Sunday, October 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Court: Calif. can't ban violent video game sales
by: Jesse J. Holland, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court on Monday refused to let California regulate the sale or rental of violent video games to children, saying governments do not have the power to "restrict the ideas to which children may be exposed" despite complaints about graphic violence.
Mortal Kombat Warner Bros. Interactive On a 7-2 vote, the high court upheld a federal appeals court decision to throw out the state's ban on the sale or rental of violent video games to minors. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Sacramento had ruled that the law violated minors' rights under the First Amendment, and the high court agreed.
"No doubt a state possesses legitimate power to protect children from harm," said Justice Antonin Scalia, who wrote the majority opinion. "But that does not include a free-floating power to restrict the ideas to which children may be exposed."
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court on Monday refused to let California regulate the sale or rental of violent video games to children, saying governments do not have the power to "restrict the ideas to which children may be exposed" despite complaints about graphic violence.
Mortal Kombat Warner Bros. Interactive On a 7-2 vote, the high court upheld a federal appeals court decision to throw out the state's ban on the sale or rental of violent video games to minors. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Sacramento had ruled that the law violated minors' rights under the First Amendment, and the high court agreed.
"No doubt a state possesses legitimate power to protect children from harm," said Justice Antonin Scalia, who wrote the majority opinion. "But that does not include a free-floating power to restrict the ideas to which children may be exposed."
Sunday, June 12, 2011
How Apple and Android Copy Each Other
Jared Spurbeck -
The iPad may be a "magical, revolutionary product." But sometimes it seems like there's nothing new under the sun, whether in the Android or Apple worlds. Here are some of the most egregious examples of copycatting!
Android
Android device manufacturers like Samsung have long copied Apple's style, almost to a T. Witness the photos and illustrations on All Things Digital, which show Samsung devices that look nearly identical to Apple's except for the logo. Meanwhile, the company's new Galaxy Tab tablets are basically generic-brand iPads, with the biggest difference (besides their Android operating system) being that they come in three different sizes.
Of course, all Android tablet makers struggle to differentiate their wares from the iPad, since they all can be described as "like an iPad, but". Even in the smartphone world, even with Android's increasing market share, the iPhone is still the benchmark. That's no accident; Android itself has always been a copycat. Before the iPhone came out, the prototype Android device aped the BlackBerry, but now they all have multitouch screens and rows of app icons.
Does Android have to be this way? I don't think so. HTC uses its HTC Sense overlay to create an extremely classy experience on its Android phones, one that's in many ways improved over the original. Meanwhile, Barnes and Noble redesigned Android's interface from the ground up for its Nook series of tablets, not just to be "original" but in order to make using a Nook easy and fun. So far, its strategy seems to be paying off. to read more of this article click the link above
The iPad may be a "magical, revolutionary product." But sometimes it seems like there's nothing new under the sun, whether in the Android or Apple worlds. Here are some of the most egregious examples of copycatting!
Android
Android device manufacturers like Samsung have long copied Apple's style, almost to a T. Witness the photos and illustrations on All Things Digital, which show Samsung devices that look nearly identical to Apple's except for the logo. Meanwhile, the company's new Galaxy Tab tablets are basically generic-brand iPads, with the biggest difference (besides their Android operating system) being that they come in three different sizes.
Of course, all Android tablet makers struggle to differentiate their wares from the iPad, since they all can be described as "like an iPad, but". Even in the smartphone world, even with Android's increasing market share, the iPhone is still the benchmark. That's no accident; Android itself has always been a copycat. Before the iPhone came out, the prototype Android device aped the BlackBerry, but now they all have multitouch screens and rows of app icons.
Does Android have to be this way? I don't think so. HTC uses its HTC Sense overlay to create an extremely classy experience on its Android phones, one that's in many ways improved over the original. Meanwhile, Barnes and Noble redesigned Android's interface from the ground up for its Nook series of tablets, not just to be "original" but in order to make using a Nook easy and fun. So far, its strategy seems to be paying off. to read more of this article click the link above
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Skype taken to task by angry users over claimed crapware payload
By Terrence O'Brien
The Skype forums are a hive of panic and abuzz with accusations that either the company is bundling crapware with its VoIP app or has a serious security problem. Users are reporting that a strange, new, and difficult to uninstall program is finding its way on to their PCs called EasyBits GO. EasyBits is the company that has powered Skype's games channel since 2006, but at least until now its wares have not been standalone software. One moderator has declared EasyBits Go is not part of Skype and suggested customers immediately run a malware scan, but mods are volunteers and not official representatives of the company, so we're taking it with a grain of salt. Another (later) post from a forum admin simply states that Skype is looking into the issue and will release an official statement, though we have no idea when that might actually happen and we're awaiting reply to our own request for comment. Go to engadget for the rest of the story
The Skype forums are a hive of panic and abuzz with accusations that either the company is bundling crapware with its VoIP app or has a serious security problem. Users are reporting that a strange, new, and difficult to uninstall program is finding its way on to their PCs called EasyBits GO. EasyBits is the company that has powered Skype's games channel since 2006, but at least until now its wares have not been standalone software. One moderator has declared EasyBits Go is not part of Skype and suggested customers immediately run a malware scan, but mods are volunteers and not official representatives of the company, so we're taking it with a grain of salt. Another (later) post from a forum admin simply states that Skype is looking into the issue and will release an official statement, though we have no idea when that might actually happen and we're awaiting reply to our own request for comment. Go to engadget for the rest of the story
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Michigan Police May Be Using Cellphone Hacking Device During Routine Traffic Stops
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is currently engaged in a war of words and requests for information on a device used by the Michigan state police that can extract information from cellphones. The device, which has reportedly been in use since at least 2008, is apparently being used by the police during minor traffic violations.
The device, called the Cellebrite UFED, has been tested by the Department of Justice which reported the device was capable of pulling all photos and video from an iPhone in under a minute and a half. Cellbrite says their devices also can extract, “existing, hidden, and deleted phone data, including call history, text messages, contacts, images, and geotags.” It can also extract your highly incriminating ringtones. These devices can also circumvent password protection, and are reported to work on over 3,000 cellphone models.
Understandably, the ACLU has voiced concern that the device breaches the protection against unreasonable search and seizure guaranteed by the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The argument that innocent people have nothing to hide is, to my mind, insufficient against a device that cannot distinguish incriminating data. From the information provided by manufacturer, an officer would need to sort through the data piece-by-piece on a computer. Meaning that during a short traffic stop there seems to be little chance that police would be able to find useful information. Moreover, even an innocent person would likely have qualms with a stranger, police officer or not, pawing through their personal information.
Furthermore, one wonders how officers would have time to sort through reams of this information.
Though these devices are certainly valuable during investigations, the risk is that indiscriminate uncessarily exposes the information of private individuals. Interestingly, the ACLU’s attempts to determine how the device is being used in the field have met with spectacular opposition from the Michigan police. The ACLU has filed Freedom of Information Act requests about the device, detailing the use of the device. A FOIA request generally compels the recipient to respond with all non-sensitive information. The police have responded by requesting $544,680 in exchange for the information.
Perhaps the most unfortunate result of using this device is that it will almost certainly increase public distrust toward law enforcement officers. Though the Michigan police likely have the best of intentions at heart, their apparent unwillingness to reveal how these devices are being used certainly does not bode well. It’s an unfortunate note to end on, but those driving in or through Michigan should probably educate themselves on their rights. article written by www.geekosystem.com
Cellebrite website- http://www.cellebrite.com/forensic-products/forensic-products.html
The device, called the Cellebrite UFED, has been tested by the Department of Justice which reported the device was capable of pulling all photos and video from an iPhone in under a minute and a half. Cellbrite says their devices also can extract, “existing, hidden, and deleted phone data, including call history, text messages, contacts, images, and geotags.” It can also extract your highly incriminating ringtones. These devices can also circumvent password protection, and are reported to work on over 3,000 cellphone models.
Understandably, the ACLU has voiced concern that the device breaches the protection against unreasonable search and seizure guaranteed by the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The argument that innocent people have nothing to hide is, to my mind, insufficient against a device that cannot distinguish incriminating data. From the information provided by manufacturer, an officer would need to sort through the data piece-by-piece on a computer. Meaning that during a short traffic stop there seems to be little chance that police would be able to find useful information. Moreover, even an innocent person would likely have qualms with a stranger, police officer or not, pawing through their personal information.
Furthermore, one wonders how officers would have time to sort through reams of this information.
Though these devices are certainly valuable during investigations, the risk is that indiscriminate uncessarily exposes the information of private individuals. Interestingly, the ACLU’s attempts to determine how the device is being used in the field have met with spectacular opposition from the Michigan police. The ACLU has filed Freedom of Information Act requests about the device, detailing the use of the device. A FOIA request generally compels the recipient to respond with all non-sensitive information. The police have responded by requesting $544,680 in exchange for the information.
Perhaps the most unfortunate result of using this device is that it will almost certainly increase public distrust toward law enforcement officers. Though the Michigan police likely have the best of intentions at heart, their apparent unwillingness to reveal how these devices are being used certainly does not bode well. It’s an unfortunate note to end on, but those driving in or through Michigan should probably educate themselves on their rights. article written by www.geekosystem.com
Cellebrite website- http://www.cellebrite.com/forensic-products/forensic-products.html
Monday, May 16, 2011
iPhone 5G' case photos show off edge-to-edge screen, new camera flash location
It’s okay if you can’t keep up with the crush of future iPhone rumors and speculation. There’s a lot to sort through. Just last Friday it was reported that the rumored September iPhone release — Apple has historically announced new phones in the early summer, but reports suggest that the yearly cycle is being shifted to the fall — won’t be the iPhone 5, but rather an upgraded version of the iPhone 4. The fifth generation iOS phone may or may not be arriving this fall, but previous reports that revealed it will sport an edge-to-edge screen have received additional support from a new source.
Adam Rosenberg
Adam Rosenberg
Saturday, May 14, 2011
PREY
Here is a Free program for your Laptop and cell phone "Prey"-
Silent but deadly
Basically you install a tiny agent in your PC or phone, which silently waits for a remote signal to wake up and work its magic.
This signal is sent either from the Internet or through an SMS message, and allows you to gather information regarding the device's location, hardware and network status, and optionally trigger specific actions on it. Next
Silent but deadly
Basically you install a tiny agent in your PC or phone, which silently waits for a remote signal to wake up and work its magic.
This signal is sent either from the Internet or through an SMS message, and allows you to gather information regarding the device's location, hardware and network status, and optionally trigger specific actions on it. Next
Monday, May 09, 2011
Sony's websites may be next target for hackers, report says
Sony's websites may be the next target for hackers in what would be a third cyber attack against the consumer electronics titan, according to a report from CNet.
An unidentified group of hackers said it was planning to attack Sony's websites this weekend in response to the anger over the way the Tokyo-based company has handled attacks against its PlayStation Network and cloud-based music service Qriocity, CNet said.- source La times
An unidentified group of hackers said it was planning to attack Sony's websites this weekend in response to the anger over the way the Tokyo-based company has handled attacks against its PlayStation Network and cloud-based music service Qriocity, CNet said.- source La times
Apple releases iPhone, iPad software update to address location data collection
Following a furor over its iPhone and iPad devices collecting up to a year's worth of data related to a user's whereabouts, Apple Inc. on Wednesday released a software update that reduces the amount of data stored on the devices and allows users to delete the log of recorded locations.
The updated software version, iOS 4.3.3, will reduce the size of the file storing locations from up to a year's worth of data down to about a week's worth, Apple said, and will give users the option of shutting off the data collection altogether by turning off the "Location Services" setting.- source La Times
The updated software version, iOS 4.3.3, will reduce the size of the file storing locations from up to a year's worth of data down to about a week's worth, Apple said, and will give users the option of shutting off the data collection altogether by turning off the "Location Services" setting.- source La Times
Facebook and Google consider buying or partnering with Skype, report says
Facebook and Google are each considering partnering with or taking over Skype, which has caused the Luxembourg-based Internet phone service to delay its plans to go public, according to a report.
Skype was planning to issue its initial public offering to the tune of about 100 million, but the company is now putting that plan on pause as two tech giants are independently mulling over getting involved with Skype, according to a Reuters report.- source La times
Skype was planning to issue its initial public offering to the tune of about 100 million, but the company is now putting that plan on pause as two tech giants are independently mulling over getting involved with Skype, according to a Reuters report.- source La times
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
