Google's New Policies

Last week, Google changed its privacy policy. According to Google, the changes would improve people's experiences of using the Google services. New information is not being collected, but Google is promising that its new policies condenses most of the current policies. Although this is true, users' browsing interest and history, including those on Youtube can be combined and used for other services. Going in effect March 1st, the browsing history of signed-in users can be used for Ads and Marketing purposes. What exactly the new policy will accomplish is not certain, but one this is. Google will now have the right to use users' browsing history for Marketing purposes, something Google May very well have been doing from the get-go.

Mega Lawsuit

Megaupload could be in mega trouble as Federal prosecutors who accuse file-sharing site Megaupload of being a hotbed of digital piracy, and also claims the company has denied copyright holders an estimated $500 million and that those indicted have earned roughly $175 million in the process. 

The letter, submitted Friday in the Eastern District of Virginia, says that government investigators have finished executing search warrants at centers where Megaupload and MegaVideo files are stored. According to the indictment filed Megaupload has claimed more than 180 million registered users in its 5-year existence. While some users say they used the site to look for movies, television shows and other material that may be copyrighted, numerous others have complained that they've lost access to personal and professional materials stored there. It is just one of those situations where a few bad apples have ruined it for everyone. The company said it's not aware of why the government suggested February 2 as the day files could be deleted.

Any and all users of this site are advised to get their files off of the website as soon as possible. While removing your files will not permanently delete them from the site (or save you from possible leagle action of uploading copyrighted material), it will provide users who use the site the way it was intended with backups of their files.

Apple iBooks

After updating its software last week, Apple launched the iBooks textbook feature. The iBooks textbook feature will allow students to create study cards by using text and diagrams which students can touch and drag on the screen. Apple also created the iBook Author which gives its users the ability to create their own textbooks. Unfortunately, there have been concerns about the owner resources created using the software(s) and the user agreements. Even though the user has the opportunity to create things using the software, which is free of charge, Apple has ownership over the products created because the user will be creating such products on an Apple app.

This creation seems like a big improvement for students and other users, but what are the implications on textbook stores, and and other retailers who offer books? As far as the ownership rights to the resources created, how will this affect users who wish to share their work with others? These questions linger in our mind, and we're sure Apple has answers for them.

BlackBerry + Porsche = PorscheBerry

Looking for a way to prove that you have more money than you know what to do with? Want a phone that matches your Porsche? Than look no further than the BlackBerry Porsche Design P'9981, a $2,400 smartphone that helps the world identify you as "that guy who just spent $2,400 on a cell phone."

The specs of the BlackBerry itself aren't nearly as impressive as you'd expect for a phone that costs about what the average U.S. worker earns in a month. What you get for your money is a 2.8-inch, 640 x 480 touch screen (for those keeping score, smaller and lower resolution than the iPhone 4S), a 5-megapixel camera and 720p HD video recording (the iPhone 4S and most Android models offer 8-megapixels and 1080p), and 768MB of RAM. In other words, the ridiculously expensive smartphone looks obsolete when put next to a phone that came out three months ago.

The phone is not the most expensive phone to come out, a Danish retailer released a $60,000 cell phone last year, and Tag Heuer offers a $6,700 leather Android smartphone. But what do you really get for your $2400 bucks? The Porsche name, a cool design, high-quality construction, and the opportunity to be first Porsche to be plugged into a YUBZ Retro Handset!   

Wake up with YUBZ!

YUBZ was proud to be a part of Good Morning America's Deal of the Week last week as the folks at GMA got the chance to try out the Retro Handset firsthand (no pun intended).  

There was a special discount offered to those who tuned into the show that day, but the true "prize" is the opportunity to reduce your cell phone radiation up to 96%!

YUBZ would like to thank all of those who saw our segment on the show and flooded to YUBZ.com to place their orders. The increase in consumer awareness about the Retro Handset generated from Good Morning America was a great way to start off the new year and YUBZ is excited to see these hip, trendy, cell phone accessories known as Retro Handsets grow in popularity!

The sky is the limit for 2012 and YUBZ is happy you are around for the ride!

Standing up to S.O.P.A.

The Internet as we know it could all change if corporations get their way and a censorship is placed on the World Wide Web through the S.O.P.A. bill (Stop Online Piracy Act). Thousands of people, including the Facebook and Google, have opposed the web censorship bill, saying it would effectively censor the web and place unfair demands on content providers. A few infringing links would be enough to block a site completely and put the person who posted in jail for up to 5 years, even for a first offense.

For several months a diverse variety of online groups and internet activists have been assembling and publishing lists of big-name companies who have voiced support for SOPA. They’re calling on consumers to boycott their goods and services, a strategy that has foand increasing resonance as the bill approaches a vote and the negative press surrounding it at a boiling point. Today marked the day of several big name websites including Wikipedia, and Redit that blacked out there site in protest to show how much a day on the web without them hurts. The ripple effect of a government controlled internet that could follow if the S.O.P.A. or P.I.P.A. (Protect IP Act) are forced through congress.

If this sounds like something you would like to speak out against please let your voice be heard and register on Google to have a letter sent to your local congressmen to show your dissatisfaction of this bill.

Have A Yubztitious Friday the 13th

This Friday the 13th, as you prepare to curl up to a good scary movie or partake in any superstitious events, YUBZ encourages you to have a Yubzticious day. Remember that a YUBZ handset reduces radiation up to 96%. While you're out with your friends on this Friday the 13th, be aware of the risks of cell phone radiation. It's not a myth, protect yourself and your body will thank you in the years to come. There are superstitions and there are facts, YUBZ wants you to remember that cell phone radiation is not just for the superstitious, but also the health conscious and everyone in other categories.