Category: United States

These articles are related to mobile commerce changes and companies within the United States. We post daily articles about US mobile shopping trends and how this is affecting America’s industry of all kinds.

Pre-installed malware discovered on US government-funded phones

L. Green
Pre-installed malware - Security protection for mobile phones

The UMX U686CL is a low-cost mobile phone with unwanted and un-removable surprises. One of the low-cost smartphones available through the U.S. government’s “Lifeline Assistance” service comes with pre-installed malware built right in. The phones are provided to users of the FCC-operated program when they can’t otherwise afford them. The Lifeline Assistance program helps low-income households offering, among other things, smartphones at a lower cost for individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford these devices at full price. The program is meant to be helpful for these families, providing…

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California launches QR code verification for legal cannabis dispensaries

Julie Campbell
QR Code Verification - Cannabis dispensary

The new quick response code scans with smartphones let consumers check whether a shop is legit. Marijuana users from California can now use their smartphones for QR code verification of a dispensary’s license. The Bureau of Cannabis Control launched a new program making it easier to spot licensed shops. The California Bureau of Cannabis Control rolled out a new QR code verification program at the end of last year. It made it possible for licensed cannabis dispensaries to display quick response codes in their shop windows. This way, smartphone users…

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Ryan Reynolds buys up an ownership stake in Mint Mobile

Julie Campbell
Mint Mobile Owner Ryan Reynolds - Ryan Reynolds Twitter @VancityReynolds

The Deadpool and Detective Pikachu star from Canada now owns over 25 percent of the young company. Super celebrity Ryan Reynolds has purchased an ownership stake in Mint Mobile a fledgling budget wireless carrier in the United States. The Canadian actor has purchased over a quarter of the company according to recent reports. The 43 year old star of blockbuster films such as Deadpool and Detective Pikachu bought the ownership stake earlier this week according to a recent Telegraph report. The firm declined the opportunity to comment on its valuation.…

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Burglary prevention QR code strategy designed to help car owners be more

Sam Lambert
Burglary Prevention QR Code - Parking Lot

The Sanford Police Department is using a new strategy to help prevent car burglaries. Police officers in Sanford, Florida are hoping that their new burglary prevention QR code strategy will help remind car owners how important it is for them to lock their car doors and keep valuable items left in vehicles out of plain sight. The police have been leaving Vehicle Assessment Survey cards on parked cars. According to Sanford Police Captain Trekell Perkins, people have become desensitized to verbal warnings and catch phrase reminders (e.g. “lock it or…

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Halloween ranks as one of the worst holidays for smartphone damage

L. Green
Smartphone damage - cracked phone screen

Halloween may be fun for you, but not for your mobile phone. Worried about smartphone damage? If so, you might want to think twice before bringing your phone with you trick-or-treating or to a party. If you do bring it, limiting your use of the device might help to reduce the risk of a cracked screen, water damage or the device being lost or stolen. Research finds that the risk of damage to mobile phones significantly increases on Halloween. Analyst group Asurion conducted a recent study and concluded that there…

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