Norton has begun a beta of a new cloud-based security service, Identify Safe. The technology is meant to save and sync private web form data across multiple browsers and devices, primarily logins and credit card information. So far the only computer platform to support the Identify Safe client is Windows, but test apps are already available for iOS and Android.
SoundCloud has released an update for its self-titled mobile application that allows users to share and discover original music. The v2.0 update has been released as a Universal application, bringing a new interface designed specifically for the iPad. A new waveform design is also included, along with simplifications to the process of posting and viewing comments. In addition, users can choose to receive push notifications for new followers and activity on posted sound files.
A-DATA this week introduced the first flash drive in the industry to use both a USB 3.0 and SATA II interface. The drive, N002, uses 8-channel architecture and is said to be capable of 200MBps sequential read and 170MBps write speeds. Until the USB 3.0 standard becomes more commonly adopted, the drive is backwards compatible with the USB 2.0 interface.
Two Apple-related products performed extremely well at Amazon during the holiday season, the latter company has announced. Tracking orders from November 15th through to December 19th, the online retailer notes that one of the bestselling electronics items was the second-generation iPod touch, specifically in its 8GB capacity rather than 16 or 32GB. Apple's chief competition was split between a 52-inch red Samsung TV, and Acer's Aspire One netbook.
Dell announced its Black Friday sales this morning, all available for one day only and online. The deals include an Inspiron 1525 notebook for $559, which is $285 lower than the regular price, while the Inspiron 530s desktop is priced at $299, representing $80 in savings. A 19-inch Dell flat panel monitor, the SE198WFP, can be added to the desktop for $129, or $50 off. The 8.9-inch Inspiron Mini 9 netbook costs $299 today, which is $50 lower than regular pricing. The biggest savings is offered on the 42-inch Sharp HDTV, the LC42SB45U, which costs $779, or $620 off the regular price of $1,399.
Microsoft today has announced it would launch Equipt, a new software package that will let it experiment with subscription services. The suite gives users both a copy of Office Home and Student 2007 as well as the company's OneCare anti-malware and backup service; in exchange for an immediate discount on both services, customers will pay $70 per year to keep the full service active. Office is believed to remain active regardless of when the subscription ends.
Symantec has released a new anti-virus suite, AntiVirus Dual Protection. The package actually contains two pieces of software -- AntiVirus 11 for Mac and AntiVirus 2008 for Windows -- and is intended for owners of Intel Macs, who may use the Boot Camp feature of Mac OS X Leopard to run Windows XP or Vista on a separate partition. Each application is tailored to the specifics of its platform, requiring the two versions.
Viruses have been of little concern to most Mac users since OS X made its first appearance in 2001. Apple's switch to Intel processors, and the various virtualization processes that exist for running Windows, have eroded that confidence for some users. Although Apple is usually on the ball with fixing system vulnerabilities, some larger problems can go for several days or weeks before a proper fix is available. Symantec's Norton AntiVirus 11 aims to compliment the Mac OS' natural sturdiness by providing anti-viral services and fixes for security holes while Apple works on a true solution for the problem.
