Adware Proof of Concept Targets Mac
Finnish security firm F-Secure has discovered what is believed to be the first adware application built specifically for Mac OS X. The program does not require administrative privileges in order to install itself on the user's computer. Dubbed "iAdware" by the firm, it could be used as a popup launcher from Mac's built in web browser, Safari.
The program is currently not out in the wild, but has been provided as proof-of-concept code to researchers. Once a bastion of Internet safety, the Mac is now becoming an increasingly popular target for hackers as it's popularity grows.
Sony: LCD Problem in Digital Cameras
Sony on Friday disclosed a manufacturing defect within some of its digital cameras carrying the Cyber-shot brand, which involves the LCD displays models that sold from September 2003 to January 2005. The cameras can malfunction in warm and humid conditions, it said.
Approximately 4,000 of the 1 million cameras sold during the period are expected to have the problem. The affected models include the DSC-F88, DSC-M1, DSC-T1, DSC-T11, DSC-T3, DSC-T33, DSC-U40, and DSC-U50. Repairs would be made free of charge to only those customers affected, Sony said.
Xbox Live Video Service Stumbles Out of Gate
The new Xbox Live Video Marketplace was a victim of its own success as the service was nearly inaccessible for about 24 hours on Friday. Microsoft said that an "extremely high number of downloads" caused technical problems and in some cases prevented ordered content from being downloaded. The company is working to resolve the issues and take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future.
Users who could not download purchased content would be given a full refund, and were asked to report it by calling Xbox customer support at 1-800-4MYXBOX. "Thanks for your patience, and please know that the team is prepared to make things right for those affected, including refunding Microsoft Points where appropriate and as quickly as possible," Xbox Live programming director Larry Hryb said.
Xbox Live TV Shows, Movies Go Live
Microsoft began offering access to hundreds of television programs and movies through the Xbox Live service Wednesday, drawing on content from partner networks CBS, MTV Networks, TBS, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and movie studios Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros Home Entertainment. Content would be made available in both high-definition as well as standard-definition formats.
Users would be able to download and own the television shows, as well as rent movies. High-definition TV shows cost 240 Microsoft points, and standard-definition 160 points. New release HD movies would cost 480 points, and SD 320; meanwhile, classic films would be sold for 360 points in HD and 240 points in SD. HD purchasers would also be permitted to download the SD version at no charge, Microsoft said.
TiVo Offers Free 80-Hour DVR Special
TiVo said Wednesday that it would offer its 80-hour Series2 DVRs for free after rebate while supplies last. The box normally retails for $219.99 USD. In addition, the company would offer the 80-hour dual tuner TiVo for $69.99 USD ($349.99 retail), and the 180-hour dual tuner for $169.99 USD following rebates.
Any length of service contract would be ellgible for the discounts. Based on the length of contract, the monthly service fee would decrease. For those selecting a three-year contract, the monthly rate would be $12.95 per month or $299 if prepaid ($8.30 per month); for a two-year contract, $14.95 per month or $299 prepaid; and $19.95 for a one-year contract, or $199 when prepaid.
Vista, IE7 Clear of US Antitrust Concerns
The Justice Department will not be going after Microsoft for any antitrust concerns with Windows Vista or Internet Explorer 7. The government agency said Tuesday in a report that it could find no issues in either product. In addition, it said the technical committee in conjunction with Microsoft was offering an application to help competitors make their programs Vista-ready.
This would allow competing Web browsers, as well as e-mail, IM, and media clients to seamlessly become the default applications within the operating system. The report also indicated that the company was making progress on required documentation, although concern remained that the project was not remaining on-track.
Microsoft, Dell Team on Special Vista PC
Microsoft recently partnered with Dell to create a special edition PC to commemorate the launch of Windows Vista. Only a few of the computers have been produced, and there are no plans to sell it, the company says. Among the specifications are a Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, a 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX graphics card, 4GB of SDRAM, 1TB of hard drive space, a DVD+/-RW DL disc drive, dual television tuners, a 30" widescreen monitor, and surround sound capabilities.
The PC has a rating of 5.2 on Vista's Windows Experience Index. One of the PCs was raffled off at Microsoft's internal launch party, with another going to charity. The number of PCs produced, or the plans for the other machines was not announced.
Google Shares Surge Past $500
Google's stock set yet another milestone during trading Tuesday, surpassing the $500 mark for the first time ever. If the stock manages to close above that level, it would be one of only six companies including superstar entrepreneur Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathway to trade above $500. So far today, the stock has reached an intraday high of $507.57.
Google stock is now some six times the $85 IPO price it debuted at in August 2004. In those two years, the market capitalization of the leading search and advertising company has grown from $30 billion to over $153 billion today. Analysts expect the stock to continue to climb, with price targets set as high as $600.
Amazon to Sell Comcast High Speed Internet
Comcast said Monday that it would offer its high-speed Internet service through Amazon, and provide a $100 gift certificate for the retailer to those who sign up through the partnership. Comcast joins broadband provider Vonage, which joined Amazon's recently introduced "broadband services" category. A promotional rate of $19.99 USD per month for six months would apply to all new activations.
"Comcast and Amazon share a commitment for offering customers the best products and services and a focus on customer satisfaction," Comcast retail sales senior vice president Bob Faught said. "By creating an online store on Amazon, we can now be even more accessible to the site's huge customer base of more than 61 million active customer accounts."
Sony Ramps Up Production of 50GB Blu-ray Disc
Sony said Monday that it now had six production lines in operation producing the company's 50GB Blu-ray disc. Production will be ramped up to 60,000 discs per day, the company said. In addition to the 50GB production lines, the company also has nine that produce the 25GB version of the disc. Over three million discs have been shipped out since production began in May.
"We know that our customers are looking for the finest audio and video experience possible from Blu-ray Disc," Sony Pictures executive vice president Don Eklund said. "BD50 is an essential part of our strategy to expand offerings of uncompromised audio, video and added value to consumers both domestically and internationally."
CNN's King Admits to Rarely Using Net
Call Larry King old school. The 72-year-old CNN stalwart admitted in a Wednesday episode of Larry King Live that he had never used an Internet search engine while interviewing comedian Rosanne Barr. Barr was astonished at the newscaster's apparent Internet naivety, saying "it just opens up the whole universe. It's so awesome. You would love it."
King said he wouldn't. "The wife loves it. I wouldn't love it. What do you punch little buttons and things?" he responded. Even after repeated attempts by the comedian to convince King that Web surfing wasn't that difficult, and also offering assistance in learning how to do it, King wasn't having any of it. "No thanks," he said.
Fox Exec Uses MySpace to Call it Quits
How does a MySpace executive announce his resignation? On his MySpace page, of course. Fox Interactive president Ross Levinsohn wrote Friday in a blog post that he would step down effective November 27. His cousin, Peter Levinson, would take over his position at that time. Peter is also an employee of parent company News Corp -- he has been president of the digital media division of Fox Entertainment since 2004.
Both Levinsons have helped lead News Corp into the digital age: Ross is widely credited with organizing the MySpace merger, while Peter gets the credit for bringing Fox's programming online. "It's been an awesome two years building Fox Interactive Media, and the company is in great shape for the future. There is a whole world out there to explore," Levinsohn said on his MySpace page.
HD DVD Ships 1.5 Million Movie Titles
HD DVD showed continued momentum in the next generation DVD race, with the format's backers announcing Thursday that they had shipped more than 1.5 million discs since launch. The HD DVD Promotion Group also touted the number of titles available, now 110, with at least another three dozen more expected before the end of the year.
The HD DVD external dive add-on for the Xbox 360 began shipping last week, initially getting positive reviews. Additionally, work continues on the second-generation players from Toshiba, with some retailers marking down their first-generation players by as much as $120 to attract consumers. It's still unclear if the format is outselling Blu-ray, however, as neither side has provided concrete sales numbers.
Cingular to Offer Cell Phone Banking
Cingular Wireless plans to offer a service through its handsets early next year that would allow customers to perform banking functions much like they do on their computers today. The phone banking functionality is being provided through a deal with Firethorn Holdings, and would be free, save for bandwidth usage.
The Wall Street Journal says that the effort is aimed at offsetting falling revenues from voice plans. The feature is common among European operators, however Cingular would be the first of the major U.S. carriers to banking functionality. There is a catch, however; the bank itself must allow the service. While the WSJ says the carrier is already negotiating with banking institutions, no deals have been finalized.
Nintendo Readies 400,000 Wiis for Japan Launch
Those wanting to get their hands on Nintendo's next-gen console in Japan will have a much easier time than those looking for the PS3. The company disclosed Wednesday that it would have 400,000 of the Wii consoles available for the planned December 2 launch in the region. This is four times the number of consoles available for the debut of the PS3 last Friday.
No numbers have been given for the U.S. launch, and the company has declined to specify. However, if the extent of the Japanese launch is any clue, this number is likely to be at least a million, if not more. In any case, the number of Wii consoles would allow Nintendo to get a head start on the PS3, which has so far shipped only about 100,000 units.
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