Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Safari exploit gives hackers full control over iPhones and possibly PCs and Macs


Oops, researchers just unveiled a pretty serious security vulnerability in the iPhone. More specifically, it's Apple's Safari web browser which exhibits the vulnerability. Researchers at Independent Security Evaluators have used the vulnerability to take malicious control of the iPhone from rogue websites loaded with the exploit. Once in, researchers have full administrative access over the phone allowing them to listen in on room audio or snatch the SMS log, address book, call history, email passwords and more -- we're talking full access to your phone. Researchers note that the only way to stay safe is to check those URLs and only visit sites that you trust (which isn't very reassuring) and "may or may not be exploitable" from Mac and PC versions of Safari -- the same vulnerability exists only they haven't written the proof-of-concept exploit to test it yet. Apple has been notified of the vulnerability and a proposed fix with full public disclosure coming at the BlackHat conference on August 2nd. You listening InfoSec Sellout? That's how you report a bug. Check the exploit in video form after the break.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Wireless USB finds its way to Dell and Lenovo laptops

Dell wireless USB

If you're like us, you've bopped along happily once or twice to USB.org's funky little wireless promo video, hoping that someday the wire-free utopia it promises could become a reality. Well now Lenovo and Dell have put us one step closer to the prize with two new laptops. Both the Dell Inspiron 1720 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 and T61p models are expected to be Wireless USB certified any day now, and ready to connect to... um, something. As the standard is just starting to see the light of day, there aren't a lot of options available unless you decide to get jiggy with a wireless router such as this Belkin hub -- but if things go as planned, in the next few years we'll all be trashing our wires and listening to really bad instrumental rock -- just like in the video you can watch after the break.
Source: CNET

Hitachi, JCB developing biometric payment system

Considering all the companies that have already (or almost) jumped on the cashless bandwagon, it follows logic that another duo of Japanese firms are bringing their own biometric payment system to the forefront. Reportedly, Hitachi and JCB Co. Ltd. are working hand in hand (ahem) to develop a system that would "identify the veins on a person's finger" in order to sync with their credit card or bank data and complete a purchase. As expected, the companies are pushing their creation as a safer and more reliable method of paying for items, and while there's no telling how quickly customers are apt to implement said technology, Hitachi has reportedly stated that it would "launch an experiment in September involving 200 of its employees to see if it is commercially viable to introduce the system in shops, banks and other businesses."

NEC unveils 19-inch MultiSync LCD1990SX monitor

NEC LCD monitor

Looking for a 4:3 version of NEC's 1940WCXM LCD? If so, the firm's newest 19-incher just may pique your interest, as the LCD1990SX arrives with a 1,280 x 1,024 resolution, 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 250cd/m2 brightness, eight-millisecond response time, and 178-degree viewing angles to boot. Moreover, this unit features automatic black level adjustment, DVI / VGA inputs, a built-in power supply, VESA mount compatibility, and comes in both black and white color schemes. No word on whether Americans will see this on their soil anytime soon, but it should surface in Japan late next month.
Source: engadget

Windows Home Server RC1 gets tested, reviewed

Windows Home Server

We know, you're perfectly capable of downloading the release candidate of Windows Home Server (or just waiting it out for the finalized version), but if you'd rather a stranger's machine be the test bed and suffer through those early adopter glitches, Terracode has done you the favor. In a fairly comprehensive review of WHS RC1, we're shown the relatively painless setup process, numerous advanced settings for automated backup, media sharing, and remote access, and even a glimpse into the DLNA streaming capabilities. While the overview took a very visual and numbers driven approach, it was derived that the Remote Desktop function wasn't exactly cut out for "intensive work," but overall, the software performed admirably and could very well be awarded a few extra gold stars if Microsoft irons out the sluggish kinks that were found. So, if you're still feeling anxious about pulling the trigger on trying this yourself, be sure and tag the read link to see what you're missing.
Source: engadget

Toshiba's gigabeat U202 supports direct-to-MP3 ripping

Toshiba U202

If you passed on Toshiba's first few U-series DAPs due to their lively color schemes and substitutable feature sets, the new 2GB U202 goes a long ways to correct both of those quibbles. The exceedingly simplistic device dons a silver / black motif, an uncomplicated "PlusPad" control scheme, and a 1.1-inch color OLED display. Furthermore, this unit sports the same 20-hour battery life, FM tuner, and MP3 / WMA / WAV playback capabilities as its predecessor, but the newfangled direct-to-MP3 CD ripping ability enables users to "record audio tracks digitally from a CD player directly to the gigabeat." Consider it yours in one to two weeks for $99.99.
Source: bussinesswire

Sony PS3 1.90 and PSP 3.52 firmware updates ready to download


Get your software update on kids, Sony's latest firmware is available now for your Sony PS3 and PSP rigs. While the PSP pulls a minor 0.01 update offering a boost in both security and playable network titles under [Game], the real sauce comes by way of firmware 1.90 for the PS3. Custom photo wallpapers for the XMB, messaging emoticons, AVCHD video playback direct from Memory Stick or camcorder, DMB sorting of hard drive-based games, upscaled CD audio over HDMI or digital optical outs, and a new forced 1080p24 HDMI output for Blu-ray films. Best of all perhaps, is the new "eject disc" option from the controller to keep your lazy meat sack planted on the couch just that much longer.
Source: Joystiq

Friday, July 20, 2007

iPhone: real user feedback

iPhone feedback

We bumped into an iPhone early adopter named Ron at University Coffee (Palo Alto) and discussed about his experience.

Unsurprisingly, he thought that the display was just beautiful. He was watching a video in landscape mode, and we could witness how smooth it was. But despite the size of the screen, the virtual keyboard is still far from being as good as a real one. Heavy blackberry users, you can forget about replacing your *real* QWERTY keyboard.

There was a detail that was not widely reported on (at least that I know of): the iPhone audio jack connector. It is so recessed that many non-Apple headphones won’t fit without the ugly adapter shown on the photo (a Belkin, apparently). It’s a faux pas, but it is financially smart: the ugly adapter costs an extra $10 or so. It’s not really a problem: if one has been waiting in line and battling the crowd to unload $499 or $599 after signing a pre-marital contract with Cingular – shelling an extra 10 bucks doesn’t seem so bad.

On the good side, WiFi users can rejoice: Ron reports that the WiFi functionality works really well. The phone is pretty smart at detecting and using available networks. It’s good because the old EDGE data connection that the device supports is weak – or/and lame (as predicted).

Ron thinks that the iPhone will be a commercial success even if it’s not yet the perfect phone (as predicted). Thanks Ron for sharing your experience with complete strangers.

Our sister-site Uberpulse has a video of Steve Jobs doing a field trip to the Palo Alto Apple Store conveniently located a few blocks from his house. check it out and feel the Apple love – without having to rub against hordes of sweaty fans (priceless).

SONY DVD Direct allows users to bypass PCs

Sony DVD direct

It can take a lot of time to create a DVD of vacation videos. And in today’s fast paced, convenience obsessed culture, few don’t want to go the time or effort to learn how to not only edit their home movies, but to encode the footage and even author a DVD of them.

A new entry in the home movie convenience market is the Sony VRD-MC5 DVD Direct, which allows video users to hook up a camcorder and burn directly to DVD without a PC. It’s not a new product, nor is Sony the only kid on the block, but what makes it noteworthy is that the VRD-MC5 now comes with HD support. Which means users of high definition camcorders can now burn directly to Blueray as well.

Users can burn up to 95 minutes of high definition video or 2,000 still pictures on one disc. And while the good news is, that SD users can take advantage of it as well, as the VRD-MC5 will also make standard definition DVDs. The downside, is that for HD users, Sony is being true to form by requiring that HD video can only burn in the proprietary format of AVCHD video. This means that users are once again forced into Sony’s proprietary revenue stream and can’t use any other camcorder that doesn’t record in their format.

The VRD-MC5 comes with standard connections - S-Video, DV, composite video, USB, and slots for CompactFlash, SD cards (really? Wow), Memory Stick and a USB port for hard drives – but strangely omits the HD standard HDMI connection. It also has a 2.5-inch color LCD screen.

And at a price of $230, even with it’s proprietary shortcomings, it’s a bargain for those wanting to archive raw footage.

Source: coolest-gadgets

Related articles:
Hitachi's world's first Blu-ray camcorders coming this year

Ducati teams up with SanDisk

SanDisk 8Gb flash drive

Ducati fans will be thrilled to know that the company has collaborated with SanDisk to come up with the Extreme Ducati Edition USB flash drive and the Extreme Ducati Edition SD and CF memory cards. The USB flash drive comes in the shape of a MotoGP bike's rear end, complete with the Ducati Corse logo, black trim, and glossy red paint job. It's red taillight illuminates whenever there is any data transfer going on. The special edition CF and SD cards will feature Ducati red, MotoGP racers, and the Ducati Corse logo emblazoned across - nothing as adventurous as the USB flash drive. The Extreme Ducati Edition USB flash drive will retail for $124.99, while the Extreme Ducati Edition 4GB SD and 4GB/8GB CF cards will retail for $164.99 and $129.99/$314.99 respectively. Geeks can now have their data transfer 'race' in the office a racetrack flavor.

Hitachi's world's first Blu-ray camcorders coming this year

Blu-ray camcorder

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Meet the Blu-ray video cameras from Hitachi. Sure, at this point they're just non-functional mock-ups, but later in the year we can expect to see a series of camcorders featuring Hitachi's new 8cm BD/DVD drive bundled with a biggie, 5.3 megapixel CMOS sensor capable of recording at full 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. In fact, Hitachi claims that their Wooo-branded camcorders could be introduced as early as Fall. The cams would record up to 7GB of MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video on 8cm BD-RE/R media or 5 times less on 8cm DVD-RAM/RW/R discs. Uh, Hoozah? Picture of the actual drive mechanism after the break.Blu-ray camcorder
Source: engadget

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Apple set to shine

Apple logo

And I'm not talking about its sterling stock performance either. Word has it that Apple has filed a patent which involves a visual overhaul for the company's MacBook touchpads and iPod Click Wheel. This proposed technology involves lighting and color responses to user interaction, which means each time you access your iPod or navigate your MacBook using its touchpad, your eyes will be treated to a visual feast of a certain degree. This greatly enhances the aesthetic appeal of either device, and could prove to be the factor to clinch sales from fence sitters thus far. For existing owners of iPods and MacBooks, would you make an upgrade just because of these visual improvements, or would you rather take a more practical and pragmatic approach by going according to your needs?

Mustek TRAVELFOTO coming soon

Mustek TRAVELFOTO

Mustek has introduced its new TRAVELFOTO digital photo fram/alarm clock combo device, making it the ideal gadget to have by your bedside, in a cubicle, or even as your travel companion. No longer do you need to settle for prints in your wallet whenever you miss your dearest who's far away at home, as the TRAVELFOTO boasts a 1.5" CSTN color LCD display. I do question the wisdom in using a USB 1.1 port instead of USB 2.0 considering how that's the standard these days. The Mustek TRAVELFOTO not only displays photos but the time, date, and indoor temperature as well. It is powered by a couple of AAA batteries. You can look out for Mustek's PF-E150 TRAVELFOTO in stores this August onwards, retailing for $39.99 each.
Source: Mustek

Monday, July 16, 2007

LG music phone ‘MuziQ’ to debut in USA through Sprint Nextel

LG MuziQ

LG launched its clamshell music phone ‘MuziQ(model: LG-LX570)’ in USA market through Sprint Nextel Corporation.

It supports high-speed music downloads via ‘Music Store’ of Sprint Nextel. Employing circular touch keypad for listening music, it allows users to feel small vibration when they touch the keypad, having accuracy of input.

Including 1.3M camera, MicroSD memory slot supporting up to 4GB capacity, the MuziQ also offers Bluetooth connectivity, FM transmitter and multitasking function.

Pricing announced for HP Compaq's 2710p Tablet PC

HP Compaq's 2710p Tablet PC

Time to start counting those pennies, HP just announced the pricing on their new 12.1-inch, 3.6-pound 2710p Tablet PC. $1,649 gets you through the door sans OS but with a 1.06GHz Core 2 Duo ULV U7500 processor, 1GB of DDR2 memory, GMA X3100 graphics, and 60GB 4200 PATA disk. Bump it up to $2,478 for a 1.2GHz U7600, 80GB 4200RPM PATA disk, 2GB memory, Bluetooth 2.0, and a Vista Business pre-install. Each config brings that thin, bright, battery friendly WXGA LED-backlit display (with digitizer) we've heard rumored since January. However, HP confusingly masks this important fact with superfluous marketing speak by calling 'em "Illumi-Lite" displays. In fact, you won't find a mention of LED backlighting anywhere on the product page, not even in the detailed specifications. Oh right, consumers are idiots... gotcha. Still no release date so Lenovo X-series owners can rest easy for the time being.

GlobalSats BT-359C Bluetooth GPS receiver

GlobalSats BT-359C Bluetooth GPS receiver

GlobalSat, purveyors of fine GPS-related products such as a stylish GPS watch and the child-tracking, parent-worrying GPS "phone", has launched a new Bluetooth receiver sure to make your teeth chatter with excitement. The BT-359C is the latest and greatest the California-based company has on offer, featuring a SiRF Star III low-power chipset, Bluetooth 2.0, and a built-in ceramic patch antenna. The receiver can be coupled to PDAs, or laptops via its "Serial Port Profile", and provides faster acquisition times and improved accuracy in "urban canyons" (which we're pretty sure is fancy GPS-speak for "cities"). The BT-359C will be sold at AT&T retail locations, and is available now online for $159.99.
Source: engadget

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Broadcast your favourite music DJmix 2000

Comodo DJmix 2000

You can buy this device only for $140. So what are the components of Comodo DJmix 2000? This is a USB radio interface that allows you to broadcast your top 100 right to your listeners. Also all needed software is included. You can use 1/8 inch microphone and line inputs for additional devices. LED level meter, transport controls, echo control will show you all necessary information. Must have for all internet DJs or for all who wants to start own DJs carrier.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Microsoft will ship Xbox 360 in Europe since the August

Xbox 360 Elite

Microsoft announced that on August 24-th Xbox 360 Elite will go to the Europe. Also Microsoft shared that Xbox Live in Europe and Canada will be able to share video download goodies currently being enjoyed by their US counterparts, including but not limited to that hefty high-def Disney catalog that Microsoft is adding to the service tonight.

New Zieo NX600-HD laptop from Evesham

Zieo NX600-HD

Even with some problems but Evesham adds new models to it’s products. This model of notebook staffed with 17 inch HD screen, NVIDIAs GeForce 87000M GT and Intel support. Instead of HD DVD or Blu-ray drives, it has only dual-layer DVD-RW drive.

I think you can be interested in other configuration parameters such as Inter Core 2 Duo T7500, 2GB DDR II RAM, 120 Gb Hdd, wireless Mini PCIe 802.11agn LAN, built in 1.3 megapixel camera, built in Media Card Reader. All of this is controlled by Vista Home Premium. Price of such laptop is £1,399. And for additional £200 you will get upgraded version with Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 processor and 160GB HDD.

Monday, July 2, 2007

New alternative to iPhone

Neonode N2Neonode N2

What is Neonode N2? Neonode N2 is new alternative to iPhone that supports 3G. From the one hand it hasn’t WiFi, EDGE and just 2 inch screen(iPhone has 3,5 inch). But from the other hand this is gadget with full sensor screen that not only spy your touches but even spy your finger moves. This device has Windows CE 2005 operation system running on it. Also Neonode N2 provides synchronization with computer with ActiveSync but doesn’t support applications developed for Windows Mobile. Also you can use 2MP camera that supports MPEG4 video capturing.
This is only European phone so you can buy it in Sout-Eastern Europe. It’s price is approximately 534$.
So I think that all Europeans who hasn’t opportunity to buy iPhone or prefer other device with similar features can easily use this alternative. Of course Apple is wide spread brand but we need to take a chance for other companies to spread their products. And brand DOESN’T MEAN that it is the best. First of all you need to try these devices and choose one, that you like most of all.