Verizon's Solution To Mobile Privacy: A Sticker [3]

After the location tracking [4] files of Android and iOS caught national headlines, renewed a national privacy debate, and prompted a rare reply from Steve Jobs [5], Verizon's new low-tech solution may not allay the nation's fears and place all 1984 conspiracy theories to rest: a sticker--a sticker that alerts users that "This device is capable of determining its (and your) physical, geographical location..." The warning will be applied to cell phones, smartphones, and V Cast apps. -- Updated, 5:45 p.m.

[3]

[3]Blistering Fast 100 Terabit Fiber Optics [6]

Two separate research teams have discovered a way to transfer data at an astounding 100 terabits per second. Unlike current fiber optic cables, which transmits data with a single blinking core, both teams split the signal process into multiple simultaneous streams. Though it won't be commercially available for some time, growing demand [7], especially from streaming video like Netflix [8], will likely push for faster implementation. -- Updated, 5:45 p.m.

Groupon Dumps Trump [9]

Groupon [10] pulls ads from Donald Trump's Apprentice website, saying it had gotten calls from customers upset about Trump's ongoing political circus [11]. "It's the same reason we don't run deals on guns or abortion ... this isn't a political statement, it's avoiding intentionally upsetting a segment of our customers," Groupon said on its blog [12]. Perhaps Groupon's feeling a bit gun-shy following its Super Bowl ads fiasco [13]. And speaking of guns, wonder how Trump feels about being grouped with firearms and abortion as a political lightning rod...

FaceTime Equivalent Comes To Android [14]

Nearly a year after its closest competitor launched mobile video chat [15], face-to-face conversations are coming to the Nexus S (and soon others). Google [16] makes up for lost time, however, by permitting its service over 3G and 4G, giving it a leg up on Apple [17]'s Wi-Fi restriction.

Google TV Is A Bust [18]

Broadcasters ganging up to block Google TV [19] from their content is paying off: Logitech’s Revue Google TV set-top box whiffed on expectations by roughly 70%, making $5 million instead of $18 million. Perhaps Google has finally met its kryptonite.

Samsung Profits Plunge [20]

Samsung's [21] first-quarter profits dropped to $2.6 billion, a 30% decrease from a year ago. An 11% spike in Korea's currency, the won, makes exports more expensive, and punishes companies that repatriate their earnings back home.

Sources: Wireless and Mobile News, PopSci, CNN, Venture Beat, Gigaom, BBC

[Image: Flickr user Clintus McGintus [22]]