Today's Mobile Minute brings you coverage on an iPhone security hole, how mobile phones are used to transfer music in Mali, Facebook's continued mobile marketing strategy, and the Guardian's updated mobile web site.
- Wired.com reports on a security hole in the iPhone that allows people to bypass password protection screens to access the phone's address book. According to the site: "the quick method to circumvent an iPhone’s passcode-protected lock screen: tap the “Emergency Call” button, then enter three pound signs, hit the green Call button and immediately press the Lock button. That simple procedure gives a snoop full access to the Phone app on the iPhone, which contains the address book, voicemail and call history." Apple is aware of the breach and is working on a patch for the next version of the phone.
- "Music from Saharan Cellphones" is a mixtape of songs originally stored on and collected from SIM cards. Portland-based blogger Christopher Kirkley traveled in Mali, and, along the way, traded music over SIM cards with people he met. When he returned home, he put the songs together to show the wide range of music that people in Mali share via SIM cards.
- Although Facebook announced it will not be launching its own handset, the company will be expanding its mobile reach with new applications and features that target mobile Facebook users. Facebook will be pushing its Places feature that allows users to check-in at various stores and restaurants. To promote Facebook Places, Facebook has partnered with companies such as Gap, H&M and McDonalds to offer deals to users who check-in. (Yes, we know - the mythical Starbucks coupon when you walk by...) (via Textually)
- The Guardian announced the launch of its updated mobile web site today as well as the pricing scheme for its new iPhone app, which will roll out next month. A UK iPhone Guardian app will require a paid subscription, while the US app will be free and subsidized with ads.
[Mobile Minute Disclaimer: The Mobile Minute is a quick round-up of interesting stories that have come across our RSS and Twitter feeds to keep you informed of the rapid pace of innovation. Tag an item #mobilemin if you want to see it include! Read them and enjoy them, but know that we have not deeply investigated these news items. For more in-depth reporting about the ever-growing field of mobile tech for social change, check out our blog posts, white papers and research, how-tos, and case studies.]
Image courtesy Flickr user QiFei
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