The top Download Squad stories of 2010

As yet another year slips quietly into the annual abyss, it's customary to take a retrospective glance at all that has happened. While history is surely nowhere near as exciting as the future -- especially as far as technology is concerned -- we can still learn a lot by looking back at the events of a year and analyzing, with perfect hindsight, what actually happened. After all, it is one thing to report on a new advance or technology, but it's another thing entirely to see how that technology has actually changed the world.

We'll lead with a prime example.

Continue reading The top Download Squad stories of 2010

The top Download Squad stories of 2010 originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/28/the-top-download-squad-stories-of-2010/

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Skype for iPhone brings video calls over 3G

A little sooner than expected, Skype has just launched a new version of its iOS app [iTunes] that enables Skype-to-Skype video calls, via Wi-Fi or 3G.

Those lucky enough to have an iPhone 4 or 3GS, or 4th generation iPod touch, will be able to make two-way video calls with any other Skype user, including desktop and laptop PC users, and presumably other mobile Skype users on Android or BlackBerry.

This software update also affects the iPad and third-generation iPod touch, but they can only receive video, rather than send it.

The big news, of course, is that Skype is allowing video calls over 3G. It remains to be seen what the mobile operator's response will be, once people start making use of free, high-bandwidth video-to-video calls. We always figured that the Wi-Fi-only restriction of FaceTime was enforced by mobile operators, rather than Apple!

Gallery: Skype 3.0 for iPhone

Skype for iPhone brings video calls over 3G originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/30/skype-for-iphone-updated-to-version-3-video-calls-over-3g-now-p/

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McAfee: Smartphones, Apple devices to be top malware targets in 2011

Traditionally, Windows' massive user base has made it a juicy target for malware authors, but a new report from McAfee suggests there could be a major shift in 2011. The security company is predicting that attacks on the exploding smartphone segment and Apple devices will increase significantly.

Mac trojans have already become increasingly common in 2010, and McAfee finds that "lack of user understanding of proper security for these devices, will increase the risk for data and identity exposure." This lack of understanding, coupled with the increased presence of iOS devices in business environments, will make Apple users a prime target for malware.

The report also finds smartphone users will face increased danger in 2011. With hundreds of millions of new users purchasing more powerful phones and spending more time browsing on them, increased attention from malware authors is a natural (albeit unwelcome) side effect. If the app store for your phone offers security applications, there's no time like the present to read some reviews and get one installed.

Apart from smartphones and Apple devices, social engineering attacks (e.g. scams via Facebook, Twitter, e-mail and social networks) will continue to be big in 2011. McAfee asserts that personal information made available via geolocation apps and privacy lapses will allow attackers to better craft their attacks on individuals. There's also no sign of viral attacks on social sites like Facebook and Twitter slowing down, and short URL services will continue to be used to hide malicious links. Here's hoping more URL shorteners will look into pre-scanning their links to ensure our safety.

McAfee: Smartphones, Apple devices to be top malware targets in 2011 originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/29/mcafee-smartphones-apple-devices-to-be-top-malware-targets-in/

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The Year In Illegal Downloads [BitTorrent]

Whether you disapprove of illegal downloading, or are happily BitTorrenting Hot Tub Time Machine right now, there's no debating that BitTorrent's Zeitgeist 2010 makes for an interesting read. Find out what the 100 most searched-for phrases and keywords were, below. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/lsiVneLZVDk/the-year-in-illegal-downloads

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Skype for iPhone brings video calls over 3G

A little sooner than expected, Skype has just launched a new version of its iOS app [iTunes] that enables Skype-to-Skype video calls, via Wi-Fi or 3G.

Those lucky enough to have an iPhone 4 or 3GS, or 4th generation iPod touch, will be able to make two-way video calls with any other Skype user, including desktop and laptop PC users, and presumably other mobile Skype users on Android or BlackBerry.

This software update also affects the iPad and third-generation iPod touch, but they can only receive video, rather than send it.

The big news, of course, is that Skype is allowing video calls over 3G. It remains to be seen what the mobile operator's response will be, once people start making use of free, high-bandwidth video-to-video calls. We always figured that the Wi-Fi-only restriction of FaceTime was enforced by mobile operators, rather than Apple!

Gallery: Skype 3.0 for iPhone

Skype for iPhone brings video calls over 3G originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/30/skype-for-iphone-updated-to-version-3-video-calls-over-3g-now-p/

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Our favorite iPhone + iPad cases of 2010, now up to 70% off! [Sponsored]

Did you hear about the huge sale going on at the TiPb iPhone + iPad accessory store? Some of our favorite iPhone and iPad cases are now up to 70% off, so whether you just got a new device for Christmas or you’re looking to change things up for the New Year, there’s never been [...]

Our favorite iPhone + iPad cases of 2010, now up to 70% off! [Sponsored] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/qEEOfJbq3h0/

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China Effectively Bans Skype and Other Non State-Owned VoIP Services [VoIP]

China just made all VoIP services on networks besides the state-run China Telecom and China Unicom illegal, effectively banning the use of Skype and other popular VoIP services in the country. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/EE-Y38Lb4Mk/china-deems-skype-and-all-other-non-state+owned-voip-illegal

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Amazon enables Kindle e-book lending

This is great news for the mom of at least one Engadget editor (who has been despairing at her inability to share e-books with Aunt Kathy). That's right: Amazon has enabled Kindle book loaning on select titles. Of course, there are caveats: books can be loaned only once, for a period of fourteen days. As you'd suspect, the loaned books can be read using the e-reader itself or the free Kindle app for any of your various devices (including iOS, BlackBerry, Android, PC, and Mac). While a book is being borrowed you can't read it yourself, and the publisher has the final word on which titles are eligible for lending. Exciting, right? At least as exciting as the opportunity to finally discover what The Secret Life of Bees might be.

Amazon enables Kindle e-book lending originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 12:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/30/amazon-enables-kindle-e-book-lending/

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Take The Ridiculous Chinese Driving Test [Car Safety]

Drivers in China have a reputation for being both awful and crazy, but could you pass this ridiculous Chinese driving test? Find out below. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/1LGiFbRu8x8/take-the-ridiculous-chinese-driving-test

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SBN Tech to show off Android-based IP Video Phone at CES

Haven't heard of SBN Tech? You're not alone, but it looks like the company is now set to make the rather valiant attempt of trying to stand out from the pack of Android tablets at CES next week. Its hook, however, is that its tablet isn't actually a tablet, but an "IP Video Phone," which may or may not be similar to the device pictured above that the company's been showing off recently. Of course, while the company may be touting it as a "video phone" first and foremost, the device appears to be a fairly standard Android tablet underneath that guise -- it packs a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 screen, an SD card slot for expansion, and the company notes that you'll also be able to use it for email, Twitter, Facebook and all your usual Android apps. Still no word on pricing or availability, but those details should be making themselves known soon enough.

SBN Tech to show off Android-based IP Video Phone at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/30/sbn-tech-to-show-off-android-based-ip-video-phone-at-ces/

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