Sony opens up SmartWatch to developers

Sony's Open SmartWatch Project will make it possible for developers to create and install alternative software on the Sony SmartWatch.

Smart watches have been in the spotlight recently, with reports that Apple, Google and Samsung are all working on products. But Sony is already offering a device in this category.

[ Also on InfoWorld: Beyond Google Glass: Get ready for more wearable computers. | Also read:How Apple's iWatch could revolutionize mobile security. | Stay up to date on the latest news in information technology with InfoWorld's Today's Headlines: First Look newsletter. ]

Developers can already create apps for the SmartWatch, but with the Open SmartWatch project Sony is expanding the possibilities, according to a blog post on Thursday. Developers can take control of SmartWatch in new ways by creating and flashing their own alternative firmware.

The project comes with a number of caveats. Consumers are strongly advised to keep the official tested and verified firmware, according to the blog post. Only developers completely sure of what they are doing should take part, it said.

Sony hopes developers will create new ways to use the watch. More details are available on the Open SmartWatch Project section of the Developer World website.

The Android-based SmartWatch has a 1.3-inch screen with a 128 x 128 pixel resolution. On the screen users can read email, text messages, calendar reminders and, of course, tell time. It is also integrated with social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

The device works with a number of smartphones from HTC and Samsung, as well as Sony's own smartphones.

Microsoft integrates two-factor authentication into Active Directory to protect cloud

Microsoft is upping the security on Azure with Active Authentication, a new service now in preview which allows enterprises to secure access to hosted applications such as Office 365 with two-factor authentication.

Active Authentication enables two-factor authentication for users stored on the Azure-based version Active Directory, and helps secure access to Office 365, Windows Azure, Windows Intune, Dynamics CRM Online as well as other apps that are integrated with the hosted directory service.

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Developers can also use the Active Authentication development kit to build two-factor authentication into their custom applications and directories.

Active Authentication works by adding an extra step to the sign in process. After an employee, partner, or customer has entered their username and password, they are required to also authenticate with the Active Authentication app on their smartphone or via an automated phone call or text message.

More advanced authentication has become a hot topic during recent months thanks to high profile security breaches, like the theft of passwords that allowed hackers to get access to the Associated Press' Twitter account. The extra step reduces the risk of a breach, according to Microsoft.

Like many hosted services, Microsoft pitches Active Authentication as easy to set up and manage, as well as very scalable. IT staff can activate the service by adding it to their Azure Active Directory tenant and turn it on for users.

Active Authentication is based on Microsoft's acquisition of PhoneFactor, a deal announced last October.

HP aims to shrink big data

The article "HP aims to shrink big data," incorrectly attributes a number of quotes to the wrong Hewlett-Packard executive. The quotes in question were from June Manley, HP's director of big data solutions. The story has been corrected on the wire and the changes follow. -