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• 

  Microsoft and Box expand integration for Office platforms

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 9:58pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Cloud storage is everywhere these days, with many big players in the game. Despite that Microsoft runs its own service, OneDrive, which fully integrates with Office, that doesn't mean the company isn't open to allowing its customers to use a service of their choosing.

  One of those options is Box, which has worked with Office for some time, but now the two pals are getting a bit closer by expanding the integration.

  This update includes co-authoring being made available online. That means real-time edits to content which is stored in Box. This can be done with Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.

  Box integration with iOS is also going live. Customers were previously able to view documents in the Box app on the mobile platform, but now will also have the option to edit them. Users can also now create and save documents using Box.

  Finally, there is Box integration with Outlook.com, which means users will be able to attach files in Box to an email and send via the Microsoft service. That means no more saving a file to the desktop in order to accomplish this task.

  "We designed the Cloud Storage Partner Program to make it easier for people, including Box customers, to work with Office documents no matter where they’re stored", says Kirk Koenigsbauer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Office. "Today we are making major enhancements to better enable our joint customers to work and collaborate fully in the cloud from any device".

  Box points out that "Box for Office Online with real-time co-authoring and the Box integration with Office for iOS are available starting today to Box business customers with an Office 365 license and to all Box personal users. The Box integration with Outlook.com will be available to Box personal users in the coming weeks".

  
• 

  What you need to know about mobile device management

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 8:43pm CET par Barclay Ballard

  

  The way in which we work has changed significantly in recent times. It was not that long ago that your standard office job meant being tethered to your desk from nine to five, glued to your PC screen. The rise of smartphones and web apps, however, have disrupted these traditional ways of working, granting employees more freedom than ever before. But this new mobile workforce also poses challenges for the modern business, particularly regarding security.

  Of course, organizations cannot afford to restrict workplace mobility, as this would see them overtaken by a more flexible and innovative competitor. Therefore, businesses are tasked with enabling mobility without introducing vulnerabilities into the workplace -- which is where mobile device management comes in.

  What Exactly Is Mobile Device Management?

  Mobile device management, or MDM, is a suite of tools that give businesses visibility and control over the mobile devices using its network, applications and data. Remote working, whilst giving staff and companies a number of productivity benefits, also makes it much harder for businesses to manage their IT resources.

  As a result, many businesses have installed MDM software on corporate mobile devices so that they can wrest some control back, without hindering mobility.

  Some common features included within mobile device management software include:

  • Scanning external applications for malware and other possible security flaws.
  • Creating a record of which devices have accessed data and applications, and at which times, creating a clear record of accountability.
  • Preventing sensitive information from being transferred out of the company.
  • Creating different levels of authorization, so that only the relevant individuals can access particular applications and datasets.
  • A single unified dashboard via which IT leaders can issue updates and monitor usage across all the company’s devices.
  • Remote wiping, which is likely to prove extremely useful should a mobile device be stolen or lost.
  • The implementation of other security management features, including password protection, inactivity logout, data encryption and jailbreak detection.
  • Real-time status updates and alert notifications should a mobile device compromise business applications or data.
  • The ability to track mobile call, texts and data usage, so employees can be informed of when they are reaching their monthly allowance.

  Why Is It Suddenly so Important?

  As was touched upon above, mobile device management has become much more important because we are living in a more mobile world. According to a recent report by IDC, mobile workers will represent nearly three-quarters of the US workforce by 2020, driven by the affordability of smartphones and tablets.

  "Mobility has become synonymous with productivity both inside and outside the workplace, and the mass adoption of mobile technology in the United States has cultivated an environment where workers expect to leverage mobile technology at work", explained Bryan Bassett, research analyst, Mobile Enterprise Device Solutions at IDC. "This expectation will be supplemented by new solutions specifically intended to manage the challenges associated with the growing needs of the mobile workforce".

  As well as the increased availability of mobile technology, businesses have had to adapt to changes in workplace culture. Whereas employees were once keen to keep their work and home lives completely separate, there is a now a movement towards using consumer devices in the workplace.

  Being able to use their own smartphone or tablet lets employees use technology that they are familiar with and can save IT departments from purchasing new hardware, but it also introduces challenges.

  The rise of "bring your own device", or BYOD, has meant the further erosion of control for IT teams. How can businesses be expected to manage and secure their workplace data and applications when they do not own the devices that they are stored on and accessed from? Mobile device management has, therefore, been vital for businesses that want to embrace both smartphone technology and BYOD policies.

  Of course, it is not only smartphone growth that has placed added importance on MDM software. Cloud computing has also played a key role in the rise of remote working. The cloud has meant that important business resources can now be accessed from anywhere in the world providing that employees have an Internet connection and their login credentials.

  This means that sensitive information could be at risk when accessed via insecure networks. Employees, customers and clients now expect to be able to access workplace resources remotely, whether it’s checking emails or accessing critical apps. Increasingly, mobile device management is facilitating this remote access.

  Choosing the Right MDM Tools

  It is important for businesses to realize that not all MDM tools are identical. Some software will come with certain features, while omitting others, so IT leaders need to carefully assess the suitability of an MDM offering before committing.

  For example, some MDM tools will offer a self-enrollment portal, some will automatically quarantine devices that do not comply with company policy and many will behave differently when threats to the business are discovered.

  It is also vital to remember that MDM software cannot overcome the limitations of the mobile devices it is being installed upon. Although mobile device management may enforce password protection, for example, the strength of this security will also depend on the mobile device and its operating system.

  The list of businesses offering mobile device management ranges from high-profile technology firms to smaller, more bespoke companies. Microsoft, Dell and BlackBerry all offer their own suites of MDM tools, whilst other popular mobile device management offerings include MobileIron and AirWatch. Organizations should also note that many MDM tools are offered either as on-premise or cloud-based solutions.

  MDM: Securing the Future

  Considering the current trend towards embracing workplace mobility, it seems likely that mobile device management will grow in popularity for the foreseeable future. The emergence of wearable technologies and the Internet of Things means that the number of devices tasked with storing, transferring and securing business data is only going to increase.

  In a world where mobility is so often aligned with productivity, businesses cannot afford to place draconian restrictions on their employees or partners, which is why mobile device management is such a vital security measure for many organizations.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  Photo Credit: Digital Storm/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 14251 arrives on the Fast ring

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 7:35pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  For Windows Insiders, the Fast ring used to be something of a misnomer, with new Windows 10 preview builds trickling out on a rather infrequent basis. Microsoft promised to change that in the new year, and it’s already been as good as its word. Six days after the last new build, there’s already another available to install.

  There’s a big jump in build numbers too. Last week’s release was Build 11102, and the new version is 14251. That might signify a major leap forward, with loads of changes and new features, but don’t get too excited.

  Writing on the Windows Experience Blog, Windows Insider chief Gabe Aul explains:

  Historically, the codebase for mobile had a different OS version than the codebase for PC because they were developed by different teams on different schedules. With Windows 10, we became one Windows team and brought these two codebases together. We started by changing the version string displayed in the UI to be consistent, which is why you saw similarly labeled builds over the past year for both Mobile and PC, but the underlying binary version numbers were still different. As part of our work getting the common codebase ready for the next release, we decided to complete that work and sync the build numbers between mobile and PC. Because the mobile codebase used higher build numbers than PC, we needed to jump ahead a bunch of build numbers to ensure updates to future builds will continue to work. So that’s why build numbers went from 11105, 11106, and 11107 to 14251.

  So that’s the reason for the jump in build numbers, but what -- aside from the updated version string -- is new here?

  Well, not a lot to get excited about is the honest answer. There are no notable new features in it, but there are some new Cortana improvements, and plenty of bug fixes, including:

  • The issue where some PC games would crash switching from windowed mode to full screen, upon game resolution change, or upon launch due to a bug in Windows graphics stack.
  • The issue where applications such as Narrator, Magnifier, and third-party assistive technologies may experience intermittent issues or crashes.
  • An issue where File Explorer would crash frequently when DPI settings were at 175 percent.

  As always, Fast ring insiders take a bit of a risk when updating to a new build and 14251 has the following known issues to be aware of:

  • You might see a WSClient.dll error dialog after logging in. Microsoft is working on a fix for this but as a workaround, you can run the following in Command Prompt with administrative rights: schtasks /delete /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\WS\WSRefreshBannedAppsListTask" /F
  • The Connect button does not show up in Action Center. The workaround is to press Windows key + P and then click "Connect to a wireless display".
  • Due to a recent memory management change, you may see periodic app crashes or other memory related app errors. The workaround is to reboot your PC.

  Photo credit: charnsitr / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google Glass now only targets the enterprise market

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 7:30pm CET par Anthony Spadafora

  

  When Sergey Brin first wore Google Glass on stage in April of 2012, it seemed like the future was upon us. Excitement and hype continued to build for its consumer release when early versions of the product were distributed to the lucky few who were accepted into the Google Glass Explorer program in 2014.

  Sadly though after two years of #throughGlass posts, the social media accounts of Google Glass including its Google+, Twitter, Instagram and others were all shut down this week. However, Google Glass is not dead. Instead Google has shifted the products’ focus from consumers to enterprise.

  The ideas and technology behind Google Glass are now in the hands of the Project Aura team. Currently the team is working on several devices and one of them is a new updated version of Glass that has taken on the nickname of "EE" or Enterprise Edition.

  FCC images of the Enterprise Edition were released to the public by Google last month and it seems that the company is finally allowing Glass EE to come to light. Google launched a program called Glass for Work in 2014 to help realize the potential that Glass could have in the workplace. Several clients of Glass for Work partner groups have been able to try out Glass EE but they had to ensure that images and information about the new device did not get out to the public.

  Google has now began to distribute and test this new version of the product and as a result more and more Glass for Work partner groups have had the opportunity to try it themselves.

  While Google Glass was not the revolutionary consumer product that many tech enthusiasts once believed it had the potential to be, its technology and innovations may still end up shaping the future of enterprise.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  VAIO unveils beautiful business-focused 'Z' and 'S' Windows 10 laptops

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 7:18pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  While many still associate the name "VAIO" with Sony, the two are no longer linked. In 2014, Sony exited the personal computer segment by selling its PC business. This was unfortunate, as many people loved Sony's laptops. Sure, they were largely expensive, but they were also arguably the closest thing to Apple that Windows users could buy from an elegance and design standpoint.

  Today, the company simply known as VAIO announces two new lines of laptops. The unimaginatively named "Z" and "S" computers appear to capture the magic of Sony's designs, while offering really impressive specs too. The flip variant of the Z in particular features an amazing hinge that allows the screen to fold flat without spinning it around.

  "VAIO Z and S notebooks address major pain points for demanding business executives by offering multiple ports, long battery life, portability and exceptional user experience. Whether you’re giving a presentation, heading to an important meeting or needing to work for hours on end, the VAIO Z and S notebooks have you covered", says VAIO.

  Speaking about the higher-end "Z" line, the company says, "the VAIO Z's chassis utilizes aluminum and UD carbon to provide stability and durability. Its keyboard eliminates high frequency typing noises by fine-tuning the keycap tooling. The touchpad uses mica, a type of stone, to deliver the best feel when clicking on the touchpad, and there is a special coating on the keyboard that eliminates unwanted smudges. The VAIO Z flip model comes with a 13.3 inch WQHD display, while the VAIO Z clamshell model comes with a 13.3 inch WQHD display or a 13.3 inch full HD display".

  

  See what I mean, folks? VAIO's focus on design and materials is very much unlike other Windows laptop manufacturers. Quite often, non-Apple machines use lesser-quality build materials in order to keep costs down. VAIO is bucking that trend and appealing to those that are willing to spend money for quality.

  

  These Z laptops are not style over substance, either. Actually, these machines are very impressive and feature Skylake processors and NVMe drive options. Road warriors will appreciate the mind-boggling 15+ hour battery life for the clam shell variant ($1,499) -- the convertible flip model ($1,799) promises 11+ hours.

  

  If you are on more of a budget, the "S" laptop line starts at $1,099. The chassis is not the same high-quality aluminum and carbon as its premium counterpart, but the magnesium it uses is nice too. It features things seasoned business users may desire, like dedicated trackpad buttons and VGA-out.

  

  Regarding the "S" variant, VAIO explains, "when the laptop is opened, the keyboard is automatically tilted, making it more ergonomic and easier to type, reducing the stress on the palm and wrist. The keyboard is equipped with the same keys as the VAIO Z for quiet typing. The touch pad comes with separate left and right buttons to avoid mistouch and it is aligned with the center of the keyboard for more natural typing. The VAIO S also comes with Microsoft's Signature Edition software which eliminates pre-installed bloatware, making it an enjoyable user experience".

  

  For many businesses, the "S" would be the best option for employee workstations -- the "Z" is more appropriate for executives where style and appearance are more important. The Z will be available on February 8, while the S is tentatively scheduled for March.

  

  Would you buy VAIO laptops for your business? How do you think the brand compares to Dell, HP and Lenovo for the enterprise? Tell me in the comments.

  

  
• 

  Google Cardboard by the numbers: the stats surrounding foldable virtual reality

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 6:27pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  In many ways, virtual reality has come a very long way over the past couple of decades or so. But while old VR headsets looked rather techy and somewhat futuristic -- something that is still true of Oculus Rift -- there is also a cheap, simple version made out of little more than cardboard.

  Google Cardboard provides smartphone users with a quick, easy and, most importantly, cheap way to transform a handset into a virtual reality unit. Just over a year and a half since the origami VR kit launched, Google shares some statistics about how it has been received and used.

  In 19 months, more than five million people have dabbled with Google Cardboard viewers, and there have been more than 25 million immersive apps installed. Perhaps because Cardboard was a great stocking stuffer, the run up to Christmas saw a huge ramping up of app installations -- a jump of around 10 million installations between October and December.

  But Google Cardboard is not just about apps -- three quarters of a million VR photos have been uploaded, and Cardboarders have watched more than 350,000 hours of VR videos on YouTube.

  The most popular app for Cardboard is Chair In A Room, but Google shares details of the top five:

  

  Proving that Cardboard is not just about fun and entertainment, Google also says that half a million students used the VR headset to go on virtual field trips around the world.

  Photo credit: Alexandru Nika / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Torch browser finally ends support for Windows XP and Vista

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 6:24pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows XP on April 14th 2009 and extended support came to a halt on April 8th 2014. Windows Vista faced a similar fate, only the dates were different -- April 10th 2012 for mainstream support, while extended support has an end date set for April 11th 2017.

  Most products have ended support already, though many continue to work on both operating systems. Now one program is calling it quits on the antiquated Microsoft platforms.

  The Torch web browser, which is based on Google's Chrome platform, contains many useful options not included in its parent's version. Now it's abandoning updates for both XP and Vista.

  "As of April 2016 we will no longer be providing updates for Torch Browser on the operating systems XP and Vista. We fully recommend upgrading your computer to a newer operating system, so that we can provide you with the best and most secure experience possible".

  Obviously the browser maker plans to continue support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, as well as working with the latest OS from the software giant -- Windows 10.

  This does not mean that Torch will cease working on the older operating systems, but it does mean that it could become insecure without the benefit of updates and patches.

  Image Credit: Kjetil Kolbjornsrud / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google Play introduces new option to 'like' reviews or mark as spam

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 6:11pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Reviews in Google Play are a useful way to decide whether an app is worth downloading, and to determine whether the developer description is accurate. For some time it has been possible to flag up reviews as unhelpful, but starting today Google is removing this option to take a more positive approach.

  Gone is the 'mark as unhelpful', replaced instead by a less prominent Spam option. Now dominant is a Facebook-inspired thumbs up button to indicate that you 'like' a review, or show that it is otherwise imbued with positive virtues. Before you get too excited, it's not yet possible to comment on reviews.

  The change was spotted by users on Reddit, and it seems to be gradually rolling out around the world -- although Google has not yet made an official announcement. It appears that Google is trying to push people towards highlighting helpful reviews (be they positive or negative) rather than focusing on the more unhelpful ones. The ability to mark a review as spam is still -- helpfully -- available through a submenu.

  

  While developers are able to respond to reviews with comments this is not something that Google shows any signs of rolling out to a wider audience. For now if you want to provide feedback on an app review, you'll have to limit yourself to giving a thumbs up or marking it as spam.

  Photo credit: Gonzalo Aragon / Shutterstock

  
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  One in three home routers will double as a public hotspot by 2017

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 5:54pm CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Would you be willing to share your Wi-Fi router so that everyone around you could use it as a public hotspot? Your Internet connection would stay secured behind a firewall.

  This is actually not a rhetorical question, but an inevitability, according to a recent Juniper Research report. According to the market analysts, by 2017, one in three home routers will be used as a public Wi-Fi hotspot, and by 2020 there will be a total of 366 million of these units worldwide.

  The report, entitled Wi-Fi Hotspots: Deployment Strategies & Forecasts 2016-2020, says that home routers will slowly be transformed into "homespots", and they will offer two networks: one for your personal use, and the other one as a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

  Why do we need this, you ask? Juniper Research claims big broadband operators, including BT, UPC and Virgin Media, Comcast and Cablevision are using this approach as a fast and low-cost way to expand their domestic Wi-Fi coverage.

  The research also suggests this trend will lead to a rising number of global Wi-Fi aggregators such as iPass that lease its network on a wholesale basis to such as telcos, cable operators and corporate customers.

  The report also suggests this trend isn’t transparent enough and that people are not quite aware their routers were being used to support the public Wi-Fi initiative.

  "While most operators now allow consumers to opt-out, if they so wish, most consumers simply have no idea that their routers are being used in this way", said research author Gareth Owen. "Given the current concerns around privacy and data security, the realization that home routers can be accessed by complete strangers is unlikely to be viewed in a positive light".

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  Photo credit: Kitto Studio / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google Nexus 5X gets a substantial price cut in time for Valentine's Day

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 4:26pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  There is no denying that Nexus 5X is the more attractive option in Google's smartphone lineup for price-conscious buyers. Unless shoppers really, really want the bigger screen and slightly beefier hardware that Nexus 6P has to offer, getting the entry-level Nexus is a no-brainer considering that it will more than meet their needs.

  That $30 price cut that it received just two weeks ago has only made it even more appealing. But it looks like it was not big enough, as Google just lowered the asking price for the second time this month.

  As part of a Valentine's Day promotion, the base Nexus 5X can now be had for $299, which is a significant $50 discount. The model with 32 GB of internal storage is now priced at $349. There is a free case included.

  Considering that there is no expandable storage with Nexus 5X, it makes more sense to spend the extra $50 on the latter model if you are planning on installing more than a couple of apps and games, and loading music and/or videos on it. It is quite easy to run out of space on the 16 GB version, and that can quickly ruin your experience with the device.

  Also part of that Valentine's Day promotion, Google is giving those who purchase a Nexus 6P a $50 voucher that they can use for the purchase of a Huawei Watch. If you are interested in the gold version of the phablet, you should know that there is also a temporary $50 discount on it as part of this limited time deal.

  There are similar deals to be had in Europe for both models. On the old continent, Nexus 6P has received a €100 discount, while the smaller Nexus 5X can be had for €80 less, also for a limited period of time.

  
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  Phishing attacks grow in volume and complexity

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 4:00pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  According to a new report from security awareness specialist Wombat Security phishing attacks are on the rise and are supported by increasingly aggressive social engineering practices that make them more difficult to prevent.

  Organizations surveyed indicated they have suffered malware infections (42 percent), compromised accounts (22 percent), and loss of data (4 percent) as a direct result of successful phishing attacks.

  "Phishing continues to be a highly effective attack vector that is increasingly responsible for a significant percentage of data breaches in the market today," says Trevor Hawthorn, CTO of Wombat. "In spite of continued investments in a number of popular security technologies, phishing messages continue to reach end users and can result in serious damages to a company’s critical data and reputation. Our methods have shown that a Continuous Training Methodology which educates end users on cybersecurity threats changes employee behavior and reduces risk within an organization".

  The survey reveals that the most popular phishing attack templates with the highest click rates include items employees expected to see in their work email such as an HR document, or a shipping confirmation. For example, the survey found that employees were more cautious when receiving 'consumer' emails on topics like gift card notifications, or social networking accounts. However, an 'urgent email password change request' had a 28 percent average click rate.

  Other findings show that spear phishers often go to great lengths to gather information on key people within an organization. Emails personalized with a first name had click rates 19 percent higher than those with no personalization. Click rates also vary between industries. Telecommunications and professional services workers click phishing emails more than those in other industries.

  To find out more you can download the full 2016 State of the Phish report from the Wombat Security site.

  Image Credit: Maksim Kabakou / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Bittium Tough Mobile is ready to take on Blackphone for the most secure phone crown

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 3:57pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Surveillance, privacy concerns and other issues have brought security into sharp focus for mobile users the world over. Apple, Google and Microsoft all offer encryption options, but for those with real security and privacy worries, the likes of Silent Circle's Blackphone 2 and the ARCHOS GranitePhone have a healthy following. Now there's a new security and privacy-focused handset vying for attention: the Bittium Tough Mobile.

  At Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona next month, Bittium will show off not only its secure smartphone, but also its Bittium Secure Suite device management and encryption software. With these and Bittium SafeMove -- a secure remote access tool -- the company hopes to increase business and enterprise confidence in mobile and the Internet of Things.

  Bittium Tough Mobile is a hardy device both physically and in terms of security. Built on a secure custom platform, the device offers secure communication for professionals, such as government agents and enterprise users. The handset is packed with security features such as secure boot,  runtime integrity, application permission firewall, secure data storage for user credentials and encryption keys, encrypted mass memory, tampering detection, PGP encrypted email, and FIPS 140-2 compliant HW cryptography.

  But the Tough Mobile is also extremely robust thanks to its cast magnesium unibody. Bittium lists the following features for the Bittium Tough Mobile:

  • IP67 level water and dust protection.
  • Glove-usable touch screen, functional also in wet conditions.
  • Extremely durable mechanical construction with sophisticated smartphone look-and-feel.
  • MIL-STD-810G level shock resistance.
  • High-performance speakers and multi-microphone active noise cancellation provides excellent voice call quality also in noisy environments.
  • Global connectivity with 9 LTE bands, including commercial bands and LTE band 14 for public safety use.
  • Configurable button for PTT, camera, etc.
  • Enhanced security with secure boot and runtime integrity check.
  • Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system providing smart and simple user experience.
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor provides performance for realtime HD video and other demanding use cases.
  • Dual-sim allows operating the device in both private and public LTE networks.
  • UI customization and branding options available.
  • Bittium Tough Mobile is based on the Bittium Specialized Device Platform.

  In terms of specs, the handset offers:

  • Qualcomm SnapdragonTM 801: Quad-core Krait CPU up to 2.3GHz, Adreno 330 3D graphics accelerator, Hexagon QDSP 600MHz
  • 5" Full HD (1080*1920) LCD
  • Cameras: 8 MP main camera with Autofocus and LED Flash, 2 MP front-facing camera
  • 2GB LPDDR3 PoP RAM
  • 16GB eMMC Mass Storage
  • micro SD expansion slot
  • 2420mAh Li-Ion battery
  • LTE: 3GPP rel10 (LTE Advanced); FDD Cat4, DL 150 Mbit/s, UL 50 Mbit/s; IMS, VoLTE-ready
  • UMTS/HSPA: 3GPP rel8, HSPA+, DL 42 Mbit/s, UL 5.76 Mbit/s
  • GSM/GRPS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900MHz
  • 0 with fast charging
  • Wireless display (Miracast compliant)
  • Dual-SIM slots
  • Sensors: 3D Gyroscope, 3D Accelerometer, 3D Magnetometer, Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor, Barometer
  • Multi-microphone active noise cancelling
  • Dimensions: 141mm x 75.5mm x 13.5mm
  • Weight: 180 grams

  Bittium also shares details of its Bittium Secure Suite which is designed with handset management in mind, and Bittium SafeMove which it says "provides mobile workforce hassle-free, secure and seamless connectivity to the corporate network regardless of time and place".

  Find out more at www.bittium.com.

  
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  One in three Americans are victims of healthcare data breaches

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 2:59pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  In the last year there have been a number of data breaches involving the healthcare industry. These included high profile attacks such as those on Premera Blue Cross and Anthem compromising millions of records.

  According to the 2016 Healthcare Breach Report from cloud access specialist Bitglass more than 111 million individuals' data was lost due to hacking or IT incidents in the US alone.

  According to the findings 98 percent of record leaks were due to large-scale breaches targeting the healthcare industry. These high-profile attacks were the largest source of healthcare data loss and indicate that cyber attackers are increasingly targeting medical data.

  "The 80 percent increase in data breach hacks in 2015 makes it clear that hackers are targeting healthcare with large-scale attacks affecting one in three Americans," said Nat Kausik, CEO, Bitglass. "As the IoT revolution compounds the problem with real-time patient data, healthcare organizations must embrace innovative data security technologies to meet security and compliance requirements".

  The reason for the surge in attacks is that protected health information (PHI) -- which includes sensitive information such as social security numbers, medical record data, and date of birth -- has a high value on the black market.

  When credit card breaches occur, issuers can simply terminate all transactions and individuals benefit from laws that limit their liability. However, victims have little recourse when subjected to identity theft via PHI leaks, and many are not promptly informed by providers that their data has been compromised. While criminals often make use of healthcare data for the purposes of identity theft, they can also leverage it to access medical care in the victim's name or to conduct corporate extortion.

  More information can be found in the full report which is available to download from the Bitglass website.

  Image Credit: Rob Hyron / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Soundnode is a stylish Soundcloud app for desktops

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 2:56pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Music discovery website Soundcloud has some great mobile apps, but desktop users aren’t so lucky: it’s the browser, or nothing at all.

  Fortunately there’s now an unofficial alternative in Soundnode, an open-source Soundcloud client for Windows, Mac and Linux.

  The package is entirely self-contained, no installation required: just run it, log on, and search for new music or listen to songs from your Stream, Likes, Tracks or Playlists.

  You can also "like" songs along the way, maybe save them to an existing playlist, or create one from scratch. It’s possible to follow and unfollow users, too.

  All this is managed from a good-looking, smartly-designed interface. It’s NW.js-based, so doesn’t quite have the richness of a real desktop client, but you’ll still figure out everything you need to know in a couple of minutes.

  There are gaps here and there: right now you can view comments, but not post them.

  But Soundnode also has its pluses -- like easier playback for some, thanks to support for native media keyboard shortcuts -- and from current developer discussions it looks like further important features will be added soon.

  Soundnode is an open-source application for Windows, Mac and Linux.

  
• 

  Safari on iOS crashing for you? You're not alone, but here's a workaround [Updated]

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 2:17pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  As an iPhone and iPad user, I spend a fair amount of time in Safari. Today, however, the browser has been crashing for me every time I carry out a search via the address bar.

  I first thought it was a problem with my iPhone, but then I had the same problem with my iPad. It turns out to be a problem that's affecting a lot of users.

  The exact cause of the issue isn’t known at the moment. Apple recently updated iOS to 9.2.1, but as I’m running both the current and older versions of the mobile operating system, and having the same problems on both, it’s clearly not that to blame.

  If you’re affected by the problem -- and not everyone is according to reports -- there is a temporary workaround. Go to Settings > Safari and disable Search Engine Suggestions. Alternatively, you can activate the Private Mode in the browser.

  Is this problem affecting you?

  [Update] The problem, which is believed to be down to a bad process at Apple's data centers, appears to now be fixed. If you're still having the problem, go to preferences in Safari and click on  "clear history and website data". That should solve it.

  Image Credit: Johan Larson / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Continuous security helps protect consumer data

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 1:03pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  As individuals, the amount of personal data we have online has grown thanks to social networking and the number of organizations that encourage us to do business via the internet.

  It's set to grow still more as the Internet of Things takes off, and this presents problems when it comes to sharing information. Conventional solutions rely on checkboxes or cookies, but these struggle to cope with current demands.

  Access management specialist ForgeRock is launching its new Identity Management Platform, which includes the industry's first use of continuous security and consumer-facing privacy protection to guard data.

  "In an era of very public data breaches and heightened consumer awareness, 'fostering trusted digital relationships' can't be considered a buzz phrase. Privacy strategy must include a consent-to-share strategy that looks after the top line of the business," says Mike Ellis, CEO of ForgeRock. "The UMA (User Managed Access) standard was created to give an individual a unified control point for authorizing who and what can get access to their digital data, content and services, no matter where all those things live. The new ForgeRock Identity Platform enables private and public organizations to quickly deploy secure identity services based on UMA principles".

  The platform uses 'continuous security' which enables organizations to apply contextual identity, adaptive risk and multi-factor authentication at the time a user authenticates as well as at any point during a digital session. This ensures the authenticity of users, devices, things and services at all times and cuts the risk whenever an anomaly is detected.

  By employing the UMA standard it makes it possible for organizations to comply with shifting privacy regulations and establish trusted digital relationships. The new software capabilities make it easy for businesses to comply with data privacy regulations, such as Safe Harbor and the forthcoming EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

  More information on the platform is available on the ForgeRock website.

  Photo Credit: Pavel Ignatov/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Public cloud services will be a $204bn market in 2016

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 10:45am CET par Phoebe Jennelyn Magdirila

  

  The public cloud services market will rise in 2016 and is expected to grow its worth to $204 billion (£142bn), up from $175bn (£122bn) in 2015, Gartner has reported.

  Gartner research director Sif Nag said that the 16.5 percent increase underscores the huge demand for outsourced cloud services in businesses across all verticals as they convert legacy IT services to cloud-based services "due to the increased trend of organizations pursuing a digital business strategy".

  Among public cloud services, infrastructure-as-a-service offerings is forecasted to contribute to the bulk of the growth, with an expected 38 percent increase, or about $22.4 billion (£15.6bn), which is highly-attributed to companies’ goal of cutting down datacenter costs.

  "IaaS continues to be the strongest growing segment as enterprises move away from data centre build-outs and move their infrastructure needs to the public cloud", Nag said.

  Meanwhile, the biggest area of spending will also be seen in cloud advertising which will account for $90 billion (£62bn) of the market, as firms will be seen to buy ad space on sites, based on user profiles in real-time.

  In addition to these, software-as-a-service application, cloud security service and Platform-as-a-service offerings are also expected to grow.

  SaaS is expected to attain a 20 percent growth, or $37.7 billion in sales, in 2016; cloud security services will account for $6.2 billion, compared to $5 billion in 2015; and PaaS will account for $4.6 billion, compared to $3.8 billion in 2015.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  Photo Credit: Rrraum/Shutterstock

  
• 

  DriveSavers offers data recovery for victims of east coast blizzard

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 5:32am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  If you live somewhere between the Carolinas and New York then you likely had an interesting weekend. One of the biggest snow storms in recorded weather history swept up the coast paralyzing numerous states in its wake.

  For most areas the problems simply consisted of massive snow removal, though certain areas along the coast dealt with flooding thanks to a storm surge and full moon and others had power outages. While on the whole it wasn't as bad as it could have been, there were still losses.

  Some of those, especially what was involved in floods, could be bad. For a computer caught in this crossfire data recovery could be difficult. DriveSavers, one of the most popular solutions for those in desperate need, has announced aid for affected people.

  "As residents along the East Coast begin to assess damage caused by the blizzard, DriveSavers would like to offer assistance by helping those affected recover lost data from damaged computer storage and mobile devices", says DriveSavers President Scott Moyer. "Whether personal or corporate, we have over 30 years of experience in securely retrieving photos, financial records, videos, tax documents, contact lists and other critical information stored on hard drives that have been damaged or destroyed due to treacherous weather conditions".

  The special offer runs through February 29th and gives victims $300 off of the service. This includes standard drives, RAIDs and even smartphones -- anything damaged by water, impact or power surges. For more information visit here.

  Image Credit: NatUlrich / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Ubuntu Linux and open source play key role in Microsoft Azure Stack Technical Preview

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 5:21am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  The current perceptions of Microsoft by some home users can be quite negative. This is likely due to privacy concerns with Windows 10, which is a legitimate issue. With that said, the company is still the darling of the enterprise. After all, Windows 7 and Office are integral tools for many successful businesses.

  Windows and Office aside, another wildly popular business tool from Microsoft is Azure. This cloud platform is great, but some companies wisely prefer an on-premises solution. Enter Azure Stack. Today, Microsoft announces that the first Technical Preview of its hybrid cloud/datacenter product is coming this week. Bigger news, arguably, is that Canonical's operating system, Ubuntu Linux, will play a key role. Once again, Microsoft is leveraging open source -- noticing a trend here, folks?

  "Today, Microsoft announced the first Technical Preview of Microsoft Azure Stack with Ubuntu. Azure Stack is based on Microsoft's Azure public cloud model and allows organizations to deliver Azure services from their own datacenter. By including Ubuntu, Azure Stack supplies developers and customers the same great Ubuntu experience they are used to on Azure. Canonical is working with Microsoft to bring more choice and portability to the cloud, by having Ubuntu as a part of Azure Stack", says John Zannos, Canonical.

  Mike Neil, Corporate Vice President, Enterprise Cloud, Microsoft explains, "through a series of Technical Previews, Microsoft will add services and content such as OS images and Azure Resource Manager templates to help customers start taking advantage of Azure Stack. Also, Azure has 100s of such applications and components on GitHub and as the corresponding services come to Azure Stack, users can take advantage of those as well. In this context, we are already seeing early excitement from partners -- especially open source partners -- like Canonical, who are contributing validated Ubuntu Linux images that enable open source applications to work well in Azure Stack environments".

  READ MORE: Ubuntu Linux 16.04 'Xenial Xerus' Alpha 1 available now

  Since Linux-based operating systems, like Ubuntu, are already quite popular on the traditional Azure platform, they should see continued success on the Stack variant as well. Canonical's operating system in particular is very robust and stable, making it a smart choice. Of course, other Linux-based OS images will be available too.

  READ MORE: Microsoft gives Distributed Machine Learning Toolkit to the open source community

  Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how Azure Stack will be received by businesses. With that said, its performance cannot truly be evaluated until a final version is released. We will have a better glimpse into the future this Friday, however, when the Technical Preview is released.

  Do you think Azure Stack will prove popular in the enterprise? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  Apple fiscal Q1 2016 by the numbers: $75.9B revenue, $3.28 EPS

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 3:06am CET par Joe Wilcox

  

  Three questions buzzed among investors and around the Interwebs ahead of today's Apple fiscal first quarter 2016 earnings report: Would iPhone momentum remain; how big could be revenues; and what would be guidance for the quarter in progress? Wall Street consensus was 76.54 million handsets sold and $76.582 billion in sales. Actual: 74.78 million iPhones and $75.872 billion revenue. More unsettling: Apple forecasts its first sales decline in 13 years; guidance is lower than analyst estimates.

  After the closing Bell, Apple answered these questions. Revenue rose 2 percent year over, while net income climbed the same to $18.4 billion from $18 billion. Earnings per share of 3,28 nudged ahead of $3.23 consensus estimate. Gross margin reached 40.1 percent, up from 39.9 percent a year earlier.

  Guidance shivered Wall Street, which consensus was $55.64 billion revenue and $2.23 EPS for fiscal Q2. Apple expects $50 billion to $53 billion. The stock dipped more than 2.6 percent in after-hours trading in response to actual results and those expected through the end of March. Shareholder reaction could have been more punishing.

  A Billion Reasons

  While Apple's overall fundamentals remain strong, buoyed by its cash horde of nearly $216 billion, the quarter shows signs that the iPhone empire has peaked. Shipments were flat, while revenue grew 1 percent to $51.635 billion —arguably against a tough year-over-year comparison of $51.182 billion. Cracks in the cement are a long way from holes, meaning: iPhone remains, for now, a formidable foe for the Android Army.

  Apple's long-term problem is dependence: Nearly all the colossal revenue growth since calendar 2010 can be attributed to iPhone, which during fiscal Q1 2016 accounted for 67.4 percent revenue. That's down from 68.6 a year earlier. But smartphone sales are slowing in major markets, including respective leaders China and the United States, and shifting to geographies with lower incomes and as such appetite for cheaper-costing handsets.

  Today's report deflects some of the concerns about iPhone's longevity to the viability of customers: During the quarter, the company had an "active install base" of 1 billion users across all platforms—Apple Watch, Apple TV, iOS devices, and the Mac. The number dwarfs anything comparable from any competitor, including Alphabet (formerly Google, which is now a subsidiary). Apple's 1 billion is in a whole other league. People paid price premium for Apple devices, rather than just subscribe to a cloud service. The challenge, of course: Keeping these customers buying companion devices and generating profits from ancillary services.

  Apple called out the $5.5 billion in services revenue from Apple Music, Apple Pay, App Store, iCloud, iTunes Services, hardware parts, and licensing. Meanwhile, from the install base, the company reports $8.9 billion in "related purchases", up 24 percent year over year. CEO Tim Cook is wise to push out the revenue value of those 1 billion users, which during fiscal 2015 generated $31.2 billion in related purchases and $19.9 billion in services revenue.

  Platform Wars

  These numbers are more significant than they seem and foreshadow future Apple platform strategy against Android.

  Nearly always overlooked in analyses that pit Android against iOS: At the core, comparisons are meaningless. While Apple's platform is mobile (and desktop) operating system, Alphabet's is search. Android is but a means of delivering the primary platform, and the profit center; during calendar Q3 2015, advertising revenues related to search accounted for 90 percent of revenues (the company announces Q4 results on February 1st).

  This difference in primary platforms partly explains why Alphabet reportedly paid Apple $1 billion for Google to be the default search provider on iPhone—and why the company's apps and supporting services offerings for iOS are only surpassed on Android, and even then not by much. Alphabet arguably is the largest developer of iOS apps. Stated differently: iPhone and other iOS devices are much less competitors to Android, from Alphabet's vantage point, than is the public sentiment. The information giant supports whatever advances its primary platform, search, and subsequent advertising revenues that are generated.

  

  That said, for Alphabet's OEM partners, Android competition with iOS, matters much—as does the quest to gain and to keep app developer support. App availability matters to buyers, too. Apple's platform is considerably more stable and undermines Alphabet's as services ambitions expand. Consider the ad-blocking features added to iOS 9. Apple takes Alphabet's billion bucks from one hand, while trying to hack off the other. The search giant needs those mobile ad dollars, which Apple doesn't,

  That's the other thing often overlooked in the platform competition analysis: Apple sells hardware, for which services enhance. Alphabet sells little to nothing, directly, from its install base. The platform foundations fundamentally differ—like dirt to bedrock. As I said long ago, iPhone will lose the smartphone wars but more likely will win the mobile platform wars. Caveat: As long as someone buys the hardware that generates the bulk of revenues.

  Segment Snapshot

  Apple divides products into five segments for reporting purposes: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Services, and Other. iPod now falls into the latter category, where also are Apple Watch and Apple TV.

  iPhone. We've discussed the core numbers, but a few more: Average selling price rose year over year to $691 from $687, reflecting benefits from Plus iPhones.

  Many analysts expected unit shipments to decline for the first quarter ever. Apple got a reprieve, but during today's analyst conference call Cook grudgingly conceded that the fiscal Q2 forecast model anticipates year-over-year retraction.

  Cook says that about 60 percent of iPhone owners have not upgraded to the 6 or 6s series handsets. He sees lots of sales growth potential coming from the install base.

  iPad. Keeping with the trend of global declining tablet sales, iPad units and revenue fell 25 percent and 21 percent, respectively, to 16.122 million and $7.084 billion.

  Mac. Computers don't jive with analysts' preliminary data. For example, IDC has global Apple computer shipments growing 2.8 percent year over year in a broader market that declined 10.8 percent. However, today Cook and Company reported unit and revenue declines of 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively, to 5.312 million and $6.746 billion.

  Photo Credit: BMCL/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Apple fiscal Q1 2016 by the numbers: Record revenue falls short

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 3:06am CET par Joe Wilcox

  

  Three questions buzzed among investors and around the Interwebs ahead of today's Apple fiscal first quarter 2016 earnings report: Would iPhone momentum remain; how big could be revenues; and what would be guidance for the quarter in progress? Wall Street consensus was 76.54 million handsets sold and $76.582 billion in sales. Actual: 74.78 million iPhones and $75.872 billion revenue. More unsettling: Apple forecasts its first sales decline in 13 years; guidance is lower than analyst estimates.

  After the closing Bell, Apple answered these questions. Revenue rose 2 percent year over, while net income climbed the same to $18.4 billion from $18 billion. Earnings per share of 3,28 nudged ahead of $3.23 consensus estimate. Gross margin reached 40.1 percent, up from 39.9 percent a year earlier.

  Guidance shivered Wall Street, which consensus was $55.64 billion revenue and $2.23 EPS for fiscal Q2. Apple expects $50 billion to $53 billion. The stock dipped more than 2.6 percent in after-hours trading in response to actual results and those expected through the end of March. Shareholder reaction could have been more punishing.

  A Billion Reasons

  While Apple's overall fundamentals remain strong, buoyed by its cash horde of nearly $216 billion, the quarter shows signs that the iPhone empire has peaked. Shipments were flat, while revenue grew 1 percent to $51.635 billion —arguably against a tough year-over-year comparison of $51.182 billion. Cracks in the cement are a long way from holes, meaning: iPhone remains, for now, a formidable foe for the Android Army.

  Apple's long-term problem is dependence: Nearly all the colossal revenue growth since calendar 2010 can be attributed to iPhone, which during fiscal Q1 2016 accounted for 67.4 percent revenue. That's down from 68.6 a year earlier. But smartphone sales are slowing in major markets, including respective leaders China and the United States, and shifting to geographies with lower incomes and as such appetite for cheaper-costing handsets.

  Today's report deflects some of the concerns about iPhone's longevity to the viability of customers: During the quarter, the company had an "active install base" of 1 billion users across all platforms—Apple Watch, Apple TV, iOS devices, and the Mac. The number dwarfs anything comparable from any competitor, including Alphabet (formerly Google, which is now a subsidiary). Apple's 1 billion is in a whole other league. People paid price premium for Apple devices, rather than just subscribe to a cloud service. The challenge, of course: Keeping these customers buying companion devices and generating profits from ancillary services.

  Apple called out the $5.5 billion in services revenue from Apple Music, Apple Pay, App Store, iCloud, iTunes Services, hardware parts, and licensing. Meanwhile, from the install base, the company reports $8.9 billion in "related purchases", up 24 percent year over year. CEO Tim Cook is wise to push out the revenue value of those 1 billion users, which during fiscal 2015 generated $31.2 billion in related purchases and $19.9 billion in services revenue.

  Platform Wars

  These numbers are more significant than they seem and foreshadow future Apple platform strategy against Android.

  Nearly always overlooked in analyses that pit Android against iOS: At the core, comparisons are meaningless. While Apple's platform is mobile (and desktop) operating system, Alphabet's is search. Android is but a means of delivering the primary platform, and the profit center; during calendar Q3 2015, advertising revenues related to search accounted for 90 percent of revenues (the company announces Q4 results on February 1st).

  This difference in primary platforms partly explains why Alphabet reportedly paid Apple $1 billion for Google to be the default search provider on iPhone—and why the company's apps and supporting services offerings for iOS are only surpassed on Android, and even then not by much. Alphabet arguably is the largest developer of iOS apps. Stated differently: iPhone and other iOS devices are much less competitors to Android, from Alphabet's vantage point, than is the public sentiment. The information giant supports whatever advances its primary platform, search, and subsequent advertising revenues that are generated.

  

  That said, for Alphabet's OEM partners, Android competition with iOS, matters much—as does the quest to gain and to keep app developer support. App availability matters to buyers, too. Apple's platform is considerably more stable and undermines Alphabet's as services ambitions expand. Consider the ad-blocking features added to iOS 9. Apple takes Alphabet's billion bucks from one hand, while trying to hack off the other. The search giant needs those mobile ad dollars, which Apple doesn't,

  That's the other thing often overlooked in the platform competition analysis: Apple sells hardware, for which services enhance. Alphabet sells little to nothing, directly, from its install base. The platform foundations fundamentally differ—like dirt to bedrock. As I said long ago, iPhone will lose the smartphone wars but more likely will win the mobile platform wars. Caveat: As long as someone buys the hardware that generates the bulk of revenues.

  Segment Snapshot

  Apple divides products into five segments for reporting purposes: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Services, and Other. iPod now falls into the latter category, where also are Apple Watch and Apple TV.

  iPhone. We've discussed the core numbers, but a few more: Average selling price rose year over year to $691 from $687, reflecting benefits from Plus iPhones.

  Many analysts expected unit shipments to decline for the first quarter ever. Apple got a reprieve, but during today's analyst conference call Cook grudgingly conceded that the fiscal Q2 forecast model anticipates year-over-year retraction.

  Cook says that about 60 percent of iPhone owners have not upgraded to the 6 or 6s series handsets. He sees lots of sales growth potential coming from the install base.

  iPad. Keeping with the trend of global declining tablet sales, iPad units and revenue fell 25 percent and 21 percent, respectively, to 16.122 million and $7.084 billion.

  Mac. Computers don't jive with analysts' preliminary data. For example, IDC has global Apple computer shipments growing 2.8 percent year over year in a broader market that declined 10.8 percent. However, today Cook and Company reported unit and revenue declines of 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively, to 5.312 million and $6.746 billion.

  Photo Credit: BMCL/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Ultimate Ears unveils 'Rabbit Eye Movement' Limited Edition UE BOOM 2 Bluetooth speaker

  Publié: janvier 27, 2016, 1:35am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Listening to music is probably my favorite hobby. No matter what I am doing -- working, relaxing, showering -- I like to have some tunes playing in the background. My most common source of music is Spotify on my iPhone or iPad.

  While the integrated speakers on Apple's devices are decent, I crave more volume and improved quality. To achieve this, I use a Bluetooth speaker. One of the best line of such speakers comes from Ultimate Ears. Its UE ROLL, UE BOOM 2 and UE MEGABOOM are all exceptional. Today, the company announces a limited edition 'Rabbit Eye Movement' version of the UE BOOM 2, designed by Austrian graffiti artist Nychos.

  "Nycho' distinctive style draws inspiration from his background growing up in a hunting family in Austria, coupled with his childhood interests in cartoons and heavy metal music. His reimagined anatomical dissections and cross sections have defined his work as an urban artist and his Rabbit Eye Movement -- a movement Nychos started to nourish urban art", says Ultimate Ears.

  Rory Dooley, General Manager, Ultimate Ears explains, "Nychos is always finding ways to stay fresh and wild in his art; he doesn’t keep his art on a wall in a room; he takes it to the streets and shares it with people. We want people to do the same with their music by being bold and taking music everywhere. We’re thrilled to work with an artist who has the same vision".

  

  

  Keep in mind, quality-wise, this is identical to the existing UE BOOM 2. It is simply receiving a fresh coat of paint. That is a good thing, as that speaker offers amazing quality. It is one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers on the market.

  [READ MORE] Ultimate Ears announces UE BOOM 2

  Luckily, you do not have to pay a premium for the super-trippy Nychos-designed variant; it retains the same $199 retail price. It is in stock now, but very limited, so if you want to grab one, you may want to act fast. You can buy it here.

  Do you think the 'Rabbit Eye Movement' variant of the UE BOOM 2 looks cool? Tell me in the comments.