U.S. court upholds telecom immunity for surveillance
By Dan Levine
Thu Dec 29, 2011 6:37pm EST
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By Dan Levine
(Reuters) - A U.S. appeals panel on Thursday upheld the constitutionality of a federal law that grants immunity to telecommunications companies that assist the U.S. government in conducting surveillance of American citizens.
However, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also revived a separate lawsuit against the government over its surveillance activities.
Several lawsuits filed in the wake of revelations about warrantless wiretapping alleged that telecom companies provided authorities with direct access to nearly all communications passing through their domestic facilities.
Besides the government itself, defendants included AT&T, Sprint Nextel and Verizon Communications Inc.
In 2008, Congress granted telecoms immunity for cooperating with the government's intelligence-gathering activities. A district judge in San Francisco upheld the law as constitutional, and dismissed the claims against the companies.
In a ruling on Thursday, a unanimous three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit agreed. The appeals court covers nine Western U.S. states.
Cindy Cohn, legal director for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a leading plaintiff in both cases, said they had not yet decided whether to appeal the telecom ruling.
"It's not the case that only one person should protect your privacy, both the government and the provider owe you a duty to protect your privacy," Cohn said.
A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Justice, which defended the immunity provision, declined to comment, as did a Verizon spokesman. Representatives from AT&T and Sprint did not respond to a request for comment.
Judge Margaret McKeown of the 9th Circuit rejected the argument that immunity closes the courts to the plaintiffs. Only the telecommunications companies are covered, she wrote, not the government.
"The federal courts remain a forum to consider the constitutionality of the wiretapping scheme and other claims," she wrote.
In a separate ruling, the 9th Circuit on Thursday allowed a separate case against the government to proceed, in which plaintiffs allege a communications dragnet of ordinary citizens.
That lawsuit claims the National Security Agency diverted Internet traffic into secure rooms in AT&T facilities across the country. The proposed class action alleges "an unprecedented suspicionless general search" throughout the communications network.
The 9th Circuit reversed a lower court and ruled that the plaintiffs have legal standing to pursue the case. If the government does not appeal, then the litigation would return to a California federal court, where the Justice Department could argue that the case should be dismissed on state secrets grounds.
Cohn said it has been nearly six years since warrantless wiretapping was revealed. "I think the American people deserve a little faster justice than that," she said.
The telecom immunity case in the 9th Circuit is In re: National Security Agency Telecommunications Records Litigation, 09-16676.
The dragnet case in the 9th Circuit is Carolyn Jewel, Tash Hepting, Gregory Hicks, Erik Knutzen and Joice Walton on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated v. National Security Agency et al., 10-15616.
(Reporting by Dan Levine; Editing by Mark Porter, Steve Orlofsky, Phil Berlowitz)
Friday, September 21, 2012
Glitch on iOS 6
iOS 6 Wi-Fi glitch a web problem, not firmware issue
A Wi-Fi connection glitch sent a short-lived, but intense wave of alarm and outrage through the iPhone and iPad user community yesterday, after they updated to the just-released iOS 6
By John Cox | Network World US | 21 September 12
A Wi-Fi connection glitch sent a short-lived, but intense wave of alarm and outrage through the iPhone and iPad user community yesterday, after they updated to the just-released iOS 6. But apparently the problem had nothing to do with the operating system itself, and Apple fixed it within hours.
The latest version of Apple's mobile OS was released Wednesday, with more than 200 changes or additions to iOS 6. It runs on iPad 2, the new iPad, and iPhone 4, 4S and the iPhone 5, which will be released Friday, Sept. 21. Shortly after it was available, Twitter and various online forums and comment boards flared with complaints that iConic mobile devices could no longer make a connection to any kind of Wi-Fi network.
Instead, the phones and cellular-equipped iPads made a cellular connection, and users' screens showed a Web page at www.apple.com carrying the command "Login." Yet there was no form to actually do so; and beneath the prompt was the alert "Hmm, the page you're looking for can't be found." After dismissing the screen, the device simply failed to connect to the Wi-Fi access point.
The failure prompted a wave of alarm, outrage and paranoia on the Web, such as the postings at MacRumors' online forums (from which the following comments are taken) as well as Apple's own online support community.
"I try to connect my iphone and my wifes iphone to our wifi and after it connects. It opens Safari and loads Apple.com with Log In in the header?" posted dtbratt about 6 p.m. ET Wednesday. He added another post minutes later: "HUGE Problem with iOS 6!"
"Same here," posted 1984. "It keeps losing the wifi signal and switching to 3G/4G and then a weird Apple.com page comes up with 'Log In' in the title bar but no log in form. The only way to stop it is to turn of Cellular Data."
At least one user said the new OS initially worked fine but then ran into problems. "Got the same problem," wrote TheDutchGuy. "Worked fine for several hours, but now I get the same Apple 'failed' login page..."
"I think this is the worst iOS release to date," posted JS82712. "And Steve would've never allowed this."
Some saw Apple nefariousness at work.
"Of course, now I'm wondering what is it about connecting to WiFi that Apple is transmitting to itself," posted SoloStyle.
The glitch affected corporate users also. "Same problem here connecting to my work's corporate Cisco Wifi (normally a Cisco login page would come up, but I'm just getting the Apple page instead)," wrote T-Will.
A few intuited what the actual problem might be. "I'm seeing this too--iPad and iPhone. Apple seems to have removed the HTML page that they use to check if you're behind a wifi hotspot paywall," noted ejdmoo.
And in fact, something very like that was indeed the issue, as a number of users began posting.
Neogaff picked up on a MacRumors post that outlined the problem: "Here is what is going on. Ever since iOS 4(?) there has been a feature where if you connect to a WiFi network it will try to ping this site: http://www.apple.com/library/test/success.html If it is a success then it lets you connect, if it is not a success the phone trys [sic] to bring up what would be a Login page for corporate wifi networks. Example, public access points that have a login page, etc. It seems that some moron at Apple deleted the file located at http://www.apple.com/library/test/success.html and that is why it is not working. This is not an iOS 6 issue but rather a problem with Apple's website."
In a series of tweets, Steve Streza, lead platform developer for Pocket.com, a San Francisco app vendor, outlined the issues. "Your phone checks a page on http://Apple.com to see if your network is working. If not, you're probably on a network like a hotel/airport, where you have to agree to their terms before you can use the Wi-Fi. Then they show you the page so you can agree."
"The issue only affected iOS 6 devices, which use http://www.apple.com/library/test/success.html ... as their test URL. Previous OSes just used http://apple.com."
He noted that Apple would have to update the Web page, not the OS. "The test page (http://www.apple.com/library/test/success.html ...) has been updated. My iOS 6 Wi-Fi is working again," he tweeted. "If you're still having issues, toggle Wi-Fi off and on. It does the detection when you connect to the Wi-Fi network."
A Wi-Fi connection glitch sent a short-lived, but intense wave of alarm and outrage through the iPhone and iPad user community yesterday, after they updated to the just-released iOS 6
By John Cox | Network World US | 21 September 12
A Wi-Fi connection glitch sent a short-lived, but intense wave of alarm and outrage through the iPhone and iPad user community yesterday, after they updated to the just-released iOS 6. But apparently the problem had nothing to do with the operating system itself, and Apple fixed it within hours.
The latest version of Apple's mobile OS was released Wednesday, with more than 200 changes or additions to iOS 6. It runs on iPad 2, the new iPad, and iPhone 4, 4S and the iPhone 5, which will be released Friday, Sept. 21. Shortly after it was available, Twitter and various online forums and comment boards flared with complaints that iConic mobile devices could no longer make a connection to any kind of Wi-Fi network.
Instead, the phones and cellular-equipped iPads made a cellular connection, and users' screens showed a Web page at www.apple.com carrying the command "Login." Yet there was no form to actually do so; and beneath the prompt was the alert "Hmm, the page you're looking for can't be found." After dismissing the screen, the device simply failed to connect to the Wi-Fi access point.
The failure prompted a wave of alarm, outrage and paranoia on the Web, such as the postings at MacRumors' online forums (from which the following comments are taken) as well as Apple's own online support community.
"I try to connect my iphone and my wifes iphone to our wifi and after it connects. It opens Safari and loads Apple.com with Log In in the header?" posted dtbratt about 6 p.m. ET Wednesday. He added another post minutes later: "HUGE Problem with iOS 6!"
"Same here," posted 1984. "It keeps losing the wifi signal and switching to 3G/4G and then a weird Apple.com page comes up with 'Log In' in the title bar but no log in form. The only way to stop it is to turn of Cellular Data."
At least one user said the new OS initially worked fine but then ran into problems. "Got the same problem," wrote TheDutchGuy. "Worked fine for several hours, but now I get the same Apple 'failed' login page..."
"I think this is the worst iOS release to date," posted JS82712. "And Steve would've never allowed this."
Some saw Apple nefariousness at work.
"Of course, now I'm wondering what is it about connecting to WiFi that Apple is transmitting to itself," posted SoloStyle.
The glitch affected corporate users also. "Same problem here connecting to my work's corporate Cisco Wifi (normally a Cisco login page would come up, but I'm just getting the Apple page instead)," wrote T-Will.
A few intuited what the actual problem might be. "I'm seeing this too--iPad and iPhone. Apple seems to have removed the HTML page that they use to check if you're behind a wifi hotspot paywall," noted ejdmoo.
And in fact, something very like that was indeed the issue, as a number of users began posting.
Neogaff picked up on a MacRumors post that outlined the problem: "Here is what is going on. Ever since iOS 4(?) there has been a feature where if you connect to a WiFi network it will try to ping this site: http://www.apple.com/library/test/success.html If it is a success then it lets you connect, if it is not a success the phone trys [sic] to bring up what would be a Login page for corporate wifi networks. Example, public access points that have a login page, etc. It seems that some moron at Apple deleted the file located at http://www.apple.com/library/test/success.html and that is why it is not working. This is not an iOS 6 issue but rather a problem with Apple's website."
In a series of tweets, Steve Streza, lead platform developer for Pocket.com, a San Francisco app vendor, outlined the issues. "Your phone checks a page on http://Apple.com to see if your network is working. If not, you're probably on a network like a hotel/airport, where you have to agree to their terms before you can use the Wi-Fi. Then they show you the page so you can agree."
"The issue only affected iOS 6 devices, which use http://www.apple.com/library/test/success.html ... as their test URL. Previous OSes just used http://apple.com."
He noted that Apple would have to update the Web page, not the OS. "The test page (http://www.apple.com/library/test/success.html ...) has been updated. My iOS 6 Wi-Fi is working again," he tweeted. "If you're still having issues, toggle Wi-Fi off and on. It does the detection when you connect to the Wi-Fi network."
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Are smartphones growing up? Benchmarking the new iPhone 5
Apple's iPhone 5 is the fastest smartphone ever tested using the WebKit team's SunSpider JavaScript benchmark, apparently due to the custom core design of the A6 processor. The benchmark performs over twice as fast on the A6 as it does on the A5 processor in the iPhone 4S, and even bests smartphones running Intel's x86-based Atom processors, according to AnandTech.
AnandTech published an extensive SunSpider benchmark comparison on Wednesday morning, including results from an iPhone 5 test unit and two dozen other smartphones. The iPhone 5 turned in an impressive 914.7ms time, easily besting the 2250.0ms of the iPhone 4S—almost 2.5 times as fast. It also beat the current top Android device, Samsung's Galaxy SIII, which ran the benchmark in 1442.9ms. (The iPhone 5 is 1.6 times faster.)
It's important to note that SunSpider isn't the best measure of raw performance across platforms. JavaScript engines vary from browser to browser on different platforms, and Apple almost certainly employs optimizations in iOS that would be difficult to replicate in Android or WP7 on every available handset. However, it's notable that the iPhone 5's A6 processor is executing JavaScript significantly faster than the only Atom-based smartphone currently available, the Lava XOLO X900, which turned in a 1279.4ms score.
"Intel originally hinted at issues in the [ARM Cortex] A9's memory interface as being why Atom was able to so easily outperform other ARM based SoCs in SunSpider," AnandTech explained. "[I]t looks like Apple specifically targeted improvements in the memory subsystem when designing the A6's CPU cores. The result is the fastest SunSpider test we've ever recorded on a smartphone—faster even than Intel's Atom Z2460."
AnandTech published an extensive SunSpider benchmark comparison on Wednesday morning, including results from an iPhone 5 test unit and two dozen other smartphones. The iPhone 5 turned in an impressive 914.7ms time, easily besting the 2250.0ms of the iPhone 4S—almost 2.5 times as fast. It also beat the current top Android device, Samsung's Galaxy SIII, which ran the benchmark in 1442.9ms. (The iPhone 5 is 1.6 times faster.)
It's important to note that SunSpider isn't the best measure of raw performance across platforms. JavaScript engines vary from browser to browser on different platforms, and Apple almost certainly employs optimizations in iOS that would be difficult to replicate in Android or WP7 on every available handset. However, it's notable that the iPhone 5's A6 processor is executing JavaScript significantly faster than the only Atom-based smartphone currently available, the Lava XOLO X900, which turned in a 1279.4ms score.
"Intel originally hinted at issues in the [ARM Cortex] A9's memory interface as being why Atom was able to so easily outperform other ARM based SoCs in SunSpider," AnandTech explained. "[I]t looks like Apple specifically targeted improvements in the memory subsystem when designing the A6's CPU cores. The result is the fastest SunSpider test we've ever recorded on a smartphone—faster even than Intel's Atom Z2460."
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is coming. For all those who love a monster screen in their pocket
Quad-core Samsung Galaxy Note 2 launches with 5 carriers
September 19, 2012 | Jessica Dolcourt
The 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 2 launch will follow in the Samsung Galaxy S3's footsteps in mid-November, and will keep its quad-core processor.
The first quad-core LTE smartphone in the U.S. is almost here, and it comes to our shores extra-large. In launching the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Samsung is hoping to repeat its own success with sales on the Galaxy S3 just a few months before, while also setting a record for the first quad-core smartphone to reach U.S. retail shelves.
The Korea-based manufacturer announced today that it will kick off the 5.5-inch Android 4.1 Jelly Bean "phablet," a smartphone with tabletlike proportions, on the same five carriers that initially offered the Galaxy S3 this summer. Moreover, the smartphone will carry Samsung's 1.6 GHz Exynos processor.
Related stories
Samsung Galaxy Note II hands-on
Full review: Samsung Galaxy S3
iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S3 vs. Lumia 920: By the numbers
U.S. Cellular announced that it will sell the 16GB titanium gray color in late October for $299.99 -- for those who preorder the device. It will cost $299.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate after the Note 2 arrives in stores.
Sprint said that it will offer 16GB versions of the Note 2 in white and grey, but will announce specific pricing and availability at a later date. T-Mobile said in a press release that it, too, will share more details in the coming weeks. CNET has reached out to AT&T and Verizon about their plans, but expect more details soon. Samsung announced that the Galaxy Note 2 would come to carriers by mid-November.
Since Samsung is positioning the Galaxy Note 2 as a more powerful and larger version of the GS3, we can expect it to be pricier than the GS3 is now, or the same price, with the GS3 dropping to promotional figures.
The Note 2's S Pen stylus makes it a different product than the Galaxy S3 (GS3) in many respects, but in others, the Galaxy Note 2 is a continuation of the GS3's young legacy -- the Note 2's design builds on the same physical form as the GS3, but larger, and with the more flexible S Pen and attending software extras.
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Like the GS3, the Note 2 will feature an 8-megapixel camera, a front-facing camera, and support for 1080p HD video. The screen is also HD Super AMOLED. The Note 2 will also hold 2GB of internal RAM; and will come with 16 GB of onboard file storage, plus support for up to 64GB of expandable memory through a microSD card.
We'll offer more details when we get them. In the meantime, get to know the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 in our hands-on take.
Update September 19, at 8:09 a.m.: More details on pricing and availability were added.
Has your coffee got you down?
Coffee and caffeine, and how it really works
CAFFEINE
How to Kick Your Caffeine Addiction and Actually Enjoy Your Coffee Again
By Alan Henry, Sep 19, 2012 8:00 AM
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Caffeine can be a great pick-me-up, but it can also be really scary. Like most things, it's great in moderation, but when you get to the point of needing that morning cup like the air your breathe, it's time to admit you have a problem. Here's how to kick your caffeine addiction without feeling like crap in the process.
Stop for a moment and think about how much caffeine you consume. Your morning cup of coffee is obvious, but also consider how many caffeinated sodas you drink. Then think about how many cups of tea you have, caffeinated snacks you eat, and whether your preferred painkiller has caffeine in it. It can add up pretty quickly, and if you're not careful, caffeine can become a crutch instead of a tool.
A few years ago, I could stop by a convenience store for a 24 oz. cup of coffee at 2am, drink it, go to bed at 4am, sleep soundly, and wake up at 7am to go to work, no problems. That's when I realized that if I actually wanted to use caffeine as a tool to stay alert, or try the caffeine power nap, I couldn't do it—my tolerance was entirely too high. I decided to do something about it: I wanted my morning cup or afternoon tea to actually help me focus instead of being a lifeline to stay awake. I cut my intake back bit by bit, and in the process learned to really love coffee and tea—blends, brews, types, and styles all started to appeal to me, and in turn I'm more mindful when I pour a cup.
You can do the same, and in this post we'll share some techniques to tame your caffeine addiction and make it work for you, instead of the other way around.
Tame It or Quit It?
Whether you choose to give up caffeine entirely or just want to use it intelligently is up to you. Some of us at Lifehacker HQ have given it up, but some of us love our morning cup and indulge in an afternoon tea. What we all agree on though is that caffeine, like anything else in your diet, should be taken in moderation, understanding exactly what it does to you and why. Photo by Ellie Goodman.
There's been a lot of research into the effects of caffeine on health, and you'll find opinions on all sides as to whether you should drink more, less, or none at all. We're not going to tackle that debate here, but we will say this: if you're not using caffeine strategically and instead you're letting it use you, it's time to take back the reins. When consumed intelligently, caffeine can bring its health benefits to bear while simultaneously offering you a much needed boost. In short, your caffeine habits should be more akin to using a scalpel, not a howitzer.
Stick to the Caffeinated Beverages You Love and Cut Back Gradually
On a recent episode of the Lifehacker Podcast, a caller noted that he consumed upwards of 18 cups of coffee a day. We offered some suggestions on the show, and you've offered some tips in the past, but we also put the question to nutritionists Andy Belatti and Allannah Dibona. Here are some suggestions they came up with:
Count your caffeine. The first thing you need to do is keep track of how much caffeine you take in. Alannah suggests, "GO SLOW. Caffeine is mightily addictive, and any sort of drastic change can bring about equally dramatic symptoms. I'd begin by taking accurate note of your intake over the first few days." If you're willing to do the math, she points out, bringing your caffeine intake to a reasonable level will be much easier. You'll be able to tell where you're struggling and make adjustments, or hold at a given point without giving up and buying a case of soda. Photo by shira gal.
Cut back slowly. It may be the most obvious suggestion, but trying to go cold turkey when you're taking in a lot of caffeine over the course of a day is a recipe for disaster. At best, you'll feel miserable and power through it, at worst that miserable feeling will make you just give up. "When you're talking about 10 or 12 cups of coffee a day, you're looking at something that will take a little over a month to scale back on. I'd recommend having 2 fewer cups of coffee each successive week (10 cups a day one week, then 8 cups a day the next, 6 cups a day the following, etc.) That should help mitigate the typical withdrawal symptoms—mainly headaches, anxiety, and irritability," Andy notes. Start slow and give yourself time to kick the habit—or at least come down to a manageable level.
Change up "the usual" and choose a different coffee drink. If your usual drink at the coffee bar is a standard cup of drip or a multi-shot espresso, consider changing it up to something with the same volume but less caffeine. "Little known fact: one shot of espresso has less caffeine than a cup of coffee. When I was trying to cut back, I'd drink an americano (espresso and hot water) instead of a regular drip cup," Alannah explained. "I found the flavor intense, muddy and enjoyable, but my propensity toward caffeine shakes decreased dramatically." Photo by journeys.
Kick other caffeinated beverages. If you love your morning cup of coffee too much to give it up, but you want to cut back the caffeine you consume, look elsewhere in your diet. Do you drink sugary, caffeinated sodas in the afternoon or evening? It may be easier to switch to some other tasty, healthy alternative to soda instead. Picking something else to sip when you need refreshment can benefit your health and help you kick caffeine. If you're a fan of super-caffeinated snacks, cut back on those too—a novelty Black Black now and again is fun, but if you hit the post-lunch drag and pop one in your mouth just to keep going, it's time to give it up.
Hack Your Caffeine Fix with Some Clever Diet Tricks
Gradually stepping down is one thing, but if your problem is psychological, there are plenty of ways to trick your brain and body into thinking you're getting the fix you need. Photo by Tim Massey.
Try Half-Caf. It may sound awful to coffee fans (and depending on how you prep it, it can be,) but switching from fully caffeinated brews to half-caffeinated ones lets you drink the same amount of fluid while cutting the amount of caffeine you ingest in half. Combine this with stepping down the volume of coffee or tea you drink, and you're making serious progress.
Fall in love with the Cafe Diablo. This is a personal favorite of mine, and a trick I've used to keep my caffeine intake in check. When you really need that afternoon cup of coffee, go for it, but instead of all coffee, make a half-cup of hot cocoa and a half-cup of coffee. The end-result is less caffeinated than a full cup, and really delicious. Watch how much sugar and milk you add, and you can even go 3/4 cocoa and 1/4 coffee instead. Just don't get hooked!
Switch to a low or no-caffeine alternative. Andy suggests Teeccino, a popular herbal tea that roasts up and is served like coffee, but is caffeine-free. You might also try roasted barley tea, or mugicha in Japanese (available at your local asian market, or online.) Roasted barley tea is often sold with other ingredients to boost its flavor (if you can get chicory, try it!) and don't have the tooth enamel-eating issues that other hot drinks often have. Both options ideal for people who can't have caffeine for medical reasons, but even switching one or two cups of coffee or tea with it can help cut your caffeine intake without forcing you to give up the psychological comfort of a hot cuppa. Photo by Richard Masoner.
Drink water. The benefits of hydration are well documented. We've busted the myth that caffeinated beverages don't hydrate you before, but this is about cutting caffeine. A little water—even flavored waters with citrus, fruit, or other flavorful mixers—can replace the volume you normally take in with soda. Our own Adam Dachis mentioned that his sister—who sings—has been known to just enjoy a hot cup of water instead of coffee or tea. Hot water is a popular performer's trick to keep your voice in prime condition, and is sometimes taken with a little lemon or honey to add flavor. If a hot cup is all you want, give it a try.
Try Tea Instead
Tea is another diet trick to help you cut down on caffeine, but it deserves a little more attention. My two caffeinated beverages of choice are coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon. Even some of us at Lifehacker HQ who very closely watch our caffeine intakes are willing to enjoy a cup of tea from time to time, and you can too. The key is to learn a little about tea, and which teas have the most caffeine in them and which have the least.
We've laid out coffee and tea side by side before, but one thing is clear: if you're drinking coffee all day, or tossing back sodas, any tea will represent a cut in your caffeine intake, and can bring in some of caffeine's alertness and focus benefits without the crash you get from a sugary, caffeinated soda or a quad-shot espresso. Our coffee lover's guide to tea is well worth a read if you want to get into tea, but here are some critical points:
Black teas have the highest caffeine content, usually upwards of 60-70 milligrams (mg) per cup. Much of this depends on the blend and the steep time though—shorter steeping can get you a cup of black tea with 20mg per 12oz cup, but deeply roasted, long-steeped black tea can push 100mg per cup. That's still a bargain, compared to a cup of drip coffee, which can come in well over 100mg.
Green teas fall in the middle, averaging around 30-40mg per cup, again depending on blend and brew. Green teas usually don't push past 50mg, but lightly steeped pots can come in close to 10mg. Photo by Joe Hall.
White teas usually have the least amount of caffeine, partially because the plant is harvested at a young age and the leaves are very lightly roasted. White teas carry between 5-30mg per 12oz cup.
Herbal teas vary depending on the herbs that go into them. You'll have to do your homework on this one—some herbal teas (which aren't technically tea because they have no actual tea leaves in them) like Rooibos (aka Red Bush) has no caffeine, but Yerba Mate on the other hand has more caffeine than coffee.
Again, these numbers aren't perfect, and you can read more about the nuances that come with the type, blend, and roasting of different teas at Adagio Tea here and The Frgrant Leaf here. Granted, they both sell tea so they have a vested interest, but the data is legit.
Also, keep in mind though that an average 12oz coke only has about 20-25mg of caffeine, so a one for one switch from soda to tea isn't a good idea. If you're considering tea as a substitute for coffee, you'll be decreasing your caffeine intake with the same volume intake. If you're considering tea as a substitute for soda, you'll still need to cut back. In either case, tea is a tool to help you cut back, not an overall replacement.
Fight Caffeine Withdrawl with Exercise
Andy noted one more creative suggestion: exercise. " One of the best ways to conquer caffeine withdrawal symptoms is to get some sort of exercise for 20 - 25 minutes. Exercise unleashes a flood of endorphins, which often helps to curb headaches." While you probably can't just go for a run or hit the treadmill every time you crave a soda or a cup of coffee, it's true that exercise—especially regular exercise—has mental and emotional benefits as well as immediate benefits like Andy noted. Photo by Mike Baird.
Additionally, if you're looking to tame instead of eliminate your caffeine intake, a little caffeine can go a long way when it comes to exercise. Cutting back and getting your habit under control can offer you a valuable tool to make your workouts more effective. Just make sure to stay hydrated.
You don't have to give up caffeine entirely to get your intake under control. You may be ingesting way more caffeine on a daily basis than you think you do. Maybe you want to have more control over how caffeinated beverages make you feel. Whatever the reason is, you can get back in the driver's seat and learn to love your coffee and tea instead of feel like you're in an abusive relationship with it, all without feeling like death for weeks or months to get there.
Andy Bellatti, MS, RD is a Seattle-based Nutritionist and the author of the nutrition blog Small Bites. You can follow him on Twitter at @andybellatti.
Alannah Dibona, MA, MS, is a Boston-based Nutritionist and wellness counselor, and the woman behind mindbodysportconsulting.com.
Both graciously volunteered their expertise for this story, and we thank them.
Title image remixed using Markus Genn (Shutterstock) and Szymon Apanowicz (Shutterstock).
CAFFEINE
How to Kick Your Caffeine Addiction and Actually Enjoy Your Coffee Again
By Alan Henry, Sep 19, 2012 8:00 AM
SHARE
Caffeine can be a great pick-me-up, but it can also be really scary. Like most things, it's great in moderation, but when you get to the point of needing that morning cup like the air your breathe, it's time to admit you have a problem. Here's how to kick your caffeine addiction without feeling like crap in the process.
Stop for a moment and think about how much caffeine you consume. Your morning cup of coffee is obvious, but also consider how many caffeinated sodas you drink. Then think about how many cups of tea you have, caffeinated snacks you eat, and whether your preferred painkiller has caffeine in it. It can add up pretty quickly, and if you're not careful, caffeine can become a crutch instead of a tool.
A few years ago, I could stop by a convenience store for a 24 oz. cup of coffee at 2am, drink it, go to bed at 4am, sleep soundly, and wake up at 7am to go to work, no problems. That's when I realized that if I actually wanted to use caffeine as a tool to stay alert, or try the caffeine power nap, I couldn't do it—my tolerance was entirely too high. I decided to do something about it: I wanted my morning cup or afternoon tea to actually help me focus instead of being a lifeline to stay awake. I cut my intake back bit by bit, and in the process learned to really love coffee and tea—blends, brews, types, and styles all started to appeal to me, and in turn I'm more mindful when I pour a cup.
You can do the same, and in this post we'll share some techniques to tame your caffeine addiction and make it work for you, instead of the other way around.
Tame It or Quit It?
Whether you choose to give up caffeine entirely or just want to use it intelligently is up to you. Some of us at Lifehacker HQ have given it up, but some of us love our morning cup and indulge in an afternoon tea. What we all agree on though is that caffeine, like anything else in your diet, should be taken in moderation, understanding exactly what it does to you and why. Photo by Ellie Goodman.
There's been a lot of research into the effects of caffeine on health, and you'll find opinions on all sides as to whether you should drink more, less, or none at all. We're not going to tackle that debate here, but we will say this: if you're not using caffeine strategically and instead you're letting it use you, it's time to take back the reins. When consumed intelligently, caffeine can bring its health benefits to bear while simultaneously offering you a much needed boost. In short, your caffeine habits should be more akin to using a scalpel, not a howitzer.
Stick to the Caffeinated Beverages You Love and Cut Back Gradually
On a recent episode of the Lifehacker Podcast, a caller noted that he consumed upwards of 18 cups of coffee a day. We offered some suggestions on the show, and you've offered some tips in the past, but we also put the question to nutritionists Andy Belatti and Allannah Dibona. Here are some suggestions they came up with:
Count your caffeine. The first thing you need to do is keep track of how much caffeine you take in. Alannah suggests, "GO SLOW. Caffeine is mightily addictive, and any sort of drastic change can bring about equally dramatic symptoms. I'd begin by taking accurate note of your intake over the first few days." If you're willing to do the math, she points out, bringing your caffeine intake to a reasonable level will be much easier. You'll be able to tell where you're struggling and make adjustments, or hold at a given point without giving up and buying a case of soda. Photo by shira gal.
Cut back slowly. It may be the most obvious suggestion, but trying to go cold turkey when you're taking in a lot of caffeine over the course of a day is a recipe for disaster. At best, you'll feel miserable and power through it, at worst that miserable feeling will make you just give up. "When you're talking about 10 or 12 cups of coffee a day, you're looking at something that will take a little over a month to scale back on. I'd recommend having 2 fewer cups of coffee each successive week (10 cups a day one week, then 8 cups a day the next, 6 cups a day the following, etc.) That should help mitigate the typical withdrawal symptoms—mainly headaches, anxiety, and irritability," Andy notes. Start slow and give yourself time to kick the habit—or at least come down to a manageable level.
Change up "the usual" and choose a different coffee drink. If your usual drink at the coffee bar is a standard cup of drip or a multi-shot espresso, consider changing it up to something with the same volume but less caffeine. "Little known fact: one shot of espresso has less caffeine than a cup of coffee. When I was trying to cut back, I'd drink an americano (espresso and hot water) instead of a regular drip cup," Alannah explained. "I found the flavor intense, muddy and enjoyable, but my propensity toward caffeine shakes decreased dramatically." Photo by journeys.
Kick other caffeinated beverages. If you love your morning cup of coffee too much to give it up, but you want to cut back the caffeine you consume, look elsewhere in your diet. Do you drink sugary, caffeinated sodas in the afternoon or evening? It may be easier to switch to some other tasty, healthy alternative to soda instead. Picking something else to sip when you need refreshment can benefit your health and help you kick caffeine. If you're a fan of super-caffeinated snacks, cut back on those too—a novelty Black Black now and again is fun, but if you hit the post-lunch drag and pop one in your mouth just to keep going, it's time to give it up.
Hack Your Caffeine Fix with Some Clever Diet Tricks
Gradually stepping down is one thing, but if your problem is psychological, there are plenty of ways to trick your brain and body into thinking you're getting the fix you need. Photo by Tim Massey.
Try Half-Caf. It may sound awful to coffee fans (and depending on how you prep it, it can be,) but switching from fully caffeinated brews to half-caffeinated ones lets you drink the same amount of fluid while cutting the amount of caffeine you ingest in half. Combine this with stepping down the volume of coffee or tea you drink, and you're making serious progress.
Fall in love with the Cafe Diablo. This is a personal favorite of mine, and a trick I've used to keep my caffeine intake in check. When you really need that afternoon cup of coffee, go for it, but instead of all coffee, make a half-cup of hot cocoa and a half-cup of coffee. The end-result is less caffeinated than a full cup, and really delicious. Watch how much sugar and milk you add, and you can even go 3/4 cocoa and 1/4 coffee instead. Just don't get hooked!
Switch to a low or no-caffeine alternative. Andy suggests Teeccino, a popular herbal tea that roasts up and is served like coffee, but is caffeine-free. You might also try roasted barley tea, or mugicha in Japanese (available at your local asian market, or online.) Roasted barley tea is often sold with other ingredients to boost its flavor (if you can get chicory, try it!) and don't have the tooth enamel-eating issues that other hot drinks often have. Both options ideal for people who can't have caffeine for medical reasons, but even switching one or two cups of coffee or tea with it can help cut your caffeine intake without forcing you to give up the psychological comfort of a hot cuppa. Photo by Richard Masoner.
Drink water. The benefits of hydration are well documented. We've busted the myth that caffeinated beverages don't hydrate you before, but this is about cutting caffeine. A little water—even flavored waters with citrus, fruit, or other flavorful mixers—can replace the volume you normally take in with soda. Our own Adam Dachis mentioned that his sister—who sings—has been known to just enjoy a hot cup of water instead of coffee or tea. Hot water is a popular performer's trick to keep your voice in prime condition, and is sometimes taken with a little lemon or honey to add flavor. If a hot cup is all you want, give it a try.
Try Tea Instead
Tea is another diet trick to help you cut down on caffeine, but it deserves a little more attention. My two caffeinated beverages of choice are coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon. Even some of us at Lifehacker HQ who very closely watch our caffeine intakes are willing to enjoy a cup of tea from time to time, and you can too. The key is to learn a little about tea, and which teas have the most caffeine in them and which have the least.
We've laid out coffee and tea side by side before, but one thing is clear: if you're drinking coffee all day, or tossing back sodas, any tea will represent a cut in your caffeine intake, and can bring in some of caffeine's alertness and focus benefits without the crash you get from a sugary, caffeinated soda or a quad-shot espresso. Our coffee lover's guide to tea is well worth a read if you want to get into tea, but here are some critical points:
Black teas have the highest caffeine content, usually upwards of 60-70 milligrams (mg) per cup. Much of this depends on the blend and the steep time though—shorter steeping can get you a cup of black tea with 20mg per 12oz cup, but deeply roasted, long-steeped black tea can push 100mg per cup. That's still a bargain, compared to a cup of drip coffee, which can come in well over 100mg.
Green teas fall in the middle, averaging around 30-40mg per cup, again depending on blend and brew. Green teas usually don't push past 50mg, but lightly steeped pots can come in close to 10mg. Photo by Joe Hall.
White teas usually have the least amount of caffeine, partially because the plant is harvested at a young age and the leaves are very lightly roasted. White teas carry between 5-30mg per 12oz cup.
Herbal teas vary depending on the herbs that go into them. You'll have to do your homework on this one—some herbal teas (which aren't technically tea because they have no actual tea leaves in them) like Rooibos (aka Red Bush) has no caffeine, but Yerba Mate on the other hand has more caffeine than coffee.
Again, these numbers aren't perfect, and you can read more about the nuances that come with the type, blend, and roasting of different teas at Adagio Tea here and The Frgrant Leaf here. Granted, they both sell tea so they have a vested interest, but the data is legit.
Also, keep in mind though that an average 12oz coke only has about 20-25mg of caffeine, so a one for one switch from soda to tea isn't a good idea. If you're considering tea as a substitute for coffee, you'll be decreasing your caffeine intake with the same volume intake. If you're considering tea as a substitute for soda, you'll still need to cut back. In either case, tea is a tool to help you cut back, not an overall replacement.
Fight Caffeine Withdrawl with Exercise
Andy noted one more creative suggestion: exercise. " One of the best ways to conquer caffeine withdrawal symptoms is to get some sort of exercise for 20 - 25 minutes. Exercise unleashes a flood of endorphins, which often helps to curb headaches." While you probably can't just go for a run or hit the treadmill every time you crave a soda or a cup of coffee, it's true that exercise—especially regular exercise—has mental and emotional benefits as well as immediate benefits like Andy noted. Photo by Mike Baird.
Additionally, if you're looking to tame instead of eliminate your caffeine intake, a little caffeine can go a long way when it comes to exercise. Cutting back and getting your habit under control can offer you a valuable tool to make your workouts more effective. Just make sure to stay hydrated.
You don't have to give up caffeine entirely to get your intake under control. You may be ingesting way more caffeine on a daily basis than you think you do. Maybe you want to have more control over how caffeinated beverages make you feel. Whatever the reason is, you can get back in the driver's seat and learn to love your coffee and tea instead of feel like you're in an abusive relationship with it, all without feeling like death for weeks or months to get there.
Andy Bellatti, MS, RD is a Seattle-based Nutritionist and the author of the nutrition blog Small Bites. You can follow him on Twitter at @andybellatti.
Alannah Dibona, MA, MS, is a Boston-based Nutritionist and wellness counselor, and the woman behind mindbodysportconsulting.com.
Both graciously volunteered their expertise for this story, and we thank them.
Title image remixed using Markus Genn (Shutterstock) and Szymon Apanowicz (Shutterstock).
HTC announced newly minted Windows Phone 8 model
For the smartphone user who doesn't want a monster screen....
By Tom Warren 1 Hour Ago
The second of HTC's newly announced Windows Phone 8 devices sees the company target the mid-range with the Windows Phone 8S. In a somewhat similar look and feel to Sony's Xperia P device, HTC has created a device with a dip effect of coloring on the front and rear. Featuring a 4.0-inch WVGA display, the 8S includes a 1.0GHz dual-core S4 processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of storage.
Beats Audio now on Windows Phone
Like the 8X, HTC has opted to include Beats Audio on its Windows Phone 8S — however, the 8S does not include additional amplifiers to take advantage of the Beats integration. HTC has a Beats Audio application installed on the 8S which provides notifications after headphones are plugged in, with the option to switch the Beats settings on.
HTC isn't shipping the 8S with a forward facing camera — so there's no true video calling using the builtin Skype functionality of Windows Phone 8. At the rear there's a 5-megapixel camera with an f/2.8 aperture and 35mm lens that will record video at 720p. HTC is also equipping its 8S with a microSD slot to allow owners to expand storage past the rather small 4GB internal offering. The 8S will be available in a choice of four colors: Domino, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue, and High-Rise Gray.
A good HTC Radar replacement
I got a chance to look at HTC's 8X during a recent briefing and my overall impression is that it will make for a good Radar replacement for a low-cost Windows Phone. There's a removable panel at the bottom of the device that provides access to the Micro-SIM and microSD slots, but there's no removable battery. It's slightly lighter (113 grams) than the HTC Radar (137 grams) and the 4-inch boost from 3.8 makes it a nice increment on the previous mid-range HTC Windows Phone. Overall, it might get overshadowed by its bigger brother, the Windows Phone 8X by HTC, but pricing could make it an interesting prospect for some this holiday season. HTC isn't announcing pricing or exact availability, but it says the 8S will be available in early November.
By Tom Warren 1 Hour Ago
The second of HTC's newly announced Windows Phone 8 devices sees the company target the mid-range with the Windows Phone 8S. In a somewhat similar look and feel to Sony's Xperia P device, HTC has created a device with a dip effect of coloring on the front and rear. Featuring a 4.0-inch WVGA display, the 8S includes a 1.0GHz dual-core S4 processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of storage.
Beats Audio now on Windows Phone
Like the 8X, HTC has opted to include Beats Audio on its Windows Phone 8S — however, the 8S does not include additional amplifiers to take advantage of the Beats integration. HTC has a Beats Audio application installed on the 8S which provides notifications after headphones are plugged in, with the option to switch the Beats settings on.
HTC isn't shipping the 8S with a forward facing camera — so there's no true video calling using the builtin Skype functionality of Windows Phone 8. At the rear there's a 5-megapixel camera with an f/2.8 aperture and 35mm lens that will record video at 720p. HTC is also equipping its 8S with a microSD slot to allow owners to expand storage past the rather small 4GB internal offering. The 8S will be available in a choice of four colors: Domino, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue, and High-Rise Gray.
A good HTC Radar replacement
I got a chance to look at HTC's 8X during a recent briefing and my overall impression is that it will make for a good Radar replacement for a low-cost Windows Phone. There's a removable panel at the bottom of the device that provides access to the Micro-SIM and microSD slots, but there's no removable battery. It's slightly lighter (113 grams) than the HTC Radar (137 grams) and the 4-inch boost from 3.8 makes it a nice increment on the previous mid-range HTC Windows Phone. Overall, it might get overshadowed by its bigger brother, the Windows Phone 8X by HTC, but pricing could make it an interesting prospect for some this holiday season. HTC isn't announcing pricing or exact availability, but it says the 8S will be available in early November.
GE launches new wall mounted charger for EV's
Show full PR text
18 September 2012
It is Watt Your Wall Has Been Waiting for
GE Launches the Stylish, Smart and Simple Wattstation Wall Mounted Electric Vehicle Chargers in Europe
MUNICH, GERMANY -September 18, 2012 -GE (NYSE: GE) has launched the wall-mounted version of its WattStation electric vehicle (EV) charger in Europe.
Unveiled at GE's Global Research Centre, located in the Technical University in Munich, Germany, the GE WattStation Wall might look like a work of modern art. But the stylish device makes owning and using electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles an easier and more attractive proposition. There is even an app for it.
The GE WattStation Wall is compatible with all the main types of European EV charging connections and is suitable for use in private and public locations. The compact unit can be easily installed indoors or outdoors, and its robust construction will resist rain, sleet and even ice. A flexible cord conveniently wraps around the unit to keep it organized and off the ground. To prevent unauthorised use, the WattStation Wall charger can be switched on and off from a separate switch.
The energy management capability of the WattStation Wall allows for several chargers to be connected to an existing power supply, enabling the easy installation of multiple charging points in parking lots and fleet depots. It also can be connected to existing energy management systems and is compatible with smart grid technology allowing users to take advantage of cheaper tariffs and to avoid unnecessary vehicle charging over peak demand periods.
The WattStation Wall is an appealing option when charging points are to be located in public areas or alongside distinctive architecture; the sleek design can be customized to match existing decors or to incorporate customers' corporate or favourite colours.
Getting Connected
WattStation Network, a networked version of the charger, which will be available early in 2013, will work with the WattStation Connect online service. It will meet the needs of car park operators, fleet managers and municipalities that require greater control of energy usage or the smart functionality necessary to collect payments and monitor usage.
User identification and online payment options will allow chargers to be made available to all EV drivers or restricted to authorised users only. Fleet managers also will be able to rebill users.
A WattStation smart phone app enables users to manage vehicle charging remotely and to obtain energy use information. The smart technology has been designed to accept future upgrades.
Charles Elazar, marketing director with GE Energy Management's Industrial Solutions business in Europe, Middle East and Africa says: "Customers are now looking at electric vehicles from an economic rather than an environmental perspective. The new wave of hybrid vehicles is creating interest, and we also are seeing a niche develop with organisations purchasing complete 'EV eco-systems,' packages of vehicles and charging infrastructure to meet specific transport needs."
The GE WattStation Wall meets these customers' needs with its combination of smart functionality and "plug-and-play" simplicity.
Along with a range of chargers that includes the GE DuraStation, WattStation Wall and WattStation Connect, GE provides the full range of electrical systems and smart grid technology necessary to develop and manage a complete electric vehicle infrastructure. Through its Capital and Fleet Services businesses, GE also is able to provide the financing, vehicles and fleet management knowhow to support the widespread adoption of EV technology.
GE is a keen supporter of EVs. In 2010, the company announced plans to purchase 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015 for use as company cars and to lease to corporate customers through its Fleet Services business. At the time GE's Chief Executive Officer Jeff Immelt said he hoped the purchase would "move electric vehicles from anticipation to action."
More information about the GE WattStation Wall is available at:www.gepowercontrols.com/ev.
For trade sales enquires contact Joerg Platzer at GE Energyjoerg.platzer@ge.com.
Notes
The GE WattStation Wall measures 60 cm tall by 40 cm wide and 15 cm deep.
The WattStation Wall is supports type 1 plugs; type 2 plugs, type 2 sockets and type 3 sockets, the most commonly used EV charging connections in Europe, USA and Japan.
GE WattStation Wall complies with IEC 62196-1 and IEC 62196-2 standards.
Filed under: Transportation
18 September 2012
It is Watt Your Wall Has Been Waiting for
GE Launches the Stylish, Smart and Simple Wattstation Wall Mounted Electric Vehicle Chargers in Europe
MUNICH, GERMANY -September 18, 2012 -GE (NYSE: GE) has launched the wall-mounted version of its WattStation electric vehicle (EV) charger in Europe.
Unveiled at GE's Global Research Centre, located in the Technical University in Munich, Germany, the GE WattStation Wall might look like a work of modern art. But the stylish device makes owning and using electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles an easier and more attractive proposition. There is even an app for it.
The GE WattStation Wall is compatible with all the main types of European EV charging connections and is suitable for use in private and public locations. The compact unit can be easily installed indoors or outdoors, and its robust construction will resist rain, sleet and even ice. A flexible cord conveniently wraps around the unit to keep it organized and off the ground. To prevent unauthorised use, the WattStation Wall charger can be switched on and off from a separate switch.
The energy management capability of the WattStation Wall allows for several chargers to be connected to an existing power supply, enabling the easy installation of multiple charging points in parking lots and fleet depots. It also can be connected to existing energy management systems and is compatible with smart grid technology allowing users to take advantage of cheaper tariffs and to avoid unnecessary vehicle charging over peak demand periods.
The WattStation Wall is an appealing option when charging points are to be located in public areas or alongside distinctive architecture; the sleek design can be customized to match existing decors or to incorporate customers' corporate or favourite colours.
Getting Connected
WattStation Network, a networked version of the charger, which will be available early in 2013, will work with the WattStation Connect online service. It will meet the needs of car park operators, fleet managers and municipalities that require greater control of energy usage or the smart functionality necessary to collect payments and monitor usage.
User identification and online payment options will allow chargers to be made available to all EV drivers or restricted to authorised users only. Fleet managers also will be able to rebill users.
A WattStation smart phone app enables users to manage vehicle charging remotely and to obtain energy use information. The smart technology has been designed to accept future upgrades.
Charles Elazar, marketing director with GE Energy Management's Industrial Solutions business in Europe, Middle East and Africa says: "Customers are now looking at electric vehicles from an economic rather than an environmental perspective. The new wave of hybrid vehicles is creating interest, and we also are seeing a niche develop with organisations purchasing complete 'EV eco-systems,' packages of vehicles and charging infrastructure to meet specific transport needs."
The GE WattStation Wall meets these customers' needs with its combination of smart functionality and "plug-and-play" simplicity.
Along with a range of chargers that includes the GE DuraStation, WattStation Wall and WattStation Connect, GE provides the full range of electrical systems and smart grid technology necessary to develop and manage a complete electric vehicle infrastructure. Through its Capital and Fleet Services businesses, GE also is able to provide the financing, vehicles and fleet management knowhow to support the widespread adoption of EV technology.
GE is a keen supporter of EVs. In 2010, the company announced plans to purchase 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015 for use as company cars and to lease to corporate customers through its Fleet Services business. At the time GE's Chief Executive Officer Jeff Immelt said he hoped the purchase would "move electric vehicles from anticipation to action."
More information about the GE WattStation Wall is available at:www.gepowercontrols.com/ev.
For trade sales enquires contact Joerg Platzer at GE Energyjoerg.platzer@ge.com.
Notes
The GE WattStation Wall measures 60 cm tall by 40 cm wide and 15 cm deep.
The WattStation Wall is supports type 1 plugs; type 2 plugs, type 2 sockets and type 3 sockets, the most commonly used EV charging connections in Europe, USA and Japan.
GE WattStation Wall complies with IEC 62196-1 and IEC 62196-2 standards.
Filed under: Transportation
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