Smartphones, wearable tech, tablet and computers are some of the most common holiday gifts. After receiving new electronics, it’s easy to forget about older devices and store them in a drawer or box around the house. Two alternatives to keeping old devices are recycling and refurbishment through a certified IT asset management company. Working with…
As 2016 reaches its end, the HOBI team wishes everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope everyone has a restful end to the holiday season, and 2017 brings many opportunities for growth. During 2016, HOBI grew our service offerings to include Mobility Managed Services (MMS) and refined our ITAD, data center, reverse…
A new report from Pew Research Center indicates as many as 1 in 8 Americans are online shoppers. The research center reports 79 percent of Americans have purchased something online, 51 percent have purchased something using a cellphone and 15 percent have purchased something using links through social media. When Pew conducted the same research…
Research and Markets reports the ITAD market will exceed $20 billion within the next six years. The market is anticipated to reach $20.09 billion by 2022, if this prediction is correct, the market will grow at a CAGR of 9.8 percent. The firm indicates mobile device management will be the largest growing ITAD sector…
A new report from the NPD Group indicates unlocked devices comprise 12 percent of the U.S. smartphone market, and that number will continue growing within the next few years. The increase in unlocked phone purchases is a response to carriers eliminating subsidized plans and users wanting more carrier flexibility. Unlocked devices are an attractive option…
Here is a recap of the HOBI blog for the week of 12/12-12/16 Apple releases Support app in the U.S Apple officially released its Support app in the U.S. this Wednesday. The app was previously available exclusively in the Netherlands. Ransomware distribution increased 300 percent between 2015 and 2016 According to U.S. government statistics, ransomware…
Apple officially released its Support app in the U.S. this Wednesday. The app was previously available exclusively in the Netherlands. The personalized app uses information from iCloud to provide information and services that correspond with which devices the user owns. Users are able to view support documents, troubleshooting conversations and schedule Apple store appointments and…
According to U.S. government statistics, ransomware has increased 300 percent within the past year. Daily ransomware attacks increased from 1,000 to 4,000 between 2015 and 2016, and the number of attacks is not expected to diminish in the future. Ransomware is a form of malware that steals valuable data from a user and will only…
CNET recently reported Facebook buys credentials hackers sell on the black market. While this practice may seem unorthodox, Alex Stamos, Facebook’s Chief Security Officer, claims these purchases are for Facebook’s overall security effort. Credential theft is the number one cause of account and information hacking. Using the same username and password combination is a common…
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 devices have continued to make headlines this fall because of large-scale device malfunctions. Multiple reports of devices exploding and catching fire led to battery charge capping, and eventual recall of all Galaxy Note 7 devices. What caused the device fires is still unclear, but many industry experts think hasty construction of…
Here is a recap of the HOBI blog for the week of 12/5-12/9 Apple reports iPhone 6S battery malfunction is more widespread than expected Apple recently initiated a trade-in program for malfunctioning iPhone 6S devices. The program served as a response to multiple reports of iPhone 6S and 6S Plus devices shutting down without warning.…
Apple recently initiated a trade-in program for malfunctioning iPhone 6S devices. The program served as a response to multiple reports of iPhone 6S and 6S Plus devices shutting down without warning. Apple initially indicated the affected devices were manufactured between September and October of 2015, but now the company thinks the malfunction may be more…
After months of deliberation, the Supreme Court has reached a decision in Samsung and Apple’s design infringement case. Earlier today, the Supreme Court ruled Samsung only violated one component of Apple’s design patent instead of the entire device, meaning Samsung may not be forced to pay penalties. In 2012, a jury ruled Samsung’s smartphone design…
With the holidays in a few weeks, shoppers everywhere are using their mobile and desktop devices for online purchases. While online shopping is a convenient option for holiday shopping, without the right precautions, shoppers personal data could be at risk. Here are four tips for protecting personal information while shopping online this holiday season: Protect…
Here is a recap of the HOBI blog for the week of 11/28-12/2 New legislation raises data privacy concerns A modification to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure took effect earlier this morning. The new rule allows investigative agencies to access multiple citizens devices with a single search warrant. Mobile device management…