Apple patents a SIM you can't remove

Apple patents a SIM you can't remove

Apple has been awarded a US patent on an embedded SIM capable of switching between mobile network operators under command from Cupertino, assuming the operators comply.

The patent places an embedded SIM within the secure element which one would expect to see managing electronic payments, which is why it was spotted by NFC World. Its editor, Sarah Clark, realised the significance of the patent and how it validates last year's rumours that Apple was planning a cross-network SIM-less handset.

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Adobe to cut 750 jobs as Flash Player future in doubt

Adobe to cut 750 jobs as Flash Player future in doubt

Software developer Adobe Systems is cutting 750 jobs, while reports say it is halting development of its Flash Player plug-in for mobile devices.

The firm said the job cuts were being made in Europe and North America and represented more than 7% of the company's workforce.

The firm said it was axing the posts to help it put more focus on digital media and digital marketing.

It had no comment about the Flash Player report.

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Free uni opened for Tech City hipsters

Free uni opened for Tech City hipsters

A free university with hot-desking space for tech startup types is setting up shop in London, joining Google and TechHub in the cluster of technology companies around the East End.

The General Assembly started as a New York project, but will branch out to a 2,000ft2 Clerkenwell campus in spring 2012, aiming to train and support entrepreneurs while providing them with a cheap place to work

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Apple iPhone 4S 'drains battery' too quickly complaints

Apple iPhone 4S 'drains battery' too quickly complaints

The battery life of Apple's new iPhone 4S is under scrutiny after thousands of users reported problems.

In some cases, people claimed that their phone battery was draining by up to 15% every hour, even when the device was not being used.

Users who have installed Apple's new operating system - iOS 5 - on older models have also reported problems.

Apple told the BBC it had no comment on the issue.

The problems have generated a huge amount of discussion on Apple's forums.

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Duqu infection linked to Microsoft Word exploit

Duqu infection linked to Microsoft Word exploit

The Duqu computer infection was spread with the help of an infected Microsoft Word document, according to a report.

The research says the Trojan exploited a previously unknown vulnerability embedded in Word files, allowing Duqu to modify computers' security protection.

The code is believed to have been designed to gather intelligence from industrial control-systems.

Microsoft says it is preparing a software patch to address the issue.

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Hewlett Packard to build servers using ARM-based chips

Hewlett Packard to build servers using ARM-based chips

Hewlett Packard plans to make computer servers using low-energy processors based on ARM Holdings' designs.

HP said the equipment would be cheaper to run than current alternatives.

UK-based ARM's chip architecture was originally developed for use in smartphones and other mobile devices.

The British firm said the deal was "a first step" towards increasing its presence in a sector dominated by Intel's X86-based processors.

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Apple and Microsoft file patents for touchless controls

Apple and Microsoft file patents for touchless controls

Apple and Microsoft are involved in a new patent race over touchless gesture-controls.

Recently released patent filings reveal new ways to control devices that do not involve physical contact.

Microsoft describes waving one's hands to "draw" three-dimensional objects on a computer, while Apple's designs involve allowing users to "throw" content from one device to another.

Securing patent rights allows the firms to claim ownership of the technologies.

They could then prevent others from using the same gesture controls, or charge them a licence.

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Blackberry PlayBook operating software update delayed

Blackberry PlayBook operating software update delayed

The maker of the Blackberry PlayBook has delayed an update to the tablet computer's operating system until next year.

Research In Motion said it expects to deliver the software in February. It had been due this month.

RIM has admitted that sales of the device are lower than it anticipated. It acknowledged customers want native email, calendar and contacts applications.

The update aims to add the features.

A company blog described the decision as "difficult", but promised the revision will allow the firm's phones and PlayBooks "to work together even better".

RIM's shares closed down 7.5% on the...

Nokia bets on Windows Phone future

Nokia bets on Windows Phone future

Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia has launched two new smartphones based on Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7.5 operating system.

The Lumia 800 and the Lumia 710 mark the beginning of Nokia's fightback against Apple's iPhone and rivals using Google's Android software.

Nokia's new boss, Stephen Elop, had previously warned that the company was stuck on a "burning platform".

Today he said the launch marked the "rebirth" of Nokia.

In an unusual move for the company, it will start shipping the Lumia 800 range almost immediately and hit the shops in France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain and the Netherlands in November.

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5 seconds to bypass an iPad 2 password

5 seconds to bypass an iPad 2 password

The password protection of an iPad 2 running iOS 5 can be circumvented in less than five seconds with just three simple steps.

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