Dish Network plans to use its spectrum to build a wireless network, pending regulatory approval, or sell its airewaves to carriers in need of precious bandwidth.
Satellite TV provider Dish Network is seeking a waiver from the FCC to begin building a high-speed wireless network on the spectrum it currently owns, according to .However, if the agency is not satisfied with Dish Network’s plans, it can deny the company the waiver, forcing the satellite provider to explore other options, including a sale of its spectrum or a partnership with another company. Both options will have major ramifications in the scramble for spectrum among wireless carriers, with Dish poised as a key piece in the race to boost airwaves.FCC officials told the Washington Post they still have faith satellite technology can be used to create wireless networks, despite the failure of LightSquared’s endeavors. However, future propositions like Dish Network’s face increasing pressure to be foolproof to get approval, presenting a real possibility the company will not receive the waiver it requires to move forward with its own network.Dish Network will have several suitors for its spectrum if the FCC does not allow the company to move forward with its plans. All U.S. carriers are looking for resolutions to their spectrum issues, and AT T and T-Mobile will likely make bids if the Dish Network decides to sell.AT T needs the spectrum to continue expansion of its own LTE network, while T-Mobile has some money to spend after receiving billions from AT T in a breakup fee after the companies’ failed merger. Both carriers will likely be players to buy Dish’s spectrum and could also be involved in potential partnerships, from sharing wireless network data to cross-selling deals, with the satellite provider.The fate of the spectrum will once again fall into the FCC’s hands if Dish Network does decide to sell. The agency will be in charge of monitoring the transaction and reviewing the details to make sure any proposal is fair for both sides and the competition, much like it’s doing now with Verizon’s .Dish Network’s first choice may be to build its own wireless network, but the amount of spectrum it already holds means the company is poised to make money no matter what, as long as the FCC doesn’t stand in its way.

Google may have tracked Apple’s Safari users without their knowledge, raising questions on the search engine’s attention to privacy.
Coding for Google’s “+1″ button in advertisements placed tracking cookies in Safari browsers across all platforms when users clicked the social media site’s button, reported. Safari browsers generally do not allow tracking cookies from third-party advertisers, but Google’s “+1″ buttons in ads contained a piece of workaround code that may have allowed it get around the Safari block, tricking the Apple browser into allowing it to place tracking cookies. These cookies have the potential to store and track Web viewing history.Google’s bypass of Apple’s security took advantage of an unintentional loophole, Google says, but the incident raises concern about the Internet giant’s attention to user privacy, and the ability of security settings to keep up with other platforms.This is the latest privacy concern to plague Google’s image, after raised questions about its data collecting without user consent. As Google ramps up its offerings, like Google+, to compete with Facebook, the company will likely continue to pay attention to how these services exist within established platforms with their own privacy settings and policies.Stanford researcher Jonathan Mayer discovered the loophole, which allows placement of cookies after the Safari user interacts with the ad. When The Wall Street Journal contacted Google about the tracking concerns, it responded by saying they weren’t aware of it. A statement from Google says it designed the “+1″ feature to interact with existing Safari functionality, despite the browser’s automatic block on third-party cookies.”However, the Safari browser contained functionality that then enabled other Google advertising cookies to be set on the browser,” according to a statement from Google’s spokeswoman Rachel Whetsone. “We didn’t anticipate that this would happen, and we have now started removing these advertising cookies from Safari browsers. It’s important to stress that, just as on other browsers, these advertising cookies do not collect personal information.”Google asserts it was an honest mistake, but it comes at a time when headlines are abuzz with Google security flaws. The company’s mobile division is after security breaches resulted in a $1 million loss for Android users hacked through malware-laced Market apps.Recent changes to Google’s privacy policy are also drawing regulatory concerns about personal information collection, potentially for future sale to advertisers, so the timing of this bug comes at a particularly sensitive time. As Google pursues new endeavors, and markets itself on other platforms, a trustworthy security policy and corresponding actions are imperative to its reputation.Some question Apple’s , but Safari is a top browser choice for users who want to block third-party cookies by default. Since the security flaw in this case enabled itself when triggered from users logged into Google+, Apple’s challenge is ensuring its ability to keep its browser functionality consistent despite interaction with other platforms.Google disabled the code after it surfaced, but the potential for tracking through advertisements is well within Google’s capabilities as a multi-platform service. The Google flaw underscores that until the industry can get a better handle on these types of problems, users should remain cautious trusting privacy settings that may not accommodate technologies as they develop, leaving them vulnerable to unwanted data collection.

It can’t be easy being Apple’s Tim Cook — not only is he running a multi-billion dollar corporation, but at every turn he has to hear the same thing: “But that’s not how Steve Jobs would have done it.”
But at the end of the day, will that be such a bad thing? is a weekly column scoring controversial events in the mobile industry. Want to get to the point? We’ll break it down and give you the score.A Tale of Two Management StylesThe Setup: Cook has some . After all, Jobs was more than just the CEO of Apple; he was a cultural icon and household name. The story of the former hippie who became a billionaire has been told again and again, and it’s a classic American rags-to-riches tale that nobody would believe if they saw it in a movie.Jobs, after all, helped turn around the way we use computers, listen to music, watch animated movies and talk to each other on the phone, and technology we all take for granted today likely would be a lot different if it weren’t for him.Even the way Jobs died added to the legend — he was still relatively young, with his best years of innovation far ahead of him.And then there’s Cook. He’s never really been a household name, but he’s been behind the scenes at Apple a long time, standing in when Jobs was too sick to run the show. But fame isn’t everything — when Cook came aboard, Apple had a serious oversupply problem, and he quietly changed the way the company conducted its business and helped contribute to its current success.Cook is definitely his own man, and while he respects Jobs’ legacy, he’s running Apple his own way.To compare the differences in management style:Apple allowed several news outlets an advanced look at Mac OS X Mountain Lion, before lifting its media embargo. Cook: 500 points.In the past, Apple announced all updates to software and products at carefully-planned media events, planned weeks in advance and sending invitations to all media a few days beforehand. Jobs: 500 points.The secrecy was often attributed to Jobs, who felt it best to keep all the company’s plans secret to avoid competition from stealing its ideas. However, he was often abrasive to the media and competitors, which gave Apple a reputation as cold and business-oriented. Jobs: -200 points.Cook demonstrates an accessibility to both investors and critics that’s downright affable. He not only opened Apple’s doors to the media days in advance to preview Mountain Lion, but even granted an interview to The Wall Street Journal about the company’s direction. Cook: 400 points.Cook has also inherited , but he’s ordered an audit of conditions. It might not be enough, but it’s a start. Cook: 200 points.In a further mark of his transparency, Cook appeared at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference, talking about the company’s steady focus on product innovation. Cook: 300 points.Jobs often shunned the media, preferring to keep his efforts more product-focused. Ironically, the media didn’t really seem to mind, since the products sold themselves, showing you don’t always need honey to catch flies — sometimes they’re attracted by someone that treats them like crap, too. Jobs: 100 points.The Score: Cook: 1,400 points; strong Jobs: 800 points.What it means: While Cook came out a few points ahead, really, there are no winners or losers in this category and points don’t always mean everything. Both management styles are effective, and reflect the times Cook and Jobs are dealing with.Jobs came to power at a time when technology companies were fighting to be the first, the best, the newest and the most amazing — and if too many details got out too early, other companies would and did steal each others’ ideas. But don’t forget, many of Jobs’ early successes occurred in a much different period of time.Jobs and Steve Wozniak made that first Apple way before just about every house had Internet, and every product was dissected by a thousand bloggers before it even hits the market shelves. Let’s face it, there will be a new iPad 3 on the market soon, but not before we see all the details online.And once upon a time, it was easy to keep everyone from knowing what was going on over at the Foxconn plants in China. With the Internet, it’s only a matter of seconds before the whole world hears about overworked and underpaid people leaping to their deaths and hearing about a plant that installs security nets around it so workers can’t kill themselves.The days are gone when any company, particularly one as powerful as Apple, can keep everything quiet and wait for carefully-orchestrated press events to make its announcements. And some of Apple’s coolest new devices might not seem so awe-inspiring now that it has so much competition from equally top-of-the-line Android smartphones or the up-and-coming Windows 8 phones.Jobs’ reluctance with the press might have helped build a great deal of anticipation, leading to record numbers of sales for the company, but Cook’s openness could help the company avoid disappointing its customers when the products don’t match up with the rumors.Cook doesn’t have the showmanship of a Steve Jobs, but then again, not many people do. His actions, though, are those of a person who knows his company has a powerful influence. He also is showing stockholders that Apple isn’t flying by the seat of its pants, but it’s got a firm hold on the many issues that may cause it problems down the road.If Apple hopes to keep pushing ahead, it won’t be able to rest on the laurels of its past products — or on the reputation and celebrity of Steve Jobs. It’s a new age, and sometimes the old rules just don’t apply anymore.Cook’s responsibility, in the upcoming few years at least, will be to show Apple is strong enough to face and weather its many challenges and overcome them, not hide them behind a bunch of cool devices.And if he can do that, perhaps down the line people will ask each other “But what would Tim Cook do?”

Foxconn Technology is raising the wages of its workers, as the group responds to public criticism surrounding working conditions in its factories.
Foxconns’s workers will receive raises of anywhere between 16 and 25 percent a month. Junior level workers in the factory will now make about $285 a month and have the potential to earn more if they pass an upcoming technical examination.”As a top manufacturing company in China, the basic salary of junior workers in all of Foxconn’s China factories is already far higher than the minimum wage set by all government,” the according to a company statement on the matter. “We will provide more training opportunities and learning time, and will continuously enhance technology, efficiency and salary, so as to set a good example for the Chinese manufacturing industry.”The decision comes at a time when Foxconn has been under increasing pressure from the media and even Apple, its primary business partner.Apple CEO Tim Cook , after a New York Times report for years and did nothing.Foxconn operates independently from Apple, but poor working conditions in the factory are a direct black eye for the company, due to how closely the two work together. Apple has achieved unprecedented levels of success due to the output of the factory, and with public declarations that the issue on its agenda, the pace of reform could accelerate.The company has now called for a series of independent investigations by the Fair Labor Association. Foxconn’s announcement about raising wages is likely an attempt to get out ahead of the issue, since it’s highly unlikely the supplier would want to risk losing Apple’s business.Foxconn has endured controversy dating back to 2010, when the suicides of several workers was linked to poor working conditions and harsh treatment by management. The factory has continued to make headlines for the wrong reasons over the past two years, and the controversy now has hit a boiling point.The spotlight is now shining on Foxconn brighter than ever, and if Apple continues to fight for changes, things at Foxconn could look a lot different in the future for its workers.

Google is challenging Apple’s attempts to claim ownership of slide-to-unlock features, with a recently awarded patent that attempts to best its rival.
Google has a new patent on a slide-to-unlock feature that lets you unlock the phone and place a certain command, like making a phone call or opening email without going through the home screen.This development affects the Android versus iPhone competition on two fronts, largely due to Apple’s existing patent on slide-to-unlock interaction. In the courtroom, Google’s innovation prevents future lawsuits from Apple once Android manufacturers implement the unlocking feature on new devices. In the retail market, the uniqueness of the feature exclusive to Android will be a distinctive feature for new products, letting the OS differentiate itself from its rival.Apple’s slide-to-unlock feature brings users back to the last open screen. Google takes that one step further — according to the new patent, opening the device requires users to drag a specific icon over the unlock button, which automatically opens that feature. And at a time when dozens of Android models are competing with Apple’s sole iPhone, the efficiency of unlocking commands is a selling point for Google-powered devices.Google’s patent could help it avoid future skirmishes in the patent legal battles ramping up around Android. Apple’s own patent for the slide-to-unlock feature, issued last year, in a German court over Motorola, resulting a sales ban and potentially setting a legal precedent. The same patent is grounds for a Samsung infringement case.Since slide-to-unlock is a common smartphone feature, the feature could be a dangerous patent for Google since Apple may threaten any Android manufacturer with accusations of infringing upon it. Google’s new command unlocking patent, however, could allow it to avoids these threat altogether, though Google’s new patent may not have an effect on pending cases over devices with existing unlocking technologies.The added functionality of unlocking in Google’s new patent could give it an edge above Apple. The iPhone maker will not be able to integrate the feature itself without a licensing agreement, or else it risks a lawsuit from Google.If competitive manufacturers want to stay out of court, securing ownership over hardware and operating features is the most surefire for protection from lawsuits. In Google’s case, the ability to innovate around technologies protects it from Apple’s infringement threats in the form of a feature that appeals to smartphone consumers.

Developer Rovio plans to release “Angry Birds Space” on March 22, a large addition to the franchise that may pave the company’s way to an IPO.
The new title will be Rovio’s largest release of new content in the Angry Birds franchise. The company has remained cryptic on how much the game will cost, but did release a short teaser trailer and offered some details about what fans should expect.”Angry Birds Space is a completely new game with innovative new gameplay, but with some of the familiar Angry Birds elements that fans already known and love — plus some surprises,” said Rovio spokeswoman Sini Matikainen to AllThingsD.Another run of success with a second entry in the series would prove the Angry Birds brand has staying power, and drive the value of Rovio even higher . Strong sales for Space will likely lead to even more interest in other products that sell along the Angry Birds franchise, including toys, clothing and books.Angry Birds Space will mark the biggest changes to the series since its inception. Entries into the series like “Angry Birds Seasons” and “Angry Birds Rio” offered some new content for fans, but Space will act as true sequel for the blockbuster franchise instead of simply an expansion pack of new levels.The gameplay will reportedly be similar to the original title, but levels will take place on other planets, introducing in-game mechanics like slow-motion puzzles and “lightspeed” destruction.Although there is no set price, the highly anticipated sequel will likely sell very well for Rovio, especially if it’s offered for just $1 like its predecessor. However, whether it reaches the same astronomical heights as the original title will come down to the quality of the game and players’ response to the developer’s changes.All of the products surrounding the Angry Birds brand play a role in its popularity, but the driving factor of its success is the game that started it all. In March, fans of the series will find out if Rovio can keep the momentum with Space.

Apple CEO Tim Cook apologized for the Foxconn controversy and outlined the tech giant’s strategy for the future, while Google ramped up preparations for its expansion into hardware following the approval of its Motorola deal.
News Under the Sun is a weekly column rounding up all the events in the mobile industry. Want the news but don’t want it every day? Subscribe to our weekly or page.Apple Responds to Foxconn ControversyApple responded to heavy criticism over alleged abuses in its Foxconn factory this week, making . The company ordered voluntary audits on its Chinese factories to regain credibility and cultivate a reputation for transparency. Apple bowed to criticism despite strong sales of its products, and CEO Tim Cook’s remarks indicated management took the situation seriously.Cook and promised to make changes in response to the results of the audit. The accusations have long plagued Apple, but former CEO Steve Jobs failed to address the critics’ concerns. Cook’s earnest remarks illustrate the new CEO’s willingness to listen to criticism and change the company, even if it means moving away from Jobs’ tested formula for success.
Apple Explores New TerritoryCook touched on a number of topics during his speech at the Goldman Sachs Internet and Technology Conference. He discussed Apple’s strategy for the future, outlining plans to and expand into emerging markets.Apple’s smartphone and tablet will serve as cornerstones, but the company plans to promote the products in new markets like Brazil. The decision to keep the iPhone and iPad central to Apple’s business plan shows the company believes these devices will enjoy continued popularity.Cook is keeping Apple focused on its successful products, but in past weeks he Cook downplayed Apple’s traditionally secretive measures to allow select members of the press an advanced look at OS X Mountain Lion.Under Cook’s direction, Apple , targeting the Galaxy Nexus. The company’s suit against Google intensified the patent battle, and accused Samsung of copyright infringement on several key aspects of the Android OS.
Apple Experiments With IPadsApple has reportedly to compete with its rivals smaller, less expensive tablets. The company wants to win back customers lost to Amazon and Samsung, and is likely considering a petite, discounted iPad to gain customers wary of the company’s high prices. Apple’s competitors used the iPad’s high price as a weakness, so an affordable tablet from the company may deliver a blow to rivals.Apple also looked to make its mobile advertising price more affordable and to boost the struggling ad division. The iAd platform failed to attract advertisers, prompting Apple to slash prices to compete with Google. This is the second time Apple substantially reduced iAd’s prices, highlighting the platform’s troubles.Apple reportedly as its next offering, hinting at an LTE-capable iPhone 5. The iPad is known for its strong battery life, whereas competing 4G tablets face critiques of their battery power. If Apple successfully keeps the iPad’s lauded battery capabilities while endowing it with the fastest speeds, the iPad’s next iteration is likely to continue to outperform the competition.
Apple Faces More Problems in ChinaApple experienced more problems in China this week when the Chinese firm Proview , accusing the company of copyrighting violations. Proview timed the accusation to interfere with the launch of the iPad 3. A ban would damage Apple’s plans to keep a strong presence in China and chip away at Android’s dominance in Asia.Proview’s proposed ban , however, as customs regulators do not want to enforce a permanent sale stoppage. The officials’ reluctance indicates Chinese regulators want to keep a positive relationship with Apple. This tacit endorsement of Apple shows officials believe the company will help the Chinese economy, which bodes well for the future of its Asian conquest.
Google Gains from Motorola Deal, Addresses Security GlitchThe U.S. , prompting the smartphone maker to move into hardware. Google purchased Motorola to capitalize on its patent roster, but U.S. regulators plan to stop potential abuses or additional litigation. The Motorola buyout gives Google enough ammunition to directly fight Apple in court, but U.S. approval hinged on the software giant’s restrained use of its newly acquired patents.Google put patents on the back burner and after the European Commission approved the buyout. EU and U.S. approval moved Google closer to creating an integrated phone, strengthening its ability to compete with Apple’s iPhone, which marries the company’s software with its own hardware.The search giant also , bolstering its on-site production. Google plans to upgrade labs and facilities to produce integrated phones. The company’s move into branded hardware production on-site will further consolidate the production process and allow it additional control over its smartphone roster.The company also . The glitch comes at a bad time, as competition is ramping up in the mobile payment market. The company abandoned its prepaid cards as a temporary measure, but it has yet to arrive at a permanent fix for the problem.
Governments Focuses on Mobile TechnologyU.S. lawmakers, police officers and military officials adopted policies to deal with widespread social media and mobile technology use. New York caused by phone use and issued a record-breaking number of texting tickets. The ticketing campaign aims to deter phone use in the car, in hopes of reducing mushrooming distracted driving accident rates.In Chicago, a councilman , urging police officers to refrain from blocking mobile services during G8 Summit protests.Social media and mobile played vital roles in protests around the world this year, and activists insist these tools are necessary to organize. The Chicago alderman expressed concern that blocking protestors’ ability to effectively assemble jeopardizes freedom of speech and the right to assemble.The FBI isn’t as keen on championing mobile phone rights, as the organization in an Arizona case.The judge is deciding whether law enforcement can search phones registered under fake names without a warrant. If the judge allows the FBI to search these phones, it may broaden authorities’ ability to search and track suspects without a warrant.Despite the FBI’s bid for unrestricted access to personal phones, Congress expressed concern for phone users’ privacy as it . Congress addressed mounting questions about how companies use customers’ personal information, and responded to allegations that Apple and other phone makers intend to take advantage of customers and harness their information for targeted ads.The sustained government scrutiny indicates Congress is likely to pressure Apple into increased transparency in regards to its privacy practices.Meanwhile, the U.S. military recognized the Internet’s growing power and .” The military experienced difficulty finding skilled recruits willing to fit the traditional military mold. Eager to bolster its cyber force, the military relaxed rules to entice non-traditional candidates.Iranians , arousing suspicions the government tampered with the services to safeguard against political unrest.Iran’s parliamentary elections are forthcoming, and the government spoke out against the use of social media in Egypt and other Arab Spring countries. The Iranian government, in blocking citizens’ access to the web, joined a sizable roster of countries threatened by the freedom of online information.A U.S. project amid the blackouts, letting citizens access the internet through an encrypted proxy service. The project gives citizens in repressive regimes the ability to organize, talk and learn online.Iran isn’t the only country seeking control over its citizens’ use of the Internet. China, Russia and other emergent nations to govern the web. If successful, the campaign will fundamentally alter some countries’ access to the Internet and place internet regulation in the hands of governments, which could potentially stifle freedom of information in places governed by oppressive regimes.
Spectrum Squeeze Affects AT T, SprintAT T and Sprint are both scrambling for spectrum. The FCC , leaving Sprint without a network provider for its 4G service upgrades.The failed deal hampers Sprint’s ability to grow and compete, as the company lacks bandwith to support more subscribers. The FCC expressed concern the deal would hurt consumers, but its rejection was a major setback for Sprint.If Sprint can’t find another network provider, it may resort to data throttling, a tactic AT T has . AT T endured criticism for penalizing its heaviest data users, slowing users’ internet speeds for an entire billing cycle. Like Sprint, the company cannot accommodate a growing subscriber base with its current spectrum allotment.AT T is looking to combat the issue and . The carrier attempted to merge with T-Mobile, but much like Sprint’s recent buyout attempt, the FCC rejected it. The company has changed its strategy and is now looking to new resources for spectrum, as it aims to increase coverage without arousing complaints from the FCC.
HTC, HP Plan ComebacksHTC is based on the strength of music and entertainment. The company hopes deals with Beats Audio and Sony PlayStation will attract music fans and gamers. As competition between smartphone makers grows increasingly stiff, HTC’s decision to focus on offering unique, high-quality entertainment services may help it stand out in a crowded market.The PlayStation Suite will help HTC but . The service gives gamers access to classic Playstation One games on their HTC handsets. Smartphones exploded in popularity among casual gamers, and HTC hopes the Playstation license will entice both hardcore gamers and casual players unwilling to pay for a separate console.Meanwhile, HP to compete with Android and Apple. CEO Meg Whitman discussed the industry’s need for another operating system, touting WebOS as an attractive platform for developers.Whitman pointed to Google’s purchase of Motorola as reason for Android becoming more of a closed platform, emphasizing the need for a new, open system and listed the attributes that make WebOS fit the bill.
Hackers Test Established IndustriesMalware that target search engines have . Even security-minded engines like Google and Yahoo listed malicious sites in their findings, making search engines the most frequent way to come in contact with a virus. The sites plan to ramp up security measures to combat the surge in malware, much of it advanced enough to avoid detection under current security.As search engines attempted to adapt their services in light of the increasing malware threat, the movie industry has . Movie piracy ate away at Hollywood profits last year because studios did not change their tiered, rigid international release pattern. International moviegoers became frustrated with long waits, encouraging illegal downloading.
Twitter Connects with Apple, Zuckerberg Retains Control of FacebookTwitter , prompting concerns over privacy for iOS users. There’s no evidence Twitter uses the information to gain revenue or entice advertisers, but critics called for fixes to keep information private. Both Twitter and Apple promised solutions to the possible privacy breach, but the incident placed additional regulator scrutiny on the companies.Despite privacy concerns, Apple and Twitter with the release of Mountain Lion OS for the Mac. The system integrates Twitter with other platforms on the computer, letting users post directly from other services on the microblogging site.Whether people access Twitter through Apple or one of its rivals, users have . Lin’s popularity exploded this week, due as much to social networking exposure as it was to his strong performances on the court. Lin gained attention from traditional news outlets after his performances inspired chatter on social networking sites, pointing to a change in media coverage.In addition, critics say Mark Zuckerberg after the company’s IPO, voicing concerns whether he will abuse his voting advantage and causing friction between shareholders down the line.Zuckerberg’s robust voting power drew negative press, capable of influencing investor opinions and damaging the company’s stock. Zuckerberg will have to assuage fears about his stranglehold on the company to avoid hurting its bottom line.
Cloud Publishing Gets ProfessionalInkling’s Habitat, , is designed to make e-book publishing and distribution easier by eliminating waiting times associated with traditional publishers.Habitat is a professional platform, built to compete with iBooks and Kindle’s self-publishing feature. Habitat’s ease of use is likely to attract even more writers to the e-publishing world, striking another blow against traditional publishing houses.
News Under the Sun is a weekly column rounding up all the events in the mobile industry. Want the news but don’t want it every day? Subscribe to our weekly or page.

The Cupertino, Calif.-based company unveiled the first four iterations of its smartphone at the World Wide Developers Conference in June, with a release following just a few weeks later. However, the broke that tradition last year with a pre-holiday October launch, which led to the highest sales of an Apple handset ever.A fall launch for the iPhone 5 after the successful release of the 4S last year will be a continued alteration to the way Apple normally does things, but it makes sense for the company. A June release of the next iPhone would put just nine months between its debut and the launch of the 4S, a move that could anger customers who shelled out for the 4S, while also stifling the shelf life of Apple’s current device.Analysts also expect the iPhone 5 to feature some of the biggest changes to the device since the , and Apple may need the extra time to iron out any lingering issues resulting from such a shift.For example, the company’s next iPhone will likely feature LTE support for both Verizon and AT T’s network, an addition that will likely have a significant impact on the device’s battery life. Apple engineers will need to assure the iPhone 5′s battery does not become a victim of faster data speeds, a common complaint leveled against several other LTE-capable devices.The iPhone 5 will also feature a form-factor change, if Apple follows its usual cycle. The iPhone 3G and 3GS sported the same design before major changes came in the form of the iPhone 4, and the same thing could be expected after the 4S. Apple has not tipped its hand on the potential design changes to the iPhone 5, but most analysts are anticipating large alterations to the device’s body, which could also be a reason for the fall release.Customers may have to once again hold out longer than usual for the next version of the iPhone, but the device could feature a host of changes that make it worth the wait.

Apple will redesign its iTunes and App stores, ramping up competition against media-streaming rivals Amazon and Google with more interactive and easier-to-use services.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company revealed its redesign plans to record labels and entertainment companies yesterday, 9to5Mac reported, offering few details other than it expects to launch the overhauled iTunes and App stores for the desktop OS first, then follow up with refreshed iOS versions.The redesign will coincide with the latest Mac OS update, OS X “Mountain Lion,” which will , including social networking, music listening and media streaming.Mountain Lion will bring the Mac desktop and iOS mobile experiences closer, extending the “feel” of the iPhone and iPad to the Mac environment. This move will both strengthen Apple’s brand and enable users to easily access Apple’s services from any one of its products, sharing media between mobile and desktop devices.The redesign will also make it easier for users to find songs, movies, television shows, apps and other content, and is expected to engage users more thoroughly with Apple’s online stores by adding new, interactive elements.Apple faces pressure from rivals as the market for streaming content and apps grows more dense, and its pending iTunes overhaul is one response to the increasing competition.Google will with its Motorola acquisition, providing new avenues for the search giant to push music, video and social media offerings into people’s homes on a variety of computers and connected devices.New hardware will tie into Google’s growing entertainment offerings, such as YouTube and Google Music, providing more competition for iTunes and pressuring Apple to provide a fresher, more interactive experience to keep pace.Amazon is also emerging as a digital content powerhouse. The company’s Kindle Fire tablet is proving a low-cost iPad challenger, giving customers a new way to enjoy the books, movies and shows Amazon has been providing to computer users for years. Amazon is , and is fast becoming a one-stop shopping experience for Kindle users to find digital content.When Apple launched iTunes and the App Store, they were revolutionary and provided an entirely new way for people to access and enjoy digital music, movies and other content. Now, consumers have alternative choices for digital entertainment, forcing Apple to step up its game and compete with offerings that grab users’ attention in a crowded marketplace.

The U.S. Department of Transportation proposed new guidelines to prevent cell phone use while behind the wheel, pressuring automakers to join the fight against the rising safety hazard of distracted driving.
Federal regulators are asking car makers to either stop integrating built-in features like online connections that encourage drivers to look away from the road, or to make it impossible for drivers to use those features while the car is in motion.The guidelines, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are tricky for automobile manufacturers, however, since commuters increasingly depend on access to mobile technology while in the car. A recent study found 30 percent of drivers under age 30 text while behind the wheel, and 63 percent of them used a cell phone while driving.Many states, including New York and California, passed laws banning hand-held talking and texting behind the wheel, but if adapted, the NHTSA’s guidelines would become the first federal mandate.Since not every state has the same legal guidelines for cell phone use, automakers are left with a tough decision: build cars without features drivers want and face the potential of decreased sales in a lagging economy, ignore federal safety guidelines, or build different makes and models for each state, increasing manufacturing costs.Still, with rising rates of accidents caused by texting and talking behind the wheel and several states unwilling to change laws, the NHTSA is using its clout to appeal to the auto industry. The NHTSA also says distracted drivers react at the speed of a person at the legal limit for drunk driving, and that drivers who text are 23 times more likely to get into an accident than those who don’t.”We recognize that vehicle manufacturers want to build vehicles that include the tools and conveniences expected by today’s American drivers,” NHTSA administrator David Strickland said. “The guidelines we’re proposing would offer real-world guidance to automakers to help them develop electronic devices that provide features consumers want –without disrupting a driver’s attention or sacrificing safety.”Even with help from the auto industry, drivers will continue to use external devices, and though test programs last year proved higher fines and increased oversight by law enforcement , not all states have yet been willing to change laws.The NHTSA has no direct authority to compel automakers to adopt its recommendations, but the organization is determined to have an impact. The guidelines for automakers are only the first phase of its three-part plan of action, and phase two will address “devices or systems that are not built into the vehicle but are brought into the vehicle and used while driving.”The recommendations are subject to public debate during a 60-day period, with forums taking place in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. before issuing the revised guidelines.Until then, automobile manufacturers might face increased public scrutiny and regulatory pressure to join the fight to make American roads safer.