Today in Tech News Digest, the FBI doesn't want you Glassing in movie theaters, Beats Music launches, Android malware is on the rise, Music Timeline reveals changing tastes, LogMeIn goes pay-only, and Spotify steals our hearts.
Google Glass At The Movies
This sentence horrifies me for many reasons: “The MPAA then contacted Homeland Security, which oversees movie theft.” http://t.co/9qniid3Dfa
— Ali Sternburg (@alisternburg) January 21, 2014
If the experience of one man in Ohio is anything to go by, Google Glass is likely to be banned from movie theaters. The unnamed man was, according to his account on The Gadgeteer and later confirmed by Business Insider, enjoying watching 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit' when he was escorted outside and accused of illegally recording the movie.
His only crime was to be wearing a Google Glass device in the theater. It wasn't switched on and recording, and he was only wearing it because it had prescription lenses fitted. None of which helped convince the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) or the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) that he had done nothing wrong.
The ordeal lasted more than an hour and only ended when the contents of the man's Google Glass device were examined. At which point he was allowed to leave, with four free passes to the theater in his hand. But no apology.
This may not seem like an important story but it demonstrates several things. Firstly, that Google Glass is likely to cause mayhem if and when it becomes mainstream. Second, that the MPAA has far too much power. Third, that the FBI is woefully unprepared to deal with this new wave of wearable technology. Exciting, huh?!
Beats Music News Beats Other News
aka everyone who wears Beats MT“@CNET: Beats Music: The service for people who dont know what they want to listen to http://t.co/tC0ZnBxe8f”
— Dan Maldonado (@dantmaldo) January 22, 2014
Beats Music has now launched on iOS and Android, and is gaining mixed reviews. But there are two important elements to the launch that should be noted.
The launch of Beats Music means MOG, which was acquired to form the structure Beats Music is built around, is shutting down. MOG will disappear on April 15, 2014, with the company looking to convert as many subscribers over from MOG to Beats. To sweeten the deal, MOG subscribers can make use of a one-month free trial of Beats starting March 15.
Beats Music has arrived to compete with the likes of Rdio and Spotify, but unlike these two rival services, there is no free option available. As noted by CNET this is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future, with Beats Music CEO Ian C. Rogers making his feelings clear on the subject in a blog post [No Longer Available] .
Rogers suggests that Beats Music is a "tremendous bargain," and for those people unwilling to pay the $120 a year asking price "music doesn't define the moments of your life the same way it does mine." In other words, a willingness to pay for music is the definition of a music lover. Do you agree?
Android Attacked By Malware
Cisco 2014 Security Report http://t.co/rd6M6yUXnU
— Philip Schiller (@pschiller) January 21, 2014
A whopping 99 percent of all mobile malware was aimed at Android in 2013, at least according to the latest annual security report from Cisco. Android users also had the highest encounter rate (71 percent), and Java was the main target of exploits (91 percent).
The report slipped under the radar until the tweet above was sent out by Phil Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple. Who was probably laughing maniacally as he clicked 'Send'.
Music Timeline Visualizes Tastes
Google Research has unveiled Music Timeline, a new project which visualizes how society's tastes in genres and artists has shifted over the decades. This is a must for music lovers everywhere, whether you pay for Beats Music or not.
LogMeIn Logs Out Of Freemium Model
Sorry @LogMeIn, but this is terrible PR and goodwill towards long-time users: http://t.co/wRdiie9CPt - the lack of notice is appalling.
— Michael S (@Gizmokid2005) January 21, 2014
LogMeIn is abandoning the freemium model, killing the free version of its remote access service in order to force people to start paying (at least) $99 per year. There was consternation amongst users, not only for the change, but also the suddenness of it all. Existing users have just seven days from the next time they log in to upgrade or leave. And it has to be assumed most will choose to leave for pastures new.
Spotify Takes Your Pulse
And finally, Spotify plans to listen to your heart in order to deliver appropriate music to your earholes. The music streaming service is discussing launching a new feature which would tailor music to individual users based on real-world feedback, including heart rates.
According to The Guardian, sensors either on a person's body or in their smartphone could be used to track heart rate, body temperature, and even sleep patterns in order to generate suitable playlists. Which is fine assuming you don't just sit on the sofa all day, every day. Like myself.
Tech News Digest… Breaking News Into Bite-Sized Chunks.
Image Credits: Sam Howzit, Lars P.