French authorities nab Android Trojan horse maker

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Google, Misc. Tech, Mods / Hacks, Software,

Yet another case of malware found on Google Play. A 20-year-old man suspected of an elaborate Android Trojan SMS scheme was arrested in France. The alleged hacker tallied over 17,000 Android users that installed malicious software posed as copy cat apps. The scheme works by sending SMS messages at a premium cost. The hacker then earns a micro-transaction fee, leaving the unsuspecting user with an unexpected hefty monthly bill.

The hacker informed French authorities that he was more motivated by the technical aspect than monetary gain and had goals of becoming a software engineer. Cyber criminals  have made inroads into making malware in the Android platform partly because the Google Play Store is open and is not curated and vetted for security like Apple's App Store.  Hackers have created clone malware of popular apps like Skype, Instagram, and Angry birds. Some of these apps steal personal information and passwords and can capture pretty much anything you type.

Computer venders Security, like Sophos, strongly advise Android users to be vigilant and also install their free anti-virus security suite. 

Read More | The Register

Samsung TouchWiz bug erases all of your Galaxy S data (update: fixed!)

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Mods / Hacks,

There is an SMS exploit in the wild that can cause a Samsung Galaxy device (including the latest  Galaxy S III) running TouchWiz to be completely reset. This exploit was first discovered by tech security researchers and proof of that concept was shown on YouTube. There are many vectors where this could be distributed and executed such as SMS, email, and QR codes. This is practically on the same level as a Zero Day attack. However, the interesting aspect is that this was mostly likely implemented by carrier request and designed by the OEM, which is Samsung. We at Gear Live have not yet independently confirmed this exploit, but other tech publications have confirmed the legitimacy of the hack. Some refer to this as a feature? As always, use of safe computer and internet practices is advised.

UPDATE: Samsung has released a patch for this exploit, and recommends that all of its users download the latest software update, which eliminates the problem.

Click to continue reading Samsung TouchWiz bug erases all of your Galaxy S data (update: fixed!)

Apple says it never gave UDID info to the FBI

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Corporate News, Handhelds, Mods / Hacks,

Apple has chimed in on the saga of twelve million leaked iOS UDIDs. Apple claims that they never gave that information to the FBI, nor did the FBI ever request it from Apple.

"The FBI has not requested this information from Apple, nor have we provided it to the FBI or any organization. Additionally, with iOS 6 we introduced a new set of APIs meant to replace the use of the UDID and will soon be banning the use of UDID" - Natalie Keriss Apple Spokeswoman

Unique Device Identifiers, or UDIDs, are somewhat similar to a serial number or a social security number for devices. It is comprised of about 40 alphanumeric characters that basically identifies you as the device owner. It could be used for targeted ads and marketing analytics, or it can be utilized for development purposes like app and software distribution.

Click to continue reading Apple says it never gave UDID info to the FBI

Hacker shows how to get free iOS in-app purchase content in major Apple security breach (video)

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Corporate News, Mods / Hacks, Software,

A Russian hacker has uncovered a serious breach in Apple's iOS App Store in-app purchase model that allows anyone to get access to pretty much any in-app purchase content completely for free. Surprisingly easy to set up, the model just requires the installation of two security certificates, followed by you entering a different DNS server in your Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. That's it.

Click to continue reading Hacker shows how to get free iOS in-app purchase content in major Apple security breach (video)

Read More | In-Appstore via 9to5Mac

Ouya Android-based indie game console takes Kickstarter by storm

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Design, Google, Home Entertainment, Mods / Hacks, Video Games,

Are you bored and tired of the big players in the video game space failing to innovate in truly meaningful ways? Then you'll wanna meet Ouya, the Android-powered game console that will cost just $99 with a controller that connects to your television set just like your Wii U, Xbox 360, and PS3 does. The difference? Anyone can develop games for the Ouya console, and there's no huge financial barrier to entry. That means more indie quality indie games, likely much less cheaper than you'd find on other home game consoles. The product is designed by Yves Behar and team, the same folks who dreamed up the designs for the One Laptop Per Child OLPC computer and Jawbone Jambox. On the inside it's powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with a quad-core Tegra 3 processor, 1 GB RAM, and 8 GB of built-in storage. It also packs 1080p output over HDMI, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Interested? You can head over to the Ouya Kickstarter page to pre-order one now. This could turn out to be a very big deal. Check out a video explaining the project after the break.

Click to continue reading Ouya Android-based indie game console takes Kickstarter by storm

Read More | Ouya

BlackBerry PlayBook hacked to run iPad apps

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Handhelds, Mods / Hacks, Software,

A BlackBerry developer known as Businesscat2000 has accomplished an impressive feat--he was able to hack his BlackBerry PlayBook tablet to run iOS apps. As you can see in the video footage after the break, this enterprising chap is able to run iPad apps on his RIM tablet, and even gets iOS apps running on a Windows PC.

Click to continue reading BlackBerry PlayBook hacked to run iPad apps

Read More | Crackberry Forums

Jailbreak your iOS 5.1.1 iPhone 4S, new iPad, and more with Absinthe 2.0

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Mods / Hacks, Software,

The Chronic Dev Team has just released the first untethered jailbreak for the latest iOS devices that house an A5 or A5X processor. This means that owners of the iPhone 4S, the new iPad (2012), and the iPad 2 can get in on the untethered jailbreak game. This means that you no longer need to connect to a computer each time you need to restart your device in order to maintain your jailbreak. That is good news!

Click to continue reading Jailbreak your iOS 5.1.1 iPhone 4S, new iPad, and more with Absinthe 2.0

Video: How to create your own Beats by Dr. Dre headphones

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Wearables, Design, Mods / Hacks, Music, Videos,

Here at Gear Live, we know just how popular the Beats by Dr. Dre line of headphones can be. After all, when we post about them, those are typically the most read items of the day. However, while they look good and have great endorsements behind them, some people prefer other models of headphones due to the audio profile. What is one to do if the Beats profile isn't the sound they crave, but the Beats look is exactly what they're looking for? One option is to grabs some spray paint and get to work.

Casey Neistat just posted a video on YouTube that shows how he turned a pair of Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones into Beats by Dr. Dre knockoffs. Sure, he may have sprayed over the microphone that the headphones rely on for noise cancellation, but sometimes that's the price you've gotta pay to look good.

How to unlock the iPhone 4s for free (Instructions)

Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Mods / Hacks,

Are you walking around with an iPhone that shackled to a mobile carrier that you'd like to free? Well, there's now a super-easy way to unlock any iPhone running iOS 5.1 or earlier. Yes, that includes unlocking the iPhone 4S. Through a series of persistent hacking, a programmer who goes by the moniker of Loktar_Sun has finally found a way of spoofing the iPhone, thus allowing the user to unlock the device. A few things are needed in order to get started: You've got to jailbreak your iPhone (one that isn’t officially blacklisted), the free unlocking app (SAM) from Cydia, and an Internet connection. Read on for instructions.

Click to continue reading How to unlock the iPhone 4s for free (Instructions)

Read More | Blogspot

Dyson challenges its engineers to build racers from spare parts (video!)

Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Smart Home, Mods / Hacks, Videos,

UK-based vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dyson recently held a competition to see which of its engineers could design the fastest racecar using just spare vacuum cleaner parts. Just like the vacuum clears, there were some very creative car ideas. Some worked well, while others were novel in concept only. Check out the video above to see the geekiest race to take place so far this year.