Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Phlashing PDOS firmware attack could permanently disable hardware

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/294598511/

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You know all that network hardware that runs quietly 24 hours a day in server rooms around the world? What if black-hats could exploit remote firmware flashing utilities to take over -- or completely destroy -- vulnerable gear? Though still theoretical, PDOS -- permanent denial-of-service -- attacks will be demonstrated by researchers from HP Security Labs at the EUSecWest security conference in London this week. "Phlashing", as it's being referred to, focuses on exploiting network-enabled firmware updates, making use of a fuzzing tool that tricks hardware into flashing anything from back-door access to a corrupt image, causing complete and permanent hardware failure. There's no reason to panic just yet (especially not when it comes to consumer devices, which typically don't support remote firmware updates), but given the amount of unattended and relatively dormant enterprise network hardware out there, this could be something for admins to seriously think about.

[Via Slashdot]
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N-trig shows off pen input-capable DuoSense multi-touch display

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/294522162/

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It seems like there isn't a week that goes by these days that we don't see another multi-touch display (homebrew or otherwise), and you can now add one more contender to the growing ranks, with N-trig set to debut its new DuoSense system at the SID International Symposium in Los Angeles this week. This one adds pen input capabilities to the usual array of multi-touch features, as well as the somewhat unique ability for multiple people to use the display simultaneously, which N-trig says makes the system ideal for gaming applications. N-trig also boasts that the technology works on "large format displays," but that apparently maxes out at a not-exceptionally-large 22-inches at the moment. Head on past the break for a video of the rig in action.

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DIY'er creates 56-inch multi-touch display

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/294688812/

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It seems like the multi-touch revolution that's happening right now is really bringing out the DIY'ers -- and this latest feat of hackery is right up there with the best of them. Christopher Jette has created a massive, 56-inch multi-touch display in his spare time using a box that resembles an old rear-projection TV, 168 infrared LEDs, and some serious elbow grease. The LEDs dot the perimeter of the screen and create a field of IR light which is scattered when touched, a webcam mounted at the back of the display picks up the movement and translates it to input. If you've got some time on your hands, there are instructions available for recreating the experiment, or you can just sit back and watch it in action in the video after the break.

[Via Hack a Day]

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$5,000 Dior phone: so upscale it doesn't require specs

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/294867819/

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Look, we're not Russian oil tycoons with a taste for trophy wives one-third our age. That's true. Nevertheless, no matter how hard we try, we just can't understand how spending $5,000 on these new Christian Dior phones will substantially increase our lot in life. Then again, we're afraid of robots. The new line of boutique phones manufactured in partnership with ModeLabs feature a touchscreen display, camera, and novel, mini-phone extender dubbed My Dior (pictured after the break). About the size of a USB key, My Dior is meant to clip onto the outside of your wo/man bag thus avoiding any frantic rummaging when the favorable divorce settlement call finally arrives. Sorry, that's about as detailed as the specification list gets... not that specs matter when couture is at stake.

[Via Textually]

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Oh No: Sprint Capping "Unlimited" 3G Data Service at 5GB [Rumor]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/293884926/oh-no-sprint-capping-unlimited-3g-data-service-at-5gb

We've raved on Sprint's EV-DO data service more than once, in no small part because they were the only carrier to have truly unlimited 3G data, while AT&T and Verizon capped their service at 5GB. Our love affair just might be over. According to a leaked update of their terms of service, effective July 31st, they'll be enacting a 5GB cap as well.

"Sprint reserves the right to limit throughput speeds or amount of data transferred and to deny, terminate, modify, or suspend service if usage exceeds 5GB per month in total or 300MB/month while off-network roaming."
Looks like we'll be re-assessing our pick of best data service. So sad. [Sprint Users via Phonescoop]

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AUO unveils curved, slim and an 8-inch multi-touch display

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/293438033/

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AU Optronics (AUO) is tooting the "world's first" horn this morning with its new curved TFT-LCD process on glass substrate. They've also got the world's slimmest -- 0.63mm -- TFT-LCD available in both 1.9-inch and relatively massive 8-inch versions, the latter boasting a 400cd/m2 brightness and 2.1-gram weight. Not bad, but they can't hold a candela to future generation OLEDs. Perhaps most interesting, though, are a pair of in-cell, multi-touch displays offered at 4.3- and 8-inches. The panels are said to offer superior anti-glare properties while manufacturing the multi-touch feature directly into the LCD cell without necessitating any additional glass. The 4.3-inch panel hits mass-production this quarter. Feel free to speculate on which MID devices might sport 'em.

[Via DigiTimes]
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Sharp unveils 22 thin, internet ready LCDs

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/293527284/

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Sharp's re-upped on the super-size rollouts, with 22 LCDs including every color and size variation, ready to hit shelves this summer ahead of the Beijing Olympics. Available in black or brown, the RX5 series (pictured) headlines the pack with 65-, 52- and 46-inch versions including 1080p resolution, 120Hz motion, a "living contrast" ratio of 1500:1 (dynamic ratio 20,000:1), 12bit image processing and internet access to a specially tuned Yahoo! Japan page all packed into a 5cm deep frame (42- and 52-inch, 6.6cm for 65-inch). The more mainstream GX5 line ranges from 52- to 32-inches complete with all the 1080p resolution, side mounted ARSS "Around Speaker System", DLNA access and internet hookups we know and love, plus 32- and 26-inch GH5 models that drop down to 720p, losing the around speakers, internet and 1080p res. The DS5 line is aimed at those who don't need internet access, but do need to choose between black, white and red LCDs. Check the chart on Sharp's page to compare with the "world's thinnest" X-series and see what HDTV corresponds with your social status when these drop in June.

[Via AV Watch & Akihabara News]

Read - Aquos 22 LCD models comparison
Read - R series
Read - G series
Read - D series
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Apple looks to OTA downloads for 3G iPhone, record labels look for cash

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/293646836/

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According to a churning rumor-mill, Apple desperately wants to make over-the-air downloads of iTunes content a reality on the 3G iPhone. Apparently, a record label executive "familiar with the discussions" states that the Cupertino gang is hoping for a "big launch in June" which includes OTA music downloads, ringtone sales, and ringback tones (the substitute music you hear instead of a ring when calling someone). There's only one problem: the labels want a higher premium for those services than a typical MP3 download. Of course, Apple's iTunes pricing has been a point of contention for some time, though its recent rule-bending for HBO could lead to upped charges for the new services. Something tells us Apple has the tenacity and bullheadedness to make this work -- let's just hope they can temper the labels' greed with the end user's economic realities.

[Via AppleInsider]
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IOGEAR rolls out USB-sharing Net ShareStation

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/293827534/

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We're not exactly hurting for wireless, USB-sharing options right about now, but when it comes to devices that let us yank another cable from our desk, we're all for a bit of excess. This latest one comes to us from IOGEAR, which opted for the sharing-over-network method with its new Net ShareStation. Like other similar devices, this one plugs straight into your router (wireless or otherwise) and, in this case, accommodates up to four USB devices of your choice, although you'll need to provide your own AC-powered 4-port USB hub if you plan to use more than one device with it. If that last rather lame detail isn't a deal-breaker for you, you can get your hands on this one now for $80.

[Via Blast]
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DIYer uses mountain bike to pedal around Google Earth

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/293946601/

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Not quite sure what's up with the recent influx of bicycle-related DIY jobs, but nevertheless, we've another one on our hands here with Mike's Flying Bike. Essentially, Mike utilized a SunSPOT as well as a plethora of other sensors in order to modify his mountain bike for use as a Google Earth controller. In ET-like fashion, he's now able to pedal around various locations in the world, simultaneously burning through excess calories, opening his mind to new locales and monumentally inflating his ego. If you've got seven minutes to spare, you can check this thing out in action just beyond the break.

[Via Google Earth Blog, thanks Roger]

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