Author: Jeff Morgan (Page 127 of 168)

      FTC Commends Schmidt For Stepping Down

      August 3, 2009 /

      The FTC HQ.We reported earlier today that Eric Schmidt officially stepped down from his position on Apple’s Board. Now the FTC, which has been investigating Google and Apple for competition issues, has issued a statement commending Schmidt for his decision.

      Bureau of Competition Director Richard Feinstein had this to say: “We have been investigating the Google/Apple interlocking directorates issue for some time and commend them for recognizing that sharing directors raises competitive issues, as Google and Apple increasingly compete with each other. We will continue to investigate remaining interlocking directorates between the companies.”

      Sounds like the FTC got their wish when Schmidt stepped down. My guess is we won’t hear much more from them on this.

      The FCC is another matter entirely. They’re the folks investigating the Google Voice snafu, which promises some sort of fireworks. Apple’s got itself in a fairly sloppy situation by blocking GV Mobile, which provides access to services people would find useful on the phone. Keep your eyes peeled on this one.

      Apple, Mobile, News

      Eric Schmidt Resigns From Apple’s Board

      August 3, 2009 /

      Google CEO Eric Schmidt.Eric Schmidt stepped down from his position on Apple’s board today, amidst scrunity about the two companies’ internal dealings. In early July Schmidt said he would reconsider his position in light of the announcement of Google Chrome OS, which will directly compete in another Apple market.

      In a statement today, Apple CEO Steve Jobs had this to say:

      Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple’s core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric’s effectiveness as an Apple Board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest.

      Jobs also said now was “the right time” for Schmidt to take his leave.

      Google’s CEO had some very polite words concerning his time at Apple. “I have very much enjoyed my time on the Apple Board,” he said. “It’s a fantastic company. But as Apple explained today, we’ve agreed it makes sense for me to step down now.”

      It’s always hard to watch a breakup, but even more difficult when it’s two parties who you thought were so good together. Maybe now Schmidt will feel like he has the freedom to push Apple to allow more of his apps on the iPhone. I would like that very much.

      Apple, iPhone, News

      The FCC Shows Concern Over Google Voice Debacle

      August 1, 2009 /

      GV Mobile app.The FCC is looking for additional information regarding Apple’s recent rejection of Google’s newest iPhone app, Google Voice. Everyone knows the FCC has been doing some digging with regard to wireless open access and carrier exclusivity. The information they seek from Google, Apple, and AT&T is meant to be a part of that discussion.

      A whole load of people are pretty pissed about Apple’s block against Google’s service, which could potentially allow people to use their iPhone as a dummy handset for voice calls. Personally, I’d love to get the voicemail transcription service. There are a host of services that people are after too, making the FCC decision to at least look into things intriguing.

      We’ll probably be waiting a while to see the outcome of this one. The FCC has been looking at wireless exclusivity for a bit now with nearly no word to the general public. The FCC’s specific request for information on the GV Mobile app should tell us why the app was removed and whether it was Apple acting alone or in accord with AT&T.

      Source: Reuters

      Apple, Apps, iPhone, Mobile

      iPhone SMS Vulnerability Patched With OS 3.0.1

      July 31, 2009 /

      Connect to iTunes.We made several cautionary posts about the iPhone’s SMS vulnerability over the past month, and it’s finally getting a fix. iPhone OS 3.0.1 is out today at a whopping 280MB.

      Apple was apparently highly pleased with themselves for the fix:

      We appreciate the information provided to us about SMS vulnerabilities which affect several mobile phone platforms. This morning, less than 24 hours after a demonstration of this exploit, we’ve issued a free software update that eliminates the vulnerability from the iPhone. Contrary to what’s been reported, no one has been able to take control of the iPhone to gain access to personal information using this exploit.

      Nice to hear that no one has actually used the exploit to devious ends, but “less than 24 hours after a demonstration of this exploit” is Bushian in its absurdity. The two dates, the update release and the demonstration, are pretty clearly unrelated. It’s not like Apple just threw this thing together over the last 24 hours. If they had, I probably wouldn’t bother installing it. They’ve known about the problem for at least a month. I know that because I’ve known about the problem for a month.

      Here’s to completely arbitrary horn-tooting!

      Apple, iPhone, Music

      Amazon Sued By 17-Year-Old Because The Kindle Ate His Homework

      July 31, 2009 /

      Amazon's watching you.Of course by “ate” I mean “deleted without warning” and by “Amazon” I mean “another in the growing list of evil companies who can’t get their digital rights straight.” The suit, which is a class action, is being brought by Justin D. Gawronski, a 17-year-old from Michigan who lost his notes on George Orwell’s 1984 when Amazon went and pulled the book from all of its Kindle devices.

      While I am glad to see someone taking legal action on the matter, it’s a little absurd that it was a 17-year-old who had to do the deed. I would hardly call losing your summer reading notes a serious injunction, but then, what really could be in this situation? The most serious part is simply that Amazon did it, and they shouldn’t have. Now it’s up to the courts to decide if that has any reasonable legal implications. My guess is they’ll simply say, “no.”

      Digital Media, Gaming, News

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