Automated shoulder surfing makes it easier to steal passwords, isn’t very tubular, brah (video)
July 16, 2011 No Comment
Here’s something mildly terrifying to chew on: researchers in Italy have developed a way to automatically harvest anything you type on your smartphone’s touchscreen, using only a camera placed over your shoulder . The software, created by Federico Maggi and his team from the Politecnico di Milano, takes advantage of the magnified touchscreen keys you’ll find on most iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices. Because these magnifications often pop up in predictable positions, the spying system can recognize and record them with relative ease, with the help of a camera aimed at a targeted display. And it’s not like bobbing and weaving around will help evade its watchful eye, since the apparatus can instantly detect sudden movements and adjust its gaze accordingly. Researchers say their tool is capable of accurately recognizing up to 97 percent of all keystrokes and is fast enough to transmit copied passwords in “quasi real-time,” which must be music to a lazy criminal’s ears. Tiptoe past the break to see the beast in action and spend the rest of your life in an everlasting state of fear. Continue reading Automated shoulder surfing makes it easier to steal passwords, isn’t very tubular, brah (video) Automated shoulder surfing makes it easier to steal passwords, isn’t very tubular, brah (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …US Army runs smartphone trial, could see ‘limited deployment’ later this year
July 16, 2011 No Comment
Sure, the US Army could continue to develop expensive proprietary gadgets for use in the field, or they could make the switch to (relatively) inexpensive off-the-shelf smartphones. It’s a change that’s been considered for some time , and the Army is now at the tail end of a six-week trial of more than 300 Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone devices for military use. The results have been promising, according to program director Michael McCarthy, stating that younger soldiers who grew up with smartphones and handhelds are very comfortable using them for military purposes. Soldiers in the field can text GPS coordinates, send pictures of their surroundings, or file common reports directly from their phone. Despite positive results, the Army still has some hurdles to jump before taking the plunge — some of the phones had OS bugs, others (specifically, iPhones running on AT&T) couldn’t get signal in the New Mexico and Texas testing areas, and none of the devices were secure enough for use in overseas operations. The Army is considering tying the phones to tactical radios to help encrypt transmissions, and are testing self contained “cell tower in a suitcase” equipment to ensure coverage in sensitive locations. The Military hopes to push out limited deployment this year, and Army program director Ed Mazzanti has stated that they expect to select two mobile operating systems for official use, noting that “iPhone and Android have been very well received.” Sure, using multiple platforms may help protect soldiers against cyber attacks , but we can’t be the only ones worried the Army is unintentionally breeding a generation of fanboys with guns, can we? US Army runs smartphone trial, could see ‘limited deployment’ later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Apple has just pushed a new version of iOS, 4.3.4 (4.2.9 for the Verizon iPhone), and it looks to have “fixed” the PDF exploit that has been so notoriously exploited of late. In a summary of what’s changed, Apple indicates that a fix has been applied that will prevent “arbitrary code execution” when viewing a “maliciously crafted PDF” — business speak for “we broke your jailbreak, son.” And, sure enough, you can see what happens after the break when trying to apply the latest. At this point we’re not seeing any other updates or improvements but, really, now that you can view those malicious PDFs without fear on your iPhone or iPad 2, what more do you need? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Continue reading Apple releases iOS 4.3.4, sends you back to jail, does not offer $200 Apple releases iOS 4.3.4, sends you back to jail, does not offer $200 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Android trash can robot begs the question: ‘Why are you hitting yourself?’ (video)
July 16, 2011 No Comment
We’ve seen robots that look like they’ve had one too many , but we’re pretty sure this little guy needs to check into rehab. Despite its absolutely adorable appearance, this Android seems hell-bent on destruction, literally beating itself up, and eventually falling on its face. Built using the requisite Arduino, a trash can, some LEDs, and a slew of other components, this little guy was apparently created in three days on a budget just barely exceeding $100. You can see a video of the waste-bin bot hitting rock bottom at the source link below, but please refrain from laughing; Android alcoholism is a serious issue. Continue reading Android trash can robot begs the question: ‘Why are you hitting yourself?’ (video) Android trash can robot begs the question: ‘Why are you hitting yourself?’ (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Oh Orange UK customers, you lucky dogs, your carrier is giving you a bit of a break as we enter globe-trotting season. No longer are you chained to absurd per-MB roaming charges or unecessary monthly plans. Instead, you can shell out
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Say it ain’t so — not only is a phone not delayed, it’s actually planning to come out earlier than its quoted launch window? This particular miracle is the exception much more than the rule, but Microsoft’s latest Windows Phone OS (nicknamed ” Mango ,”) might come out prior to the anticipated fall release. According to Nikkei , Fujitsu will offer the very first Mango device, a waterproof phone called the IS12T, on KDDI “as early as late next month.” The phone is to be sold for 30,000 – 40,000 yen ($378 – 505), a reasonable amount of coin for what will likely be a higher-end device. And — if it’s the same handset showcased at this week’s Worldwide Partner Conference — a pink version will be on sale. So, what’s more enticing: a Hello Kitty -flavored Windows Phone, or a Samsung Galaxy S II lookalike running Mango? It’s a tough call. Fujitsu to launch first Windows Phone Mango handset in… August? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Say it ain’t so — not only is a phone not delayed, it’s actually planning to come out earlier than its quoted launch window? This particular miracle is the exception much more than the rule, but Microsoft’s latest Windows Phone OS (nicknamed ” Mango ,”) might come out prior to the anticipated fall release. According to Nikkei , Fujitsu will offer the very first Mango device, a waterproof phone called the IS12T, on KDDI “as early as late next month.” The phone is to be sold for 30,000 – 40,000 yen ($378 – 505), a reasonable amount of coin for what will likely be a higher-end device. And — if it’s the same handset showcased at this week’s Worldwide Partner Conference — a pink version will be on sale. So, what’s more enticing: a Hello Kitty -flavored Windows Phone, or a Samsung Galaxy S II lookalike running Mango? It’s a tough call. Fujitsu to launch first Windows Phone Mango handset in… August? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Shaw Cable’s Netflix competitor bypasses bandwidth caps on its way to the TV
July 16, 2011 No Comment
While US residents seethe over increases in Netflix’s pricing, our neighbors in Canada are upset by the competing Movie Club package Shaw Cable is offering. The $12 per month service offers unlimited access to “hundreds of the best Hollywood moves” and plans to have high definition feeds later this summer for an additional $5 (cable companies in the US have a similar scheme under the name Vutopia .) Causing the issue are promises that “the only limit is the number of hours in your day” unlike bandwidth capped streaming from unnamed services like Netflix. While Movie Club viewing over the internet on a PC, tablet or other device is capped just like any other service, access via the cable box is not metered. That distinction doesn’t sit well with subscribers and consumer groups arguing for net neutrality, particularly as the CRTC is in the midst of hearings over usage-based internet billing. While that case hasn’t been decided, our own ruling is already in and is firmly against Shaw, or anyone else, advertising based on advantages that exist only due to policies it created in the first place. Continue reading Shaw Cable’s Netflix competitor bypasses bandwidth caps on its way to the TV Shaw Cable’s Netflix competitor bypasses bandwidth caps on its way to the TV originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 15:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Light bulb efficiency passes through US House, incandescent bulbs flicker in celebration
July 16, 2011 No Comment
Not like Congress has anything more pressing on its plate right now, but the suits on Capitol Hill have somehow found time to poke their noses in yet another minute aspect of our personal lives — lighting . All jesting aside, it was starting to look like those old, power-hungry incandescent bulbs wouldn’t have a second chance at life. If you’ll recall, a bill was passed way back in 2007 to kill ‘em off by 2012, but Republicans were attempting to reverse things in order to give Americans a bargain option in the years ahead. Despite a 233 to 193 vote in favor of the repeal earlier this week, the necessary super majority wasn’t reached. Not willing to be left in the dark, those adamant about getting it turned around shoved it into something else as an amendment late Friday, which did indeed get the oh-so-coveted stamp of approval. Translation? GE has a production line to reactivate , STAT. Light bulb efficiency passes through US House, incandescent bulbs flicker in celebration originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Earlier this week, Pandora announced that it would finally be dropping its longtime support for Flash in favor of HTML5. The move is one piece of a big redesign for the site, one which will begin rolling out to Pandora One (the $36 / year premium version) subscribers in pieces, as part of a limited testing period before being made available to the service’s entire massive user base. The timing could have been more ideal, of course. A day after the announcement, Spotify quickly grabbed the attention of those following the online music industry by formally launching in the US. It’s important to note right off the bat, however, that these two services are not really direct competitors, in spite of how some might spin it. Spotify is an all-you-can eat subscription service, making it more akin to the likes of a Rhapsody and Napster. Pandora, on the other hand, is built largely around passive music discovery. You log-in, you enter an artist, and you let the music come to you. This redesign takes that ease of use to a whole new level. Check out our impressions below. Gallery: Pandora redesign hands-on Continue reading Pandora Radio’s HTML5 redesign hands-on Pandora Radio’s HTML5 redesign hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 12:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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