RIM Says Investor Suit Is 'Without Merit'

By The Associated Press
Resource: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=13706992

Research In Motion Ltd., maker of the BlackBerry smartphone, said Friday that allegations that the company misled investors about its financial state are "without merit."

Lawyers for shareholders of the company filed a lawsuit this week in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeking class action status. The suit claims that between Dec. 16, 2010 and April 28 RIM executives made false and misleading statements about the company's financial condition and business prospects. The suit, which was filed by Mary T. Stabile on behalf of anyone who bought the stock during that time frame, names RIM itself, Chief Financial Officer Brian Bidulka, and co-CEOs Jim Balsillie and Michael Lazaridis as defendants.

The suit is the latest in a string of negatives for RIM. The company's BlackBerry smartphones are known for their security and reliability as email devices, but haven't kept up with Apple Inc.'s iPhones or phones that use Google Inc.'s Android software when it comes to running third-party applications. In addition to its sales struggles, the company released its first tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook, to mixed reviews in April and had to recall about 1,000 of the devices in May due to defective operating software that could have made it impossible for users to set up the device. Most of the gadgets were recalled before being purchased by consumers.

The suit alleges that RIM "failed to inform investors that its aging product line and inability to introduce new products to the market was negatively impacting the company's business and margins." It also argues that RIM knew that BlackBerry shipments would decline and inventory would rise because of problems such as product delays and "lackluster" launches.

RIM's stock dropped 11 percent on March 25 after the company issued a lower-than-expected forecast for its fiscal first quarter. And On April 28 the stock dropped 14 percent when RIM slashed that quarterly forecast, saying it had been selling fewer and cheaper smartphones than it anticipated. Between Dec. 16 and April 29, the stock fell 17.8 percent overall.

The suit seeks unspecified damages.

In a statement, Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM said it plans to "vigorously defend" itself in the suit.

GPS Technology

Nowadays, nearly every Smartphone comes equipped with a GPS system. GPS stand for a global positioning system, which is used to calculate the place of given objects on a global point. This service works on a satellite or earth station side by side as they calculate the coordinates of the places. Through using a GPS tracking system, you can get the exact location of any unknown area. GPS is an amazing technology as it works on the concept of electromagnetic waves, which is currently the most demanding technology.

GPS was made especially for use in mobile phones. All of the tracking information comes into GPS satellites with the help of satellite technology. As it up links with satellite signals, it provides GPS to catch continue all the signals of the satellites. Smartphones are made with both a transmitter and receiver of these signals.

GPS technology is become ever more important for traveling, communication or in times of war. GPS was first developed by the United States military. GPS systems are also available in some electronic devices known as GPS tracking devices. These devices are made solely for the tracking purpose. As mobile technology continues to grow, more consumers are looking to have GPS installed in their smart phones. GPS works on an impressively fast speed enabling you to search large areas quickly and efficiently, as well as giving you maps and directions. With help of this tracking device, you can access all the information you require on any unknown area.

It also gives you extended information about any unknown place. Nowadays GPS is regarded as an integral part of the latest in Mobile Phone technology. With help of this tracking facility you can track your entire location just by switching on your GPS system on your BlackBerry. Consumers can get a GPS tracking system only if they first purchase a GPS-enabled handset, as GPS system can’t be added to a device like other software. A GPS-enabled handset can transmit and receive signals at the same time. GPS can also be exploited, meaning you may end up being spied upon or vice versa. There are legal consequences over this kind of intrusion, which lowers the risk of privacy invasion.

PDA Phones - Public Display of Activeness

If there is an era where technology has affected almost everything and everyone, it has to be PDA Phones. Technology has greatly affected the communication sector in a positive manner. Several years ago, communication was faced with a lot of problems - not to mention the interruptions. It was quite challenging to make a call, as communication lines were not clear. Thanks to the advancement in technology, communication has been improved. It is now possible to get in touch with your loved ones at any time of the day or night and Smart phones are the best innovation to date.

There are PDA devices that have helped many people in various ways. PDA simply means Personal Digital Assistant. It is important to know that these devices usually come with various functions and features. PDA phones are essential, especially during this technological era where a lot of things deal with technology. There are various phone models available on the market with various features. It is important to look at several models before deciding which one to go for. This will help in determining the device that meets your requirements. Some of the functions that you can find in the devices include a QWERTY keyboard, document programs such as PDF, Excel, MS Word and Power Point, faster processors, various connectivity options, RAM, handwriting recognition and standard ROM.

The smartphones are being referred to as a public display of activeness. This is because they allow the user to always be active - whether they are on the move or not. They can even work when still enjoying the comfort that their home provides. HTC and BlackBerry are some popular PDA devices that many people from different parts of the world are going for. There are various companies that are providing PDA devices which are now meeting customers’ needs. The devices are provided with several features in order to increase their functionality. Some of the features which are provided include an imaging facility, music player and a memory slot for storage capacity expansion. It is possible to store data in the device, as there is ample storage space. If you want more storage space, you can use a memory card and insert it into the memory slot. One thing that you should know about these devices is that they are generally bigger than normal phones. This is probably because of the several features and functionalities provided. Typing with the device is simple because of the QWERTY keyboard. It is important to know that these devices have touch screens. This means that instead of using the keyboard, you can easily use the screen and do whatever you want. You will always be active especially if you own this gadget.

Tablet Computer Compared to Laptops and PCs

Some computer users still choose to use personal computers or laptops that have less technological advances. They are passing on the brilliant benefits of the latest tablet computers, along with the convenience provided by the latest computer features. Tablet computers have the basic features of a personal computer. It is a portable computer device utilizing touch-screen technology. Tablet computers use a virtual keyboard, as well as handwriting recognition for data input. It has a wireless adapter to acquire internet services and connect to a local area network. It shares capability with touch screen phones for software application such as office suites, online browsing, gaming and other multi-media applications.

A laptop is a personal computer with mobile capability. It has compact hardware components common to a desktop computer such as a keyboard, display and pointing device. Laptops also integrate speakers, a microphone and a camera.

Comparing Tablet Computer to Laptop and PC:

• Size

Although a personal or desktop computer is reliable in the quantity of information that can be stored relative to its size, this becomes its disadvantage. Compared to a laptop or tablet computer, the personal computer is bulky and heavy in size.

• Portability

Although nothing compares with mobile phones in terms of portability, laptops and tablet computers share common advantages when compared to a personal or desktop computer in portability. The laptop and tablet computer are portable, which means they can be carried around anywhere, not only at home and office, but also to school, shops and recreational facilities, as well as in transport facilities. A rechargeable battery powers tablet computers and laptops, which is not applicable with a personal computer. Comparing a personal computer relative to the demand of PC application performance, a tablet computer may have limited performance because it is portable.

• Productivity and Performance

A computer dependent person will be more productive when using a laptop or tablet computer, because of the wider abilities of using these devices. Laptops, being portable computers, were originally intended for specialized fields such as accountants, executives and the military. However, as they became more compact, light and having fast performance, they became popular for all sorts of uses and purposes. A tablet computer shares the same convenience, although it is limited in performance. On the other hand, a personal computer has limited productivity, because it can only be used where it is located.

• Accessibility

In carrying a tablet computer or laptop, anywhere means having an instant access to personal and work related information via internet connections. Although a personal computer has a bigger capacity for information, it cannot be accessed at all times.

• Connectivity

With the proliferation of broadband communication for cell phones, tablet computers and laptops can connect to the internet almost anywhere, as long as a signal can be acquired. These make the two susceptible of acquiring up-to-date information anywhere and at any time.

In comparing tablet computers with laptops and PCs, there are remarkable differences that are advantageous in all cases.

How To Take Care Of Sterling Silver Jewelry

Did you know that sterling silver has unlimited layers? Much so-called silver jewelry is just other metals with a silver coating, or it may be even plastic with a silver coating. Sterling silver jewelry is not coated but has many layers, so when your silver jewelry has lost its shine, it can always be regained but, like any other jewelry, sterling silver jewelry needs to be taken care of. Below are some ways of taking care of your sterling silver jewelry.

1. The first thing you should always think of is storage. The way you store your jewelry matters a lot. Putting your sterling silver jewelry together will cause scratches, as the will rub against each other.

2. You should always keep them in a cool and dry place. Moisture makes sterling silver jewelry tarnish, so when you store them in a moist place they will tarnish. You can also get anti-tarnish paper strips to put inside your jewelry box so that they will not tarnish.

3. When it comes to cleaning your sterling silver jewelry, you should not use just any piece of cloth within your reach to wipe them clean, because some materials will easily scratch them. You can buy jewelry cloths which normally have two layers. One layer is made up of cotton and the other layer has special chemicals which will make the silver shine. If you cannot get hold of one, you can use a cloth which is 100% cotton to wipe your sterling silver jewelry.

4. On a daily basis you should make sure your jewelry is the last thing you put on in the morning and first thing to take off at night. When you are working, especially cleaning, you should take it off, as the chemicals you use may cause immediate tarnishing. When sleeping, swimming or taking a shower you must take your sterling silver jewelry off and remember to place it in a dry place. Whenever you return them to their storage place, wipe them dry so that body oils and dirt are removed.

Just like any other jewelry, sterling silver jewelry needs to be cared for in order for it to look at its best. Once in a while you can clean it in mild soapy water and with a very soft toothbrush. Make you sure you rinse it very well with clean water and dry it completely with a soft cotton cloth before storing it.

Emergency Alert System Expected for Cellphones

Recourse from:http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/us/10safety.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=cell%20phones&st=cse#
By Edward Wyatt

WASHINGTON — The emergency broadcast system is coming to cellphones.

Updating the national emergency alert system, federal officials planned to announce on Tuesday in Manhattan that some cellphone users in New York and Washington will soon be able to receive alerts by text message in the event of a national or regional emergency.

The service in those cities is scheduled to start late this year as a prelude to nationwide service next year, perhaps as early as April. To receive the alerts, users must have mobile phones with a special chip, which is currently included in some higher-end smartphones like the latest iPhones. The service will also require a software upgrade.

How quickly consumers are able to participate in the system depends on the rate of replacement of cellphones with the special chip and the software, officials said.

The emergency text messages will include alerts issued by the president, information about public safety threats and Amber Alerts for missing children. Text messages will be sent to customers of participating cellphone companies who are in an area affected by the emergency. Users can opt out of any of the alerts except the presidential messages.

The alerts are designed to mimic the familiar radio and TV broadcast alerts that for decades — accompanied by a shrill whistle and, in most instances, the message “This is only a test” — have advised Americans where to tune in for an emergency message.

Known as the Personal Localized Alerting Network, or PLAN, the new system will be a free service for people in New York and Washington who have enabled phones and are customers of Verizon, AT&T, Sprint or T-Mobile mobile phone systems.

“This new technology could become a lifeline for millions of Americans and is another tool that will strengthen our nation’s resilience against all hazards,” W. Craig Fugate, the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said in a statement.

Julius Genachowski, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said the system was designed to minimize the ability of hackers or spammers to send fraudulent messages. The alerts could appear directly on a cellphone screen, for example, rather than appear as a text message notification, and would probably be accompanied by a special vibration or other kind of signal.

“We don’t expect the alerts to be frequent,” Mr. Genachowski said. “They will be reserved for when they are truly needed, for tornadoes or for disasters like 9/11.”

Emergency authorities in several Asian and Pacific countries sent text messages warning of tsunamis after the March 11 earthquake in Japan.

Authorized government officials will be able to send emergency text messages to participating wireless companies, which will then use their cell towers to forward the messages to subscribers in the affected area. A New York City resident who is traveling in Chicago at the time of an emergency in New York would not receive a message; a Chicago resident who is a customer of the same phone company would see the text alert while in New York City, officials said.

The messages are also designed to avoid user congestion that often mars standard mobile voice and texting services.

Although cellphone companies in the United States are not required to participate in the system, officials said they expected that cellphone makers would promote the inclusion of the special chip as a selling point for new mobile phones.

Mobile Marketing, Smartphone’s and the Revolution

Today technology is booming and this has really changed how the world works - and it is something that is very impressive. It has been so creative that no-one would have ever guessed that we could use our cell phones to call half way across the world and be charged not even 10p a minute. This is the beauty of having a cell phone.
The way technology has been reinvented is fantastic. It is so unique that no-one could copy the way we use our mobile phones to communicate. Truly, it really has changed over the past few years and you can be sure that it has become something that we can actually save money on.

With your BlackBerry Tablet you are now able to actually pay your bills through a mobile phone and there is no need to have paper bills sent out, no need to ever get another bill sent through the post, as it can all be done via your smartphone.

The smart phone has really changed the world. Smart phones can change how someone can market, as with advertisers they can market to millions of people without having the hassle of problems occurring. All touch screen phones have the internet, the best form of marketing on the planet today. This is how and why the internet is evolving and new trends over the development of businesses and advertising is really becoming a big impact today.

You could take a BlackBerry phone and be able to find any business or service that you require in a space of a minute, as it can be done by the internet. You can see thousands of advertisements just like on your computer. When it comes to mobile marketing, this could not have been done without the use of Smartphones being introduced.

We do not actually understand that when we have our PDA phones, our touch phones and BlackBerry videos, we can access the internet and find almost anything that we want. Advertisers have a field day realising that they can target their audience through any touch phone, as it can be the way in which a business is turned around over night.

The truth is that today everything is going digital with new age technology that you can barely understand, but that is what is so great about the world of technology today. A great new revolution has began and it starts with the Smartphone; there is not going to be a living sole that will not have one of these phones by the time 2012 comes around.

With Smartphones, people can do almost anything without having to worry about the real underlying factors of how they work. You can market your business on the internet and know that the potential will increase because of a Smartphone.