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Wednesday, November 05, 2014

If You Text From Your PC, Don't Use SMS for Two-Factor Authentication

Source: http://lifehacker.com/if-you-text-from-your-pc-dont-use-sms-for-two-factor-a-1654474481

We love two-factor authentication, and we love services that make our text messages accessible from our computers. However, if you don't want anyone—a snooping spouse, child, parent, or most importantly, a laptop thief—getting ahold of your private information, you might want to alter how you use two-factor authentication.

Two-factor authentication is one of the best forms of password security, but if you use services like Yosemite's new Text Message Forwarding with iOS 8.1 or MightyText on Android, you should make sure you're not using SMS as your second step in the authentication process. Anyone who has access to your computer will be able to see the second step—the verification code—from your computer, whether they have your phone or not. Instead, use a USB key or our favorite authentication app for Androidand iPhone, Authy, to generate a code from your phone, and disable SMS as your second step. Authy can even hide the codes behind a PIN for extra security.

Beware two-factor authentication using SMS forwarding | The Unofficial Apple Weblog

Photo by MIKI Yoshihito.

Sharp's night vision camera records color even in total darkness

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/04/sharp-color-night-vision-camera/

Sharp's infrared color night vision camera

Say goodbye to the days of monochrome night vision footage, folks. Sharp recently unveiled an infrared security camera that captures color 720p video, even in absolute darkness. The trick is an imaging sensor that uses near-infrared for illumination; unlike virtually every other competitor, this camera doesn't have to resort to conventional lights (and thus give itself away) to get a vivid picture. The device will likely be limited to corporate and government customers when it goes on sale in late November, but it could have a big impact on your safety. Building managers will soon have an easier time identifying intruders, not just spotting them -- while the technology might not stop a break-in, it should increase the chances of catching thieves before they strike again.

Filed under: Cameras

Source: Sharp, CEATEC

Tuesday, November 04, 2014

This Jumbo Jet Was Transformed Into A Beautiful Hotel â And You Can Even Sleep In The Cockpit

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/jumbo-stay-hostel-stockholm-sweden-2014-11

jumbo stay, jet hostel

If you're looking for somewhere a little "different" to stay for the holidays, you should check out the Jumbo Stay Hostel in Stockholm, Sweden.

Created inside of a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet that used to fly for Pan Am, this cozy hotel features a redesigned interior and the opportunity to sleep in the airplane's cockpit.

With 27 rooms that can hold up to 76 people, this unique hotel is one worth checking out.

This is "Liv," the Boeing 747 that was turned into the hotel in 2008, named after the owner's daughter.

You enter the Jumbo Stay Hostel from the side, and yes, you can walk along the wings.

Inside, many of the seats have been removed for a bar and seating area.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

A White-hat Hacker Discovered A Dangerous Vulnerability In Three Apple Operating Systems (AAPL)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/white-hat-hacker-discovered-security-flaw-rootpipe-in-os-x-2014-11

man at computer

A Swedish white-hat hacker has discovered a serious vulnerability in OS X Yosemite that may extend to previous Mac operating systems as well, reports The Hacker News' Mohit Kumar.

The vulnerability, called "Rootpipe," appears to have been discovered by Emil Kvarnhammar, a consultant at IT security firm TrueSec.

Rootpipe allows outside users to gain administrator-level access to Macs running OS X Yosemite, Mavericks, or Mountain Lion without a password.

The security flaw gives attackers the opportunity to steal information, install malicious programs, or erase users' hard drives.

Kvarnhammar, for his part, appears to be waiting for Apple to patch Rootpipe before saying much about it:

Details on the #rootpipe exploit will be presented, but not now. Let's just give Apple some time to roll out a patch to affected users.
— Emil Kvarnhammar (@emilkvarnhammar) October 16, 2014

Rootpipe has probably been around since at least 2012, according to Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet.

Apple has not publically acknowledged the security flaw and is expected to patch it in mid-January 2015, reports ZDNet.

We've reached out to Apple for comment and will update this post if we hear back.

SEE ALSO: Your Unsaved Files Are Automatically Stored On iCloud

Join the conversation about this story »

Disney Movies Anywhere service comes to Android with a link to Google Play

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/04/disney-movies-anywhere-android/

After years of development Disney unveiled its digital movie service on iOS earlier this year and today it's coming to Android too. When it launched, Disney Movies Anywhere had an unprecedented deep link to iTunes, and now on Android it's sharing a similar tie with Google Play. For users it's apparently as seamless as can be -- as long as they have a Disney account, any movies they unlock will be viewable on either family of devices (or the DMA website). The agreement covers access to around 400 Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies, and to make the sign-up worth your while, Disney is throwing in a free copy of Wreck-it Ralph for anyone that signs up and links an account.

Going cross-platform makes Disney's KeyChest-based system much more appealing -- and conveniently timed for the launch of Nexus Player / Android TV -- but we're still waiting to see if a tie-up with the likes of Amazon or Ultraviolet can fulfill the promise of unlocking a single copy in one store or with a Blu-ray / DVD purchase, and then being able to watch it anywhere, on any device. The Android app ~~isn't live yet~~(update: here it is), but you can check out a demo video for now (embedded after the break).

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Mobile, Google

Source: Disney Movies Anywhere (YouTube), Disney Movies Anywhere, Google Play

Monday, November 03, 2014

China will use lasers to take down low-flying drones

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/03/china-laser-drone-defense/

FBL-EURO-2016-SRB-ALB-DEMONSTRATINO

In order to defend itself against small drones, China built a laser-based system that can shoot down the compact aircraft up to 1.2 miles away. According to the official Xinhua news agency, the tech can bring down the rogue flying machines within five seconds of locating them at altitudes of up to 500 meters (1,640 feet). It's said to be effective against the small UAVs flying at speeds of up to 112 MPH, and will primarily be used to secure events in urban locales and lock down unauthorized mapping efforts. The new system can be installed on existing vehicles to ensure troublemakers and their drones are kept from causing any mayhem. In statement by the China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), tests of the laser-based setup showed a 100 percent success rate, shooting down more than 30 drones during the trials. The CAEP is working on more robust systems with longer range as well.

[Image credit: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images]

Filed under: Misc

Source: The Guardian

Tri-Fold Touchscreen OLED Could Give You Way More Smartphone Real Estate

Source: http://gizmodo.com/tri-fold-touchscreen-oled-could-give-you-way-more-smart-1653959441

Tri-Fold Touchscreen OLED Could Give You Way More Smartphone Real Estate

In addition to satellites and computers smaller than a giant room, Arthur C. Clarke also predicted mobile touchscreen devices that could be crumpled up like a handkerchief and stuffed in a pocket. Thanks to researchers at Japan's Semiconductor Energy Laboratory company, we're almost there.

Open Source Remote Control lets you pilot just about any drone

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/02/open-source-remote-control/

Open Source Remote Control

Drones and other remotely piloted vehicles are inherently limited by their controls; you frequently have to switch controllers when you switch vehicles, and you can usually forget about customization. You might not have to worry if the Open Source Remote Control (OSRC) project gets off the ground, however. The long-in-development peripheral uses a mix of modular hardware and Linux-based software that lets you steer just about any unmanned machine. On top of a programmable interface, you can swap in new wireless modules and shoulder switches to either accommodate new drones or improve existing controls. You can also attach a 4.8-inch touchscreen module (typically for a first-person view), use cellular networks or even share one vehicle between multiple operators -- handy if you're at a flying club or shooting a movie.

OSRC is leaning on crowdfunding to get started, and the amount you pledge dictates just what kind of remote you'll get. The core unit, which includes 2.4GHz wireless and standard shoulder buttons, costs €480 (about $600); if you want GSM, GPS and the touchscreen add-on, you'll want to spend €1,250 ($1,565) on the Advanced kit. Both devices should arrive in April 2015 if all goes well. Either is relatively expensive, but they could easily justify themselves if you take your RC craft very seriously.

Filed under: Peripherals, Robots

Source: Indiegogo

Sunday, November 02, 2014

The iBox Nano 3D printer is almost as cheap as it is tiny

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/02/ibox-nano-3d-printer-kickstarter/

We've seen our share of 3D printers 'round these parts, but the iBox Nano could be one of the smallest yet. Its creators claim that the gizmo is not only the most diminutive resin printer, but also the most affordable in addition to being the word's quietest and lightest 3D printer to date. It achieves these bullet points in a few ways, namely by using LEDs instead of a DLP bulb for light (cuts down on size and noise) and acrylic parts for the actual printer body. The end result is a box measuring 4 x 3 x 8 inches and weighing in at three pounds. What's with going small, though? Well, the inventors say that, statistically, folks who buy bigger (and costlier) 3D printers tend to only print smaller objects anyway -- this is a matter of calculated efficiency.

Taking that theme even further, you can print without installing any software; everything is handled via WiFi and your web browser -- you can even print from Android and iOS devices. And if you're wondering what's actually possible with the Nano, like Gizmodo notes, the pitch video and Kickstarter page are rife with things like high-res chess pieces, rings and even a velociraptor head with individual teeth. Want one for custom trinkets of your own? All it takes is a $269 pledge and for the project to raise the rest of its $300,000 funding goal (about $92,000 as of this writing).

Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Household, Laptops, Peripherals, Mobile

Via: Gizmodo

Source: Kickstarter

Friday, October 31, 2014

These LED bulbs are brighter despite fewer diodes and a lower price

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/31/cree-led-bulbs/

One of the toughest parts to swallow of LED lighting technology is just how costly it can be. Well, the folks at Cree have taken umbrage with that and developed a bulb that'll retail for around $5 per 40- and 60-watt-equivalent bulb -- less than some standard CFL lamps by a few bucks. How's it doing that? In part by changing the bulbs' design and eliminating the need for heat sinks. As IEEE Spectrum reports, instead of the collar that more or less does double-duty holding the LEDs in place and dissipating heat, the new models get rid of hot air via convection. Meaning, as diodes get warmer, they naturally draw cool air in from outside the bulb as the higher temperature rises upward and outward.

Cree's also cut costs (and prices) by clipping the amount of LEDs from 10 in its 60-watt-equivalent bulbs down to eight. They don't lose any light power in the process, though. As a matter of fact, the diodes run at higher power to produce more of it. Oh, and according to the outfit's Mike Watson, the collar-less design makes the dimmable bulbs look like a traditional incandescent, which he thinks will speed up adoption. Sure? Seems like a bit of a stretch, but hit the comments if bulb shape is what kept you away from the tech.

Filed under: Household

Via: IEEE Spectrum

Source: Cree

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Kodak's new action cam offers 360-degree views of your stunts

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/30/kodak-pixpro-sp360-action-cam/

Kodak has already thrown its hat into the action cam fray, but its new gadget offers a much wider view of the goings-on. The company's PIXPRO SP360 effort captures footage with 360-degree views in full HD (1080p), which it says is capable of creating "fully immersive images" without having to employ a fleet of cameras. With a dome-shaped fixed lens up top, the diminutive device records the aforementioned video at 30 fps with a 16-megapixel MO sensor, while offering Front (212 degrees), Split (180-degree front and rear views at the same time), Dome (214 degrees) and Sphere (360 degrees) modes for alternative vantage points.

As you might expect, the unit packs WiFi connectivity for syncing up with a mobile device of computer for remote viewing and controls from up to 65 feet away. In addition to being splashproof, freezeproof, shockproof and dustproof, the SP360 features a motion sensor that can automatically start recording when it picks up movement. And it can snap 10-megapixel stills of all the action, too. Pricing starts at $349, but if you're looking to pick up the kit that includes a waterproof case and both bar and adhesive mounts, you'll need to fork over an additional $50.

Sean Buckley contributed to this report.

Filed under: Cameras

Source: Kodak

CHART: LinkedIn's Revenue Is On The Up And Up

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-linkedins-revenue-is-on-the-up-and-up-2014-10

LinkedIn reported earnings for its fiscal third quarter of 2014 on Thursday. Revenue and expectations surpassed Wall Street's expectations — it reported $568 million on $0.52 EPS, versus predictions of $557.49 million in revenue on $0.47 EPS.

Based on company data charted for us by BI Intelligence, LinkedIn's revenue continues to see steady growth in its three major lines of business — talent solutions, marketing solutions, and premium subscriptions — even though the company's year-over-year growth has been pretty flat. But LinkedIn has also been investing much of its own money to boost membership on the network: It recently redesigned its user profiles and even launched a new app called Connected to make networking among contacts easier.

bii sai cotd linkedin revenue

SEE ALSO: CHART OF THE DAY: All Of Facebook's Revenue Growth Is Coming From Mobile Ads

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Why Everyone Wants to Kill the Mouse and Keyboard

Source: http://gizmodo.com/why-everyone-wants-to-kill-the-mouse-and-keyboard-1652834936

Why Everyone Wants to Kill the Mouse and Keyboard

In the past few decades, everything about our computers have changed. The screens. The guts. The size, weight, and materials. The software itself, of course. But one thing has stayed exactly the same, frozen in time from the early days: The tools we use to tell them what to do. So it's odd that we're so desperate to throw them out the window.

LG slims smartphone bezels to a virtually non-existent 0.7mm

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/30/lg-slim-bezel-lcd/

You might talk about how much you hate large bezels, but LG is actually doing something about it. It just unveiled a 5.3-inch, 1080p LCD display with 0.7mm bezels, less than the width of a credit card. The Korean company said they're the world's narrowest, thanks to "Neo Edge" module processing and "advanced in-cell touch" tech. That's a fancy way of saying that the panel's circuit board and backlight are glued together instead of taped, and that the touch panel is embedded into the LCD module. LG added that the dust- and waterproof display is substantially more durable too -- though we can't help but wonder if replacement parts will be pricier. If that Sharp Aquos Crystal X bezel now seems downright bulky, too bad -- LG's new screen will initially be built for Chinese smartphones only.

Filed under: Cellphones, LG

Source: LG

Google makes Play Books more student friendly

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/30/google-play-books-android-student-features/

Google's latest Play Books update for Android makes the app a lot easier to use for reading non-fiction e-books. See, Play Books is perfect if you're just reading something from cover to cover. But if you're using it to read text or reference books for school, or maybe even cookbooks (materials you usually flip through to find the page you're looking for), then it can be infuriating to use. Now, the latest version comes with a handful of features to change that, including one called Skim Mode that makes it easy to skim pages, as you can see after the break. Another feature called Quick Bookmarks lets you jump between the parts you've bookmarked, while the last one called Notes & Highlights is especially useful for students, since it lets you highlight text (say, quotes or important info you want to remember later) and take notes while reading. If you desperately need these features to get you through the next semester, head over to Google Play to download the app's latest version.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Google

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