about a week to get a Vodafone unlock (Vodafone is taking a bit longer due to the procedure involved).
Keys2iPhone.com is a five-star reviewed service and has over 2,000 Facebook fans who have got their unlocks successfully and promptly. Many of its users first tried to request an unlocking code on their own by contacting the carrier but were utterly unsuccessful. There are many reasons for that.
The Huffington Post has recently reported that carriers “play all sorts of games” with their customers when it comes to unlocking policies. Some customers get their unlocks issued right away, others are made go in circles wasting precious time that they could use actually enjoying their iPhones. While carriers do publish the conditions under which they provide unlock codes for iPhone 4, 4s and 5 models, oftentimes, there is the fine print that is vague at best and customer assistance staff has to rely on their intuiti to avoid double guessing, they will reject unlocking requests just to be done with it.
One of the main principles that carriers try to implement when it comes to iPhone unlocking is the, so-called, “time lapsed since activation”. The under-contract iPhone 5, for example, that was activated on the At&t network has to be active for at least 60 days (90 days for Vodafone) with no overdue payments before an unlocking request can be approved. As you understand, there are exceptions like, for instance, traveling abroad or upgrading your iPhone to the latest version. These exceptions may be interpreted differently by different staff members, thus, varying outcomes with regards to unlocking requests.
Keys2iPhone allows to avoid all this hassle by providing fast, efficient unlocks that work. The only piece of information needed from you is the IMEI of your handset. This is used to identify your iPhone in the official Apple database. The carrier simply marks your IMEI as unlocked in the database and you are ready to roll. Use it on any network that supports a SIM card (most GSM networks worldwide), save money on voice and data when traveling, or feel free to upgrade to a new model giving away or selling an unlocked iPhone to someone else.
Porsche Design Celebrates 40th Birthday with Innovative Voucher
Famous luxury car manufacturers, Porsche Design Group are celebrating their 40th birthday with a forward thinking marketing campaign that utilises Touchcode technology in an innovative voucher. The Touchcode technology enables the voucher to contain invisible data code that can be used in combination with many popular touchscreen devices. In order to create this modern marketing campaign, Porsche Design Group has joined forces with the relatively new company, Printechnologics who first released the Touchcode technology to the market during 2011.
Once a physical voucher is acquired the activation process is simple. Using one of the supported touchscreen smart devices, head to www.porsche-design40y.com. With the page loaded simply place the voucher on top on the devices screen. From here the webpage should compute the invisible Touchcode and unlock the exclusive content within. Voucher holders will have access to a wide range of discounts, promotions and customised content that is available exclusively online. The online voucher is currently only redeemable through iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy SII and SIII devices.
The Touchcode technology separates itself from other options in interactive digital marketing as it does not necessarily need to be used with a device with a camera or pre-installed app. Instead, Touchcode is able to provide instant delivery of unlockable content via its invisible data that is coded directly onto any printable surface such as paper and plastic. This allows for marketing campaigns to move away from other more visually disruptive technologies such as QR codes.
The CEO and co-founder of Printechnologics, Sascha Voigt released this statement regarding their partnership with Porsche Design Group:
“Once more an internationally prestigious company, well-known for its exquisite style and high quality, has selected out forward-looking Touchcode”
Printechnologics has quickly become one of the leading developers of printing solutions and functionalities. Printechnologics pride themselves on creating products that combine physical printed items that integrate digital aspects. This technology has been implemented in everything from forgery-proof packaging to the new Touchcode technology as used by Porsche.
The Porsche Design Studio has been providing elegant and desirable designer goods to complement their range of luxury cars since its inception in 1972. Originally founded by the grandson of the founder of the entire Porsche company, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the Design Studio began work in Stuttgart, Germany before being relocated to Zell am See, Austria two years later. The Design Studio has produced a wide range of car-related accessories that include T-shirts, calendars, model cars and even a range of luggage. The design house has also been responsible for creating Porsche designs for a range of industrial applications including streetcars for Vienna.
Mobile Innovators MoDe Win IBM Global Entrepreneur Of The Year
Nairobi based company, MoDe have been announced as IBM’s Global Entrepreneur of the year as part of their ongoing ‘SmartCamps’ scheme. The innovative firm plans to spread the availability of ‘nano finance’ to the numerous users of pre-paid mobile phones that populate the African continent. MoDe tackles the problem of nano finance in an interesting way – by using flexible mobile payment schemes to provide users with mobile airtime as and when they need it. The company was able to gain media attention and international recognition via IBM’s SmartCamp scheme that aims to identify small and early stage businesses that share similar objectives to IBM’s Smarter Planet plans.
MoDe’s CEO and co-founder, Julian Kyula released this statement regarding their SmartCamp success:
“Being named the IBM Global Entrepreneur of the Year is a tremendous honour and will accelerate out ability to create new markets. The access to clients and potential investors that we have had through the SmartCamp program would have taken out company 10 years to achieve on our own, with IBm it took less than six months.”
MoDe were originally established in 2010 to provide value added services linked to the mobile phone industry in developing countries. MoDo operates across 7 countries within Africa with 10 more lined up ready for implementation. The product that won MoDo the attention of IBM’s SmartCamp is named the Airtime Credit Service (ACS). The ACS enables pre paid mobile phone users to use emergency airtime credit in order to make calls when their prepaid subscription amount runs out. Users can then repay their usage the next time they top up. This enables adopters of the scheme an degree of flexibility when it comes to mobile phone payments, allowing them to stay connected regardless of their short term financial situation. The scheme has already experienced widespread adoption with over 200 million transactions taking place through the service. The scheme is also beneficial to network providers with Airtel and MTN both increasing revenues generated through subscribers.
This is by no means the first venture that has received assistance from IBM’s SmartCamp scheme. Previous applicants have gone on to raise in excess of $90 million in investments from big players in venture capital. The scheme is spread across 20 locations across the globe and provides 2 days of mentoring, networking and judging on product and service ideas put forward to hopeful companies. MoDe was chosen as this year’s winner due to the innovative nature of their product, their growing client base and their firm’s objective alignment with IBM’s Smarter Planet schemes.
The general manager of IBM’s Entrepreneur Programs, Jim Corgel released this statement regarding the event:
“Every day we are working with startups around the world to grow markets in big data, cloud and mobile computing. We are thrilled to expand our relationship with MoDe as we bring new mobile solutions to our clients around the world.”
Create Incredible Music On The Go With SessionBand
UK Music Apps Ltd are set to revolutionise how music is made on the move with their new app, SessionBand. The app makes it possible for artists to create professional-standard music within minutes using its intuitive loop-based approach to production. SessionBand features an accessible and easy-to-use interface which enables everyone from seasoned professionals to novices to start creating high-quality tracks without knowledge of music theory or technical know-how.
SessionBand is revolutionary in its method of music creation as it utilises a system of chord-based loops. Loops are short cuts of tracks that can be repeated over and over to create a fluid sounding track. An example of a loop may be a drum rhythm or a 4-bar synth hook. By layering a selection of loops it is possible to create an individual and original track without the need of expensive recording equipment or hardware.
SessionBand transposes the chords of each loop in accordance to your track, ensuring that any combinations you create fit together to get that cohesive sound professional producers strive for. SessionBand features a library of 80,000 crafted loops for you to browse when constructing tracks. This diverse range allows you to let your imagination run wild to create tracks conforming to a huge range of genres from Reggae to R&B. The loops are all of a professional standard and some were even created by musicians and producers who have worked with big names such as Kylie Minogue, Mariah Carey and Cheryl Cole! Particularly keen producers can even purchase top-up packs of loops from within the app.
SessionBand is designed specifically for portable use. As all the loops are pre-loaded onto the device there is no need for a constant internet connection which allows you to get creative anywhere on the go. This makes it possible for you to put your ideas to practice whenever inspiration strikes, be it on the bus, at home or even at work!
The app is available on the iPhone for £1.99 and the iPad for £4.99. All the loops featured within the app are completely royalty-free so any tracks you create are completely yours to release, sell and remix.
For more information on the SessionBand app and future releases from UK Music App Ltd, check out their official site at: www.sessionbandapp.com.
Google Maps Headed Back to iOS
Google has released a downloadable map app for iOS though Apple’s iTunes App Store. The app will compete with Apple’s navigation solution, ‘Maps’, which received widespread criticism despite clocking up 200 million downloads since it’s launch in September alongside the iPhone 5 and iOS 6. The app release comes 2 months after Apple removed Google’s mapping app from being a default feature of iOS based devices.
Google’s app boasts industry standard features such as turn-by-turn navigation for both vehicle and pedestrian based routes as well as vector based maps which negate the need for constant data downloads; ideal for travelling through areas with no or patchy mobile reception. The app also enables users to access Google’s popular ’street view’ services for checking out routes on street level enhanced with real photos. Google also provides a programmable API for third party developers looking to make the most out of the app’s extensive set of features. Google’s app will not work alongside Apple’s voice recognition software, Siri, which allows iPhone users to demand directions from Apple’s own navigation solution.
As news outlets such as www.thinkabledigital.com have reported, since launch, Apple’s Maps app has been subject to poor reviews with complaints ranging from misspelt street names to dispensing dangerous directions to Australian drivers. The troublesome launch was uncharacteristic of Apple and prompted a public apology from CEO Tim Cook. The head of the iOS software team, Scott Forstall, was also dismissed shortly after the release of iOS 6.
The news of Google’s app’s approval comes only months after Apple decided to stop Google technology from driving the navigation experience in Apple products. This decision stemmed from a dispute between the two tech giants with Apple disagreeing with Google’s plan to generate revenue by incorporate adverts within the software. Following this, Apple decided to create its own mapping application in order to cut off their dependence on the Google product. Downloads of the app have been impressive, with the app hitting the top spot of Apple’s iTunes chart just hours after its release.
Google’s Maps application is available through the iTunes App Store free of charge. Only the iPhone platform is currently supported but iPad users are able to run this in 2X mode.
Commensus Announce the Launch of New Cloud Computing System
London based cloud computing and infrastructure company, Commensus, have released new virtual desktop software that fully utilises cloud technology. The software makes it possible for companies to manage multiple virtual desktops without the need for expensive on-site hardware such as servers. The use of a cloud based virtual desktop interface also means that the computers are as fast as the off-site server, making ageing, sluggish desktops a thing of the past.
Cloud computing solutions have become increasingly versatile and sophisticated since their creation several years ago. Put simply, cloud computing is the use of networks comprising of remote servers to store, process and provide data to various devices over the internet. Data that previously had to be stored on local servers and accessed manually can now be uploaded via the internet to a secure, off-site server which can be accessed from anywhere and from any device with an internet connection. Commensus’ new solution adds the ability not just to store and process data on the cloud but to run a virtual desktop interface.
One major benefit of a cloud based virtual desktop system is that you don’t need to be at a computer in order to access your work documents and computing environment. By hosting the operating system on an external server, employees can access their virtual desktop from devices such as smartphones and tablets. This increases worker productivity by adding an extra dimension to working on the move. By storing all company data on a central server, it also removes the possibility of the leak of sensitive data through accidents such as misplacing company laptops or phones.
Commensus Chief Technology Officer, Alex Parker underlined some of the main benefits of their new software:
“Users want to access their desktop on the go. They need it to be fast, accessible and above all – secure […] The new Cloud Desktop hosted on our enterprise Cloud Computing platform delivers unparalleled responsiveness. Users get all the benefits of a high performance VDI, whilst IT Managers can enjoy centrally managed apps and system processes to ensure security of the data both at the user level but also within the data centre.”
If you’d like to find out more about cloud computing solutions and how they can benefit you and your company, why not check out the Commensus website where they have information one all their products as well articles on the relative benefits of different cloud based solutions.
King.com Ports 2 Popular Facebook Games to Android
Leading web based games firm, King.com, has announced Android versions of two of its leading Facebook games, Candy Crush Saga and Bubble Witch Saga. The games will be launched through Google’s answer to Apple’s App Store, Google Play (formerly Android Market).
This news follows the successful iOS launch of Candy Crush Saga which rose to the top spot on the iTunes app charts of many major markets for both the iPad and iPhone versions of the game. The gameplay involves matching sets of 3 coloured candies, collecting bonuses and removing jellybeans, all against the clock. The game differentiates itself from the many other match-3 titles by including strategic puzzles and tasks to keep gamers engaged throughout its numerous levels.
Bubble Witch Saga has also enjoyed similar popularity and success by reaching Facebook’s top 10 games with just under 4 million active users per day. Just as Candy Crush Saga makes use of the proven match-3 format, Bubble Witch Saga utilises the bubble burst breakout game type to create a game that seems simple at first but quickly progresses to become fiendishly tricky.
Both games feature cross-platform save files allowing players to continue where they left off no matter what device they choose. The games also follow the increasingly popular ‘freemium’ monetisation model which offers the application for free but includes paid unlockable content such as extra levels or exclusive power-ups.
Following the success of the two games, King.com’s CEO, Riccardo Zacconi shared plans to expand their current employee base of 300 to meet the increased demand: “King.com is also planning an expansion of its employee base so it can continue to deliver on this promise at a more significant degree. We expect to nearly double the team over the next year.”
Riccardo Zacconi co-founded the website in 2003 to host browser based casual games. The website now boasts more than 40 million users per month playing over 3 billion games between them. King.com now focusses its efforts in producing addictive games that make use of the valuable resource of social networks to encourage competition between friends. King.com is included in the top 10 most popular Facebook application developers alongside giants such as Wooga, Electronic Arts and Farmville creator, Zynga.
Google launches UK music service
Google launched its UK music service this week (beginning 12 November 2012), which will allow users to search and buy music through its new application. The service has been long anticipated since going live in the US last year.
Google Music will be available through the Google Play store on Android smart phone devices, tablets, laptops and home PCs. It allows for easy to use searching of a large library of music which after purchase is immediately available to stream or download.
Music purchased through Google Music will be stored on the company’s cloud servers, making it accessible to users where ever they are. Music already stored on your desktop or device can be added to the cloud with space for 20,000 titles. There will also be the option to download music onto devices for listening offline.
The range of tracks available has been reported as being very good, with many old classics and newer releases being available. Prices start from 79p per track. Music by artists such as One Direction can cost up to £1.49 per track, with albums at between £6.99 and £12.
Access to Google music will be through Google Play or via the app store and its Music tab. New features include the ability to create instant mixes and option to find more music from your favourite artists.
The layout is logically arranged with Top Albums and Top Songs to swipe between making it an obvious rival to Apple’s iTunes. Launching the Google Music application enables Android users to have similar music services as those on iOS and will claw back some of the competition from Apple. As reported on sites like www.thinkabledigital.com, mobile web use is rapidly on the rise, with online businesses increasingly making mobile-ready versions of their sites to keep hold of tech-savvy customers.
Google’s venture into music sees the internet giant expanding out into the internet entertainment market. The new features available should make for an enjoyable retail experience for music lovers with instant access to their favourite titles.
Google Music is available for use now.
Smartphone App Firm Hit with £50k Fine
Russian malware firm Connect Ltd has received a £50,000 fine from UK premium phone services regulator PhonepayPlus for misleading customers and charging without consent.
The Moscow based company created an application for Android phones that provided access to games. When the application was installed, users charged £10 for a text from a premium-rate number. Users who agreed to the terms and conditions of the application were charged another £10 was the text message that followed.
In addition to the ban, Connect Ltd has been ordered to refund all of its customers, something which will cost the company up to another £250,000. If the company fails to comply it could be faced with an even larger fine or be banned from operating in the UK phone market for up to 5 years.
Connect Ltd actually warned that people who downloaded the app would be charged. However, not only was this information buried on page 6 of the app’s terms and conditions, and wrongly mentioned charges of around £5. A total of four breaches were found to be committed by the company relating to pricing, misleading, charges without consent and registration.
This is just the latest in a series of security breaches to recently occur on Android phones. Unlike Apple, the Google owned Android is said to be not so rigorous in what applications it allows on its services. This means that it is relatively easy for anyone to create a product or service for Android users, something that has helped Android become the world’s leading smartphone service. It also means that it is far easier for scammers to target consumers.
Last May, A1 Aggregator Limited was fined £50,000 for a similar scheme involving premium texts sent to customers who download Trojan horse versions of popular games such as Assassin’s Creed and Angry Birds. In April, many Android customers were conned by Malware disguised as an Instagram application. By contrast, Apple users have remained secure.
This latest scandal raises more issues about the security of Android devices. Will Android be forced to tighten its application approval processes and if it does will this threaten the platform’s vibrant development culture? Be sure to visit www.searchengineoptimisationcompany.co for more on Android’s future.
Londoners to see ‘Wi-Fi Cabs’
London’s second-largest cab firm has announced plans to introduce free Wi-Fi technology into each of its 300 vehicles, becoming the latest in a series of organisations offering the service in the Capital.
Eco-friendly cab-company ‘Greentomatocars’ has become the latest in a series of companies and public services to offer its customers free Wi-Fi in London. With the Olympics fast looming, the pressure is on to offer the public the ability to view the events, and with download speeds of up to 7mbps, Greentomatocars has certainly capitalised on a potential cash-cow (not to mention improving their public image).
London, already named ‘Wi-Fi Capital of the World’ in 2008, looks set to keep a firm hold of the title. Indeed, Mayor Johnson pledged to increase wireless access across the city, as part of the city’s improvement program in the run-up to the Olympic Games. True-to-his-word, over 40 London Underground stations offer the connection (with a view to expanding the number to 120, by the end of the month). London’s 8000-strong fleet of buses is also set to offer the service. The founder of Greentomatocars commented: “You don’t have to work in the travel industry to see the importance of connectivity…”
But what does this mean for London as a whole? We seem to be moving from ‘Wi-Fi hotspots’ and paid public internet use, through to free, blanket-coverage for the entirety of the Capital. For the commuter, this is very likely an advantageous turnout: the use of smart-phones and tablet computing has increased exponentially in the past couple of years, and a large division of society has some kind of mobile access to the web. Social media has become increasingly integrated to our culture, and the demand for constant access is heavy. As mentioned above: many public transport services either offer, or have plans to offer similar schemes. This could mean a great shift in the transport community, with private companies being forced to ‘adapt or die’, to maintain customer satisfaction. Also with workers given internet on public transportation, perhaps this could prompt changes in the business community: with working-hours ‘extended’, as businessmen and women are able to check work schedules and send emails during the morning commute.
Whether or not this is hinting at the next step in societal development, or simply another fad, brought-on by Boris Johnson remains to be seen, and it will certainly be another year or so before the plans to ‘upgrade’ London are 100% complete. Whatever the future holds, we can be certain of one thing: awkward conversation with cab drivers after a night-out could become a thing of the past!
With sites like www.searchengineoptimisationcompany.co reporting on similar developments, such as WiFi becoming available in London Underground stations during the London 2012 Olympics, it seems that finding somewhere you cannot connect to wireless internet in the capital may soon be harder than finding somewhere you can.