X Prize Foundation Offers Millions For Creative Ways to Clean BP's Messy Oil Spill

The X Prize Foundation, most noted for their multi-million dollar contest such as the as the $30 million Google Lunar X Prize and the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize has set their sites on cleaning up the BP oil spill.

On July 29, 2010, the X PRIZE Foundation will launch its sixth major competition, a multi-million dollar privately funded Oil Cleanup X CHALLENGE, designed to inspire entrepreneurs, engineers, and scientists worldwide to develop innovative, rapidly deployable, and highly efficient methods of capturing crude oil from the ocean surface. At the press conference, speakers will discuss the goals and objectives of the prize, team rules for entry, amount of the prize purse and announce the competition benefactor.

More information is due tomorrow during the official press release but for now you can visit http://www.xprize.org or follow the X PRIZE Foundation via Facebook or on Twitter @XPrize.

Fake Firefox Update Page Pushes Fake Flash Update

F-Secure has posted details of a fake Firefox "Just Updated" page which pushes users to install a phony update to Firefox and Flash that actually contains malware. In their recent post Rogue AV Masquerades as a Firefox/Flash Update F-Secure provides details of how the page works.

For starters lets explain what the page is, You know that page that instantaneously appears right after you install that recent update to your Firefox browser? And you open Firefox for the first time? Well this page looks almost identical to one of those.

 

Image courtesy F-Secure

Once a user is on the page there is a message box that suggests you not only update to the "latest and greatest version" of Firefox but also a message warning you that your Flash player is outdated and needs to be updated. Without clicking anything a download dialog box appears offering a fake file titled "ff-update.exe". Unsuspecting users that save and run the fill will find themselves infected with a rogue antivirus product named "SecurityTool" which starts finding threats which aren't there and demanding payment in order to remove them.

The files the "SecurityTool" software detects are an old virus, Virus.DOS.Glew.4245 and several trojans, worms and other vulnerabilities. Of course these aren't actually present, unless that is the software adds them. The name and URL of the site are obscured to we have no way of knowing how well the spoof was done but F-Secure says their software already detects this particular threat and has blocked the web site from which it spreads.

Dell Updates Streak Pre-Sale Details

Update: According to Computer World, the information quoted below from the Dell site is wrong and was accidentally posted. Dell spokesperson Matt Parretta told Computer World's Matt Hamblen, "It was a mistake, and we took that information down this morning. I can say definitely that the Dell Streak won't go on sale in July."

It looks like its anyone's guess as to when the Streak will actually be released!

Last week we mentioned that Dell was offering very few details about it ongoing pre-sale of the new Dell Streak Tablet. Today the company finally outed the information that most customers had been begging for!

According to Dell:

Pre-sale registrants get first access to pre-order the Dell Streak though Dell.com on July 27 for $299.99 with new two-year eligible AT&T service contract†, and $549.99 without. Those who sign up during the pre-sale signup will also receive a free second-day shipping upgrade as well as a coupon for a Plantronics Bluetooth earpiece for 99 cents. Clicking on the link below will take you directly to the pre-sale site.

Registering sometime between July 20 - 27 will sign you up for a spot to pre-order a Dell Streak. On June 27, customers who register will receive an e-mail from Dell that will contain a unique purchase link. That e-mail will also contain a coupon code that will allow you to buy the Plantronics Bluetooth headset for 99 cents. If you do not use that purchase code before July 28, you will lose your priority order status and will have to place your order with the general public when it will be available for order by all US customers.

For those of you looking for more details here's the Dell Streak product page.

Dell is also confirming that the Dell Aero is making its way to US customers. The phone is expected to be available for order Aug. 9 at Dell.com/mobile or from AT&T for $99.99 with new AT&T two-year contract†, and $299.99 without. At this time AT&T has very few details on their product page but you can sign-up for an email alert as soon as the Dell Aero is available.

Apple Warns Jailbreaking May Be Legal But It Still Violates Your TOS And Warranty

Following recent changes made to the 1998 DMCA by the Library of Congress that made it legal to Jailbreak and root smartphones Apple has found itself in a bit if a conundrum. What to do to keep control over the millions of user out there that currently own iPhones. Their response, remind users that even though its legal Jailbreaking still violates the iOS terms of service and voids the warranty on your iPhone.

Apple released for following statement to Cult of Mac:

Apple’s goal has always been to insure that our customers have a great experience with their iPhone and we know that jailbreaking can severely degrade the experience. As we’ve said before, the vast majority of customers do not jailbreak their iPhones as this can violate the warranty and can cause the iPhone to become unstable and not work reliably.

Apple's approach is fairly short and sweet: Apple wants to control the iPhone. Sure they use the guise that by keeping things things simple and stable and not allowing every app out there to run on the iPhone they can provide a better end user experience. But it all really comes down to control.

They want to control your network, and keep their exclusivity with AT&T. They want to control how and where you buys apps, keeping the App Store intact (a major cash cow). If they lose that control they stand to lose millions in revenue and sites like Cydia, an underground app store specializing in safe unauthorized apps (such as tethering apps), has been picking up steam of late. The site is said to service millions of Jailbroken iPhones. The new Jailbreaking exemption could lead to a revolution of sorts with more and more users breaking away from Apple gripe. Something the company just doesn't want to see.

Now don't get me wrong here Jailbreaking does have it faults. Not all apps out there in the wild are perfect and yes in some instances Jailbreaking can open the door to software that can ruin a users experience (and maybe steal your identity or spread viruses). There is always a chance that you'll run into instability, disruption of services, and other issues. Lets not forget however that even Apple's own iTunes App store was recently hit with a few malicious apps and even more recently well respected Citigroup had to warn customers of a security flaw in its free iPhone app.

Given these issue, and of course the rise of similar attacks, it's hard to buy Apple's stance that Jailbroking iPhones makes them that much less secure than they already are! I say if you want to do it, do it. At the very least you should look into the pros and cons on either side before you jump in line and buy what Apple is saying.

Logitech Looking For ‘Host with the Most’ To Debut Google TV

Logitech is looking for three social media savvy individuals to help introduce the world to the new Logitech Revue with Google TV. The three lucky entrants will be hosting a coming out party at one of Logitech's fully furnished loft spaces in Los Angeles, New York City or San Francisco.

You may be selected to be a ‘Host with the Most’ for Logitech if you:

• Have a knack for hosting awesome parties – and lots of ‘em
• Possess the ability to tell a story – using a variety of social media tools, including blogs, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.
• Are an articulate, energetic and passionate voice to lead, communicate and drive awareness and excitement for the Logitech Revue with Google TV experience
• Love technology and have a lust for all things innovative and new in consumer electronics.

What does it take to be a Logitech ‘Host with the Most’?

We are considering people with the following criteria:

• Some social media experience and networks established (including but not limited to a personal blog and accounts on Twitter, Facebook and/or YouTube)
• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Must reside in Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York City, or be willing to relocate/commute to one of those cities for the duration of the campaign (approximately September 15 – November 15). Relocation costs not covered by Logitech.
• A Bachelors Degree (preferred)

This is a paid, contract position with Logitech.

The Logitech ‘Host with the Most’ search begins today. Here’s how the application process will work:

7.26 – 8.20: Submissions and voting voting
8.21 – 8.23: Voting continues after submissions close
8.25: Finalists announced
8.26 – 9.03: Finalists judging
9.09: Hosts announced

Interested? Apply now at the application above or on the contest tab at Facebook.com/Logitech.

If you are a Safari user unable to login via the Facebook link above, please click here to enter.

Ready more at Calling all Logitech and Google TV Fans!

Win $10k For Living in the Museum of Science and Industry

Living in a Museum would be a dream for some, living in Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry and being paid $10,000 to do so, now that's the dream of any geek anywhere!

The Museum is looking for one lucky geek to spend one full month living inside the museum from October 20 to November 18, 2010. In addition to sleeping and eating at the the museum, the selected applicant would have to spend his or her time blogging, speaking with the media and perhaps even performing live science demos around the building.

The lucky winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000, a package of tech gadgets, an honorary lifetime membership to MSI, and of course the chance to live a geek filled month of excitement like none other!

To enter you must be over the age of 18 with an adventurous, outgoing personality with a strong interest in learning about science and the world around you. You must also be willing to o live and breathe science 24/7 for 30 days. The deadline to apply is August 11 and you can find more details via the museum’s website.

Requirements of the Month at the Museum

The winning candidate must:

• Pass a drug test, behavioral assessment, and background checks.
• Sign an Agreement covering the terms of the engagement.
• Sign a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement.  (We have a secret recipe for fun, and it can't get out.)
• Agree to very limited contact with the outside, and limited and/or prohibited personal use of cell phone, texting, e-mail, Facebook, etc., during the residence period.
• Reside exclusively in the Museum during the residence period. Occasionally, the candidate will leave the Museum to see science where it happens or appear at events on the Museum's behalf.
• Following the residence, make a few event appearances, if the Museum opts to arrange them.

Physical and other specific requirements of the position may include:

• Sleeping in confined or “untraditional” spaces.
• Significant walking around the Museum, including climbing stairs frequently.
• Lifting up to 40 lbs. (Of what, we don’t know yet. We’ll think of something.)
• Ability to stand for significant periods of time. (This might include working the Museum floor, performing live science demos, blowing up chemicals in our "Bangs, Flashes and Fire" show, and other really fun stuff.)
• Meeting, interacting and socializing with crowds of Museum guests every day … with a smile.
• Working on a computer daily to write about your amazing experiences.
• Speaking English for demonstrations and other appearances.

Rules and Regulations

• You may enter only once. Submitting multiple entries will disqualify you from the competition.  The Museum will not automatically confirm receipt of your application but you may request confirmation by e-mailing matm(at)msichicago.org no sooner than 10 days after submission of your application.
• You must not be previously or currently employed by the Museum (whether as an employee, volunteer or contractor), or related to or a member of the same household as an MSI employee, volunteer or contractor.
• You must be 18 or over at the date of application.
• You must be legally allowed to receive compensation for services in the United States. 
• You must be available to live in the Museum for 30 days with no outside personal or work responsibilities.  Semi-finalists may be required to submit evidence of their physical and mental fitness to fulfill the position specifications.

Entry Materials

Complete entries must include the following:

• VIDEO: A 60-second video (on DVD, playable on DVD player) telling us about you and why you should be the person chosen for this assignment. Use the video to showcase the creativity and qualities that make you the right person. 
• ESSAY: A 500-word essay that explains why you want to be the person chosen to live in the Museum for a month.
• APPLICATION FORM: Complete and sign the application form and short-answer sheet.
• PHOTO:  Submit a 5” x 7” head shot
• RELEASE AND WAIVER: Execute the Release and Waiver accompanying the application form.