All Entries Tagged With: "access"

Motorola Droid 2 Root Also Works For Motorola Droid X Running Android 2.2 Froyo

This past Wednesday, we published a post noting that the Verizon Wireless Motorola Droid 2 root had finally become available to users (with some not-so-easy to follow directions).

Now, it would appear as if the same rooting method works on the Motorola Droid X smartphone, provided that it’s running Android 2.2 Froyo. It’s excellent news, no doubt.

So if you’re interested in rooting your device, you need to follow the directions exactly as you see them below.

Research In Motion Points Out 4 Main Principles of Lawful Access to BlackBerry Data

Waterloo, Ontario-based Research In Motion issued yesterday yet another statement regarding its recent negotiations with Asian countries over access to BlackBerry data. More specifically, the announcement was made in response to a statement issued by the Indian government. In it, RIM highlights the four main principles that the governments the company is negotiating with must follow to lawfully gain access to BlackBerry data.

Research In Motion states that it’s cooperating with with governments as much as possible in “the spirit of supporting legal and national security requirements, while also preserving the lawful needs of citizens and corporations.” The company then goes on to point out the following four principles:

• 1. The carriers’ capabilities be limited to the strict context of lawful access and national security requirements as governed by the country’s judicial oversight and rules of law.
• 2. The carriers’ capabilities must be technology and vendor neutral, allowing no greater access to BlackBerry consumer services than the carriers and regulators already impose on RIM’s competitors and other similar communications technology companies.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager 6.0 Available on August 10?

At this point, many of us BlackBerry users and abusers have seen leaked images of the upcoming BlackBerry Desktop Manager 6.0. If you haven’t, click here. Additionally, several other users were granted early access to the BlackBerry Desktop Manager 6.0 Beta.

Now, rumor going around has it that Research In Motion will make the new BlackBerry Desktop Manager 6.0 available for Windows on August 10. That’s just two days before the newly-introduced BlackBerry Torch smartphone is released to the public. With that said, it makes sense to release BlackBerry Desktop Manager 6.0 before the next generation BlackBerry smartphones begins to ship.

Microsoft Obtains ARM Architecture License

Cambridge, England-based ARM Holdings announced today in partnership with Microsoft that they have both signed a new licensing agreement for the ARM architecture. Considering that the terms of the agreement are being kept confidential, it’s unknown what exactly Redmond-based Microsoft will be utilizing its newest rights for. However, Microsoft General Manager KD Hallman stated that now that they have closer access to the ARM technology, [Microsoft] will be able to enhance its “research and development activities for ARM-based products.”

Rumor has it that Microsoft, just like Cupertino-based Apple did, plans to create its very own microprocessor chip. If true, there’s no doubt that the company will put its newest knowledge of ARM architecture into use to create its chip.

Press release in the full post.

China Unblocks Access To Pornographic Websites

What could be called the shock of the century, Chinese authorities have unblocked and unrestricted access to pornographic websites within the People’s Republic of China, a move that makes little sense, considering that viewing porn within the nation’s borders is most certainly illegal.

Eight weeks after the Chinese government began a crackdown on pornographic content online, seemingly more and more smut-related websites have been accessible to many users.

“This has never been done with the [Chinese] internet before,” said Chinese internet analyst Zhao Jing. “Maybe they are thinking that if internet users have some porn to look at, then they won’t pay so much attention to political matters,” he speculated.

Fring Overwhelmed by Video Calling, Temporarily Suspends Access to Skype

Yesterday, Erictric reported that Apple approved a Fring update that allows 2-way video calling to other mobile platforms over 3G. Apparently, the improved application has become a huge success, as the company briefly announced today on its blog that for the time being they are suspending access to third-party Skype in order “to free up capacity” for better Fring-to-Fring video calls. The company indicates that since they announced 2-way video calling over 3G yesterday, they have witnessed some network stress.

No information as to when they’ll begin supporting access to Skype again.

Starbucks Begins Offering Free WiFi Today

The first of July has already arrived, to our amazement. That means two things, and two things only. First, the fourth of July is days away. Second, Starbucks begins offering free WiFi access to customers today.

The Seattle-based super-popular coffee shop with over 11,000 stores in the United States alone [and another 1,000 in Canada] has dropped the infamous paywall on WiFi access, making internet free for customers with simple two-click access.

What that means for you: Head to Starbucks, buy what you like, and sit down and start surfing. See, you’re making up the cost of actually using the web with the ridiculous amount you just paid for that coffee.

I jest.

Facebook Launches New Application Permission System

Facebook announced today in a post on The Facebook Blog the introduction of a new system that will oblige third-party applications to request permission to access private sections of a user’s profile. By default, applications will only be allowed to access the public parts of a profile. Additionally, Facebook states that the new process is simpler, and most importantly, grants users more control on their privacy.

The company goes on to say that the new system has been in the works for quite a long time now. It was first announced in August 2008, after the Office of the Privacy Commissioner in Canada raised privacy concerns regarding the way applications were able to access data. The system was unveiled back in April at the F8 Developer Conference.

Android 2.2 [Froyo] Test Build Leaked for Motorola Droid

Test build FRF84B of Android 2.2 [Froyo] has been leaked for the Motorola Droid. The new ROM is currently hosted over at MyDroidWorld, and it’s based on a test build released to selected Moto Droid owners. The ROM comes with root access and a customized kernel. However, considering its a test build, users should expect a few anomalies.

Make your way to MyDroidWorld to see how to install this leaked test build of Android 2.2. Make sure you really know what you’re getting into [read disclaimer below]. Be sure to let us know how the installation process goes, and how the build works.

Disclaimer: Download and follow instructions at your own risk. Erictric, nor any entities affiliated with Erictric will accept or claim responsibility for damaged or non-operational devices.