Google Maps Navigation

Having the power of Google and “the cloud” on your dash or the palm of your hand when traveling to provide turn-by-turn guidance is coming to an Android smartphone near you! Recently Google announced the reality of such convenience on their blog.

So, you too really can “get their from here.”

3G Speed Tests: How Fast is Your Carrier?

According to Wired.com‘s recent speed test challenge, the carrier with “the most bars” is not the carrier with the most speed.  In fact, results pegged AT&T Wireless‘ 3G network speed  as the slowest while Verizon Wireless‘ testers found them to have the fastest 3g data transfers.

See the test method here and the results here.

WordPress for BlackBerry

This week Automattic released a beta version of it’s mobile app for BlackBerry mobile phones.  I’ve downloaded and am trying this new app on my Curve 8330.  So far, so good.

Take a quick tour:

Michael Jackson’s Death Inspires Spammers

With the reported deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson this week, it was only a matter of time before malware latent spam started making the rounds.  Those reported in the wild by security consultants including The SANS Institute’s Internet Storm Center invite the receiver to download “exclusive” images and video of Michael Jackson’s death (see a sample below).  Those downloads have been confirmed to install malware, viruses and bot’s on victim’s computers.

Text and image asking user to download the video

Therefore, Wright PC Consulting reminds its customers to be suspicious of any email that asks you to download anything from an unknown source even if the e-mail comes from someone familiar.  For those who host your e-mail account(s) with us, we’ll keeping monitoring the situation and place appropriate filters in place if warranted.

Sprint’s Palm Pre Hotter than Expected?

preSprint launched its long awaited Palm Pre this weekend.  While the lines were not as long as AT&T/Apple’s legendary iPhone release a couple of years ago, they were reportedly very respectable.  The Pre has been long hyped as the iPhone killer with its slick touch screen, mature features and sexy look.  However, soon after many of the early adopters left the store, they discovered that their new Pre was hotter than they expected.

According to many posting in the forums at precentral.net, the first sign of trouble began with the appearance of distorted, smeary circles near the bottom of the screen.  Others noticed the same distorted circles near the top.  A little further investigation by forum posters began connecting the distortions with above normal temperatures of their new phones and heating during charging.  Even those who have exchanged their Pre’s for new ones are seening similar heat and distortion issues with their new phones.

Perhaps Sprint and Palm have generated more heat than they had hoped?