Google 's Mission to Protect Hotspot Users

Google will now be masking "hotspot" locations of owners of Wi-Fi. The locations according to Google are used to provide nearby attractions, shops or mapping routes. In order to help protect users, and to respect their privacy, Google has included an "opt-out" service which will allow an access point owner to opt out from having Google locate their device. The service is set to be released globally later in the fall. Consumers will be glad to know that their locations will be tracked by services such as Google, and that their browsing habits will not be transferred to other advertising outlets. Although this service would be available to Wi-Fi owners, would it also be available to general users? Would it just be effective while using a smartphone or also on other devices such as laptops, etc?

Attention all Honda Pilot SUV owners!

    Honda Pilot SUVs from the 2009-2011 model years have been recalled. Why? There is a possible defect in the stitching of the seat belts. According to reports, the seat belts might have incomplete stitchings which could cause the belts to break off from the anchor during a car accident, or at any other time. According to Honda, there have not been any reports of injuries or death as a result of the seat belt malfunctioning. Honda also recalled its 2006 CR-V model and its 2011 CR-Z model due to issues such as the power window master switch, and a defect concerning the gas engine. These changes will be replaced free of charge of course, if any defects are found.

DirecTV presents Social TV

 Although the concept of incorporating social TV with TV companies might sound strange, Miso, a social TV startup hopes to make customers familiar with this concept through its partnership with DirecTV. DirecTV subscribers now have the option to show friends what they are watching. By opting in to use Miso, shows, movies, etc. watched by customers will automatically be displayed. For channel surfers, the app provides details about any show users might want to watch. Other features include the ability to read tweets from friends,etc. while watching the same show. This feature might sound a bit far fetched at first, but similar to other features provided by social networking sites and media mediums, there are bound to be customers who will appreciate its abilities.

City Hall and your network signal

 According to the FCC, pending zones for phone towers have to be authorized by the location's City Hall. Among requests to extend zoning for wireless facilities were requests to replace antennas. According to this research, cities were also denying other carriers from establishing wireless facilities on areas their residents appear to be using another carrier. Although the City Halls claim this is a way to reduce competition, it also affects consumers and their ability to receive good reception from their carrier. This also did not stop the AT&T merger with T-Mobile. So next time your phone reception is below average, it might not be the carrier, but the  City Hall.

Music on Facebook?

Facebook has already incorporated video chat and other features in its recent changes to the website. What else could they think of adding? Music! Starting Sept. 22, Facebook will partner with other developers who will provide music on users. Although Facebook has not officially announced the new feature, this excitement is sure to draw in more customers or at least revive accounts of old users. If the new feature is added, will Facebook have streaming radio, or just an app to connect to other music sites? Waiting for Facebook to confirm the feature is not as nerve wrecking as waiting to see exactly how the feature will be implemented into the website.

Accessorize with YUBZ

Yubz handsets, proven to reduce cell phone radiation up to 95% can also add the necessary spice to any cell phone. The handsets are available in different colors, and even artists collection. The phones are big enough to cradle between the ear and shoulder while multitasking. They can also be used at home, etc. For iPhone 4 users, the new models allow users to plug the handsets directly into the cell phone, eliminating the use of any adapter(s).

Commence The Bid...Again

Earlier in the year, AT&T decided to bid for the acquisition of T-Mobile. If approved, the merger would be effective next year. Although it appeared that the merger was definite, the FCC decided to go on a month long hiatus, putting the bid on hold. Now the FCC has started the "clock" which runs for a total of 180 days.The FCC reviewed the case for 83 days before the clock was stopped. Why was the clock stopped? AT&T was asked to provide more information to dispute arguments that its bid for T-Mobile would create an anticompetitive market. According to AT&T, one reason for the merger would be to provide better service to customers. With the remaining days left on the clock, the FCC has to make a crucial decision regarding the acquisition and bear the consequences for its effects on the market. No matter what decision they make, some people will be happy about it and some will not.