<![CDATA[[MobileRatty] tag: outlook]]> http://mobileratty.com/tag/outlook Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:21:00 +0000 iRatty Engine http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[S60 5th edition software]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/9f278be110280a2d1521241a8f1fdc51 http://mobileratty.com/article/9f278be110280a2d1521241a8f1fdc51 review of the S60 5th edition software. Here is their final conclusion.



There are no perfect things, and the S60 5th edition isn't a flawless OS either. Nevertheless, it's a well-rounded solution for an ordinary user. Apart from the browser, our only gripe with it is about application compatibility - at first custom apps will be thin on the ground (although the most popular ones will come along really soon). Also it's not quite clear whether we will see a wealth of Java applications, and I doubt they will work outside the compatibility mode. Probably we'll get more of them in a year or so, when the platform will make it to the mainstream.

As far as new features go, we can't overlook the 5th edition's adaptive search function. Also, it now allows more flexibility for WiFi connectivity, brings about a better phonebook, improved MS Outlook synchronization, support for more languages out of the box and so on. While its Organizer doesn't really brim with features, it's a generic problem of all Nokia-branded handsets; at least it seamlessly synchronizes with PC. Plus the 5th edition comes with slight enhancements in the way of IMAP mail, home screen setups and gallery.

All in all, it's a pretty decent user-friendly solution without any major hiccups in terms of functionality (expect for the browser) that will suit most consumers out there. Those who aren't looking for any bells and whistles, will be content with S60 5th edition as it is. Furthermore, other manufacturers simply don't have operating systems of the same caliber in their portfolios: Samsung offers less sophisticated solutions, yet beefs them up with Widgets; Motorola doesn't have anything newsworthy on this front; and Sony Ericsson can't stand any comparison when it comes to functionality and extensibility. So, one of the biggest challenges S60 5th edition will have to face is Apple's MacOS for mobile phones. Going for it are smoother animation effects, glossy menus and a dazzling browser. But in all other departments, the 5800 delivers exactly the same functionality or surpasses MacOS and the iPhone in particular (it lacks some crucial features, which makes it more suitable for music players rather than mobile phones).

]]> Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:55:00 +0000 5th edition s60 5th edition crucial features mobile phones features smoother animation effects surpasses macos browser functionality S60 5th edition software <![CDATA[Vonage Email Phishing Scam]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/dd1f63674008cf7bbb34be4074c26850 http://mobileratty.com/article/dd1f63674008cf7bbb34be4074c26850 Look at this email phishing scam purportedly coming from Vonage. You know Vonage has hit the big time when scammers starts targeting them. Unfortunately, the scammers, like many scammers, have poor English skills making their poorly written emails a dead giveaway.

Let me give the scammers some tips for the future:
  1. Spell October correctly. It's not Octomber
  2. This is not grammatically correct (wrong tense) - "You did not accessed your account for more than a month."
  3. Sorry, but 'confront' is a poor word choice - 'compare' is what you meant. I think your English thesaurus or translator got you. "We will check your IP address, time zone, and confront it with our database logs."
Now here's what I'm trying to figure out. Even if someone logs onto someone's Vonage account, I'm not sure what information they'd have access to. As a former Vonage customer myself, if I recall, the web interface doesn't display your credit card information. So the online web interface would give them access to your voicemail, which could contain some confidential info, but typically people don't leave confidential financial info in their voicemail.

Maybe the web interface does display credit card info, social security, or some other info that a credit card or identity thief can use? Any Vonage customers out there care to pipe in?

Here's the scam email.
Warning: The links go to www.angeltrans.kr not vonage.com. I didn't click through. You never know what untrustworthy sites have viruses, buffer overflow exploits, etc. I suggest you not click through either.

From: Vonage Marketing [mailto:service@vonage.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2008 7:59 AM
Subject: Message from Vonage, Customer Service
Importance: High


Dear Vonage Member,

 Your Vonage Account will expire in: Octomber, 10

 This might have happened due to the following reasons:
- You did not accessed your account for more than a month.
- You have dynamic IP address and due to that our system might have interpretated it as a hacking attempt.
- You entered a wrong password 3 times when you tried to connect to your Vonage Account.

 To avoid an account suspension, please click here or the link below:

https://secure.vonage.com/vonage-web/public/login.htm

*We will check your IP address, time zone, and confront it with our database logs.

 We are very sorry if this affects you in any way but our client's security is a top priority for Vonage Inc.


Regards,
Vonage Security Team.

© 2001-2008 Vonage Marketing, Inc., All Rights Reserved

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]]> Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:42:49 +0000 vonage vonage email vonage slams skype dear vonage scam vonage customer vonage security team vonage customers vonage account Vonage Email Phishing Scam <![CDATA[Vonage slams Skype for not following emergency rules]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/bf74d277b9f1f25b649082bca11927a3 http://mobileratty.com/article/bf74d277b9f1f25b649082bca11927a3 Vonage lays down the smackdown for Skype's refusal to adhere to Ofcom rules, an independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries. Last month, Ofcom introduced rules mandating access to emergency services (999 in the United Kingdom) for VoIP providers whose customers make calls that connect to the public switched service.  The rules also specify that caller address information is to be made available to emergency services so that, as far as possible, emergency service operators know where a call is originating from. 

Vonage points out that since it started offering services in the UK in 2005 that all Vonage customers have been able to dial 999.  Vonage also makes available caller address information (CallerID) to emergency operators.

According to Vonage, "Skype is choosing to flout the new rules by claiming that they do not apply and that they could be harmful to public safety. Skype In and Skype Out services offer their customers calls that connect to the public switched service and are therefore caught by Ofcom's new rules." Vonage added, "Skype's statement that compliance could be harmful to public safety is in Vonage's view an abdication of social responsibility - especially when you consider that the telephone provided by Skype is designed to resemble a regular telephone.  To deny consumers the ability to dial 999 is socially irresponsible and potentially very harmful."

Vincent Potier, Managing Director of Vonage UK comments: "This is an absurd position.  How can refusing to allow customers to dial 999 in cases of emergency ever be in the interests of public safety?  It is Skype that is causing harm to public safety, not Ofcom."     

So who's right? Is Vonage simply making a stink to drum up some free publicity by attacking the #1 popular VoIP application? Is Vonage attacking Skype because Skype has millions more customers? Let's examine. First off, Ofcom explained that research revealed that as many as 78% of VoIP users who cannot use their service to call 999 thought they could, or did not know whether they could. As such, Ofcom set out to propose guidelines for 999 to ensure VoIP users were aware if they could or could not dial 999.

Ofcom stated in their rules, requiring only certain types of VoIP service providers to allow users to call 999 by early 2008. In Ofcom's list of VoIP service provider types it would appear that P2P apps, such as Skype is specifically EXCLUDED. However, Skype also falls under another VoIP type, 'VoIP Out' services, which would make them fall under Ofcom guideliness.

In March 2007, Ofcom put in place a code of practice that requires all VoIP providers to make it clear to consumers whether or not their service includes access to emergency services. From this code of practice statement, it does seem clear that Ofcom is asking Skype to at least make it clear to their customers that you cannot dial 999 using SkypeOut and expect emergency services to work.

Let me break out the four main types of VoIP services according to Ofcom's definition:
  • 'Peer-to-peer' services that make and receive calls to other PCs and connected devices (Type 1);
  • 'VoIP Out' services which allow users to make calls to ordinary phone numbers but not receive them (Type 2);
  • 'VoIP In' services which allow users to receive calls from ordinary phone numbers but not make them (Type 3); and
  • Full-service VoIP which allows users to make and receive calls to and from ordinary phone numbers (Type 4).
Under Ofcom's proposals, providers of types 2 and 4 services would be required to offer access to emergency services. Most Skype users fall under Type 1 (P2P), so in these cases, Skype must at least make it clear to their customers that 999 emergency dialing is not available.

However, many Skype users have SkypeOut accounts and fall under Type 2, which requires providers of type 2 (and 4) services to offer access to emergency services. So it would appear Vonage is right.

Let's start with Type 1 Skype customers (P2P), which is the vast majority of Skype customers. How exactly would Skype go about notifying customers that they don't have emergency dialing? They could issue a popup statement the first time you launch Skype or maybe even the first 10 launches to cover any liability issues that 1 notification wasn't enough. Simple enough to do.

The issue with actually providing 999 access is much trickier. Skype is a mobile application, so even if you specify your home address, you could be in a London cafe when an emergency strikes.

Also, suppose I am a UK citizen but I'm travelling to the U.S. In the U.S. I dial 911 not 999. So if I dial 999 while in the U.S., should Skype still route the emergency call to the U.K. 999 emergency services? Obviously, there are problems with this. You would need to route the emergency call to the closest emergency services center and not across the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, each country has their own emergency phone number. Routing a call to the closest emergency center using geocoding (by IP address) could be leveraged, but even that isn't perfect. It still wouldn't send accurate location information and it would could only send the call to a 911 emergency location center with an accuracy of 30+ miles.

VoIP Out services that are mobile (i.e. Skype, Jajah) and that are not fixed (i.e. Vonage, Packet8) need their own classification for Ofcom rules. Skype can't possibly offer 999. Maybe one day technology with solve this problem. While technically Vonage is right when you look at the "letter of the law" with regards to the Ofcom rules, Vonage knows full well Skype can't easily offer 999 services and it seems to me that they're using the battering ram of FUD to scare British citizens into signing up for their services instead.

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]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:32:29 +0000 emergency expect emergency services baby emergency call call emergency service operators services vonage voip services emergency phone Vonage slams Skype for not following emergency rules <![CDATA[Halo 3 Recon coming in 2009]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/4d258fa1b6f8368db352924bf9bea648 http://mobileratty.com/article/4d258fa1b6f8368db352924bf9bea648 Well it looks like there is a new expansion coming for my favourite Xbox 360 game, Halo 3, with Halo 3 Recon.

Halo 3 Recon

Halon 3 Recon will feature new campaign content and it certainly looks very exciting.

The Halo 3: Recon campaign is an intriguing side story that takes place during the terrifying events leading up to the Master Chief’s return to New Mombasa in Halo 3. Experience the fate of Earth from the brand-new perspective of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), adding a unique outlook and new gameplay elements to the events that unfold in the trilogy’s finale. While the feel of this new chapter greatly resembles that of previous Halo experiences, Halo 3: Recon will require you to employ more elements of stealth and cunning than ever before.

Check out this cool video of Halo 3 Recon.

via Crunchgear

Post from http://www.gadgettastic.com

Halo 3 Recon coming in 2009

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]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:52:11 +0000 halo recon previous halo experiences recon campaign cyberpower gamer xtreme gameplay elements master chiefs return elements special forces odst Halo 3 Recon coming in 2009 <![CDATA[Why Apple's iPhone applications seem to load so much faster: they have a clever trick]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/5c905cf26937b60b80875376372751de http://mobileratty.com/article/5c905cf26937b60b80875376372751de Why Apple's iPhone applications seem to load so much faster: they have a clever trick

You might have noticed that iPhone applications like Mail or Contacts seem to load "instantly", while other apps (3rd party don't). Here's the secret: it has been determined that Apple is using a screen shot of the last known state of an application as a "splash screen" for the next reload. A splash screen is a loading screen that is shown during the loading time. It's very simple to do and it is quite efficient at making users believe that the app has loaded.

If you don't have an iPhone, you can still use a screen capture of Outlook as your Windows background image and see if your boss goes for it :)

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]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:44:31 +0000 iphone iphone applications clever trick load apple windows background image 3rd party faster visit ubergizmo Why Apple's iPhone applications seem to load so much faster: they have a clever trick <![CDATA[Showdown: BlackBerry Storm VS. iPhone 3G]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/fa0b92d1d7773e3a02abf1ccb9a2d88a http://mobileratty.com/article/fa0b92d1d7773e3a02abf1ccb9a2d88a Bbsvsiphone

After teasing us with videos and a vague web site, Research in Motion has finally decided to come out of the closet with full details on its touchscreen handset, the BlackBerry Storm.

Those following the smartphone market are aware that the word touchscreen has become a synonym for "iPhone competitor." So we've compiled a chart comparing the two handsets' specifications (below the jump). You'll be entertained to see that in terms of hardware, the Storm is much more competitive with the iPhone than the underwhelming T-Mobile G1.

Behold:


Chart_2

Those of you who have been itching with curiosity over the Storm are probably surprised to see the handset's lack of Wi-Fi connectivity. That's the major area where iPhone has an advantage, although BlackBerry smartphones are typically aimed at enterprise users, who primarily use their smartphones for e-mail -- so they may not mind. Still, quite an odd omission from a handset that features a web browser and multimedia capabilities virtually identical to the iPhone.

As for the Storm's advantages, you'll notice that the camera sports a superior resolution at 3.2 megapixels and also includes a flash, auto focus and video-recording capability. We can only hope the Storm's battery lasts long enough to handle those features without rendering them impractical.

Another interesting tidbit: The Storm's screen is a wee bit smaller but sports a higher pixel resolution than the iPhone screen. Wired.com's Daniel Dumas had some hands-on time with the Storm, and he's described the screen as "Beautiful."

Moving on to software -- the Storm will ship with the popular BlackBerry OS, which, as I mentioned earlier, is optimized for enterprise purposes. Think wireless synchronization with Lotus Notes, Outlook and Novell GroupWise.

Overall, the Storm appears to attempt to strike a balance between "business" and "casual," allowing serious enterprise users to take a breather every once and a while and watch a video, for example. However, it remains questionable whether enterprise users will appreciate the lack of a physical QWERTY keyboard.

RIM has not disclosed U.S. pricing or an official ship date yet. Verizon will serve as the U.S. carrier. We'll provide updates as more details become available.

See also:


Specification Sheet (in PDF) [RIM]


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]]> Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:00:20 +0000 storm blackberry storm iphone storm appears iphone competitor enterprise users camera sports blackberry smartphones ship Showdown: BlackBerry Storm VS. iPhone 3G <![CDATA[BlackBerry Mac Media Sync on its Way]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/cee49db83d34a05eee9689562f8112cd http://mobileratty.com/article/cee49db83d34a05eee9689562f8112cd Am sure you know the feeling ...

Feelin' left in the dust while all your Outlook-loving PC friends get all the cool BlackBerry stuff?

Well, RIM has been hard at work on the Mac side of things, and here's a chance to see what's on the way -- the first look at BlackBerry Media Sync for Mac.

This isn't a final version so don't get too depressed that the options are pretty limited at this time, but it least gives you an idea of what's happening.

Great screen shots and more at Boy Genius Report.

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]]> Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:39:33 +0000 blackberry blackberry media sync blackberry killer blackberry rim outage media sync blackberry owners lounge cool blackberry stuff mac boy genius report BlackBerry Mac Media Sync on its Way <![CDATA[USB Webmail Notifier]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/e3f4d6594d97f2673fed44cbb0b96482 http://mobileratty.com/article/e3f4d6594d97f2673fed44cbb0b96482 email notifier

USB Webmail Notifier is a little box with envelope design on the front that lights up in green, blue, or red color when you receive mail. It is powered by USB. It supports all the popular free email providers like Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail, but also works with Outlook, Outlook Express and POP 3 mail. The price is  $17.  If you are interested in it, you can see the full specifications and buy it here.

]]> Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:15:13 +0000 usb usb webmail notifier outlook express receive mail mail outlook envelope design red color front USB Webmail Notifier <![CDATA[USB Webmail Notifier]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/013bb4c8f0568c3ae24b6aa84f86f128 http://mobileratty.com/article/013bb4c8f0568c3ae24b6aa84f86f128 USB Webmail Notifier

Here's a novel way to be informed of all incoming emails without having Windows Live Messenger tell you in a square pop-up window at the bottom right hand side of a typical desktop display - via the USB Webmail Notifier. This nifty USB device will illuminate in blue, red or green whenever there is an incoming email, enabling you to stay up to speed with all those flurry of mails demanding your attention. Supported webmail services include Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook, Outlook Express and POP3 mail. You can place your pre-order for $17 a pop with shipments commencing in the middle of this month onwards.

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]]> Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:12:32 +0000 usb webmail notifier square pop-up window pop outlook express nifty usb device mail windows live messenger outlook pop3 mail USB Webmail Notifier <![CDATA[USB webmail notifier lights up your life when you've got mail]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/f2ca2b1124ad340563ed335926037c06 http://mobileratty.com/article/f2ca2b1124ad340563ed335926037c06 Filed under:

USB webmail notifier lights up your life when you've got mail
The reams and reams of spam found with every check of our inboxes here at Engadget HQ have quashed the surge of emotions we used to experience when that new-mail notifier started blinking. So, we went looking for something to help get our e-mail groove back, and we've found it: the USB webmail notifier. It's a little box with the iconic envelope design on the front that lights up in green, blue, or red when you receive mail. The color indicates either the location of the received message, for those of you who rock Outlook for work and Gmail for personal, or the volume, for those who need some encouragement to clean out that inbox. It is somewhat less useful than other multi-purpose USB indicators we've seen, but its simplicity, and its $17 price tag, make it our choice to bring back that lovin' feeling.
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]]> Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:21:00 +0000 usb webmail notifier iconic envelope design multi-purpose usb indicators new-mail notifier reams e-mail groove price tag rock outlook receive mail USB webmail notifier lights up your life when you've got mail