If you ever needed evidence that Apple takes device security very seriously indeed, then it has been provided in the shape of the new iPhone firmware patch arriving even earlier than planned.
Instead of waiting to deliver OS 3.0.1 to fix a security vulnerability as promised this Saturday, Apple slipped out the update through iTunes late on Friday evening.
No one affected
The almost 300MB download repairs a vulnerability that used incoming SMS to take over control of an unpatched iPhone.
Apple not only moved to issue the update less than a day after it was made public, but also reassured iPhone users that no handsets had actually been affected yet.
Anyone wishing to apply the patch need only seek out the 'Check for Update' button in the iPhone settings page in iTunes.
Instead of waiting to deliver OS 3.0.1 to fix a security vulnerability as promised this Saturday, Apple slipped out the update through iTunes late on Friday evening.
No one affected
The almost 300MB download repairs a vulnerability that used incoming SMS to take over control of an unpatched iPhone.
Apple not only moved to issue the update less than a day after it was made public, but also reassured iPhone users that no handsets had actually been affected yet.
Anyone wishing to apply the patch need only seek out the 'Check for Update' button in the iPhone settings page in iTunes.
If you whant more info on the SMS hack then
While the iPhone SMS security vulnerability has been hogging the headlines this week, it also emerged from the same conference that Mac OS X is at risk too.Speaking at the Black Hat security event, Mac expert Dino Dai Zovi exposed an OS X coding loophole by installing a rootkit that could give hackers complete control of a Mac, allowing them to take even encrypted data from the other side of the world.
Bank accounts exposed
The 'Machiavelli' technique relies on using the Safari browser to get hold of encrypted data such as bank accounts and other personal information.
Dai Zovi explained his motivation in helping Apple work on better securing its machines, warning that hackers need only target OS X computers for general the Mac security complacency to dissolve into a serious problem.
Fairy dust
"There is no magic fairy dust protecting Macs," he pointed out, while another security expert added, "When the malware authors put out something that's really sophisticated we are going to have a whole population that is really vulnerable."
Microsoft has reversed its decision not to offer free copies of Windows 7 to beta testers.In a statement posted today on the Windows 7 Team Blog, Brandon LeBlanc wrote: "Last week, I blogged that members of the Windows Technical Beta Program would not be receiving a complimentary copy of Windows 7. Normally I hate to be wrong but in this case, I'm stoked that I am.
"To show our appreciation, members of the invitation-only Windows 7 Technical Beta Program will be eligible for a free, final copy of Windows 7 Ultimate."
People who took part in the public beta will still have to buy a copy of of Windows 7 - this is restricted to people invited into the Technical Beta Program, who can expect to get their copy on the day that Windows 7 RTM build hits MSDN and TechNet - 6 August.
Further details are posted to the .Beta_Program newsgroup, explaining that "all current members of our English technical and international mini-beta programs are eligible. We are offering you a full (non-upgrade) copy of Windows 7 Ultimate Edition for your own personal use, not to be resold."
Members of the English beta program can also opt for a "limited amount of boxed copies" available on a first come, first served basis.
Those who choose the download will be able to grab their free copy of Windows 7 via Microsoft Connect.
As for non-English versions of Windows 7, "other languages will follow as they become available."
An SMS message that lets hackers take over iPhones remotely is set to be exposed at a Black Hat conference.
The flaw allows the hacker to gain access to nearly all access of the phone, meaning the camera, browser and phone functions can be remotely used.
Charlie Miller, the security researcher who uncovered the flaw (along with fellow researcher Collin Mulliner) says he has notified Apple to the problem, and the company hasn't (yet) responded with a patch.
The hack works by sending 512 text messages to a phone (although only one is visible) and then using an exploit in software to let the code from the text overrun into other parts of the phone.
Unknown attacker
The symbol on the one message could actually be changed to anything, so the person wouldn't know they've been the victim of an attack.
The hack will then use the phone to send texts to other users, meaning if left unchecked it could easily spread around the world.
The duo both say they've given Apple more time than ever to respond to the attack, yet it hasn't released a patch, so will be going ahead and revealing the exploit.
They've also found a similar problem with Windows Mobile, but admit they only found that last week and haven't notified Microsoft as yet.
The flaw allows the hacker to gain access to nearly all access of the phone, meaning the camera, browser and phone functions can be remotely used.
Charlie Miller, the security researcher who uncovered the flaw (along with fellow researcher Collin Mulliner) says he has notified Apple to the problem, and the company hasn't (yet) responded with a patch.
The hack works by sending 512 text messages to a phone (although only one is visible) and then using an exploit in software to let the code from the text overrun into other parts of the phone.
Unknown attacker
The symbol on the one message could actually be changed to anything, so the person wouldn't know they've been the victim of an attack.
The hack will then use the phone to send texts to other users, meaning if left unchecked it could easily spread around the world.
The duo both say they've given Apple more time than ever to respond to the attack, yet it hasn't released a patch, so will be going ahead and revealing the exploit.
They've also found a similar problem with Windows Mobile, but admit they only found that last week and haven't notified Microsoft as yet.
Ok I admit it, I've always harbored deep jealousy for those incredibly intelligent jerks at MIT's Media Lab, traipsing around Massachusetts in their incredibly great wearable computers. Well, now that a MicroPCTalk forum member has built his very own wearable computer from a few spare parts lying around the house, we can finally put aside those futile dreams and get to work on our very own nerd-badge-of-honor. Mr. Fiveseven808 took a VAIO UX, Myvu Crystal wearable display, a bevy of Bluetooth peripherals and a iDEN i425 handset for connectivity. Sadly, his UX has since died, but there's more UMPC where that can, and those elitist MIT types can't keep us down forever.
But i'd still like one like this:
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MP3-player manufacturers can count on one thing: there will always be a demand for cheap, basic portable music players. These minimally featured devices are often perfect for the gym or brief, day-to-day use. The Samsung YP-S2 Pebble, a screenless MP3 player that looks like a shiny stone, is such a device.
It's typically light on extras, but its sleek design, straightforward operation, and super-affordable price tag are sure to appeal to those looking for a basic-yet-stylish device. The 1GB version is available for around £20, and the 2GB version is available for around £30.
Design
The S2 is perhaps the most stylish MP3 player I've come across in the budget category. It looks like the ideal skipping stone: smooth, flat and almost perfectly circular, but just imperfect enough to look like a rock. The outer casing is a high-gloss plastic that looks like marble in some of the available colours, such as the white version. It also comes in black, red, green and purple versions, all of which are shiny and dark. The device is predictably small, measuring just 38mm in diameter and less than 18mm thick.
It's typically light on extras, but its sleek design, straightforward operation, and super-affordable price tag are sure to appeal to those looking for a basic-yet-stylish device. The 1GB version is available for around £20, and the 2GB version is available for around £30.
Design
The S2 is perhaps the most stylish MP3 player I've come across in the budget category. It looks like the ideal skipping stone: smooth, flat and almost perfectly circular, but just imperfect enough to look like a rock. The outer casing is a high-gloss plastic that looks like marble in some of the available colours, such as the white version. It also comes in black, red, green and purple versions, all of which are shiny and dark. The device is predictably small, measuring just 38mm in diameter and less than 18mm thick.
The indented controls, housed on the S2's back, are pleasing to use
Unlike nearly all other MP3 players, the front of the S2 is almost completely plain, except for a large, oblong LED that glows from beneath the outer shell to let you know the status of the device. The controls are housed on the back side and are indented in a bowl shape, which gives them a pleasant feel. A central play/pause/power key -- the only bit of silver on the device -- is surrounded by track shuttle and volume buttons.
Features
Jutting out from the bottom right-hand side of the control pad is a smart key, which is used for placing the player in shuffle or playlist mode, turning the LED function on and off, and switching through a set of three sound effects: normal, studio and concert hall. The playlist mode is a decent extra that lets you create and listen to an on-the-go playlist. The S2 plays back files in the MP3, WMA and OGG formats.
Performance
The earbuds that are included with the S2 may offer a convenient design for wearing the player, but they're not particularly comfortable, nor are they the best option for taking advantage of the player's sound. Still, we found that, when we had the player in studio mode, the audio coming from the earbuds was above average for a stock set.
I swapped in my standard test earphones, the Shure SE310s, and I was really impressed by the capabilities of the S2. Music sounds rich and clear, with plenty of sparkling high-end detail and a reasonable amount of low-end thump. The rated battery life of 13 hours isn't fantastic, but it's about standard for a player of this size.
Conclusion
The Samsung YP-S2 Pebble is extremely stylish, boasts impressive audio quality and offers a number of useful extra features. At this price, you can't really ask for more.
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The easy-to-use YP-S2 Pebble doesn't just look like a very attractive, shiny skipping stone -- it also offers impressive audio quality, a number of useful features and a super-affordable price tag. Its battery life isn't fantastic, but, at this price, you can't really ask for more.
What is it?
Stylish, budget MP3 player
What I think:
Good-looking and offering impressive audio quality, it's a great budget MP3 player
I like:
Excellent value; sounds great; sleek and stylish design; useful on-the-go playlist feature
I don't like:
No screen; operating the extra functions takes some practice
Also known as
Samsung S2
CNET.co.uk judgement:
The Samsung YP-S2 Pebble is a simple, appealing MP3 player that offers a super-affordable price tag, good sound quality and some compelling extras. It's a great option for those who like to wear their devices pendant-style.
What is it?
Stylish, budget MP3 player
What I think:
Good-looking and offering impressive audio quality, it's a great budget MP3 player
I like:
Excellent value; sounds great; sleek and stylish design; useful on-the-go playlist feature
I don't like:
No screen; operating the extra functions takes some practice
Also known as
Samsung S2
CNET.co.uk judgement:
The Samsung YP-S2 Pebble is a simple, appealing MP3 player that offers a super-affordable price tag, good sound quality and some compelling extras. It's a great option for those who like to wear their devices pendant-style.
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