Apple is thinking of turning your iPhone into a secure walkie-talkie

Apple has patented tech that could make direct chats over iPhone or iPad an alternative to speaking to people face-to-face.

Apple demonstrates how the point-to-point voice comms system could be used.

Apple has filed a patent for a service that could transform iPhones and iPads into secure walkie-talkies.

iPhone users could use the service to find one or more friends nearby and chat to them without having to connect to a mobile phone network.

The service for establishing what Apple calls 'ad-hoc point-to-point voice communication' is the subject of the patent, published today.

Apple suggests multiple reasons why people might want to communicate in this way.

One scenario it suggests, is where two people need to talk to each other from opposite sides of a crowded, noisy room and need to be free to move independently.

"Such ambient noises may require both individuals to approach within a certain proximity of each other, which can hinder freedom of movement of one or both users for the duration of the direct communication," it states.

Users could use a graphical interface on a touchscreen to pick the people nearby they wanted to establish a direct voice link with, the patent suggests, as shown below.

A possible interface for selecting people nearby to talk to.

The patent argues that picking people from this interface would be simpler and quicker than working out who was nearby, finding them in a contacts list and ringing them.

Also, when people on a call can directly see each other, the latency of routing that call over a cellular system, over the internet via Voice over IP or other indirect communication channel, can create a jarring mismatch between what the user is saying and what they're doing, the patent contends, making a lower latency, direct voice link preferable.

Apple suggests this point-to-point network link could be established using Bluetooth or local wi-fi connections and that the link would work providing users stayed within a certain proximity to each other.

Such a communication method could be secure and discreet, relative to phone calls, using unsecured walkie-talkies or talking to someone face-to-face, the patent posits.

"As wireless ad hoc network links can include signal encryption, discreetness of the voice communication between users via the wireless ad hoc network link can be enhanced," it states.

The patent lists the iPhone and the iPad among the examples of electronic devices the service could be used with, though doesn't single them out. In another possible hint, the filing also refers to a "wireless communication device" used for direct voice comms as running the GUI on an iPhone or iPad-like touchscreen.

A sketch in the patent shows the service being used by two people wearing headsets plugged into smartphones, as seen at the top of the story. The patent also includes a drawing showing a point-to-point voice link being directly established between two wireless headsets.

Bizarrely, the patent even suggests the system could be handy where two people want to meet up while avoiding people nearby who smell unpleasant or who are discharging bodily fluids.

"For example, the users may desire to maintain a minimum distance between each other for cultural reasons, lack of familiarity with each other, a desire to avoid impinging upon each other's personal space, a desire to minimize contact with bodily odors and discharges of other individuals," the patent states.

FBI wants to keep secret who's stored in its massive biometric database

The FBI said it would retain the data to "aid in establishing patterns of activity" to help discover new criminals when they arise.

The FBI is proposing keeping information that it stores as part of a massive biometric database private -- even to those whose information is stored in the records.

Known as the Next Generation Identification System (NGIS), the database draws in biometric data from passport registration, security checks, and judicial processing -- such as if someone is arrested. The database also includes biometric records on foreigners, such as those who apply for visas, and foreign law enforcement staff.

But it's not just fingerprints -- it's iris scans, facial scans, palm prints, and any other bodily information that can be collected as part of a routine interaction with the government agency.

The FBI argues that the data is so sensitive that it should be exempt from the Privacy Act, which would prevent anyone from asking if their data is included.

In a public filing, the agency justified the proposal, arguing that it "could compromise ongoing, authorized law enforcement and national security efforts and may permit the record subject with the opportunity to evade or impede the investigation."

The FBI added that the agency could use the data to catch future criminals.

"With time, seemingly irrelevant or untimely information may acquire new significance when new details are brought to light. Additionally, the information may aid in establishing patterns of activity and providing criminal leads," the proposal read.

It's not known how many people are in the database. The Electronic Frontier Foundation said in 2014 that the FBI planned to have more than 52 million photos in its database by the end of last year.

Best Windows 10 laptops for professionals

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Microsoft shifted its business model when it released Windows 10 for free in July 2015. Here are 10 of the best laptops for professionals using Windows 10.

Perhaps one of the most successful "crossover" laptop hybrids, the Surface Pro 4 is a great option for the user who needs the flexibility of a device that operates as a tablet when needed. It's not the cheapest option, but it is worth the cost.

2. Dell XPS 13

Available with or without a touch screen, the Dell XPS 13 is a great option for a professional user looking for a traditional laptop. It is also available as the larger XPS 15, but you'll get better battery life with the smaller model.

3. Lenovo Yoga 900

The Lenovo Yoga 900 is a top-performer in terms of battery life, and adds the flexibility of its fold-over body style. While slightly bulkier than last year's Yoga Pro 3, the Yoga 900 makes up for it with better performance.

4. HP Spectre x360

Taking its cue from the Yoga line by Lenovo, the HP Spectre x360 is another hinged laptop that converts into a tablet. This model has very long battery life and is a great option at its price point.

5. Asus Zenbook UX305

Its slim form factor, low price, and impressive specs make the Asus Zenbook UX305 a great option for professionals on the go. It boasts 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core M processor.

6. Microsoft Surface Book

The Surface Book is the more feature-rich and laptop-centric device in Microsoft's Surface line. It's geared more toward professionals, and carries a hefty price tag.

7. Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus

The Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus is a sturdy laptop with a good battery life and an ultrabook-style design. It's also lightweight and easy to carry all day.

8. HP ZBook 15 G2

Power users looking for a true workstation laptop would do well to check out the HP ZBook 15 G2. Its high price brings high performance, including up to 32GB memory and an Intel Core i7 processor.

9. Dell Precision 5510

A smaller, lighter workstation option is the Dell Precision 5510. Includes a 4K display and a great design.

10. Lenovo Ideapad 100S

For the budget-conscious business professional, the Lenovo Ideapad 100S is a great option for a very low price. While not for power users, it's a great fit for folks who primarily email or work on cloud-based office suites.

11. Apple MacBook Pro

Here's a bonus option: If you need to use Windows 10, but can't let go of your Mac, you can run Windows 10 through Boot Camp or a virtual machine.

Hacker thrown in jail for reporting police system security flaws

The sentence probably wasn't quite the reward he was looking for.

A hacker has been awarded a suspended sentence for disclosing security vulnerabilities in a Slovenian police system.

The student, 26-year-old Dejan Ornig, studied the Tetra police communication system and through his study found that the system contained security vulnerabilities due to incorrect configuration settings, among other issues.

Between 2012 and 2014, Ornig, alongside colleagues, discovered that Tetra did not always encrypt communication sent through the protocol. As Tetra is used by the military, the Slovenian Intelligence and Security Service and other agencies, a lack of encryption could have serious ramifications for intelligence and the country as a whole.

As noted by Security Affairs, the student then disclosed these security issues to law enforcement, but after waiting at least a year, there was no action taken to remedy the flaws.

As a result, Ornig decided to publicly disclose the issues in March this year -- something the Slovenian authorities were not happy with.

The public disclosure did result in the rapid patching of the security vulnerabilities. However, once the problems were fixed, law enforcement turned its gaze on the student and accused Ornig of attempting to hack into government networks on three separate occasions in 2014.

The issue was made more complicated when law enforcement raided his home and found a fake police badge and recorded conversations related to Ornig's former employer.

According to local publication Pod Crto, Ornig was charged with attacks on information systems, the falsification of documents and "undue" audio recording.

A Slovenian court handed down a suspended sentence of one year and three months in prison on 11 May.

In the past decade, ethical and "white hat" hacking has become more regulated through the use of bug bounty programs and financial incentives. However, it appears that despite dragging their feet to patch problems, some agencies do not take kindly to public disclosures forcing them to do so.

What's Happening @ Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

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MONDAY, 23 MAY 2016 Today's High Temp: 85° F/30.5° C Miami Beach Surf Temp: 78° F/25.5° C MAY TEMPTATION During May, all visitors and locals will be offered "Buy One, Get One Free" admission at participating museums. Also, during this month-long program, membership at any one of these participating museums will work as a free pass to any of the other museums. For more GMCVB Marketing Programs, visit MiamiTemptations.com. MAY IS HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH! Haitian Heritage Month is a nationally dedicated time where the Haitian community celebrates the culture and traditions of Haiti. The celebration is an expansion of the Haitian Flag Day on May 18, a major patriotic day celebration in Haiti and the Diaspora created to encourage patriotism. Click here learn about special celebrations taking place throughout Miami and Beaches. DID YOU KNOW... Little Haiti, established in 1973, is a culturally vibrant community that has enhanced Greater Miami-s multi-ethnic character. It is the only area in the history of Haitian immigration primarily inhabited by Haitians. MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MIA) #1 in Airline Carriers in the U.S. Military Wall of Honor to be Unveiled at MIA In advance of Memorial Day, Miami International Airport will unveil a Wall of Honor memorial near the center of the airport on May 26 that lists the names of the 118 South Florida military officers who have given their lives while serving in any Overseas Contingency Mission or declared theater of operations in the Global War on Terrorism since September 11, 2001, according to Department of Defense records. PORTMIAMI Cruise Capital of the World™ Always was. Always will be. Carnival Corporation's Fathom Adonia Begins Historic Cuba Service from PortMiami After months of anticipation, the Fathom Adonia (Fathom is one of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest brands) departed PortMiami bound for Cuba on Sunday, May 1. The itinerary includes visits to three historic Cuban Cities including Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba. CUSTOMER SERVICE CORNER "Amazing Courage" Customers want and need to feel important. Read this wee's Customer Service Story of the Week. GETTING AROUND TOWN The Latest on Miami-Dade Transit Want to know when the next Metrorail train or bus is arriving? Well, there's an app for that! Miami-Dade Transit's MDT Tracker app allows you to get comprehensive real-time information on Transit services right from the palm of your hand. Simply select Metrobus, Metrorail or Metromover and check schedules and arrival times.  By downloading the MDT Tracker, you will have the most up-to-date and accurate route and schedule information free of charge. Download the Miami-Dade Transit’s Tracker App on your iPhone or Android or visit MDT's mobile site to get started. More Than Just A Ride To The Airport Now your SuperShuttle pick-up is faster and more efficient than ever with their new App! Faster booking & check-in, secure transactions and you can even locate your shuttle! SuperShuttle is the “official” airport shuttle operator at MIA and has “exclusive” curb side access at the MIA arrivals terminal. Their service offers shared-ride or private transportation to or from the airport, ports, hotel, home, or office. You can download the App and book your ride or call 305/871-2000.   More Options Than Ever No matter where you’re headed, getting around Miami and Beaches is easier than ever thanks to new and exciting transportation options. From the Citi Bike program operated by DECOBIKE to the free trolley service available in several neighborhoods, quality taxi and limousine service and the ultra-convenient Miami METROMOVER and METRORAIL including direct service to MIA—we promise you’ll get there. Miami will soon enjoy access to high speed rail thanks to the new GoBrightline train service connecting the destination with other major cities in Florida. Digitally Dispatched Car Sharing Services The popularity of this type of service available through mobile apps continues to grow for companies such as UBER, which is now available in 45 countries and more than 270 cities around the world. A similar service is offered by LYFT in more than 90 cities enabling passengers who need a ride to request one from drivers who have an available car. Get a Taxi in One App ZabCab, ZabCab Driver, and ZabCab Front Desk are companion apps for consumers, drivers and businesses. They work together to help passengers find taxis – and taxi drivers to find passengers – quickly and easily from a smartphone. They are available to download at the App Store and Google Play. CORPORATE PARTNER ANNIVERSARIES A strong CVB begins with a strong partnership base. The support of our corporate partners aids us in promoting Greater Miami and the Beaches to the world. Join us in recognizing the GMCVB's Corporate Partners who are celebrating their membership anniversary this month: BIRTHDAYS The GMCVB wishes a happy birthday to our friends and family... GMCVB PHOTO ALBUM GMCVB Team members are busy selling and promoting Greater Miami and The Beaches at home and around the world. Click through to see recent photos of the GMCVB Team in action and tap on the photos for captions.  RESOURCE CENTER Travel Updates • Mobile Passport Control App at Miami International Airport (MIA) • Get in the Fast Lane at MIA! TSA Pre-Check Now Available for Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Local Interest • Florida Tax Watch Study Details Benefits of Expanding Florida Tourism • National Travel and Tourism a Big Win for Industry COUNTDOWN Days until: 9 Miami Film Month 32 Seven Seas Explorer begins PortMiami service 39 Miami Spa Month 139 Miami Broward Carnival 193 Art of Black Miami 195 Carnival Vista arrives at PortMiami 388 WorldOutGames 2017 414 MLB Midsummer Classic 88th All-Star Game ABOUT THE PUBLISHER William D. Talbert III, CDME President and CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Download Outlook® V-Card Newsletter Archive | Story Archive HOSPITALITY JOBS, JOBS, JOBS... RECORD ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD SERVICE JOBS IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES REPORTED FOR APRIL 2016 MARKING 6 YEARS AND 4 MONTHS OF CONSECUTIVE JOB INCREASES Greater Miami's Accommodations and Food Service jobs increased +1.3 percent in April 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. This marks 6 years and 4 months of consecutive increased employment in Greater Miami's Accommodations and Food Service Industry.  Record Greater Miami Accommodations and Food Service Jobs April 2016 April 2015 % Change 122,700 121,100 +1.3  HEADLINES THIS WEEK May is Miami Museum Month! During May, visitors and locals can take advantage of “Buy One, Get One Free admission," "Join One Museum, See Them All" and other special offers at participating museums during GMCVB's Miami Museum Month. For more information including participants, special events and exhibits, please visit MiamiMuseumMonth.com. Miami Museum Month is sponsored by Citibank®. First Available Visa Interview Date in São Paulo, Brazil is May 24, 2016 The average wait time in São Paulo, Brazil for a Visa interview appointment in order to visit the USA is currently 1 day. Click through to find out the wait time for other top Brazilian cities. WWE Entertainment Ranks #14, #15 and #16 in Nielsen's Cable Top 25 Ratings for the Week Ending May 15, 2016 WWE's WrestleMania Week drew record-breaking crowds to Miami and Beaches in April 2012. Former GMCVB Chair Richard D. Fain is New University of Miami Board of Trustees Chair The University of Miami Board of Trustees has elected former GMCVB Chair Richard D. Fain as its new Chair at their recent meeting on May 16. A leader in the global cruise line industry, Fain has served as Vice Chair since 2014 and Chaired the search committee that named the new University of Miami President last year. Renown Miami attorney H.T. Smith was elected Vice Chair. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., Fain has served as a UM Trustee since 1997, and currently serves on the Executive Committee and Chairs the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Visiting Committee. GMCVB President & CEO to Attend Reception at EAST Miami Celebrating the Underline on May 25, 2016 William D. Talbert, III, CDME, GMCVB President & CEO will attend a reception at EAST Miami in celebration of Miami’s Underline. The vision of the Underline is to transform the underutilized land below Miami’s MetroRail, from the Miami River to Dadeland South Station, into a 10-mile iconic linear park, world-class urban trail and living art destination. GMCVB President & CEO to Attend NFL Spring Owners Meeting May 22-25, 2016 in Pursuit of Super Bowl William D. Talbert, III, CDME, GMCVB President & CEO and member of the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee Executive Board will attend the NFL Spring Owners Meeting May 22-25, 2016. The South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee will present the most attractive bid ever offered along with its ultimate pitch to bring a Super Bowl back to our community. Miami Beach Sister Cities Delegation Travels to Fujisawa, Japan May 21-26, 2016 GMCVB AVP of Cultural Tourism/LGBT George Neary, chair of the Miami Beach Sister Cities program, will join Miami Beach elected officials including Mayor Philip Levine, Commissioner Ricky Arriola and Commissioner Joy Malakoff during a visit to Fujisawa, Japan May 21-26, 2016. GMCVB Sells and Promotes Miami at International LGBT Event in Chicago GMCVB AVP of Cultural Tourism/LGBT George Neary will be selling and promoting Greater Miami at the International LGBT Travel Show in Chicago, IL USA May 26-30, 2016. 37th Hemispheric Congress of Latin Chambers of Commerce & 7th Miami Media Film Market Set for June 6-9, 2016 at the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables CAMACOL, the Latin Chamber of Commerce of U.S.A., will hold its 37th Annual Hemispheric Congress event & the Miami Media Film Market June 6-9, 2016 at the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables. GMCVB Partners may be eligible for an exclusive 50% discount on a General Pass admission for both events. FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Presents Sake Promotion Event on June 6, 2016 Join the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami and the Sake Export Association for a Sake Promotion Event featuring 10 sake brewers from various parts of Japan on June 6. 2016.  This event is supported by the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.  GMCVB UPDATES Multicultural Tourism & Development GMCVB Multicultural Tourism Hosts First Tourism Business Enhancement Education Session at the Historic Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum GMCVB Multicultural Tourism & Development Team hosted its first Tourism Business Enhancement (TBE) education session at the City of Miami’s Historic Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum on May 17, 2016 in Overtown. Miami Beach Sister Cities Delegation Travels to Fujisawa, Japan May 21-26, 2016 GMCVB Multicultural Tourism Department AVP of Business Development Graylyn-Swilley-Woods (who also served as the conference co-chair), gave closing remarks at the Miami National Academy Foundation’s (NAF) 3rd Annual Mega Student Industry Conference on May 18, 2016. Advertising & Digital Marketing Search Engine Marketing (SEM) April Campaign Performance                                                           Paid search performance remains strong with the consumer campaign and the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) campaign, beating the cost per click (CPC) target for the 2016 fiscal year. Explore Miami Beach’s Faena District From a luxurious hotel that hails to Miami’s glamorous past, to performance and exhibition space, the Faena District in Miami Beach is becoming a hub for luxury living, art and entertainment. April’s Miami Sports Month Social Media Promotion Reports High Engagement The GMCVB promoted Miami Sports Month across its social channels, including on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Media Relations & Promotions GMCVB Media Relations Hosts China’s Youku Film Crew May 22-26, 2016 GMCVB Media Relations Team is partnering with VISIT FLORIDA to host a film crew shooting a series of videos that will be part of eight episodes airing on Youku (daily hits: 63.8 million), the Chinese equivalent of YouTube. The theme of the episodes will be famous international filming locations in Miami, famous tourist attractions and Miami’s unique culture. GMCVB Media Relations Assists Germany's Luxury Life Magazine GMCVB Media Relations Team is currently assisting publisher Patricia Schweizer and journalist Philip Hagenbuch from the international multilingual luxury magazine, Luxury Life Magazine, May 26-30 and June 7-10, 2016.  The journalists will be in Miami to do research for an extensive luxury travel feature on Miami. Convention Sales & Services GMCVB Sells Greater Miami to Clients in Atlanta GMCVB Convention Sales Team will be traveling to Atlanta, GA USA May 24-26, 2016 for spring sales calls. The Team is scheduled to meet with meeting planners from Atlanta powerhouse companies such as Chick-fil-A, Orkin, Kellen Meetings, Ultimate Software and more. The Team will be looking to bring business from these companies back to Miami and Beaches. Washington D.C. Sales Office News GMCVB Convention Sales Team will be selling Greater Miami and Beaches to prospective clients in the Washington D.C. Metro area this week. The Team has scheduled appointments May 24-26 with The Shelborne Hotel at a Wyndham national sales client event for 25 guests, a briefing with the Nobu Eden Roc Miami Beach to cover sales activities and additional appointments with the Public Affairs Council and the Council on Foundations. Travel Industry Sales American Airlines Vacations Product Launch Trade Show - Los Angeles GMCVB Travel Industry Sales Team is returning to Los Angeles, one of Greater Miami and the Beaches' top domestic feeder markets, May 23 for the American Airlines Vacations trade show. The Team will promote the destination’s pre/post cruise opportunities as well as family attractions, natural tropical wonders, sophisticated entertainment and more. American Airlines Vacations Product Launch Trade Show - Dallas GMCVB Travel Industry Sales representatives traveled to Dallas, Texas USA on May 16, 2016 to participate in the American Airlines Vacations Product Launch Trade Show. Approximately 300 retail travel agents were hosted at the show which featured product briefings, table top presentations and dinner. Miami Sports Tourism Colombia vs. Haiti International Soccer Friendly at Marlins Park The Colombian National Team will square off against the Haitian National Team on Sunday, May 29 at Marlins Park. The friendly match will be one of the final tune-ups for the two nations before the Copa America Centenario held June 3-26 in the United States. AC Milan Copa Americana Miami 2016 Youth Soccer Tournament Talks are under way to host a 56-team youth soccer tournament and AC Milan Junior Camps in various Miami-Dade County Parks June 24-26, 2016. The tournament will be hosted by AC Milan’s Junior Program and feature U-10 through U-18 teams from all over North America, South America and the Caribbean. GMCVB Partnership Events & Opportunities GMCVB Partnership Networking Mixer Thursday, May 26, 2016 6 - 8 p.m. SoHo Bay Restaurant 520 West Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 USA Get the most out of your GMCVB Partnership and take advantage of exclusive opportunities: •    GMCVB’s Medical Tourism Initiative •    GMCVB Partners Facebook Group •    Add your Special Offers to MiamiandBeaches.com Global Network News GMCVB representatives domestically and all around the globe promote Greater Miami as the premier destination for leisure and business. Read their updates here. • Caribbean • Europe • Latin America • U.S. & Canada  CALENDAR OF EVENTS May Through 5/31 Miami Museum Month 5/25 SoundScape Cinema Series: Independence Day (1996) 5/25 Speaking Sustainability Film Series 5/26-5/30 Sizzle Miami 2016 5/28 Brandy Clark - Seminole Showcase Series 5/28-5/29 Memorial Day Weekend Key Biscayne Kayak Adventure 5/28-5/29 Miami Beach Kundalini Yoga Festival Weekend 5/29 Best of the Best Music Concert 5/31-6/3 3rd Annual Cam Con 2016  MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS Meetings & Conventions Meeting Date Venue Attend. Qlik Technology - 2016 CEO Manage Level Conference 5/23-5/25 Turnberry Isle Miami 350 Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care - 19th Annual Congress 5/24-5/27 InterContinental Miami 350 Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. - World Spinning Conference 2016 5/24-5/27 Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay Miami 450 Sizzle - Sizzle 2016 5/26-5/29 Deauville Beach Resort 500