Tag - FCC
FCC net neutrality regs survive court challenge
A challenge to the sweeping "net neutrality" rules issued by the FCC in 2015 has been rejected by the Washington, DC US Circuit Court of Appeals. The court, which had previously rejected some of the FCC's earlier net neutrality proposals in a 2-1 ruling that forces AT&T and a national ISP industry group, which brought the challenge, to obey federal regulations that prevent the extortionate practice of blocking or slowing some internet traffic and prioritizing those that agree to pay the providers a fee.
Linksys, OpenWrt teaming to make FCC-compliant custom router firmware
New US Federal Communication Commission rules are coming into effect on June 2, imposing limits on broadcast power from Wi-Fi routers. As shipped, commercial routers don't approach these limits, but the limits imposed by the manufacturer can be circumvented by custom firmware. Most manufacturers are imposing measures to block the installation of these software modifications, but networking gear manufacturer Linksys is going against the grain, and will allow OpenWrt to be installed on its gear -- with some provisions.
Obama administration offers support for FCC 'Unlock the Box' proposal
The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) proposal to open up cable services to any compatible set-top box instead of just those offered by cable companies has received backing from the Obama administration. The White House has released a statement supporting the FCC's "Unlock the Box" proposal, calling upon the FCC to press ahead with its plan, in order to increase competition and encourage innovation in the marketplace.
FCC rolls out new broadband service consumer label format
In the 2015 Open Internet Order (also referred to as the net neutrality order) the Commission enhanced the rule governing broadband providers' disclosure of commercial terms, network performance, and network management practices. During the debate and framing of the regulation, the US Federal Communications Commission found that consumers needed an easy way to understand specifics of broadband offerings, and required that providers convey the required information in a simple format that would enable consumers to easily compare services of different broadband providers. In a press conference earlier today, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler rolled out the new labels in conjunction with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray.
Verizon agrees to $1.35M fine to end FCC 'supercookie' investigation
Verizon has agreed to settle with the Federal Communications Commission over its investigation into "supercookies." As part of the settlement, the carrier has agreed to notify its subscribers about its targeted advertising programs and request consent before using them to serve advertising messages to customers via third parties or within its corporate family, adhere to a three-year compliance plan, and pay a fine of $1.35 million.
FCC approves 'Unlock the Box' proposal for cable set-top box changes
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a step towards freeing customers of cable and satellite providers from having to lease equipment from the company. The commission has voted in favor of the "Unlock the Box" proposal by Chairman Tom Wheeler, which intends to create a framework that would allow customers to use effectively any compatible set-top box to view content from cable services, including third-party streaming devices from TiVo or even the Apple TV.
Cable lobbyists write FCC, seek limited Internet privacy regulation
An assortment of special interest groups are petitioning US Federal Communications Commission head Tom Wheeler to limit privacy protections offered to Internet users, under the guise of hampering innovation and harming consumers. Among the petitioners are cable and broadcast industry advocacy groups The American Cable Association, U.S. Telecom Association, Consumer Technology Association, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, and others.
Apple asks FCC to recognize Made for iPhone hearing aids
Apple is asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to recognize its efforts in creating the Made For iPhone (MFi) hearing aid platform, by declaring it and other solutions "as alternatives for hearing aid compatibility compliance" with mobile devices. The FCC recently proposed for all smartphones and other consumer-grade wireless devices to work with hearing aids, with Apple claiming its MFi standards already complying with the FCC's hearing aid standards.
FCC proposes rule changes over cable set-top box usage
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is setting its sights on the set-top boxes used by satellite TV and cable providers that could be beneficial for third-party manufacturers, according to a report. The FCC is introducing proposals that would allow customers of pay TV services to avoid renting or purchasing a specific set-top box as part of their subscription, saving money by using another device such as the Apple TV instead.
FCC looks into free data programs offered by T-Mobile, Comcast, AT&T
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is looking into how telecommunications providers offer free allocations of data to their subscribers. AT&T, Comcast, and T-Mobile have all been sent requests by the FCC for more information about these programs operate, with the possibility that the carriers and cable companies providing them to customers may be doing so against net neutrality principles.
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Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj
Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket
The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94
Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa
SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If
Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm
Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE
