After a device upgrade, users may look into the various resale or trade-in opportunities for older smartphones. Reselling a device that is no longer in use is one of the best ways to get maximum value, but if the owner does not take proper data erasure precautions, their personal information could be stolen. A basic…
Data center transitions are a common occurrence in enterprise IT functions. Whether it’s a switch to a larger space, downsizing or colocation, enterprise data center needs are constantly changing. Most companies’ first instinct is to downsize or choose new servers that seem to yield more memory or speed, but a transition to cloud computing could…
Last year, bills were introduced in several state legislatures but none passed. Lobbyists working on behalf of OEMs have found the bills, arguing they present consumer safety and cybersecurity concerns. But in December, those aligned with the movement got a boost when Consumer Reports released a model right-to-repair bill. And now, the right-to-repair legislation has…
Mobile has become a mainstream tool for the vast majority of enterprise workers. Over the past three to four years, instead of being viewed as an emerging technology, it’s basically made the transition to a mature solution that’s been almost universally accepted. But mobile still has its challenges. The diversity of devices, unequal security capabilities,…
Provided is a weekly snapshot of the recent technology, data security and mobile related news that HOBI’s blog reported during the week 2/11-2/15. Regulating new tech may harm public safety efforts With biometric technology like facial recognition, our tech devices are becoming easier and more convenient to use. But with the rising popularity comes the…
Next Monday marks another celebration of National Battery Day. Observed each year on February 18, this is a day to appreciate the convenience batteries provide to our everyday lives. As consumers, it’s our responsibility to recycle them when they have reached end-of-life. Battery recycling not only helps prevent potentially hazardous materials in batteries from harming…
A paper distributed on arXiv, an online repository of e-prints, analyzes the concerning lack of security when it comes to the companion apps of IoT devices. The security issues plaguing IoT devices themselves are well-documented. While customers’ first thoughts may be on how secure their device is, for manufacturers, security often seems to be an…
Mobile phones have become so ubiquitous that it feels like pretty much everyone we know has one. And today there are different levels of phones on the market – from prepaid phones that cost less than $100 to the latest OLED, bezel-free phones that run well over $1,000. And for the most part, we’ve grown…
Since the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect last May, EU organizations have reported almost 60,000 data breaches, but so far only 91 have been issued by regulators. A DLA Piper report speculates the reason behind the low number of fines in comparison to the massive volume of reported data breaches…
Facial recognition may be a relatively new technology, but it is also an innate skill that we’re born with. Having our tech devices mimic our own facial recognition skills provides tremendous new conveniences that streamline our lives. This emerging technology already helps us to unlock our phones and doors, bypass the need to remember passwords…
Provided is a weekly snapshot of the recent mobile, recycling and ITAD related news that HOBI’s blog reported during the week 2/04-2/08. Survey reveals 2018 was the “worst year ever” for the smartphone market Did you upgrade to a new smartphone last year? If not, you’re not alone. A recent survey reveals 2018 was the…
Many enterprises and organizations are kicking off various green initiatives to address the global waste issue. But for years, the easiest green initiative for a majority of Americans has been right from the comfort of their own homes – curbside recycling programs. All one has to do is to separate recyclable materials from non-recyclable waste…
Large U.S. organizations have made major improvements in their ITAD practices within the last year, according to new primary and secondary research conducted by Compliance Standards LLC (CS). But despite reports of several indications that positive ITAD practices have gained momentum, an unsettled ITAD vendor ecosystem still raises concern among ITAD service buyers, which has…
Electronic waste is one of the most concerning growing threats to the environment. Thanks to the low cost of production, it’ easier than ever for corporations to pump out millions of laptops, smartphones, IoT devices and other consumer gadgets. Electronic companies believe repair and reuse hurts their bottom line, therefore they push for consumers to…
Global smartphone sales saw their worst contraction ever in 2018, and the outlook for 2019 isn’t much better, new surveys shows. Worldwide handset volumes declined 4.1 percent in 2018 to a total of 1.4 billion units shipped for the full year, according to research firm IDC, which sees a potential for further declines this year.…