HP has issued a recall on as many as 162,000 laptop batteries from models sold as far back as 2007. The newly listed models included the HP Compaq 6520s and a battery in the HP Pavilion which were reportedly sold between July 2007 and July 2008.
This latest recall is a continuation of a previous recall which originally affected more than 200k batteries. The previous recall was announced back in May 2010 and affected more than 21 different HP/Compaq models.
HP customers affected by this program will be eligible to receive a replacement battery pack for each verified, recalled battery pack at no cost. Both the HP website and the USCPSC provided a complete list of all of the affected units. The USCPSC advised affected consumers to immediately remove the battery and contact HP. It also advised that consumers who were previously not included in previous recalls should check again.
For additional information, visit the HP Battery Replacement Program Web site at http://www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement or call (800) 889-2031 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Google Offers Being Launched In Portland, Oregon
Today, Google announced that the company will be launching a beta version of their Groupon competitor Google Offers in Portland, Ore. tomorrow.
At the D9 Conference in Palos Verdes, California, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt and Stephanie Tilenius, Google’s VP of commerce, demonstrated the company’s new product. The new service is very similar to that of, Bing deals, Groupon or LivingSocail in that it provides users a daily deal from what is said to be “thousands of merchant partners.” For their initial demonstration Google showed off a deal for $10 worth of Floyd’s coffee for $3.
The big selling point for Google Offers is that it integrates seamlessly with Google Wallet, the company’s NFC-based payment system. Instead of printing out a coupon or barcode, completed offers are saved to a user’s Google Wallet, where they are automatically saved and redeemable. Eventually they will be utilized automatically through NFC.
Google Offers will be available tomorrow in Portland and eventually roll out to New York, San Francisco and other cities during the summer. You can learn more about Google Offers and sign up at google.com/offers.
At the D9 Conference in Palos Verdes, California, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt and Stephanie Tilenius, Google’s VP of commerce, demonstrated the company’s new product. The new service is very similar to that of, Bing deals, Groupon or LivingSocail in that it provides users a daily deal from what is said to be “thousands of merchant partners.” For their initial demonstration Google showed off a deal for $10 worth of Floyd’s coffee for $3.
The big selling point for Google Offers is that it integrates seamlessly with Google Wallet, the company’s NFC-based payment system. Instead of printing out a coupon or barcode, completed offers are saved to a user’s Google Wallet, where they are automatically saved and redeemable. Eventually they will be utilized automatically through NFC.
Google Offers will be available tomorrow in Portland and eventually roll out to New York, San Francisco and other cities during the summer. You can learn more about Google Offers and sign up at google.com/offers.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
7 Practical Gifts for College Grads
The following post comes courtesy of consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch. Andrea has been featured as a media expert source on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. To view recent interviews or find more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com.
Sure, an all-expense-paid trip to Europe seems like the ultimate graduation gift. However, college students who face thousands of dollars in academic debt may need to jump on the job hunt sooner than expected. With new financial responsibilities looming, recent grads will appreciate whatever help they can get.
To help soften the real world blow, here are seven practical gifts job-seeking college graduates will appreciate.
Resume Service
The first thing employers see is an applicant's resume and cover letter. Unfortunately, the style of these documents has become more complex in recent years. Graduates won't get noticed using the old method of simply listing experience by date. Cover letters are now approaching works of art, mentioning much more than that applicant is interested in the job and is a good team player, trustworthy and a hard worker.
A resume service will create updated documents so subsequent resumes and cover letters live up to modern standards. Costs run roughly $100 to $200, depending on the services you desire. It's worth paying extra to have an expert explain the latest tricks and how graduates can alter these documents for each job. Sites like ResumeMyCareer can help you compile a professional and competitive resume at an affordable cost.
Home Furnishings
After living with cinder-block bookshelves and saggy mattresses for four years or, worse yet, being surrounded by their childhood furniture while living at home, graduates might appreciate an upgrade on everything from a couch to kitchen implements especially those moving into a new apartment to be closer to their new 9 to 5 job. You might also put together a basket of upscale bed and bath products so the grad can finally dump their dollar-store shampoo and soap.
Gift Cards
The 2011 crop of college graduates faces more debt than any other generation, so money is always a welcome gift especially to help them get through that first, unstable post-school year. Grads not comfortable with the idea of asking directly for money can create a gift card registry at CardAvenue.com to receive gift cards from hundreds of merchants in a variety of categories from apparel to food, gas and much more.
Job Interview Clothing
Suits can be overkill in some places, unless the graduate lives in a big city or is looking for a management position. Most employers will expect something a bit more casual these days. Men should have a dress shirt, pants and shoes with a matching tie and, perhaps, a sports coat. Women will need a demure outfit of skirt and blouse or dress with basic pumps. A coordinated jacket would nicely complete the outfit.
Foreign Language Lessons
College graduates face a tough job market and with high unemployment rates, that means more experienced competition. Given any opportunity to improve his or her skill set, grads can make themselves more marketable to potential employers depending on the position. Consider gifting Spanish lessons (Rosetta Stone) is an effective and affordable option) or perhaps a GMAT review course for help towards MBA school admissions.
Briefcase
Backpacks and messenger bags are great for toting books and water bottles, but grads will have a better chance of securing a job when they show up looking sophisticated. A soft-sided briefcase with room for a laptop, resume binder and lunch will give any job seeker a more professional appearance.
Smartphone
With instant email access & GPS navigation, a smartphone will keep recent grads connected with potential employers & recruiters so they never miss an interview opportunity or an offer. Not to mention, the various apps that offer banking on-the-go, cheap dinner recipes and location-based drink specials to help make their lives a little easier.
Sure, an all-expense-paid trip to Europe seems like the ultimate graduation gift. However, college students who face thousands of dollars in academic debt may need to jump on the job hunt sooner than expected. With new financial responsibilities looming, recent grads will appreciate whatever help they can get.
To help soften the real world blow, here are seven practical gifts job-seeking college graduates will appreciate.
Resume Service
The first thing employers see is an applicant's resume and cover letter. Unfortunately, the style of these documents has become more complex in recent years. Graduates won't get noticed using the old method of simply listing experience by date. Cover letters are now approaching works of art, mentioning much more than that applicant is interested in the job and is a good team player, trustworthy and a hard worker.
A resume service will create updated documents so subsequent resumes and cover letters live up to modern standards. Costs run roughly $100 to $200, depending on the services you desire. It's worth paying extra to have an expert explain the latest tricks and how graduates can alter these documents for each job. Sites like ResumeMyCareer can help you compile a professional and competitive resume at an affordable cost.
Home Furnishings
After living with cinder-block bookshelves and saggy mattresses for four years or, worse yet, being surrounded by their childhood furniture while living at home, graduates might appreciate an upgrade on everything from a couch to kitchen implements especially those moving into a new apartment to be closer to their new 9 to 5 job. You might also put together a basket of upscale bed and bath products so the grad can finally dump their dollar-store shampoo and soap.
Gift Cards
The 2011 crop of college graduates faces more debt than any other generation, so money is always a welcome gift especially to help them get through that first, unstable post-school year. Grads not comfortable with the idea of asking directly for money can create a gift card registry at CardAvenue.com to receive gift cards from hundreds of merchants in a variety of categories from apparel to food, gas and much more.
Job Interview Clothing
Suits can be overkill in some places, unless the graduate lives in a big city or is looking for a management position. Most employers will expect something a bit more casual these days. Men should have a dress shirt, pants and shoes with a matching tie and, perhaps, a sports coat. Women will need a demure outfit of skirt and blouse or dress with basic pumps. A coordinated jacket would nicely complete the outfit.
Foreign Language Lessons
College graduates face a tough job market and with high unemployment rates, that means more experienced competition. Given any opportunity to improve his or her skill set, grads can make themselves more marketable to potential employers depending on the position. Consider gifting Spanish lessons (Rosetta Stone) is an effective and affordable option) or perhaps a GMAT review course for help towards MBA school admissions.
Briefcase
Backpacks and messenger bags are great for toting books and water bottles, but grads will have a better chance of securing a job when they show up looking sophisticated. A soft-sided briefcase with room for a laptop, resume binder and lunch will give any job seeker a more professional appearance.
Smartphone
With instant email access & GPS navigation, a smartphone will keep recent grads connected with potential employers & recruiters so they never miss an interview opportunity or an offer. Not to mention, the various apps that offer banking on-the-go, cheap dinner recipes and location-based drink specials to help make their lives a little easier.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
PSN Users Get Your Free ID Theft Protection Now
Following the recent attacks on Sony's PlayStation Network and Qriocity Sony promised a years worth of free ID Theft protection to any users that believes they have been affected. Today the company is making good on that promise, they have arranged for eligible PlayStation Network and Qriocity account holders to receive a free twelve months of AllClear ID PLUS provided by Debix to those who choose to enroll.
How to get yours:
Sony has made this as easy as possible, and hopefully secure! Simple used this posted sign up form which asks for the email address associated with your PSN or Qriocity account click the "submit" button. Within 72 hrs of validation of the email address you submit, your personal activation code for AllClear ID PLUS will be sent via email.
Upon receipt of your AllClear ID PLUS activation code, you will have until June 28th, 2011 at 11:59:59 PM CST to redeem on the AllClear ID website.
AllClear ID PLUS is a service offered by Debix and not by Sony, so if you are interested in signing up for the service, please be certain to review all the information about the program on the AllClear ID website. The service is subject to the AllClear ID terms and conditions.
In order to be eligible, account holders must be residents of the United States with an active account as of April 20, 2011. This offer is likely a limited time offer for enrollment but the only date posted is June 28th for activation, just keep that in mind. If you want it I'd say get it now!
The details of the program include, but are not limited to:
How to get yours:
Sony has made this as easy as possible, and hopefully secure! Simple used this posted sign up form which asks for the email address associated with your PSN or Qriocity account click the "submit" button. Within 72 hrs of validation of the email address you submit, your personal activation code for AllClear ID PLUS will be sent via email.
Upon receipt of your AllClear ID PLUS activation code, you will have until June 28th, 2011 at 11:59:59 PM CST to redeem on the AllClear ID website.
AllClear ID PLUS is a service offered by Debix and not by Sony, so if you are interested in signing up for the service, please be certain to review all the information about the program on the AllClear ID website. The service is subject to the AllClear ID terms and conditions.
In order to be eligible, account holders must be residents of the United States with an active account as of April 20, 2011. This offer is likely a limited time offer for enrollment but the only date posted is June 28th for activation, just keep that in mind. If you want it I'd say get it now!
The details of the program include, but are not limited to:
- Cyber monitoring and surveillance of the Internet to detect exposure of an AllClear ID Plus customer’s personal information, including monitoring of criminal web sites and data recovered by law enforcement. If his/her personal information is found, the customer will be alerted by phone and/or email and will be provided advice and support regarding protective steps to take. The customer will also receive monthly identity status reports. Debix works with an alliance of cyber-crime experts from the government, academia and industry to provide these services.
- Priority access to licensed private investigators and identity restoration specialists. If an AllClear ID Plus customer receives an alert, or otherwise suspects that he/she may be the victim of identity theft, the customer can speak directly, on a priority basis, with an on-staff licensed private investigator, who will conduct a comprehensive inquiry. In the case of an identity theft, the customer can work with an identity restoration specialist to contact creditors and others, and take necessary steps to restore the customer’s identity.
- A $1 million identity theft insurance policy per user to provide additional protection in the event that an AllClear ID Plus customer becomes a victim of identity theft. This insurance would provide financial relief of up to $1 million for covered identity restoration costs, legal defense expenses, and lost wages that occur within 12 months after the stolen identity event.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Newer Nastier Version Of MacDefender Malware Found
Just days after Apple posted a fix for the recently discovered MacDefender malware a new even nastier version new version called MacGuard has reared its ugly head!
Intego has issued a new warning for Mac users that a new variant of the Mac Defender malware has been found. Much like the old version it uses an infected site to act like scareware. Users see a prompt that tells them their system is infected and they need to download the "security tools" to remove the infections.
The so called fake tools come in several variants: MacDefender, MacProtector, MacSecurity and now MacGuard, all of which are the same application using different names. The goal of this fake antivirus software is to trick users into providing their credit card numbers to supposedly clean out infected files on their Macs.
The difference with this new variant is that unlike previous versions it doesn’t require that you provide an administrator password during the installation process.
The new malware comes in two parts. The first part is a downloader, called avSetup.pkg. Should you happen upon one of the afflicted sites this package may be downloaded automatically. If Safari’s “Open ‘safe’ files after downloading” option is checked, the package will open Apple’s Installer, and the user will see a standard installation screen. If not, users may see the downloaded ZIP archive and double-click it out of curiosity, not remembering what they downloaded, then double-click the installation package. In either case, the Mac OS X Installer will launch.
This package installs a secondary downloader application named avRunner, which then launches automatically. At the same time, the installation package deletes itself from the user’s Mac, so no traces of the original installer are left behind.
The second part of the malware is the new fake anti-virus software MacGuard. This is downloaded by the avRunner application from an unknown IP address that is hidden within an image file in the avRunner application’s resources folder.
Precautions from Apple and Intego, as well as general Mac-using common-sense precautions, include disabling Safari’s “Open ‘safe’ files after downloading” option (under Safari -> Preferences -> General), and immediately quitting (or force-quitting) your browser if you see a Web page that attempts to disguise itself as an OS X window.
Apple provides detailed instructions on removing the older variants from your system. The company also promises a software update that will remove the infection. At this time its unclear if the update will address this new variant or not or if there are any nastier variants out there. So Mac users should use caution and common sense when they see anything suspicious.
Intego has issued a new warning for Mac users that a new variant of the Mac Defender malware has been found. Much like the old version it uses an infected site to act like scareware. Users see a prompt that tells them their system is infected and they need to download the "security tools" to remove the infections.
The so called fake tools come in several variants: MacDefender, MacProtector, MacSecurity and now MacGuard, all of which are the same application using different names. The goal of this fake antivirus software is to trick users into providing their credit card numbers to supposedly clean out infected files on their Macs.
The difference with this new variant is that unlike previous versions it doesn’t require that you provide an administrator password during the installation process.
The new malware comes in two parts. The first part is a downloader, called avSetup.pkg. Should you happen upon one of the afflicted sites this package may be downloaded automatically. If Safari’s “Open ‘safe’ files after downloading” option is checked, the package will open Apple’s Installer, and the user will see a standard installation screen. If not, users may see the downloaded ZIP archive and double-click it out of curiosity, not remembering what they downloaded, then double-click the installation package. In either case, the Mac OS X Installer will launch.
This package installs a secondary downloader application named avRunner, which then launches automatically. At the same time, the installation package deletes itself from the user’s Mac, so no traces of the original installer are left behind.
The second part of the malware is the new fake anti-virus software MacGuard. This is downloaded by the avRunner application from an unknown IP address that is hidden within an image file in the avRunner application’s resources folder.
Precautions from Apple and Intego, as well as general Mac-using common-sense precautions, include disabling Safari’s “Open ‘safe’ files after downloading” option (under Safari -> Preferences -> General), and immediately quitting (or force-quitting) your browser if you see a Web page that attempts to disguise itself as an OS X window.
Apple provides detailed instructions on removing the older variants from your system. The company also promises a software update that will remove the infection. At this time its unclear if the update will address this new variant or not or if there are any nastier variants out there. So Mac users should use caution and common sense when they see anything suspicious.
HTC Re-evaluating Their Locked Bootloader Policy
Customers have complained and apparently HTC is listening, or so it seems. Tuesday the company posted an update via Facebook concerning the input of Android users that have voiced their opinion about the company's locked bootloader policy. The Android community wants openness and wants HTC to make some changes.
Several companies have taken to locking their bootloaders which effectively prevents users from using custom UIs and personally updating their software to newer version. This wouldn't be such a bad thing if the companies were pushing out incremental updates as new versions of Android were coming out. However HTC hasn't nor has the company supported some of its older devices.
Since posting the update yesterday HTC's Facebook page has been inundated with hundreds of thousands of customer complaints and requests to change their policy. Customers have even gone as far as creating a petition, which currently stands at 5800+ signatures. I've also noticed several Android community sites as well as HTC forums where as members were calling for HTC to do more than just review the policy but actually act on it.
Will they, I can honestly say I don't know that they will. HTC's, and well any other company's for that matter, big marketing point and biggest selling point is their UI. For them to open their phones to custom UI's would mean loosing that as a point of sales. Now on the flip side many users out there love HTC Sense so it might not be that big an issue and the openness might actually grab the attention of more users looking for that open alternative.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
Update on Bootloaders
Thanks so much for providing feedback, we hear your concerns. Your satisfaction is a top priority for us and we’re working hard to ensure you have great experiences with our phones. We’re reviewing the issue and our policy around bootloaders and will provide more information soon. Thank you for your interest, support and willingness to share your feedback.
Several companies have taken to locking their bootloaders which effectively prevents users from using custom UIs and personally updating their software to newer version. This wouldn't be such a bad thing if the companies were pushing out incremental updates as new versions of Android were coming out. However HTC hasn't nor has the company supported some of its older devices.
Since posting the update yesterday HTC's Facebook page has been inundated with hundreds of thousands of customer complaints and requests to change their policy. Customers have even gone as far as creating a petition, which currently stands at 5800+ signatures. I've also noticed several Android community sites as well as HTC forums where as members were calling for HTC to do more than just review the policy but actually act on it.
Will they, I can honestly say I don't know that they will. HTC's, and well any other company's for that matter, big marketing point and biggest selling point is their UI. For them to open their phones to custom UI's would mean loosing that as a point of sales. Now on the flip side many users out there love HTC Sense so it might not be that big an issue and the openness might actually grab the attention of more users looking for that open alternative.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
Apple Finally Admits To Mac Malware, Plans A Fix Via OSX Update
Apple has been reluctant to admit the existence of a new piece of malware that is targeting Mac users. So much so that Apple had reportedly been informing tech support representatives not to help Mac users who had been duped into downloading and installing the malicious MacDefender application. (also known as MacProtector and MacSecurity)
With the release of a new support document that offers support on how to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware Apple has finally publicly admitted there was an issue. In the coming days, Apple will deliver a Mac OS X software update that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants. The update will also help protect users by providing an explicit warning if they download this malware.
In the meantime, the Resolution section of the support document provides step-by-step instructions on how to avoid or manually remove the malware.
The MacDefender malware was originally discovered by Security firm Intego and originally reported on earlier this month. The professional-looking download tricks users into downloading a malicious file that then installs an applications that looks and acts like a real piece of ant-virus software.
"When a user clicks on a link after performing a search on a search engine such as Google, this takes them to a Web site whose page contains JavaScript that automatically downloads a file. In this case, the file downloaded is a compressed ZIP archive, which, if a specific option in a Web browser is checked ("open safe files" after downloading in Safari, for example), will open," the Intego blog stated.
The application will then begin popping up notifications telling users that they have been infected with a virus and in order to clean the infection they first have to register their copy of MAC Defender. Once the user clicks the link you will be sent off to an unsecure Website that offers a 1-year, 2-year, or lifetime license to the program for $60, $70, or $80 respectively. Registering halts the virus warnings, thus "confirming" that the program is working. When in all reality, outside the malware there was never an infection to begin with.
With the release of a new support document that offers support on how to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware Apple has finally publicly admitted there was an issue. In the coming days, Apple will deliver a Mac OS X software update that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants. The update will also help protect users by providing an explicit warning if they download this malware.
In the meantime, the Resolution section of the support document provides step-by-step instructions on how to avoid or manually remove the malware.
The MacDefender malware was originally discovered by Security firm Intego and originally reported on earlier this month. The professional-looking download tricks users into downloading a malicious file that then installs an applications that looks and acts like a real piece of ant-virus software.
"When a user clicks on a link after performing a search on a search engine such as Google, this takes them to a Web site whose page contains JavaScript that automatically downloads a file. In this case, the file downloaded is a compressed ZIP archive, which, if a specific option in a Web browser is checked ("open safe files" after downloading in Safari, for example), will open," the Intego blog stated.
The application will then begin popping up notifications telling users that they have been infected with a virus and in order to clean the infection they first have to register their copy of MAC Defender. Once the user clicks the link you will be sent off to an unsecure Website that offers a 1-year, 2-year, or lifetime license to the program for $60, $70, or $80 respectively. Registering halts the virus warnings, thus "confirming" that the program is working. When in all reality, outside the malware there was never an infection to begin with.
TweetDeck Officially Bought By Twitter For A Cool $40 million
"This acquisition is an important step forward for us," wrote Twitter CEO Dick Costolo in a blog post on the official Twitter blog. "TweetDeck provides brands, publishers, marketers and others with a powerful platform to track all the real-time conversations they care about. In order to support this important constituency, we will continue to invest in the TweetDeck that users know and love."
Dodsworth also confirmed the announcement in his own TweetDeck blog post.
There is no word whether or not Twitter will keep moving forward with development of TweetDeck, something that concerns many of the applications users. Dodsworth would only confirm that his team would remain intact for now. Stating, "Change may well be inevitable, but we remain the same team, staying in London, with the same focus and products, and now with the support and resources to allow us to grow and take on even bigger challenges."
Hopefully Twitter won't strip down the application or the team and the company will allow them to continue to work on bettering an already great piece of software!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Amazon Now Offering $164 Ad Supported Kindle 3G
Just over a month ago Amazon treated customers to the new Kindle with Special Offers program which featured an ad supported Amazon Kindle for the low price of only $114. Today the company has extended that offer to include a new Kindle 3G with Special Offers.
Starting today customers can purchase the Kindle 3G with Special Offers for only $164. Amazon claims at just $164, Kindle 3G with Special Offers is the lowest price of any 3G e-reader. You can learn more about the entire Kindle family, including the $114 Kindle with Special Offers and the new $164 Kindle 3G with Special Offers, at www.amazon.com/kindle3G.
Special offers that will be available in the coming weeks include:
Kindle 3G with Special Offers includes all the same features that helped make the third-generation Kindle the #1 bestselling product in the history of Amazon.com:
Starting today customers can purchase the Kindle 3G with Special Offers for only $164. Amazon claims at just $164, Kindle 3G with Special Offers is the lowest price of any 3G e-reader. You can learn more about the entire Kindle family, including the $114 Kindle with Special Offers and the new $164 Kindle 3G with Special Offers, at www.amazon.com/kindle3G.
Special offers that will be available in the coming weeks include:
- $10 for a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card - customers loved this offer, so we're making it available again in time for Father's Day
- Save up to $500 off Amazon's already low prices on HDTVs with a unique 20% discount on 200 HDTVs from brands including Sony, Panasonic, LG, and VIZIO
- $1 for a Kindle book, choose from thousands of books including Water for Elephants and the Hunger Games trilogy
- Spend $10 on Kindle books and get a free $10 Amazon.com Gift Card
Kindle 3G with Special Offers includes all the same features that helped make the third-generation Kindle the #1 bestselling product in the history of Amazon.com:
- Free 3G wireless , no annual contracts, no monthly fees
- Global 3G coverage means books in under 60 seconds in over 100 countries and territories
- Paper-like Pearl electronic ink display, no glare even in bright sunlight
- Lightweight 8.7 ounce body for hours of comfortable reading with one hand
- Up to two months of battery life with wireless off eliminates battery anxiety
- Kindle Store with over 950,000 books - largest selection of the most popular books
- Seamless integration with free "Buy Once, Read Everywhere" Kindle apps for Android, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, PC, Mac, BlackBerry and Windows Phone
Win A Chance To Review A New Unreleased Sony Ericsson Phone
Sony Ericsson recently announced a new competition that will give twelve fans the exclusive opportunity to review one of the company's two newest smartphones (or other device) before their official launches.
Sony Ericsson is reaching out to their Facebook fanbase of over 4.5 million to enter for a chance to be the "best reviewer of one of its two new feature phones." Entrants will be asked to first answer a simple question then explain why they should get the chance to be the first to review one of them. 12 lucky fans will then receive a phone and be asked to design an entertaining 45 second video review. 4 of the best video reviews will then be featured on Facebook where other fans will vote for their favourite. The review that receives the most ‘likes’ will then receive the grand prize – a set of 10 more for their family and friends.
How to enter:
Sony Ericsson is reaching out to their Facebook fanbase of over 4.5 million to enter for a chance to be the "best reviewer of one of its two new feature phones." Entrants will be asked to first answer a simple question then explain why they should get the chance to be the first to review one of them. 12 lucky fans will then receive a phone and be asked to design an entertaining 45 second video review. 4 of the best video reviews will then be featured on Facebook where other fans will vote for their favourite. The review that receives the most ‘likes’ will then receive the grand prize – a set of 10 more for their family and friends.
How to enter:
- Visit the Facebook page to guess the names of the phones and explain why you would make a great reviewer in 50 words or less.
- Return to the competition page on the 31st May to find out whether you are one of the lucky 12 to receive a handset.
- The 12 finalists will then create and submit a 45 second video review before 6th June.
- On 7th June see if your review is on the site for fans to ‘like’.
- Follow the competition to see which are the most liked reviews until the final winner is announced on the 13th June.
Warning Phishing Scam Targets Apple AppStore Users
Security firm F-Secure is warning Apple AppStore customers about a new new phishing scam that has some rather uncanny timing.
The scam email, which oddly enough was sent to a person who recently made a purchase from the AppStore on his iPad, appears to be from the "Apple AppStore," with a message informing the recipient that their app order "has been successfully cancelled." Users are directed to click on a link titled "order information," to get to the bottom of the problem.
Currently the link sends you off to a fake pharmaceutical site. Typically in these scams you'd be sent to a traditional phishing site that looks more like an official Apple page. So its really uncertain as to the goal behind the attack but F-Secure is more worried about the fact that the phony Apple AppStore message appears in email inboxes immediately after you purchase an app from Apple's legitimate App Store. At this time it is still unclear how the scammers know you just bought something from the App Store.
The scam email, which oddly enough was sent to a person who recently made a purchase from the AppStore on his iPad, appears to be from the "Apple AppStore," with a message informing the recipient that their app order "has been successfully cancelled." Users are directed to click on a link titled "order information," to get to the bottom of the problem.
Currently the link sends you off to a fake pharmaceutical site. Typically in these scams you'd be sent to a traditional phishing site that looks more like an official Apple page. So its really uncertain as to the goal behind the attack but F-Secure is more worried about the fact that the phony Apple AppStore message appears in email inboxes immediately after you purchase an app from Apple's legitimate App Store. At this time it is still unclear how the scammers know you just bought something from the App Store.
Microsoft Shows Off Windows Phone 7.1 "Mango"
Microsoft today provided the first official look at the next release of Windows Phone, code named “Mango.” The new release includes as many as 500 new features set to boost the phones performance and deliver smarter and easier communications, apps and Internet experiences. Microsoft also confirmed a partnership with three new hardware partners; with Acer, Fujitsu Limited and ZTE Corp.
Some of the new or upgraded features we can expect to see:
Communications:
Apps:
Internet:
Windows Phone will also add support for additional languages, expand access to apps by launching Windows Phone Marketplace in new countries, and partner with new OEMs to enable expansion to new markets.
Mango will be available for free to all eligible Windows Phone customers when it’s available in the fall. More details on device update timing will be provided closer to availability.
Some of the new or upgraded features we can expect to see:
Communications:
- Threads. Switch between text, Facebook chat and Windows Live Messenger within the same conversation.
- Groups. Group contacts into personalized Live Tiles to see the latest status updates right from the Start Screen and quickly send a text, email or IM to the whole group.
- Deeper social network integration. Twitter and LinkedIn feeds are now integrated into contact cards, and “Mango” includes built-in Facebook check-ins and new face detection software that makes it easier to quickly tag photos and post to the Web.
- Linked inbox. See multiple email accounts in one linked inbox. Conversations are organized to make it easy to stay on top of the latest mail.
- Hands-free messaging. Built-in voice-to-text and text-to-voice support enables hands-free texting or chatting.
Apps:
- App Connect. By connecting apps to search results and deepening their integration with Windows Phone Hubs, including Music and Video and Pictures, “Mango” allows apps to be surfaced when and where they make sense.
- Improved Live Tiles. Get real-time information from apps without having to open them. Live Tiles can be more dynamic and hold more information.
- Multitasking. Quickly switch between apps in use and allow apps to run in the background, helping to preserve battery life and performance.
Internet:
- Internet Explorer 9. A browser based on the powerful Internet Explorer 9 and including support for HTML5 and full hardware acceleration.
- Local Scout. Provides hyperlocal search results and recommends nearby restaurants, shopping and activities in an easy-to-use guide.
- Bing on Windows Phone. More ways to search the Web, including Bing Vision, Music Search and Voice so it’s easy to discover and decide.
- Quick Cards. When searching for a product, movie, event or place, see a quick summary of relevant information, including related apps.
- Visual search enables users to initiate a Bing search by photographing barcodes, QR codes and Microsoft Tags (without using a third-party app).
- Music search allows users to search Bing and get detailed information about music (like song title, artist and album title) by simply holding the phone up to a speaker.
Windows Phone will also add support for additional languages, expand access to apps by launching Windows Phone Marketplace in new countries, and partner with new OEMs to enable expansion to new markets.
Mango will be available for free to all eligible Windows Phone customers when it’s available in the fall. More details on device update timing will be provided closer to availability.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Apple Claims 'App Store' Is Not a Store for Applications
Apple has been fierce at defending their "app store" and "appstore" trademarks this latest position however has me scratching my head. According to Apple the term "app store" does not mean a store for applications. HUH?
According to legal documents filed with a California district court "Apple denies that, based on their common meaning, the words 'app store' together denote a store for apps."
"Apple denies that the words 'app store' are commonly used among many businesses to describe mobile software download services and further denies that the term 'app store market' is used to describe the market for mobile software download services," Amazon and Apple do not operate an "app store," Apple argues.
Now I think I've heard it all. An application store is not a place to buy and download applications? If its not then what is it?
According to legal documents filed with a California district court "Apple denies that, based on their common meaning, the words 'app store' together denote a store for apps."
"Apple denies that the words 'app store' are commonly used among many businesses to describe mobile software download services and further denies that the term 'app store market' is used to describe the market for mobile software download services," Amazon and Apple do not operate an "app store," Apple argues.
Now I think I've heard it all. An application store is not a place to buy and download applications? If its not then what is it?
Several States Looking At Legalizing Online Gambling
The following is an article submitted by Rachel from http://www.onlineslots.com/ an online gambling portal.
Despite the continued fight at the federal level several states including Colorado and Nevada have proposed the legalization of online gambling.
The Denver Post recently reported that the Colorado Gaming Association had requested a study be conducted toward the decision to implement the online activity. In the mean time Nevada's state Assembly has passed a stripped-down Internet gambling bill calling for the state to develop a licensing process for online poker businesses.
For many, this is a major step forward in the fight to the legalization of online gambling. Colorado and Nevada could become industry trail blazers along with Washington, D.C., who recently authorized Internet gambling within its borders, and states such as Hawaii and New Jersey who have also considered doing the same this year.
The recent crackdown of three online gambling websites has proven that it is not affecting the demand or necessity of implementing the activity.
Founders of Pokerstars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker were among 11 people charged by the U.S. on April 15 with offenses including bank fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling. While all three sites have taken a hit sites outside the US have shown continued growth.
Clearly the states want in on the billions of dollars of annual revenue. Global online gambling consists of approximately 17 percent Americans and the total revenue generated from online gambling by residents of the United States equates to $6 billion per year including, online casinos, online sports betting and online poker rooms.
Despite the continued fight at the federal level several states including Colorado and Nevada have proposed the legalization of online gambling.
The Denver Post recently reported that the Colorado Gaming Association had requested a study be conducted toward the decision to implement the online activity. In the mean time Nevada's state Assembly has passed a stripped-down Internet gambling bill calling for the state to develop a licensing process for online poker businesses.
For many, this is a major step forward in the fight to the legalization of online gambling. Colorado and Nevada could become industry trail blazers along with Washington, D.C., who recently authorized Internet gambling within its borders, and states such as Hawaii and New Jersey who have also considered doing the same this year.
The recent crackdown of three online gambling websites has proven that it is not affecting the demand or necessity of implementing the activity.
Founders of Pokerstars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker were among 11 people charged by the U.S. on April 15 with offenses including bank fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling. While all three sites have taken a hit sites outside the US have shown continued growth.
Clearly the states want in on the billions of dollars of annual revenue. Global online gambling consists of approximately 17 percent Americans and the total revenue generated from online gambling by residents of the United States equates to $6 billion per year including, online casinos, online sports betting and online poker rooms.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Students Get A Free 4GB Xbox 360 With Windows 7 PC Purchase
Microsoft has had a long standing as a supporter of students. Be it through great discounts on software, hardware or offering up other discounts they always seem to have you covered. This year they have announced a new program that will send you off to college or high school with a new Xbox.
Starting May 22 students with a qualifying .edu email address and/or student ID, who purchase a new Windows 7-based PC priced at $699 or above will also get a free Xbox 360 4GB console, no cost and no strings attached. The offer is for high-school and college students who can prove student status. You will need to check with individual retailers on May 22 for requirements. Microsoft has not listed any other info.
Dell's eligibility page is now up confirming that both students enrolled in high school and college are eligible for this offer.
If you have a .edu email address you can purchase your new PC through one of the participating retailers including Dell.com, HP.com or directly from MS through the Microsoft Store. If you don't have a .edu address or prefer to walk into a store, touch the PCs and test their features, bring your Student ID into Best Buy or any Microsoft Store retail location.
To take advantage of this offer, students or parents must provide valid student identification as defined by the participating retailer. More information about this offer can be found at http://www.windows.com/freexbox.
Starting May 22 students with a qualifying .edu email address and/or student ID, who purchase a new Windows 7-based PC priced at $699 or above will also get a free Xbox 360 4GB console, no cost and no strings attached. The offer is for high-school and college students who can prove student status. You will need to check with individual retailers on May 22 for requirements. Microsoft has not listed any other info.
Dell's eligibility page is now up confirming that both students enrolled in high school and college are eligible for this offer.
If you have a .edu email address you can purchase your new PC through one of the participating retailers including Dell.com, HP.com or directly from MS through the Microsoft Store. If you don't have a .edu address or prefer to walk into a store, touch the PCs and test their features, bring your Student ID into Best Buy or any Microsoft Store retail location.
To take advantage of this offer, students or parents must provide valid student identification as defined by the participating retailer. More information about this offer can be found at http://www.windows.com/freexbox.
Amazon Launches New Electronics Trade-In Program
It would seem that everyone has a trade-in or buy-back program these days and while Amazon has always been a great place to paw off your used textbooks, video games and movies they've never before offered to buy your electronics goods. Not until now that is. The company recently announced the Electronics Trade-In Store, offering customers a new way to conveniently trade in used electronics for Amazon.com Gift Cards.
Starting this week, Amazon customers can trade in electronics, including tablets, cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, GPS devices and more. With Amazon Trade-In, only one box is needed to ship multiple items and shipping is free. Simply visit http://www.amazon.com/tradein and start searching for items to trade in.
Much like most of the electronic trade-in programs we've mentioned in the past, Amazon offers pennies on the dollar for what an enterprising eBay or Craigslister could get. It does however offer a ton of convenience as its really just as easy as ship it and forget it. No dead beat buyers, meeting in person or hidden fees.
How it works:
To start you search the trade-in site, find the item you want and navigate to the product page. So say you want to trade-in your Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB
. Amazon is currently offering up to a $235.00 Amazon.com Gift Card if the item is in top notch condition. They are selling for $479, but hey Amazon has to make some money! The trade-in items you selected must exactly match the item displayed on the page. If it doesn't your trade will not be accepted. So make sure you have the iPhone 3GS and not the iPhone 3G.
From there selection the value you want according to the condition of your phone/device.If you aren't sure of the condition of your phone or what they are calling "like new, acceptable or good" you can check each box and a drop down with a description will pop up. Once you are happy with the item you are trading in you can add more items (other electronics or used textbooks, video games and movies) or click continue. You'll be promoted to verify your address. Once that is done you can either print a free pre-paid UPS shipping label or select another carrier that you'll need to pay.
Please note: There are limits on how much you can trade in. Each individual trade-in shipment is limited to a total value of up to $750. If your total trade-in shipment is greater than $750, you will need to make multiple trade-in shipments.
You will receive payment for items that meet or exceed the product eligibility criteria. If your items are considered to be in a better trade-in eligible condition than what you selected, you will receive the corresponding higher amount. (See an example). Exactly what better condition is isn't given but I'm assuming if you have a premium item like an iPad and its flawless they might give you more than one was in "decent condition".
Your Amazon.com Gift Card account will automatically be credited for accepted items. Learn more about Trade-In.
Starting this week, Amazon customers can trade in electronics, including tablets, cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, GPS devices and more. With Amazon Trade-In, only one box is needed to ship multiple items and shipping is free. Simply visit http://www.amazon.com/tradein and start searching for items to trade in.
Much like most of the electronic trade-in programs we've mentioned in the past, Amazon offers pennies on the dollar for what an enterprising eBay or Craigslister could get. It does however offer a ton of convenience as its really just as easy as ship it and forget it. No dead beat buyers, meeting in person or hidden fees.
How it works:
To start you search the trade-in site, find the item you want and navigate to the product page. So say you want to trade-in your Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB
. Amazon is currently offering up to a $235.00 Amazon.com Gift Card if the item is in top notch condition. They are selling for $479, but hey Amazon has to make some money! The trade-in items you selected must exactly match the item displayed on the page. If it doesn't your trade will not be accepted. So make sure you have the iPhone 3GS and not the iPhone 3G.From there selection the value you want according to the condition of your phone/device.If you aren't sure of the condition of your phone or what they are calling "like new, acceptable or good" you can check each box and a drop down with a description will pop up. Once you are happy with the item you are trading in you can add more items (other electronics or used textbooks, video games and movies) or click continue. You'll be promoted to verify your address. Once that is done you can either print a free pre-paid UPS shipping label or select another carrier that you'll need to pay.
Please note: There are limits on how much you can trade in. Each individual trade-in shipment is limited to a total value of up to $750. If your total trade-in shipment is greater than $750, you will need to make multiple trade-in shipments.
You will receive payment for items that meet or exceed the product eligibility criteria. If your items are considered to be in a better trade-in eligible condition than what you selected, you will receive the corresponding higher amount. (See an example). Exactly what better condition is isn't given but I'm assuming if you have a premium item like an iPad and its flawless they might give you more than one was in "decent condition".
Your Amazon.com Gift Card account will automatically be credited for accepted items. Learn more about Trade-In.
Tablet Gaming Android Vs iOS What Is Your Best Bet?
The following is an article submitted by Rachel from www.casino.org an online gambling portal.
Tablets may not yet have capabilities of gaming computers or dedicated platforms like the Sony PSP or Nintendo DS, they nonetheless offer impressive gaming potential and are quickly carving out there nook in the gaming arena. Currently the two platforms making the biggest splash (in terms of numbers) are Google's Android and Apple's iOS, with a few competitors like the new BlackBerry Tablet OS, Palm webOS and a handful of Windows based systems. We wanted to narrow the field a bit and compare just the two main competitors so today we are just going to highlight Google's Android and Apple's iOS
Our goal was to answer one simple question: which tablet operating system is better for mobile gaming? For each system, we looked at two types of games – dedicated and online. Dedicated games are anything written specifically for that platform; these usually need to be purchased, downloaded and installed in order to be enjoyed. Online games are just that – they're out there on the internet, and users just have to point their phone's web browser at them in order to play. These web games use either flash or java technology, and can range from simple Tetris clones to real-money casino games like slots, poker, or blackjack.
Android
Released in October of 2008, Google's Android mobile operating system is based on a Linux kernel. As of early 2011 it had claimed the rank of the most popular smartphone platform, at least in the US. In the tablet arena however it was still seated well behind Apple as the second major player in the market. For the most part the current tablets running the Android OS are running a none tablet specific version or a scaled up version of the smartphone OS. Android 3.0 Honeycomb is the most current release which is more tablet centric providing greater support for both accelerometer and multi-touch interaction.
The Android platform and the tablets that utilize it offer a great gaming experience with excellent graphics capabilities, especially when it comes to there 3D rendering potential. Hardware in these tablets seem to be consistently high quality, with several options, screen sizes and a multitude of companies producing them. This give Android an much wider option base and allows for greater customization.
Visually, Android games can rival those of any tablet or handheld device like the Nintendo DS, Sony PSP and other dedicating gaming devices that offer a touch-screen interface. The one area that has notable been lacking is a great online gaming experience where the Android can often suffer. Java support is mediocre at best, and while it does support flash it can often be buggy and plagued with problems. (when hasn't it though) Where this may seem like a drawback flash support is often the biggest selling point especially for looking for a full web and gaming experience.
Pros
Cons
Apple iOS
Apple has been at the top of the tablet market for years now. They made a major splash with the introduction of the iPhone and iPods and built around them with the iPad. Its a solid device that is easy to use, offers great battery life and superb graphics. Right now it simply is the benchmark that other companies are compared to and are striving to reach.
Much like Android based tablets when Apple first released the iOS operating system found on the iPad it was the same OS they used on the iPhone and iPod. It is just a scaled version of the operating system and originally most of the games were to. Since then they've spent a bit of time doing select in house R&D working and refining their platform and developers have had a chance to tweak there games to provide a much better experience.
Despite that fact, for gamers however, not much is new. The latest iOS release brought us Apple's Game Center which has now been out for several months. Even with the fact that iPad, iPhone and iPod users love their games there seems to be little excitement.
Beyond the new Game Center, iOS via the Apple App Store supports an enormous variety of downloadable games. They currently lay claim to, one of if not, the largest selection of games of any market place. Many of these being free options. The variety is outstanding, and the quality of the games available is often much better than those in the Android Market.
As for online gaming, iOS tends to fare quite well. Despite its lack of flash support and due to its high market share, developers have made sure there are many dedicated iPhone games that can be played instantly online. There are some exceptions namely in the gambling and casino arena and some of your other highly flash based genres. This by no means that iOS is any worse for the wear.
Pros
Cons
With this break down it would seem that Apple and iOS would be a clear winner. And in most cases I'd have to say Apple would beat out Android. But it wouldn't be that cut and dry. Apple offers a much more consistent user experience, you can pick up the device and pretty much know what you are getting. But being that they are just Apple they offer far less options. For many users the control Apple exhibits over their devices and their App Store seems to be a turn off. As does the total lack of flash support, even if it is buggy.
Android has come along way and has made a lot of strides. There are a lot of options currently on the market today with a lot more coming down the road. I won't say they have caught Apple yet but I will say we shouldn't count them out.
So for my conclusion I'll have to say go with Apple for a better more consistent gaming experience. They offer a great deal for your money and you can't go wrong. Go with Android if you want more options, flash support and a bit more openness.
Tablets may not yet have capabilities of gaming computers or dedicated platforms like the Sony PSP or Nintendo DS, they nonetheless offer impressive gaming potential and are quickly carving out there nook in the gaming arena. Currently the two platforms making the biggest splash (in terms of numbers) are Google's Android and Apple's iOS, with a few competitors like the new BlackBerry Tablet OS, Palm webOS and a handful of Windows based systems. We wanted to narrow the field a bit and compare just the two main competitors so today we are just going to highlight Google's Android and Apple's iOS
Our goal was to answer one simple question: which tablet operating system is better for mobile gaming? For each system, we looked at two types of games – dedicated and online. Dedicated games are anything written specifically for that platform; these usually need to be purchased, downloaded and installed in order to be enjoyed. Online games are just that – they're out there on the internet, and users just have to point their phone's web browser at them in order to play. These web games use either flash or java technology, and can range from simple Tetris clones to real-money casino games like slots, poker, or blackjack.
Android
Released in October of 2008, Google's Android mobile operating system is based on a Linux kernel. As of early 2011 it had claimed the rank of the most popular smartphone platform, at least in the US. In the tablet arena however it was still seated well behind Apple as the second major player in the market. For the most part the current tablets running the Android OS are running a none tablet specific version or a scaled up version of the smartphone OS. Android 3.0 Honeycomb is the most current release which is more tablet centric providing greater support for both accelerometer and multi-touch interaction.
The Android platform and the tablets that utilize it offer a great gaming experience with excellent graphics capabilities, especially when it comes to there 3D rendering potential. Hardware in these tablets seem to be consistently high quality, with several options, screen sizes and a multitude of companies producing them. This give Android an much wider option base and allows for greater customization.
Visually, Android games can rival those of any tablet or handheld device like the Nintendo DS, Sony PSP and other dedicating gaming devices that offer a touch-screen interface. The one area that has notable been lacking is a great online gaming experience where the Android can often suffer. Java support is mediocre at best, and while it does support flash it can often be buggy and plagued with problems. (when hasn't it though) Where this may seem like a drawback flash support is often the biggest selling point especially for looking for a full web and gaming experience.
Pros
- Excellent graphics capabilities
- Multi-touch and accelerometer support
- Most devices support user upgrades like additional memory via SD cards
- Wide range of devices and sizes
Cons
- Very poor web game support
- Very fragmented OS
- Wildly inconsistent experiences
- Typically cost more
Apple iOS
Apple has been at the top of the tablet market for years now. They made a major splash with the introduction of the iPhone and iPods and built around them with the iPad. Its a solid device that is easy to use, offers great battery life and superb graphics. Right now it simply is the benchmark that other companies are compared to and are striving to reach.
Much like Android based tablets when Apple first released the iOS operating system found on the iPad it was the same OS they used on the iPhone and iPod. It is just a scaled version of the operating system and originally most of the games were to. Since then they've spent a bit of time doing select in house R&D working and refining their platform and developers have had a chance to tweak there games to provide a much better experience.
Despite that fact, for gamers however, not much is new. The latest iOS release brought us Apple's Game Center which has now been out for several months. Even with the fact that iPad, iPhone and iPod users love their games there seems to be little excitement.
Beyond the new Game Center, iOS via the Apple App Store supports an enormous variety of downloadable games. They currently lay claim to, one of if not, the largest selection of games of any market place. Many of these being free options. The variety is outstanding, and the quality of the games available is often much better than those in the Android Market.
As for online gaming, iOS tends to fare quite well. Despite its lack of flash support and due to its high market share, developers have made sure there are many dedicated iPhone games that can be played instantly online. There are some exceptions namely in the gambling and casino arena and some of your other highly flash based genres. This by no means that iOS is any worse for the wear.
Pros
- Large developer arena
- Tons of App Store games
- Multi-touch and accelerometer support
Cons
- No flash support a major downside for many gamers
- Less free options
- Some games can be more expensive
- Fewer hardware options
- Apple controlled App Store
With this break down it would seem that Apple and iOS would be a clear winner. And in most cases I'd have to say Apple would beat out Android. But it wouldn't be that cut and dry. Apple offers a much more consistent user experience, you can pick up the device and pretty much know what you are getting. But being that they are just Apple they offer far less options. For many users the control Apple exhibits over their devices and their App Store seems to be a turn off. As does the total lack of flash support, even if it is buggy.
Android has come along way and has made a lot of strides. There are a lot of options currently on the market today with a lot more coming down the road. I won't say they have caught Apple yet but I will say we shouldn't count them out.
So for my conclusion I'll have to say go with Apple for a better more consistent gaming experience. They offer a great deal for your money and you can't go wrong. Go with Android if you want more options, flash support and a bit more openness.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Sony Pulls Plug On The PlayStation Network Yet Again
Sony has pulled the plug on the PlayStation Network yet again, this time due to an exploit that allows hackers to re-set the passwords of anyone using only a PSN account email and date of birth.
Update:
Sony's Senior Director of Corporate Communications & Social Media, Patrick Seybold, told 1UP that it did indeed take down the PSN and Qriocity password reset page as a result of the issue. However, there was no hack involved; this was a matter of a URL exploit that Sony says it has since fixed. Sony is still encouraging users to reset their PSN passwords on their PS3 or through the website once it's returned.
The problem was first reported by games news site Nylevia.com.
"While we will not reveal specific details regarding how the exploit is performed for obvious reasons, we can say that the exploit involves a vulnerability in the password reset form currently implemented, not properly verifying tokens," the site reported.
From the evidence I've seen, and I might not have the full picture, there is no actual "hacking" going on here. Sony simply dropped the ball on user verification. Instead of making use of a stronger system they implemented a week verification system that only uses a users email address and date of birth. Users requesting to change their passwords are then sent out an email that should contain a confirmation link. Apparently, this "exploit" works to get around those emails.
For now Sony has taken down the Web based PSN login/password recovery page as well as PSN sign-in for a number of its websites, including PlayStation.com the PlayStation forums, PlayStation Blog and Qriocity.com. All PlayStation game titles are also unavailable.
"Unfortunately this also means that those who are still trying to change their password via Playstation.com or Qriocity.com will be unable to do so for the time being," Sony said. "This is due to essential maintenance and at present it is unclear how long this will take.
"In the meantime you will still be able to sign into PSN via your PlayStation 3 and PSP devices to connect to game services and view Trophy/Friends information."
Update:
Sony's Senior Director of Corporate Communications & Social Media, Patrick Seybold, told 1UP that it did indeed take down the PSN and Qriocity password reset page as a result of the issue. However, there was no hack involved; this was a matter of a URL exploit that Sony says it has since fixed. Sony is still encouraging users to reset their PSN passwords on their PS3 or through the website once it's returned.
The problem was first reported by games news site Nylevia.com.
"While we will not reveal specific details regarding how the exploit is performed for obvious reasons, we can say that the exploit involves a vulnerability in the password reset form currently implemented, not properly verifying tokens," the site reported.
From the evidence I've seen, and I might not have the full picture, there is no actual "hacking" going on here. Sony simply dropped the ball on user verification. Instead of making use of a stronger system they implemented a week verification system that only uses a users email address and date of birth. Users requesting to change their passwords are then sent out an email that should contain a confirmation link. Apparently, this "exploit" works to get around those emails.
For now Sony has taken down the Web based PSN login/password recovery page as well as PSN sign-in for a number of its websites, including PlayStation.com the PlayStation forums, PlayStation Blog and Qriocity.com. All PlayStation game titles are also unavailable.
"Unfortunately this also means that those who are still trying to change their password via Playstation.com or Qriocity.com will be unable to do so for the time being," Sony said. "This is due to essential maintenance and at present it is unclear how long this will take.
"In the meantime you will still be able to sign into PSN via your PlayStation 3 and PSP devices to connect to game services and view Trophy/Friends information."
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
4th Amendment Protections Be Damned Supreme Court Oks Warrantless Searches
In was seems to be nothing more than the stripping of basic constitutional rights the Supreme Court reached an 8-1 decision in a case involving a defendants 4th Amendment right, against unreasonable searches and seizures. The ruling essentially removes the requirement for police officers to obtain a warrant supported by probable cause before they knock down the door to your home and enter if they hear noises that lead them to believe that evidence is being destroyed.
The case in question involved Kentucky police officers and a defendant that was charged from the resulting intrusion into a home based on the fact that the police officers smelt marijuana in the hallway of an apartment building. The police had not been investigating those charge they were instead chasing a suspect they believed was engaged in selling crack cocaine.
According to the reports:
Prior to this ruling police officers had to have some form of reasonable cause and a search warrant before breaking into a home unless they believed there was an emergency or life or death situation occurring inside. Basically the cops couldn't enter your home on a whim. If the police heard someone screaming, they were free to break down a door and enter a home without a warrant. However, hearing a flushing toilet, and suspecting that illegal drugs were being destroyed, was not enough to allow them to enter without a court issued warant.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the only dissenting vote, expressed concern that allowing this type of police behavior would undermine the 4th Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure.
Ginsburg writes in her minority opinion –
These seems like a very poorly thought out ruling to me. It may sound a bit alarmist but what the Supreme Court did today was essentially entirely strip you from your 4th Amendment Protections. The ruling basically says its ok to go door to door knock and force entry if they hear something they deem suspicious.
The case in question involved Kentucky police officers and a defendant that was charged from the resulting intrusion into a home based on the fact that the police officers smelt marijuana in the hallway of an apartment building. The police had not been investigating those charge they were instead chasing a suspect they believed was engaged in selling crack cocaine.
According to the reports:
Police in Lexington, Kentucky set up a “controlled buy” of cocaine. After the deal went down, the undercover officer (“Gibson”) who had watched from afar radioed uniformed police to apprehend the subject. However, because they had left their vehicles before following the suspect into an apartment complex, they never heard Gibson state over the radio that of the two apartments the police were considering, the suspect had in fact entered the apartment to the right. In the meantime, the police smelled marijuana coming from the apartment on the left. They had no idea that the suspected drug dealer, whom they subsequently caught as well, was in the other apartment.
The police announced themselves loudly and in no uncertain terms to the apartment on the left. As a result, they heard noise inside the apartment that sounded as though things were being moved inside the apartment. Suspecting that evidence was being destroyed, three officers entered the apartment without a warrant and found a variety of drugs and paraphenalia.
Prior to this ruling police officers had to have some form of reasonable cause and a search warrant before breaking into a home unless they believed there was an emergency or life or death situation occurring inside. Basically the cops couldn't enter your home on a whim. If the police heard someone screaming, they were free to break down a door and enter a home without a warrant. However, hearing a flushing toilet, and suspecting that illegal drugs were being destroyed, was not enough to allow them to enter without a court issued warant.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the only dissenting vote, expressed concern that allowing this type of police behavior would undermine the 4th Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure.
Ginsburg writes in her minority opinion –
The court today arms the police with a way routinely to dishonor the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement in drug cases. In lieu of presenting their evidence to a neutral magistrate, police officers may now knock, listen, then break the door down, never mind that they had ample time to obtain a warrant.
How ‘secure’ do our homes remain if police, armed with no warrant, can pound on doors at will and …forcibly enter?”
These seems like a very poorly thought out ruling to me. It may sound a bit alarmist but what the Supreme Court did today was essentially entirely strip you from your 4th Amendment Protections. The ruling basically says its ok to go door to door knock and force entry if they hear something they deem suspicious.
NVIDIA Introduces New GeForce GTX 560 GPU
NVIDIA today introduced the new mainstream GeForce GTX 560 GPU, yes that is 560 and not the GeForce GTX 560 Ti which was released earlier this year. The new lower priced GTX 560 is the latest addition to the company's Fermi architecture-based product family and comes in priced at about $199 or $50 less than the GTX 560 Ti. Meaning the card is situated between the GeForce GTX 460 and GeForce GTX 560 Ti in terms of price and performance.
GeForce GTX 560 Specifications
GeForce GTX 560 Benchmarks and Reviews
For an in-depth look at the GTX 560, and to view a special video with footage from this summer's hottest PC games of the year, please visit: http://www.geforce.com/#/News/articles/560-game-previews/.
Related Articles
GeForce GTX 560 Specifications
- 1024MB GDDR5 Memory
- 810-950 MHz Graphics Clock
- 1620-1900 MHz Processors Clock
- 4008 MHz Memory Data Rate
- 56 Texture Units
- 336 Cuda Cores
- 256-bit wide memory interface
- 150w TDP
- Support for Direct X 11, Open GL 4.1, 3D Vision, Cuda PhysX and 2 way SLI
GeForce GTX 560 Benchmarks and Reviews
- NeoSeeker - Gigabyte & MSI GeForce GTX 560 Launch Review
- Guru3d - Palit GeForce GTX 560 Sonic Platinum review
- Guru3d - MSI GeForce GTX 560 Twin Frozer II review
- Bit-Tech - Zotac GeForce GTX 560 1GB Amp! Review
- Hot Hardware - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Debuts: ASUS and MSI
- OCC - Gigabyte GTX 560 OC Review
- AnandTech - NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 560: The Top To Bottom Factory Overclock
For an in-depth look at the GTX 560, and to view a special video with footage from this summer's hottest PC games of the year, please visit: http://www.geforce.com/#/News/articles/560-game-previews/.
Related Articles
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