Geekly Update - 25 Apr 2011

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

Did you know that your iPhone secretly logs your location as you travel from place to place?

Researchers Alasdair Allan and Pete Warden have created an iPhone Tracker that allows an iPhone user to map out where they've been. Although Apple had no comment and there is no evidence that they are saving the data, it's downright Orwellian.

After a woman filed a suit claiming that Match.com set her up with a sex offender, the company promised to pre-check sex offender registries.

EA found a very creative way to make some bucks using Facebook. Battlefield 3 will come out in November but they will not release the latest trailer until it receives a million "Likes."

HP will soon be releasing its tiny Veer with a 2.6", 320X400 touchscreen with webOS full functionality. No price is given as yet but the credit card size phone packs HSPA+, 8GB storage and runs Flash.

The US Attorney's Office is trying to close down PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, UB and Absolute Poker. They claim that the companies took about $3 billion illegally by claiming they were online jewelry and golf ball dealers.

As if we don't hear nearly enough on the upcoming nuptials between William and Kate, NBC has released a free Royal Wedding app for iPad. There are photos, news bytes and an interactive family tree. (They are all related, aren't they?)

In honor of Earth Month, eBay will pay users to send them used or abused electronics through the end of April. The offer is part of its Instant Sale program that offers a $5.00 Gift Card Code and will donate the same amount to Global Green USA.

The release of Office 365 is upon us, at least in beta. Designed for large corporations needing extra security, it will cost a $6.00 monthly fee when released and will include Office, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online and Lync Online.

Just as video rental stores take the plunge into bankruptcy, the small town theaters may be next. DirectTV's Home Premiere service offers recently released films to those with HD DVR at a price of $29.99 for 48 hours. Popcorn not included.

Amazon has made even more concrete buildings obsolete with Kindle Library Lending. Access is also available to over 11,000 libraries with a Kindle app for Apple products, BlackBerry and Windows phone. (No overdue fees!)