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Genuine Windows Validation Fixed
Posted by Oscar M. Cantu Categories: Corporate News, Mods / Hacks, Software,
Microsoft’s attempt to fight software pirates was stopped in its tracks last time this validation tool was released. Now they claim to have fixed the vulnerability. I guess you can call this the Genuine Windows Validation Tool SP1. Let’s see how long it takes hackers to make this one obsolete. My guess is we’ll be hearing about a work around by week’s end.
Read More 
| The Unofficial Windows Blog
Why Trustworthy Computing Is A Bad Idea
Posted by Sparky Categories: Corporate News, Features, Mods / Hacks, PC / Laptop,
A number of sites have picked up the story that Intel Developer kits from Apple include TCPA/TPM DRM in the Kernel. TCPA/TPM DRM is a technical term for a Trustworthy Computing solution that limits what fair use consumers can use with the media they own. Basically it lets an application control what other applications or pieces of hardware can access it’s files. For instance a file created in Quicktime could be signed with a quicktime flag meaning no 3rd party applications or other users could view that file. There has been no word on how Apple is going to implement TCPA/TPM DRM yet, but conceivably they could use it to say that no non-DRM’ed pieces of media could be played on a machine making the assumption that if a file does not include DRM then it must be pirated. TCPA/TPM DRM also features the ability to create a secure encrypted channel between a graphics card and a monitor that supports TCPA - this unfortunately not only would help “prevent” piracy by capturing the live stream from the computer to the monitor (something not really done in practice anyway) but would force you to buy a TCPA compliant monitor.
Of course Windows Vista will have TCPA/TPM DRM built in as well - it’s one of Microsoft’s big selling points. I’m not sure how they are spinning it as a benefit to consumers as this does nothing but hurt innocent users wishing to exercise fair use of their content - pirates will always find a method to getting around DRM solutions. TCPA is a technology that only hinders consumers, and benefits no-one but the MPAA, RIAA, and other large greedy organizations that don’t trust their paying customers. With both Apple and Microsoft playing into the media organizations wishes for TCPA to be widely adopted then the consumer loses choice, freedom, and the ability to exercise fair use of the media they both own and enjoy. Check out a possible solution and more information about TCPA after the jump.
Click to continue reading Why Trustworthy Computing Is A Bad Idea
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Newer Technologies Upgrades 1G and 2G iPod Batteries
Posted by Alex Grahmann Categories: Accessories, Mods / Hacks, Portable Audio / Video,
For those of you still refusing to get rid of your old iPod, Newer Technologies has released its most powerful replacement battery kit to date for 1G and 2G models. The battery, which comes with an installation kit and detailed instructions, is rated at 2200mAh, which is a 78% capacity jump from the batteries shipped with the original iPods. The 2200mAh kit costs $34.95 and along with this newest release, the rest of the NuPower line of batteries has dropped by $10.
Read More | Newer Technologies
Latest Gear Live Videos
Last week in Las Vegas, NV Defcon was in full swing bringing with it new world records, creative hacks, and a shameful wall of sheep for those foolish enough to use unencrypted methods to talk to their servers back at home. PT from MAKE has a couple of great entries in their blog covering his experiences there. After seeing these and other posts from the event Gear Live is going to have to head down to Defcon next year and do some reporting first hand. Check out more information after the jump.
Click to continue reading Defcon Roundup
What do you get when you combine a PocketPC, a signal amplifier, and a high gain antenna with a slingshot base? The Bloodhound WiFi Gun. The creative hackers from the schmoo group at Defcon put this WiFi signal detector together and instantly created a new category in WiFi detectors - deliciously excessive. Our hats are tipped to you, oh wielder of the bloodhound gun!
Read More | MAKE
Fix Your iPod FireWire Cable (or any other cable for that matter)
Posted by Sparky Categories: Mods / Hacks,
I just found an interesting how-to article for fixing Apple iPod cables that have had the cable sheath come loose from the metal plug. This happened to my cable a while back and I fixed it with a spot of super glue, but the author points out that with it’s superior holding power Gorilla Glue seems to be a better solution. This trick should work on any USB or FireWire cable that has had the plug sheath come loose - handy in a pinch with cable as over priced as it is these days.
Read More | How-to fix your iPod cable via MAKE
Three British scientists have begun proposing a system in which carbon from used tires is recycled into usable printer ink. The process basically bakes the tires back down to their raw materials, sifts out the unneeded elements, and leaves semi-pure carbon powder. This could be very good news for environmentalists, as the process reportedly is less environmentally harmful than current recycling options. More importantly, this might take us a step closer to reasonable ink prices, a phenomenon not seen in decades. Or it could simply take three British scientists closer to becoming billionaires.
Read More | Recycling Process Patent
Really want to scare your boss at the Network Operations Center tomorrow at work? Make and bring in one of these. Fiftythree.org proudly presents a number of network and computer hacks sure to bring a spark of excitement whenever they are used. The site features similar hacks to CAT5 cable, serial cable, and creative ways to really get a HDD going.
Read More | Etherkiller
Windows Longho… Vista will have a feature offering a secondary display on some laptops. The display will allow instant access to information such as the next appointment in the owners calendar, or access to contact information at a glance. It’s a really innovative idea that will change the way people make use of their computers and reduce the number of times that they have to actually boot a laptop to get that quick piece of information. MAKE Magazine has a great feature on how to add a (somewhat cumbersome) auxiliary display to your laptop now using a PocketPC and some creative software hacking.
Read More | MAKE
I know we all run into the problem of not being able to serve beer fast enough, so a company called Laminar Technologies has kindly provided us with a solution: The Turbo Tap. Turbo Tap works by changing the way the beer is pressurized and forced into the glass or pitcher. This means a perfect pour with a narrow collar of foam on each glass in less than two seconds. The website promises to make a bar more money by reducing spillage and helping to speed up busy beer bars. Whichever reader ends up buying one for their house - make sure to invite the Gear Live editors over so we can “review” it with you.
Read More | Turbo Tap via Gizmodo via Rammer Jammer
