| This week's sponsor is BlackBerry. |  | BlackBerry® Jam Americas is the conference for developers who want to start profiting from the BlackBerry® 10 platform. Join us May 14-16 in Orlando for training, deep-dive sessions, Q&A's and networking. Register by March 22 for the Early Bird Rate!
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Today's Top Stories
1. Mozilla: No Firefox for iOS until Apple loosens browser restrictions
2. Apple adds HTTPS encryption to App Store
3. PayPal launches mobile payments SDK for iOS, expands API library
4. Rumor Mill: HTC's Facebook phone will preload Instagram, Messenger
5. Rovio adds video to its games, will promote 'Angry Birds' cartoon Also Noted: UnboundID
Spotlight On... Which handset makers dominated Q4 shipments?
Philips offers iOS SDK for Hue; DirecTV debuts Android tablet app and much more...  3D smartphones: The quick death of a nascent technology
A little more than two years ago, at Mobile World Congress 2011, LG Electronics took the wraps off the LG Optimus 3D, which, as LG's promotional material put it, was "a stunning super-smartphone with unparalleled 3D performance." The phone was released at the height of the consumer frenzy around 3D TVs, which came a little more than a year after 3D film Avatar broke box office records, spurring a rush of 3D films and interest in the technology. Yet two years later, the Optimus 3D looks less like a herald for an era of 3D smartphones and more like a cautionary tale of carriers and OEMs putting too much emphasis too soon on a still-developing technology. Special Report
| | This week's sponsors are Comcast Media Center and Irdeto. |  | Don't Miss an Exclusive Executive Breakfast at the 2013 NAB Show!
Executives from Discovery Communications, Comcast Media Center, and more explore the impact that the battle for multiscreen viewers is having on content owners, broadcasters, cable operators, and over-the-top video players. Join FierceCable Editor Steve Donohue for this exclusive breakfast event at the NAB Show, April 9, in Las Vegas. Sponsored by Comcast Media Center and Irdeto. REGISTER TODAY! |
| Sponsor: Ooyala, Verimatrix, Irdeto and IneoQuest FierceLive! Webinars > Wi-Fi Evolution and its role in the future of wireless - Wednesday, April 3rd, 12pm ET / 9am PT
> Personal Data and Privacy - Is the consumer the boss? - March 14, 2pm ET / 11am PT
Events > Don?t Miss an Exclusive Executive Breakfast at the 2013 NAB Show! - April 9 - Las Vegas, NV
> Mobile Payments Conference - April 10-11, 2013 - New York, NY
> BlackBerry Jam Americas for Developers - May 14-16 - Orlando, Florida
> Andrew Seybold Wireless University at CTIA 2013 - May 20, 2013 - Las Vegas, Nevada
> AnDevCon - May 28-31 - Boston, MA
> Fierce Innovation Awards 2012 Live Announcement of this Year's Winners - Now Available On-Demand
Marketplace > Research: M-commerce in the UK 2012 | Verdict Channel Reports
> Research: Software: Global Industry Guide
> Research: Enterprise Applications Market Forecast in the US to 2014
> eBook: Knowledge Management: 5 Steps to Getting it Right the First Time
> Whitepaper: Ensuring Your Apps Work in the Real World
> Whitepaper: Forrester: Defining the Next-Generation Workspace
> eBook: Minimizing the OTT Threat
> Whitepaper: Testing the Cloud
> eBook: The Roadmap to LTE Advanced
> eBook: Cable's Next TV Everywhere Obstacle: 'Download to Go'
> Whitepaper: Monetizing Networks in the Cloud Era
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* General ad info: Click here | Today's Top News 1. Mozilla: No Firefox for iOS until Apple loosens browser restrictions
Mozilla said it will not expand its Firefox browser to the iOS mobile operating system until Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) relaxes its stance against third-party browser technology. While Apple's own default Safari browser relies on a JavaScript rendering engine called Nitro, the company does not expose Nitro to its developer partners and does not allow them to use their own rendering engines. Instead, Apple mandates that all third-party browsers written for iOS leverage the slower UIWebView component, giving Safari a decided speed advantage over all rivals. Speaking on a panel at the South by Southwest conference, Mozilla Vice President of Product Jay Sullivan said the nonprofit is not currently building a version of Firefox for iOS and has no plans to do so because it feels it cannot deliver a satisfying user experience without carrying over its own rendering and Javascript engines. Last fall, Mozilla halted support for its Firefox Home app, which was not a browser but did provide iPhone users access to their desktop history, bookmarks and open tabs. Mozilla has not sworn off iOS completely, however. In mid-2012, the company revealed it is working on an iPad browser prototype codenamed "Junior" that eliminates the conventional toolbar in favor of control buttons designed to offer a "magazine feel." Mozilla currently offers a mobile version of its Firefox browser for smartphones and tablets running Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android operating system. It also is building its own HTML5-based Firefox mobile OS. Operators including Telefónica, Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S), Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, Telecom Italia and Telenor have agreed to support Firefox smartphones. For more:
- read this CNet article Related articles:
Mozilla building iPad mobile browser to rival Apple's Safari
Mozilla unveils first Firefox OS developer preview phones
Forecast: Firefox OS will power just 1 percent of smartphones shipped in 2013
ZTE to launch Firefox OS smartphones in shift away from Android
Sprint vows support for Mozilla's Firefox mobile OS Read more about: iOS
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2. Apple adds HTTPS encryption to App Store
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has added security encryption to its App Store, almost a year after a Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) researcher brought a vulnerability to the company's attention that allowed users to make unauthorized purchases. Researcher Elie Bursztein revealed on his blog that he had alerted Apple of numerous security issues last July but that Apple had only turned on HTTPS for the App Store last week. HTTPS is a more secure version of the HTTP standard and is commonly used in commerce and banking. "While the Apple App Store is a native iOS app, most of its active content, including app pages and the update page, is dynamically rendered from server data. The server data is mostly standard Web data (HTML/Javascript/CSS) with custom extensions/keywords," explained Bursztein. A user only needs to be accessing a shared network such as public Wi-Fi for a malicious party to steal their password, force the user to purchase a different app or upgrade or unknowingly grab sensitive information. For example, a user attempting to purchase or update an app could become the victim of a man-in-the-middle attack. Without an HTTPS in place, the attacker could swap out the item the user was attempting to purchase and replace it with their own overpriced or malicious app. Apple first implemented this change for the Chinese version of the App Store late last year. In its list of security updates Apple thanked Bursztein as well as Bernhard Brehm of Recurity Labs and Rahul Iyer of Bejoi. Apple did not immediately respond to comment on the update. Earlier this week Apple Senior President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller took a swing at Google's mobile security, after a study revealed that almost 80 percent of mobile malware threats in 2012 targeted Android devices. For more:
- see Elie Bursztein's blog post
- see this Cnet story
- see this Great Fire story Related articles:
Apple exec Schiller takes shot at Android over malware headaches
F-Secure: Android to blame for 79% of all mobile malware in 2012
Apple releases iOS 6.1.3 beta to fix iPhone lockscreen vulnerability
Apple patches Exchange bug with iOS 6.1.2, still no fix for lockscreen exploit
Apple confirms iOS 6.1 lockscreen glitch, iPhone 4S battery drain persists
Apple's $100M settlement over kids' use of IAPs sparks online outrage Read more about: App Store, Google
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3. PayPal launches mobile payments SDK for iOS, expands API library
PayPal is rolling out a series of new tools enabling developers to offer more frictionless payment experiences within their mobile applications. The tools include a new software development kit optimized for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS mobile operating system. "Customers never leave the developer's app experience to pay and they have more choice in the way they want to pay--simply click a PayPal button or scan a credit card using our card.io technology," explained PayPal CTO James Barrese. Card.io's data capture technology automatically reads credit card information using a smartphone's camera; PayPal acquired the platform in mid-2012. "We're making [the SDK] available for iOS developers first, but we'll expand to other platforms soon," Barrese added. PayPal also will introduce new JavaScript buttons enabling developers to integrate PayPal support in a matter of seconds by copying and pasting five lines of code into their Website, shopping cart or QR code. The company additionally will offer new payments processing and settlement APIs built on standards-based technologies like REST, OAuth and JSON, as well as a new site offering a single location for developer tools, documentation and resources. "We will be releasing new APIs and capabilities throughout 2013, while continuing to support our existing developer tools through this evolution," Barrese stated. eBay-owned PayPal connects 123 million registered accounts across more than 50 financial networks in 190 markets worldwide. The unit's mobile efforts include PayPal Here, which enables small businesses and other users to process credit and debit transactions by swiping cards through a dongle that attaches to their smartphone or tablet. In addition, PayPal is teaming with retail chains including Home Depot, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, JCPenney, Foot Locker, Office Depot and Toys "R" Us to trial mobile wallet services across more than 18,000 physical U.S. stores. For more:
- read this PayPal Blog entry Related articles:
PayPal Here expands to Europe ahead of mobile payment rival Square
eBay forecasts 2013 mobile commerce volume will eclipse $20B
PayPal expands mobile wallet to more retailers, tests order-ahead pickup
PayPal Here goes on sale at AT&T stores
PayPal, Discover team to bring mobile wallet to millions of stores Read more about: Mobile payments, REST
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4. Rumor Mill: HTC's Facebook phone will preload Instagram, Messenger
Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) is reportedly teaming with manufacturer HTC on a new social networking-themed smartphone that pre-installs a number of popular Facebook applications. Based on specifications obtained by Unwired View, the forthcoming device--codenamed the HTC Myst #UL--runs Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android 4.1.2 and features a 4.3-inch, 720p display with 320PPI pixel density, as well as dual 5MP/1.6MP cameras. The Myst also boasts a 1.5GHz dual-core MSM8960 SoC processor, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which isn't expandable. In addition to Facebook's flagship Android app, the Myst will preload apps including photo-sharing service Instagram and Messenger, a standalone messaging tool designed to steer users away from conventional operator SMS services. Facebook and HTC previously teamed for the Status, a mid-range smartphone with a dedicated Facebook button. AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) launched the Status in mid-2011 and is expected to support the Myst when it rolls out later this year. Facebook now boasts more than 680 million mobile monthly active users in all. The company has repeatedly denied rumors it will expand its business into the mobile hardware segment. In addition, insiders say Facebook has privately promised both Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google that a branded smartphone is not in the cards. For more:
- read this Unwired View article
- read this TechCrunch article Related articles:
Facebook: News Feed redesign is inspired by mobile
Facebook expands free voice calling to flagship iOS app
Facebook expands Messenger voice calling to U.S. iPhone users
Facebook: Mobile users outnumber Web users
Facebook's mobile revenues doubled in Q4, analyst forecasts
Study: Facebook app reaches 70 percent penetration on iPhone Read more about: Instagram
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5. Rovio adds video to its games, will promote 'Angry Birds' cartoon
Rovio Entertainment is launching a video distribution channel spanning across all of its Angry Birds titles, enabling fans to view the company's new Angry Birds Toons animated series via smartphones and tablets. Angry Birds Toons features 52 episodes, with a new installment released each week. Rovio and its network broadcast partners will premiere the series on March 16; the following day, the first episode will be available in all Angry Birds apps and on video-on-demand platforms including Comcast's Xfinity on Demand in the U.S. To watch the series through Rovio's new Angry Birds Toons channel, users must download the latest update to any Angry Birds game, which will feature the new channel button on all homescreens from March 17 forward. Angry Birds Toons explores the saga of the title characters and the Bad Piggies who stole their eggs, promising gamers new insights into their personalities and the world they occupy. Rovio first announced the project close to a year ago. The company has also indicated a feature-length animated Angry Birds film is in the works. The Angry Birds mobile game franchise topped the 1 billion cumulative download mark in 2012. Rovio has spun off the property into stuffed toys, t-shirts and snacks. Last month, the publisher unveiled a new advertising division spearheaded by former Apple, MTV and Millennial Media (NYSE:MM) executives. The unit will create custom advertising programs for brands like McDonalds, Warner Brothers, Campbell's and others, letting them promote their products and services inside Rovio games--for example, inserting a branded item into the background or foreground of an Angry Birds level, or integrating the product directly into the game mechanics. For more:
- read this release Related articles:
Rovio makes original Angry Birds free to reignite downloads
Rovio launches advertising division, plans in-game product and brand placement
Angry Birds Star Wars tops App Store download rankings in record time
Rovio, LucasFilm launch Angry Birds Star Wars for iOS, Android and Kindle Fire
Nokia, Rovio team for Windows Phone-exclusive Angry Birds Roost
Angry Birds downloads, merchandise revenues top $106 million in 2011 Read more about: Rovio Entertainment
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Also Noted | This week's sponsor is UnboundID. | 
| Webinar: Personal Data and Privacy - Is the consumer the boss?
March 14, 2pm ET / 11am PT
This webinar will explore Forrester Analyst Fatemeh Khatibloo's characterization of a new Personal Identity Management market as well as solutions for participating in the Identity Economy. Register Today. |
SPOTLIGHT ON... Which handset makers dominated Q4 shipments? ABI Research's Michael Morgan analyzes the world's 12 largest branded cell phone makers in the fourth quarter of 2012, providing sales data as well as insight into their strategy and competitive position in the mobile market. Though most research firms only list the market's top five handset makers, ABI lists a full top 12 (and the firm is providing shipment numbers for all of the vendors listed). Further, Morgan agreed to look back over the full-year 2012 to evaluate the momentous changes that affected the cell phone industry, showing exactly which firms managed to rise above the noise during last year--and which did not. Special Report Quick news from around the Web @FierceMobiCo: Feature: App testing industry flourishes in chaotic Android landscape http://bit.ly/12Avot9 via @FierceDeveloper Article | Follow @FierceMobiCo > Philips offers iOS SDK for Hue connected lighting system. Article > DirecTV debuts Android tablet app. Article > FTC urges mobile payment transparency, security. Article Wireless News > AT&T to end trial of 'Plus' loyalty program March 31. Article > Clearwire execs stand to rake in millions in Sprint deal goes through. Article Broadband Wireless News > Apple's LTE policy creating carrier haves, have-nots. Article > Gogo says Apple devices dominate in-flight connectivity. Article European Wireless News > Nokia on the hook for €500M in payments to Microsoft. Article > Analyst: OTT messaging destroying billions in operator revenues. Article And finally… Student banned from carrying guinea pig on campus receives $40,000 settlement. Article > Wi-Fi Evolution and its role in the future of wireless - Wednesday, April 3rd, 12pm ET / 9am PT Tune-in to this webinar to learn more about Wi-Fi evolution, its critical role in addressing the looming 1000x data challenge, enabling smart connected homes, and exciting new frontiers it is poised to explore. Register Today! > Personal Data and Privacy - Is the consumer the boss? - March 14, 2pm ET / 11am PT This webinar will explore Forrester Analyst Fatemeh Khatibloo's characterization of a new Personal Identity Management market as well as solutions for participating in the Identity Economy. Register Today.
| > Don?t Miss an Exclusive Executive Breakfast at the 2013 NAB Show! - April 9 - Las Vegas, NV Executives from Discovery Communications, Comcast Media Center, and more explore the impact that the battle for multiscreen viewers is having on content owners, broadcasters, cable operators, and over-the-top video players. Join FierceCable Editor Steve Donohue for this exclusive breakfast event at the NAB Show, April 9th, in Las Vegas. Sponsored by Comcast Media Center and Irdeto. REGISTER TODAY. > Mobile Payments Conference - April 10-11, 2013 - New York, NY Sponsored by Mobile Marketing & Technology, a leading news outlet on mobile payment and marketing developments, the Spring Mobile Payments Conference will bring together high level executives to learn about the latest in the mobile marketing, mobile wallet and mobile payments ecosystem. Click here. > BlackBerry Jam Americas for Developers - May 14-16 - Orlando, Florida BlackBerry® Jam Americas is your chance to take your apps to the next level. Get your toughest technical questions answered. Gain marketing insights to boost your profits. Meet up with fellow developers to create the next great app. Register by March 22 and save with the Early Bird Rate! > Andrew Seybold Wireless University at CTIA 2013 - May 20, 2013 - Las Vegas, Nevada LTE worldwide broadband standard is changing wireless forever. Delve into the technologies, spectrum, deployments, ecosystems, and devices. Understand the implications. More information at www.andrewseybold.com > AnDevCon - May 28-31 - Boston, MA AnDevCon is the technical conference for software developers building Android apps. Featuring tutorials, technical classes and 40+ exhibitors. Receive a $100 discount off either the 4-day or 3-day pass by inserting the code MEDIASPONSOR when prompted. Register Now! > Fierce Innovation Awards 2012 Live Announcement of this Year's Winners - Now Available On-Demand Please join Jason Nelson, Publisher of FierceWireless, FierceTelecom, and FierceCable as we announce the winners of the Fierce Innovation Awards 2012. Click here to RSVP today.
| > Research: M-commerce in the UK 2012 | Verdict Channel Reports M-commerce has expanded rapidly in 2011 and 2012, as both retailers and consumers continue to adapt to the potential of mobile devices. Not only are more people making purchases, but also more apps and mobile optimised websites have furthered the possible uses of mobile devices for shoppers. Download Now. > Research: Software: Global Industry Guide Software: Global Industry Guide is an essential resource for top-level data and analysis covering the Software industry. It includes detailed data on market size and segmentation, textual analysis of the key trends and competitive landscape, and profiles of the leading companies. This incisive report provides expert analysis on a global, regional and country basis. Download Now. > Research: Enterprise Applications Market Forecast in the US to 2014 Enterprise Applications Market Forecast in the US to 2014 is a comprehensive resource for the market split by technology (ERP, product lifecycle management, customer relationship management [CRM], human resources [HR] and payroll, financial, supply chain management [SCM], and commerce applications). This Databook also provides data split by nine industry verticals. Download Now. > eBook: Knowledge Management: 5 Steps to Getting it Right the First Time This eBook sets out 5 simple steps for optimizing customer service and support with an effective, best-practice-led knowledge management initiative. Download today! > Whitepaper: Ensuring Your Apps Work in the Real World See why companies of all sizes are moving a portion of their testing out of the lab and into the real world. This whitepaper highlights the benefits of testing your apps with real testers, on real devices, in real environments. Download now! > Whitepaper: Forrester: Defining the Next-Generation Workspace How will you meet the needs of a mobile workforce? In this Forrester study, discover approaches to BYOD and desktop virtualization. Learn why Cisco Unified Workspace may be the solution for your mobility, virtualization, and security challenges. Read the study. > eBook: Minimizing the OTT Threat This eBook will provide an in-depth look at the threat from OTT providers, and examine how operators are making progress in delivering content to their customers. Click here to download today. > Whitepaper: Testing the Cloud Whether a cloud carrier, cloud provider or both, this white paper will explain the importance of visibility into the cloud. It also explains the tools and metrics necessary to provide speedy delivery and high-quality of service and experience demanded in today's environment. Download Today. > eBook: The Roadmap to LTE Advanced This eBook from FierceWireless will look at the various aspects of the LTE-Advanced standard as well as how operators are likely to deploy the technology. Download for free today. > eBook: Cable's Next TV Everywhere Obstacle: 'Download to Go' FierceCable discusses the latest technologies TV networks and content owners use to drive increased ratings and revenue from various video devices. Download for free today. > Whitepaper: Monetizing Networks in the Cloud Era Enterprises are increasingly adopting cloud services for an enhanced IT experience while maintaining or reducing costs. This paper explains how providers can address these challenges and opportunities to more efficiently monetize their network and human assets. Download Today.
| > Need a job? Need to hire? Visit FierceWirelessJobs | |
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