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Friday, March 09, 2012

Whoever Wrote the Duqu Trojan's Framework Wrote It in an Unknown Programming Language [Hacking]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5891789/whoever-wrote-the-duqu-framework-wrote-it-with-an-unknown-programming-language

The Duqu Trojan is one nasty piece of code, rivaled in sophistication only by its relative, the Stuxnet Worm. A new analysis of the Trojan, however, has revealed just how advanced it really is.

Russian security firm Kaspersky Lab performed the analysis and discovered that portions of the the suspiciously-named Payload DLL file were written in an unknown programming language. What's more, these sections, dubbed the Duqu Framework, were responsible for operating the program's Command and Control functions that allow it to receive further instructions once it's infiltrated a system.

The rest of the program is written and compiled in C++, but not the Duqu Framework. It "is definitely object-oriented," wrote Igor Soumenkov but certainly not anything the analysts had ever seen before.

This discovery only further fuels speculation that both Duqu and Stuxnet are the results of a very advanced, very well-funded organization's or, more likely, nation's efforts. As Alexander Gostev, chief security expert at Kaspersky Lab, speculated,

With the extremely high level of customization and exclusivity that the programming language was created with, it is also possible that it was made not only to prevent external parties from understanding the cyber-espionage operation and the interactions with the C&Cs, but also to keep it separate from other internal Duqu teams who were responsible for writing the additional parts of the malicious program.

Duqu first surfaced last September after the Stuxnet attacks against Iranian nuclear development facilities. Duqu too appeared to target state interests in Iran as well as multiple industrial control systems. [Secure List via CBR]

Verizon-bound LG Lucid reveals itself in leaked press shots

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/verizon-bound-lg-lucid-reveals-itself-in-leaked-press-shots/

Aside from the Optimus Vu, last week's MWC didn't reveal all that many LTE-capable handsets from LG. Fortunately, the Life's Good crowd still have plans for Verizon -- and this is one of them. According to Pocketnow, this is the LG Lucid and it wants to nestle itself squarely in the middle ground of Verizon's smartphone catalogue. Alongside those 4G chops, the phone purportedly wields a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 800×480 resolution NOVA display and an 8-megapixel camera capable of 1080p video capture. It also appears to run an LG-laced version of Gingerbread -- presumably something the company will attempt to elbow aside with vague promises of ICS when it all goes official.

Verizon-bound LG Lucid reveals itself in leaked press shots originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple ups the resolution on iTunes U and iBooks 2 for new iPad

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/apple-ups-the-resolution-on-itunes-u-and-ibooks-2-for-new-ipad/

Apple certainly had a lot of bases to cover at yesterday's new iPad unveiling, so some minor details were bound to slip through the cracks. While app suites like iLife and iWork got to bask in the Yerba Buena spotlight touting enhanced resolutions for that Retina Display, the company's decidedly less high-profile education software was also treated a face-lift -- just without the fanfare. According to a report on CNET, prospective owners of Cupertino's latest tablet will get to download an upgraded version of iBooks 2 and iTunes U that take advantage of the new 2048 x 1536 9.7-inch screen. Aside from the visual tweaks, only iBooks 2 has been imbued with extra features, adding a touch-to-highlight function and a refined page search that unites both print and ebook layouts. You'll be able to check out the 264ppi panache for yourself when those slates ship out next week.

Apple ups the resolution on iTunes U and iBooks 2 for new iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Angry Birds Space gameplay gets revealed -- briefly (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/angry-birds-space-gameplay-video/

We've already gleaned that the extra-terrestrial edition of Angry Birds will involve some sort of gameplay departure from the add-on style of previous versions, but gameplay-wise there's been less information. Fortunately, makers Rovio has now leaked out a very brief taster in its lastest video. You'll have to skip to the three-minute marker, but you'll get a glimpse at some anti-gravity avians, bubbles, explosions and atmosphere re-entries. Take a look for yourself after the break.

[Thanks Ville]

Continue reading Angry Birds Space gameplay gets revealed -- briefly (video)

Angry Birds Space gameplay gets revealed -- briefly (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC One X gets rooted before retail debut

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/htc-one-x-gets-rooted-before-retail-debut/

You didn't think the modders that form the very underpinnings of Android's base would let a little unicorn like the One X slide by unscathed, did ya? That polycarbonate überphone hasn't even made it out of the official launch gate and yet, thanks to MoDaCo, it's already been rooted. Sidestepping the usual dense how-to's typically associated with achieving root on non-Nexus devices, our eager beaver hacker's compiled Superboot: a one-step, no fuss boot image that automates the process for you sans the need for adb commands. The hack is said to work with retail versions of the handset and should play friendly with Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems, though it will require S-OFF or an unlocked bootloader courtesy of HTCdev. So if you were tantalized by the possibilities of this quad-core phone, but not quite convinced you could handle another skinned UX, this might help to ease your quandary.

HTC One X gets rooted before retail debut originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon will support Mobile Hotspot on the new iPad, AT&T still working on it

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/mobile-hotspot-new-ipad/

It's no secret that the new iPad will offer the ability to share a data connection with other devices through a mobile hotspot, but the feature doesn't do any good if your wireless network doesn't offer it. Representatives from Verizon and AT&T sent tweets this morning that raised more questions than they answered, leaving us concerned that both companies had decided not to allow the hotspot capability at all. After reaching out to the carriers, however, we're able to shed some light on the subject: Verizon killed the rumor, telling us it has "every intention of supporting Mobile Hotspot on the new iPad," while AT&T stated that it is "working with Apple to enable this feature in the future, but we currently do not offer it."

In other words, Verizon has everything settled and ready to go when the first iPad shipments arrive next week, while AT&T and Apple are supposedly still at the negotiation table. Are the two companies trying to hash out some kind of revenue sharing deal as we sit idly by, yearning for the coveted option to magically appear? Whatever the reason, AT&T's answer isn't a full-out no -- but it's not a yes, either.

Update: In regards to pricing, Verizon also stated: "All of our tablet data plans include Mobile Hotspot so customers do not have to pay an additional fee for the service on tablets."

Verizon will support Mobile Hotspot on the new iPad, AT&T still working on it originally appeared on Engad get on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-I9100) to get ICS on March 10th (update: recalled)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-ics/

Two days. That's the amount of time remaining for you, dear Samsung Galaxy S II owner, before the long-awaited upgrade to Android 4.0 -- the dessert known as Ice Cream Sandwich -- becomes readily available for your device through Kies. Naturally, this is going to be adorned with Sammy's TouchWiz UI, and it's only going to be ready on the GT-I9100 (global version) for now. According to the notes, we can expect to see Face Unlock, Android Beam and data usage included, and multitasking and some apps will be improved. We're sure this is just the tip of the feature iceberg, however. Curiously, the site specifies that because of "ICS OS feature," Flash and Bluetooth 3.0 HS won't be supported.

The update will come to individual carriers and their own GSII variants eventually, after a hefty amount of testing on their end, but at least this -- combined with HTC's rollout of Sense 3.6 to the Nordic countries today -- means the ICS ball is officially rolling for custom skins. Let's just hope it's going down a steep hill. If you happen to be packing a GT-I9100, be sure to check the links below for the full set of instructions, and let us know what you find.

[Thanks, Argel and Roger]

Update: Samsung's just tweeted that March 10th date is (sadly) wrong. It added that once the upgrade schedule is concrete, it'll confirm through its dedicated Twitter account.

Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-I9100) to get ICS on March 10th (update: recalled) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Talent teases whip-fast RAIDDrive UpStream PCIe SSD

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/super-talent-raiddrive-upstream/

Super Talent's developed a PCI Express flash storage system that's far faster than your current SSD yet promises to be cheaper than the company's current PCIe offerings. The RAIDDrive UpStream uses a Sandforce controller to push around 1GBps of data at twice the speed of a SATA unit. Available to buy in 220GB, 460GB and 960GB editions, it sandwiches in four RAID drives to competitor OCZ's two, and is promised to be an "upsetter" by marketing director Peter Carcione. The company's hoping to get the devices into boxes and onto shelves by the end of April, for a price that's yet to be decided. Just remember, powerful SSDs are like having a butler: desirable, yes, but also a little pricey if your surname isn't Abramovitch or Buffett.

Super Talent teases whip-fast RAIDDrive UpStream PCIe SSD originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vizio welcomes YouTube as part of its Internet Apps arsenal

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/vizio-tvs-add-youtube-internet-app/

Vizio welcomes YouTube as part of its Internet Apps arsenal

Not long after bringing some Redmond vid-calling to your living room, Vizio's introducing another app that may just enhance your couch entertainment. Via its Twitter account, the outfit announced YouTube will now be a part of its Internet App portfolio. Though, it's worth mentioning the Tweet didn't specify if it'll support all internet-ready TV models. The Tube (as the cool kids are calling it) is joining the likes of Hulu Plus and Blockbuster On Demand as part of Vizio's entertainment offerings. We know you can't wait to make yourself cry watching Kony 2012, so be on the lookout for the Google-owned video service to hit your smart TV shortly.

Vizio welcomes YouTube as part of its Internet Apps arsenal originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba builds scanner that can identify fruit without a barcode, yup (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/toshiba-fruit-scanner/

During our hurried supermarket sweeps, we're aiming for the Granny Smith, yet somehow always come away with French Jonagold. That's why we're in awe of this new supermarket scanner from Toshiba-Tech that can identify individual species of fruit and veg from sight. Rather than a cashier keying in a produce code, a camera with optical pattern recognition technology filters out "visual noise" before identifying the genus of your apple by shape, surface pattern and coloration. It's also able to scan labels and coupons, but so far the database only contains a handful of items. It'll take over a year (when each thing has been harvested and scanned) to build a database necessary to make it commercially useful. Still, if you can't bear to wait those precious seconds as your server finds the right code for lettuce, head on past the break to watch your future in action.

Continue reading Toshiba builds scanner that can identify fruit without a barcode, yup (video)

Toshiba builds scanner that can identify fruit without a barcode, yup (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thursday, March 08, 2012

NVIDIA joins Linux Foundation, doesn't mention driver development

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/nvidia-linux-foundation/

It's a big day for open source fans now that NVIDIA, the last member of the "big three" chip makers with AMD and Intel, has signed on with the Linux foundation. The company has previously kept the system at arms length, with users relying on reverse-engineering to get things working nicely with Linus' baby. It's joining Fluenco, Lineo and Mocana, three companies who also became signatories to the foundation at the same time. Whilst there's no commitment to provide drivers for its chipsets, at least there's a glimmer of hope that the company will contribute -- especially given the growing popularity of its mobile platforms.

Continue reading NVIDIA joins Linux Foundation, doesn't mention driver development

NVIDIA joins Linux Foundation, doesn't mention driver development originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lytro camera review

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/lytro-camera-review/

Lytro camera review

Lytro camera hands-on (video)

Lytro open to partnering with smartphone makers, executive suggests

Lytro's light field camera captures 'unprecedented' images, lets you choose focus later

Don't let that cute design fool you. Lytro, the world's first commercial light field camera, is the culmination of nearly twenty years of research -- a project that once occupied an entire wall facade, and has since been miniaturized into something that fits in the palm of your hand. An impressive feat, sure, but not as arresting as the end result: the ability to refocus pictures, even after you've taken them.

To achieve such magical endeavors the Lytro camera uses heaps of custom software (armed with a custom .lfp file format) coupled with some serious silicon to measure not just color or the intensity of light, but its direction, too. The latter is achieved with an eleven "megaray" sensor, which is bolted to an f/2.0 8x optical zoom lens, all encased within that sleek body. Seeking to save us from unfocused mishaps, the technological tour de force also un! locks so me considerable creative potential. So, is the $399 shooter going to revolutionize photography as we know it? Or does the Lytro's first foray into consumer electronics fall prey to the shortcomings of 1.0 product? By know you should know the drill: rendezvous with us past the break to find out.

Continue reading Lytro camera review

Lytro camera review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pause for Later Saves Your Location in Web Videos So You Can Resume Where You Left Off [Video]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5891235/pause-for-later-saves-your-location-in-web-videos-so-you-can-resume-where-you-left-off

Pause for Later Saves Your Location in Web Videos So You Can Resume Where You Left Off Sneaking in an episode of 30 Rock on Hulu in the middle of the day at work is great, but when your boss walks in and you have to quickly close the browser window you end up losing your place in the video. Pause for Later is webapp that stores the exact location of the video so you can resume watching it later.

Pause for Later supports video on YouTube, Hulu, and Vimeo. Once you download the Chrome extension you can click the pause button in the toolbar and the video's location is stored on the webapp. When you want to watch the video, head over to Pause for Later and you can resume playing the video right where you left off.

Pause for Later | via Addictive Tips

Chrome Finally Breached in Google's $1 Million Hackathon [Security]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5891508/chrome-finally-breached-in-googles-1-million-hackathon

Chrome Finally Breached in Google's $1 Million Hackathon Google recently offered up prizes totaling $1 million for those capable of exploiting its browser Chrome. Now, at Google's own competition called Pwnium, a student has walked away with one of the top prizes, earning $60,000 by hacking a PC running Chrome.

Chrome has featured in Pwn2Own—a security competition run by HP—for the last four years, but while the likes of Safari and Internet Explorer have crumbled, Google's browser has remained resolute.

Now, at Google's breakaway event Pwnium, Sergey Glazunov, a Russian university student, successfully hacked a PC running Google's Chrome browser to claim a $60,000 prize. ZDNet reports that he used a previously undiscovered exploit specific to chrome to bypass its "sandbox"—a restriction designed to stop hackers accessing the rest of a user's computer even if they do compromise the browser. Google security team member Justin Schuh has confirmed the hack on Twitter.

Simultaneously, at HP's Pwn2Own event, a security firm also hacked Chrome in five minutes. While all this means that Google can no longer tout Chrome's record of withstanding hacks, it does mean that the browser will get better. As part of the prize-giving system, all hackers have to disclose full details of their hack—so Google are definitely set to learn something. [ZDNet; Image: Pedro Miguel Sousa / Shutterstock]

IBMâs Holey Optochip Pumps 1 Trillion Bits per Second [Guts]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5891515/ibms-holey-optochip-pumps-1-trillion-bits-per-second

IBM Researchers have built an optical chip that can transfer more data per second than pretty much anything else on the planet.

They call this transceiver the Holey Optochip - holey because they've taken a chip wafer and fired 48 holes in it so that laser light can be blasted in and out of the chip, moving data at one trillion bits per second. That's eight times faster than the fastest comparable optical components on the market today, and about 10,000 times faster than the 100 Mb/second Ethernet that's still common on corporate networks.

It doesn't use much power either - just under five watts. That's a big issue in today's data centers and supercomputer installations.

IBM doesn't plan to turn the Holey Optochip into a product, but they would like it if someone in the transceiver business licensed their technology to build super-fast networking technology for high-performance computers.

The chip is built out of commodity components - the chip's hole-riddled design is the breakthrough here, not any individual component - so this is something that could happen within the next few years, says Clint Schow a group manager at IBM Research. "This is basically just a higher bandwidth version of those links today that are used in high-performance computers," he says. "The trick is we package it very well so we can deliver on the bandwidth and power simultaneously."

Networking bottlenecks are becoming a real problem as computer-makers cram more and more powerful processors into massive supercomputing system. It's becoming tricky to get all these chips talking to one-another in an efficient way, so they're not spending too much of their time just waiting for an answer from some other part of the machine. As supercomputers become used for more and more types of programming, predicting how the network will be used becomes even harder.

Seeing these problems ahead, Schow and his team set off to find a way to get to this one trillion bits per second (a terabit) networking about five years ago. "The network's becoming the real problem that's limiting everything," Schow says.

IBM researchers will discuss the Holey Optochip Thursday at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference in Los Angeles.

Image: IBM

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