All Entries Tagged With: "trial"
Bank of America, Visa To Test Mobile Phone Payments Next Month
Beginning in September of this year — next month — both Bank of America and Visa will be test running the use of mobile phones to make purchases in select stores within New York City. The trial is expected to be small, and is also expected to run to the end of this calendar year.
The theory behind mobile payments is simple. Devices with NFC [near field communications] chips installed (which hold account information) can be scanned against a specialized NFC reader in order to process the transaction. Think of it as quite simply using your phone in place of a piece of plastic card. That’s all there is to it.
We’re certainly looking forward to more information on this trial; standby.
Verizon Wireless Reportedly Testing $100 Unlimited Talk, Data, and Text Plans
Basking Ridge, New Jersey-based Verizon Wireless has reportedly begun testing a new $100 unlimited talk, data, and text plan similar to that of Sprint. The testings are apparently undergoing in select market such as San Diego and Los Angeles, California. Verizon Wireless customers in those areas have apparently been offered the National Talk and Text plan — which usually sells for $90 per month — for just $70 per month. The plan is paired with the $30 unlimited data plan, bringing the total cost to $100. That’s a $20 monthly saving compared to existing plans.
According to FierceWireless a Verizon Wireless spokeswoman has confirmed the offering, stating that it’s available to single lines only and does not include domestic long distance calling.
Verizon Reaches 1Gbps Download Speeds in FiOS Test
In a real-world test of just how quick its FiOS internet service could be, Verizon has tested reaching up to 1Gbps of data from a small business in Taunton, Massachusetts (which is actually about 20 minutes from where I reside in Massacusetts).
According to Verizon, “was intended to demonstrate in a live network setting that currently deployed FiOS equipment can support higher bandwidth services and can deliver 1Gbps without major change to the network.”
The way it worked was simple (in theory). Verizon laid down a second fiber-optic line provisioned for 1Gbps from the central office in Taunton to the small business. The company then speed tested to a local server, followed by testing to another server some 400 miles away.
Talk about fast!
4Chan Founder Gives Crash Course on Internet Slang During Sarah Palin Email Hacking Trial
The folks over at The Smoking Gun have managed to obtain the official transcription of 4Chan Founder and Administrator Christopher ‘Moot’ Poole’s testimony during the the trial of David Kernell — the 22 year old man from Tennessee, who has been convicted for breaking into the email address of Republican candidate for vice-president of the United States Sarah Palin back in 2008.
Things appear to have gotten a bit too off-topic during the testimony when both the prosecution and defense begin asking Poole questions about the slang associated with 4Chan. There’s no really an explanation as to why those questions were asked. However, the results are nothing short of hilarious. Make your way past the break to see the interrogation. Additionally, we have embedded the full testimony.
Apple Launches ‘Try Before You Buy’ App Section
California-based Apple has made a brand-new addition to their world-famous App Store. It’s dubbed ‘Try Before You Buy,” and the name implies just what it says. Users are able to try applications before they buy them.
But hold on to your panties. It’s not really what you think it is. The section doesn’t let users trial ALL paid apps on the store, no sir. Instead, what you get is a compilation of “lite” version of applications. You know, the “limited” apps released by developers to tease the full versions of their apps.
We’re not entirely sure why Apple’s putting this together now, but we’ve certainly got to say that it’s not impressive — not that it was ever meant to be and all.
Hulu: PlayStation Plus Not Required to Enjoy Hulu Plus
There has been much speculation regarding the Hulu Plus app for PlayStation 3. Many believe that in order to use Hulu Plus, PlayStation 3 owner are also required to subscribe to the newly-introduced PlayStation Plus premium service.
Well, Hulu is trying to put that rumor to rest. Concerned individuals inquiring about this are being reassured that Hulu Plus will only require PlayStation Plus during the trial or preview period. However, once the preview period is over a Hulu Plus $10 per month subscription will be needed.
Cisco Announces New Cius Android-Powered 7-Inch Tablet
Cisco announced today in a press release the introduction of its new Android-powered business-focused table called the “Cisco Cius.” The new device will feature a seven-inch high-resolution display, a front-mounted 720p HD camera capable of capturing up to 30 fps, a rear-mounted 5 megapixel camera, dual noise-cancelling microphones, an accelerometer, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, 3G.
Cisco states that the device is also expected to support 4G at a later date. The company state that the Cisco Cius uses a detachable battery with up to 8 hours of life under normal use. There will be a docking station equipped with a telephone available for the Cius.
The company expects to begin customer trials in the next quarter [Q3 2010], with general availability set for Q1 2011. Considering that the Cisco Cius is aimed toward the enterprise market, it’s very unlikely that this device will be made available in just any consumer electronic retailer. We’ll definitely keep our ears and eyes open for more information, and we will report accordingly.
One more image and complete press release in the full post.
Target to Sell Amazon Kindle Nationwide Beginning on June 6
Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Target Corporation announced today in a press release that beginning on June 6, the Amazon Kindle ebook reader will become available at its retail stores nationwide. This will be the very first time that the device is sold at brick-and-mortar stores across the country.
The giant retailer actually began a trial back in April, in which the Kindle was sold in its flagship store along with other 102 stores in South Florida. Apparently, the trial was a complete success. The Amazon Kindle will be priced at $259.
Full press release after the break.
Sirius XM App for Android Now Available
Back in April, Erictric reported that Sirius XM was working on an official application for the Android platform. Well, it’s our pleasure to say that the application with more than 120 channels has officially become available today. Of course, you need to have a monthly subscription to be able to use the app. However, the company is offering a free seven-day trial. The application can be downloaded for free at SiriusXM.com/Android from your smartphone.
