Daily Archives: November 20, 2012

I've been testing and using a lot of Android devices lately. While many are underwhelming, I was impressed with HTC's new Droid DNA from the moment I took it out of the box.

The first thing I noticed was the phone's large 5-inch screen. It's a nice size. And even though it's slightly larger than the display on Samsung's Galaxy S III, it doesn't feel absurdly large.

Click here for photos of the best features in the Droid DNA >

And the display gets better. Measuring by pixel density, the Droid DNA has the highest resolution display on any mobile device, and it's the first that can show full 1080p HD video.

Besides having a great screen, the phone is fast too. The 1.5-GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Proprocessor coupled with 2GB of RAM can handle multitasking very well. I was able to switch between web browsing, texting, listening to music, and playing games seamlessly.

The Droid DNA isn't just for techy people who want everything out of their phone, it's great for the average user too.

Besides the high quality screen and quick quad-core processor, the Droid DNA uses Verizon's lightning fast 4G LTE network. Verizon's LTE helped the phone to feel even more modern, directions loaded fast, and downloading a song was a breeze. In many cases, Verizon's network is faster than your cable or DSL modem.

The DNA's software is a winner too. It has the latest version of Android, 4.1 Jelly Bean, which includes the Siri-killing voice service Google Now.

I was really impressed with the battery life. In my tests, I averaged about 10 hours on a single charge. This was with normal use, including listening to music, browsing the internet, making phone calls, and streaming a few videos here and there.

For a more detailed battery analysis check out this rigorous test Android Policeput the DNA through.

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REVIEW: HTC Gets It Right With The Droid DNA

The Irish Times - Tuesday, November 20, 2012

PETER CLUSKEY in The Hague

THE biggest DNA sweep in the history of the Netherlands has led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man for the countrys most infamous unsolved murder that of 16-year-old schoolgirl Marianne Vaatstra, who was raped, strangled and had her throat cut in a remote field in May 1999.

The murder caused a public outcry because of its particularly gruesome nature, but also because police mistakenly linked it to a centre for asylum seekers near where the body was found. By the time two suspects, an Iraqi and an Afghan, were ruled out, other leads had gone cold.

The department of justice finally gave the go-ahead last month for DNA samples to be taken from up to 8,000 men in 12 separate villages in the vicinity of Veenklooster, in the northern province of Friesland, where Mariannes body was found.

The department had refused this permission but came under pressure from the victims father, Bauke Vaatstra, when detectives said they believed advances in DNA testing might allow them to match DNA on a Playboy cigarette lighter, bought locally and found at the scene, to the killer or a close relation.

More than 6,500 DNA samples were taken over the past six weeks, and early yesterday morning the 45-year-old man was arrested at his farm at Oud Woude, just 2km from where Mariannes body was found 14 years ago.

A team of more than 20 detectives and forensics experts moved into the farm immediately after the arrest and was still gathering evidence late last night.

No criminal record

The man being held was identified locally as Jasper S, married with two children, who gave a sample voluntarily as part of the police sweep. He was 31 in 1999. He has no criminal record.

See more here:
DNA test leads to arrest for 1999 murder of girl

DALLAS, Pa., Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Digital Net Agency, Inc. (DNA), a leading performance-based digital agency, today announces its acquisition of 4 Paws Marketing, LLC, an online marketing agency specializing in the affiliate channel. Its second acquisition this year, the deal elevates DNA to the largest affiliate program management agency in the United States for premier brands online, providing comprehensive one-stop digital marketing solutions to clients representing all sizes and industries.

Launched earlier this year with a mission to upend traditional agency models, the rapidly growing DNA focuses on maximizing agency accountability and minimizing client risk, all while fueling massive client growth. DNA is staffed by a team of veterans from Top 10 Search agencies and Top 5 affiliate networks, who have helped hundreds of advertisers from start-ups to Fortune 500 brands manage the most complex search and affiliate programs in the world. Dedicated to putting talent, research, technology, and proven strategies at the forefront of its business, DNA offers unique revenue and equity-based models to its clients.

"We have a long history working with 4 Paws Marketing, and the decision to advance our business relationship has been an organic one," said Digital Net Agency CEO Aaron Baker. "Affiliate marketing is the holy grail of marketing in terms of accountability. 4 Paws Marketing possesses a deep knowledge within the affiliate marketing space, and will provide DNA and its clients with world-class talent within the affiliate channel. We are delighted with this decision, and the unique opportunity it will provide our current and future clients."

An expert in the affiliate industry, 4 Paws Marketing provides its clients with a strategic approach to the pay-for-performance space. Using a results oriented strategy, and keeping a strong focus on accountability, 4 Paws Marketing boasts a client portfolio of leading brands and top Internet retailers. The company specializes in all aspects of affiliate program management, including aggressive affiliate recruitment and optimization strategies, brand protection and creative services.

Forrester Research predicts affiliate marketing will grow from $1 Billion annually in 2009 to $4 Billion annually by 2014*. The acquisition will allow DNA to feed this rapidly growing space with the unique opportunity of marrying DNA's sophisticated brand protection technologies and advanced recruitment platforms, with 4 Paws Marketing's top talent and deep expertise within the affiliate channel. Both new and existing clients will benefit from the increased capabilities the move will offer.

"We are thrilled to join DNA; their commitment to service and accountability within the digital market space coincides with that of 4 Paws Marketing," said Samantha Morris, founder of 4 Paws Marketing. "DNA's specialized ability to leverage advanced technology platforms will further our current capabilities, allowing us to lead the way with new and innovative approaches within the affiliate market space."

The acquisition was finalized on November 5th, 2012. The integrated company will operate as a whole under the name Digital Net Agency, Inc. (DNA).

* http://www.forrester.com/US+Affiliate+Marketing+Forecast+2009+To+2014/fulltext/-/E-RES54363?objectid=RES54363

About DNADigital Net Agency, Inc. (DNA) is a leading performance-based digital agency with a concentration on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM). DNA also offers social media and affiliate marketing to their clients with the same innovative approach and expertise. Founded by a team of veteran search experts and technologists from Top 10 agencies, DNA is dedicated to partnering with clients to fuel growth while delivering maximum accountability through its performance-based models. DNA is based in Dallas, PA, with offices in New York City.

About 4 Paws Marketing 4 Paws Marketing is a top affiliate program management service with over 11 years in the affiliate management industry. The 4 Paws Marketing team has big-brand experience as marketing managers and directors for Fortune 500 retailers, and a passion for the online marketing industry, particularly the pay-for-performance space.4 Paws Marketing ensures that each client is armed with the metrics needed to reach marketing goals, acquire new customers and enhance the overall value of the client's online marketing channel. A portion of total monthly fees is donated to the non-profit, animal-related cause of each client's choice.

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Digital Net Agency (DNA) Acquires Top Affiliate Management Agency 4 Paws Marketing, LLC