Rumors & Releases: Windows Mobile 7 Just Around the Corner, First iPhone Worm Arrives
Windows Mobile 7 could be sent to the OEMs for testing early next year
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PrintDidn't Windows Mobile 6.5 just arrive? Well, that is a rhetorical question because of course the answer is "yes." But it is worth asking, because the word going around online now is that Windows Mobile 7 could arrive by Q3 of next year. In other words, less than a year after the arrival of desktop/laptop version of the new operating system.
Microsoft has made it clear that it wants to see greater synergy between the various platforms, and Windows Mobile 7 certainly seems to be part of this plan. Currently, the online rumor mill is working overtime and suggests that Mobile 7 could be sent to the OEMs for testing early next year. Of course this news comes just as it looks like Samsung is downsizing its Windows Mobile presence and LG isn't devoting as much attention to the OS as previously reported.
But what this really mean? Well, to put it in perspective, Microsoft is going to continue to develop the operating systems and leave the hardware development to other companies. And while some are looking to other software for the handsets, there is still a lot of competition out there.
All this also comes just after research firm, Infonetics Research, released its biannual Mobile/Wi-Fi Phone forecast report, which suggests that smartphones will continue to increase in sales. This year will see a 14.5 percent increase in the number of units sold worldwide, with a 21 percent annual compound from 2008 to 2013. The report further suggests that smartphones will overtake standard mobile handsets by 2012, so that's something to consider.
Windows Mobile 7 is certainly going to be a part of this, and some analysts have already said it could be a real game changer for smartphones. But clearly the game is also changing, and it will be interesting to see how the other operating systems keep up.
Ikee Arrives Down Under on Jailbroken iPhones
Is there an app to fix your iPhone if you get the Ikee worm? Probably not, especially as this computer worm so far has only been spread among iPhones that have been "jailbroken;" as in it's had the software protection removed to allow non-official apps to be installed. But this could be seen as a warning of things to come.
Frankly, this worm is pretty harmless - as long as you consider 80's pop singer Rick Astley to be harmless - and in this case the Ikee worm basically replaces the background image with that of singer Astley. What is more worrisome is that if this can be done, what else could possibly be changed.
Of course, this so far can only happen to those who have taken the time to "jailbreak" their handsets, but this should serve as a sign or portent to more ominous threats. One reason that Mac users can proclaim to have a superior computer is because there are few virus threats. But the fact is that this isn't because the operating system is superior, but rather because fewer people use the computers and thus fewer bother to write malicious code for the Macs!
As the iPhone becomes more popular, it opens the possibility for greater threats. The first line of security is certainly to never jailbreak one's phone, and to only download approved apps. But as we've previously reported, users of smartphones need to be smart as well and treat these devices like computers using the same level of caution and skepticism when it comes to messages and e-mails.
Microsoft has made it clear that it wants to see greater synergy between the various platforms, and Windows Mobile 7 certainly seems to be part of this plan. Currently, the online rumor mill is working overtime and suggests that Mobile 7 could be sent to the OEMs for testing early next year. Of course this news comes just as it looks like Samsung is downsizing its Windows Mobile presence and LG isn't devoting as much attention to the OS as previously reported.
But what this really mean? Well, to put it in perspective, Microsoft is going to continue to develop the operating systems and leave the hardware development to other companies. And while some are looking to other software for the handsets, there is still a lot of competition out there.
All this also comes just after research firm, Infonetics Research, released its biannual Mobile/Wi-Fi Phone forecast report, which suggests that smartphones will continue to increase in sales. This year will see a 14.5 percent increase in the number of units sold worldwide, with a 21 percent annual compound from 2008 to 2013. The report further suggests that smartphones will overtake standard mobile handsets by 2012, so that's something to consider.
Windows Mobile 7 is certainly going to be a part of this, and some analysts have already said it could be a real game changer for smartphones. But clearly the game is also changing, and it will be interesting to see how the other operating systems keep up.
Ikee Arrives Down Under on Jailbroken iPhones
Is there an app to fix your iPhone if you get the Ikee worm? Probably not, especially as this computer worm so far has only been spread among iPhones that have been "jailbroken;" as in it's had the software protection removed to allow non-official apps to be installed. But this could be seen as a warning of things to come.
Frankly, this worm is pretty harmless - as long as you consider 80's pop singer Rick Astley to be harmless - and in this case the Ikee worm basically replaces the background image with that of singer Astley. What is more worrisome is that if this can be done, what else could possibly be changed.
Of course, this so far can only happen to those who have taken the time to "jailbreak" their handsets, but this should serve as a sign or portent to more ominous threats. One reason that Mac users can proclaim to have a superior computer is because there are few virus threats. But the fact is that this isn't because the operating system is superior, but rather because fewer people use the computers and thus fewer bother to write malicious code for the Macs!
As the iPhone becomes more popular, it opens the possibility for greater threats. The first line of security is certainly to never jailbreak one's phone, and to only download approved apps. But as we've previously reported, users of smartphones need to be smart as well and treat these devices like computers using the same level of caution and skepticism when it comes to messages and e-mails.
