Mobile

PayPal strikes a deal with in-store tech company NCR

eBay's payment division PayPal will soon add deeper integration with retailers into its digital wallet that will result in a richer shopping experiences from consumers' phones thanks in part to a new partnership with point of sale company NCR.

The companies are teaming up to bring PayPal's digital wallet app into stores that are already using NCR's self-service and promotion management technologies in their retail locations. By combining efforts PayPal will be able to integrate its payment service and app with technology that retailers are already using, opening up many possibilities for interaction between merchants and customers … Read more

Best Android Jelly Bean smartphones you can get now

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity for Android Jelly Bean phones to ship, I'm glad to see that a flood of handsets with the coveted software has burst onto the mobile scene. Some of these devices, such as the HTC Droid DNA and LG Nexus 4, rolled straight off the assembly line boasting Google's most modern OS. Older phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Motorola Droid Razr HD Maxx, just received this significant upgrade.

Take a look at this stellar list of smartphones that all offer a state-of-the-art Android experience. From the pure flavor only … Read more

Why Facebook doesn't need its own phone

commentary Facebook ended yet another press conference without mentioning a smartphone or mobile operating system bearing its branding. Should we be surprised? No. Are we? Sadly, yes.

Months of rumors fueled expectations that Facebook would move into mobile in a bigger way, including unveiling -- with a handset partner -- a phone of its own. Such talk heated up in recent days after reports of a Facebook phone started popping up. Truth be told, it's a sexy enough story that everyone wants to believe it will happen.

Apparently, we all need to listen to CEO Mark Zuckerberg a little … Read more

Optimus G2 may arrive this fall

LG will introduce the Optimus G2 in the fall of 2013, according to the latest round of chatter. Reportedly, the flagship device will debut right around the time the current model hits the one-year mark.

Previously rumored to arrive as early as last week's annual CES, the Optimus G2 is expected to feature a full 1080p HD display measuring no less than 5 inches. Seeing as how LG did not announce the new device in Las Vegas last week, the next logical venue would be Mobile World Congress scheduled for February.

Further muddying the waters, LG may also be … Read more

With GoBank, you can carry all your money in a pocket

A lot of people like to do some of their banking on their mobile devices, but one company says the smartphone isn't just for checking balances.

Green Dot thinks the device can be the entire bank.

With the launch today of GoBank, Green Dot -- a major player in reloadable prepaid cards -- is betting that an all-new FDIC-insured bank, built from scratch and designed for mobile devices, could be just what people disgruntled with their Chase or Bank of America experience are looking for.

GoBank was built to be fast, secure, and uncomplicated, said Sam Altman, executive vice … Read more

iPhone tops among potential buyers, but Samsung surging

Apple's iPhone is the No. 1 pick among prospective smartphone buyers polled in North America, though it's losing some ground to Samsung.

Among 4,000 people looking to buy a smartphone in the next 90 days, 50 percent plan to buy an iPhone, according to a report out today from ChangeWave Research. That's not a bad number, but it's down from 71 percent in last quarter's survey, which was conducted just as the iPhone 5 debuted.

Over the same time, the percentage of people eyeing a Samsung smartphone rose to 21 percent from 13 percent, … Read more

NRA targets iPhone with shooting game

The National Rifle Association has launched a mobile shooting game amid furor over gun violence.

NRA: Practice Range is designed for iPhone and iPad users who want a little virtual target practice. The free game offers a variety of handguns and rifles that you can use to shoot at targets indoors or outdoors. Simply pick your weapon of choice and then tap the screen to fire at the targets.

The indoor level is easiest as the targets don't move, while the two outdoor levels require you to shoot at skeets and other moving targets.

The launch of the app may seem ill-timed at best and hypocritical at worst given the nation's current mindset over guns and the NRA's recent response.… Read more

Apple slapped with Russian Railways trademark suit

Russian Railways has sued Apple for alleged trademark infringement over the use of images in its online store.

It's not entirely clear what Russian Railways is alleging, with its press release simply saying it concerns infringement of the company's trademark No. 341333.

Here's the full release from Russian Railways (translated by Google):

Clarification of the lawsuit JSC "Russian Railways" company to Apple Inc.

JSC "Russian Railways" to the Arbitration Court of Moscow with a claim concerning infringement of the exclusive right to the trademark under the certificate No. 341333 by Apple Inc. We … Read more

Apple shares close below $500 as investors fail to shake worry

Apple investors can't seem to shake their concern over the company's future.

Shares in the iPhone maker ended the day at $485.92, down just over 3 percent for the day after having closed yesterday at $501.75. In trading today, Apple's stock never rose above the $500 mark.

On Sunday, The Wall Street Journal cited sources who said that Apple had cut component orders for its iPhone 5 due to slumping demand for the handset. That bad news pushed Apple's shares lower yesterday as investors became concerned with the company's ability to compete as … Read more