Prank-worm changes victim's wallpaper to show singer - diabolical!

Do you like '80s music, live in Australia, and own a cracked iPhone?  If so, then this may be the worm for you.  Ikee, the first iPhone worm ever, is infecting some of Apple's nifty devices down under.

Ikee doesn't do anything bad on its own, but anyone who "modified" their iPhones to run unauthorized software is at risk of having their wallpaper changed.  Seems that's all Ikee was meant to do: switch the victim's display to show Rick Astley before seeking other iPhones.  Since this only works on jailbroken devices, not a whole lot of people have been infected, namely only those who are running the Unix utility "Secure Shell," or SSH, with the default password "alpine."

Security experts are, however, concerned that the worm could be modified to steal information or perform other dangerous tasks.  "There is a real danger that someone could take this code and make it do something malicious," said Graham Cluley, a tech with security vendor Sophos.

The culprit turned out to be 21-year-old Ashley Towns, an unemployed programmer from Wollongong (worst name ever).  Towns claims it was meant to be a prank and he "wasn't expecting it to get as far as it did."  He also explained in an online interview that the worm was meant to prove a point, that people ought to change the default iPhone password or risk an infection like Ikee (or worse).

Needless to say, Towns has gotten some mixed responses from Australia's iPhone users.  This does have experts and the community a little worried after an incident last week, when a Dutch hacker began breaking into vulnerable iPhones and then demanded €5 (equal to $7.43 USD) in exchange for the solution.

Corp. prepares to do something about poor 3G coverage

It's no secret, bad networks ruin even a great phone. It seems as though Apple is finally realizing this, and is preparing to do something about it.

Based on a report from research firm OTR Global "citing sources in the Taiwan handset supply chain," Apple plans to unveil a new iPhone, a hybrid of sorts, that utilizes a new chip from Qualcomm allowing it to function on both GSM and CDMA networks. The hybrid iPhone will be made available sometime during the third quarter of 2010, which makes sense, seeing as how AT&T’s exclusivity agreement terminates in 2010.

Furthermore, research notes indicate the new iPhone design will only feature a 2.8" screen. When compared to the current 3.5" screens of the current iPhone models, it seems like Apple is downsizing. Last year's rumor of a smaller iPhone turned out to be false, though the idea could very well have just been ahead of its time. However, there is another possiblity besides a smaller iPhone, that being a "smaller" iPhone. At this point in time, what seems more likely is the development of an iPhone nano. Looking back at the iPod's history, one can only assume it's the latter.

Whether a major redesign of the existing model, or an entirely new iPhone, the big news here is there's a good chance we'll be seeing an iPhone with better 3G coverage in the coming year.

Wireless music system controlled using iPhone

Earlier today home theater systems company Sonos unveiled their latest sound system, the Sons S5, a wireless sound system built to function seamlessly with the iPhone.

Unlike traditional media players, the S5 doesn't require you to dock your device in order to enjoy your music. By using the Sonos controller app, one can easily stream all of their music, whether it be from an iPhone or the internet, through the media player -- no tethering required.

Features:

• Full control of your music experience with your iPhone, iPod touch, PC, Mac or Sonos Controller including your iTunes library and all of the popular online streaming services such as Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster, Siruis
• Crystal-clear, room-filing sound from 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range drivers and subwoofer built in
• Access to music from your iTunes library and most every online music service/internet radio station
• Best-in-class wireless technology for multi-room music
• Simple setup & expansion - simple to add rooms

Who wouldn't want to watch The Neverending Story with the Street Fighter team?

Though we do give Capcom hell for its tendency to oversaturate, the company is very much into its community. That's definitely the case with two new community features its launched via the Capcom Unity blog, Video Game Club and Netflix 360 Movie Night.

Video Game Club is an amusing concept in that it follows the book club formula in part. How it works is you play through a game together, commenting and discussing in the forums with the team as you go. Capcom titles only are allowed, but that's cool by us, as it means you get to play through the titles with their creators (or at least publishers). If it takes off, we could even see them getting in some guests from Japan. Prizes may be awarded, too, so, lots to look forward to for big Capcom fans. The poll for the first game is currently ongoing, so head over to cast your vote (the choices range from Legendary Wings to Mega Man to Okami), where you'll also find the link to the forum discussion with all the "deets."

Next is an equally great idea: Netflix 360 Movie Night. The team figured it'd be lots of fun to utilize the Xbox's Netflix Party feature between themselves and their fans, and that's just what's happening -- tonight! As of 9PM PST, the movie will be starting, so if you're a Gold member, have a Netflix account and live in the States, head here to cast your vote, where again, you'll also find a link to the forum with all details. Capcom's on a "retro, 80s fantasy movie kick", so you get to pick from three great classics: The Dark Crystal, The Neverending Story, or an all-time favourite of myself and our admin Redemption: The Princess Bride.

So, if you're particularly dorky and have nothing else to do tonight, love Capcom games and classic films, definitely get in on this stuff, now and each week if all goes well. Kudos to the team on these ideas!

Start a band, rock the world... on your iPhone

The guys at EA Mobile have finally confirmed the release of Rock Band for the iPhone. The compact band app comes packing 20 tracks, an in-game store where additional tracks can be purchased, and multiplayer support.

No official word on a release date yet, though EA Mobile promises the game will be available for download via the App Store sometime later this month.

Anyway, you'll find the current tracklist below, along with a hands-on gameplay preview will look like.

• 30 Seconds To Mars - "Attack"
• AFI - "Girl's Not Grey"
• All-American Rejects - "Move Along"
• Beastie Boys - "Sabotage"
• Blink-182 - "All The Small Things"
• Blondie - "Hanging on the Telephone"
• Foo Fighters - "Learn To Fly"
• Foo Fighters - "Everlong"
• George Thorogood & the Destroyers - "Bad to The Bone"
• Jethro Tull - "Hymn 43"
• Joan Jett - "Bad Reputation"
• Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Simple Man"
• Motörhead - "Ace of Spades '08"
• Pixies - "Debaser"
• Presidents of The United States of America - "Ladybug"
• Rise Against - "Give It All"
• Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye"
• Smashing Pumpkins - "Cherub Rock"
• Steve Miller Band - "Take The Money and Run"
• Go-Go's - "We Got The Beat"

Apple remaining Flash-independent

G1, Symbian, and BlackBerry owners will be happy to know their devices will soon be more Flash compatible than ever. With support from the Open Screen Project, an industry-wide initiative led by Adobe, many smart-phone owners will receive complete access to all Flash content right from their device's built-in web browser.

The project touts itself as "[enabling] consumers to engage with rich Internet experiences seamlessly across any device, anywhere", with the additional aim of providing a consistent runtime environment for people on the go, and removing barriers for publishing content and applications across a wide array of consumer electronics.

Adobe believes removing said "barriers" will entice more people to take advantage of Flash utilities, but it seems that not all companies agree. Apple looks to be missing out on the promise of a richer, friendlier Flash environment, by sticking to their policy of avoiding technology that offers little value.

So what does this mean for all of you Apple aficionados? The iPhone will not be receiving the Flash 10.1 support, which means iPhone owners will not be shooting ducks for cash prizes while they wait for the page to load (at least not anytime soon).

Is Apple making a smart move by steering clear of the attempt to bring mobile devices and Flash closer? Could this mean no more YouTube support for iPhone owners? Oh wait, we have an app for that.

Visit the Far East & other exotic locales, plus Tomb Creation screens

Maxis and Electronic Arts have released some new assets for the upcoming The Sims 3 World Adventures expansion.  Players will get to take their Sims all over the globe, and the latest trailer highlights China.

Of course in China, everyone does martial arts and dresses like they came out of a low-budget kung fu flick.  But at least they're still speaking that charming made-up Sims language!  The video also mentions some other potentially cool places to visit, like Egypt and France -- with mummies in France, if you want the best of both worlds.

Oh, and take a moment to check out these screenshots, with fireworks and tai chi Sims.  There's also a few of the new Tomb Creation feature.  Don't worry, Sims-addicts, because November 17 is just around the corner.  Then you can pick up World Expansion and feed the need!

Apple's handheld finally gets action RPG it deserves

French developer Gameloft, the team who brought you Hero of Sparta and Assassin's Creed for the iPhone, has done it again, this time bringing a traditional hack-and-slash-style game to Apple's do-it-all handheld device.

When it comes to traditional-style games and the iPhone, the final product tends to be less than grand. As with all iPhone games, the developer's objective is to liven things up with gimmicky controls and otherwise annoying schemes. Dungeon Hunter, however, keeps the gimmicks to a minimum while revitalizing the genre in a fresh way.

Just like the Diablo series, the game follows a very linear story; keeping you moving from town to town, exploring dungeons and completing side quests along the way. One of the nice things about Dungeon Hunter's storyline is the quests aren't overly challenging, meaning you won't find yourself stuck on a single quest for hours. The same holds true for the numerous side quests; they aren't long and drawn out, and won't become a chore over time.

The general idea of keeping things simple is shown throughout Dungeon Hunter, and it works! The controls are simple and elegant and won't have you shaking your head in frustration. By default, you control your character using the virtual control stick that has been the standard in many of Gameloft's action-adventure titles. The game mixes the recipe up a bit, giving players the option to use a point-tap control scheme -- something that just feels right when it comes to Diablo... I mean Dungeon Hunter. Casting spells can be done in a similar manner, though the motion isn't quite as fluid. You have to flick through your available spell set each time you want to cast a different spell.  I find that it's easier to simply stick with a single spell, as flicking and battling monsters don't go hand-in-hand.

Another thing to note about the game, is the graphics and audio are top notch. Gameloft borrows the slightly rotated third person perspective from Diablo, which is exactly what works with this type of game. The battle scenes and character motions aren't choppy, and the lighting effects are superb -- candles flicker, large balls of fire shine, and water casts the same ominous reflections that you've come to expect from other Gameloft titles.

Dungeon Hunter can be downloaded from the App Store for the outrageously low price of $7.00. All in all, the game provides enough Diablo-esque dungeon crawling and character development to warrant a purchase from any action RPG fan.

Apple to roll out mapping service?

Placebase — a company that offers global mapping services similar to Google Maps — is now owned by corporate giant Apple.

But why is this big news? Gizmodo believes Apple intends to 1-up Google. The gadgeteers are confident Apple will be releasing their own satellite mapping service, as the company deftly makes use of the technology they buy (Coverflow, for example). It's also believed Apple is looking to further pull away from Google services as a whole — which actually makes sense, seeing as how Apple is becoming more of an independent company -- designing custom chips for the iPhone, instead of using the same generic chips available to everyone, for example. Not to mention, Apple has been keeping this purchase on the "hush hush" — the deal evidently went down last July.

So what is Apple's aim? Some bloggers speculate that Apple is simply trying to further itself from Google. Others believe the intent is less extreme, and falls along the lines of more revenue:

Whenever you run a Safari search, as opposed to a Google search, Apple profits. When you use Google, Google profits greatly — while Apple receives the minimum of what Google owes them for using its service (significantly less when you think about the number of Google searches made daily). Why is this? In a nut shell: advertising revenue — It's how search engines make money.

Whatever their intent, with Apple involved you can be sure this isn't the last you'll be hearing about the inevitable "Safari Maps".

The successor to the popular Twitter app makes its debut

iPhone tweeters rejoice! The successor to one of the most recognized Twitter apps is on its way to the App Store as you read this! If you're a tweeter (n. Somebody who uses Twitter) and you've been tweeting from your iPhone, chances are you've been using — or maybe you have used — Loren Brichter's Tweetie. There's something to be said about Tweetie; it's sleek, simple, easy to use, and it's a great way to harass your friends and family with a mass of Twitter updates on the go.

Tweetie 2 builds on the foundation that Tweetie laid, re-inventing the sleek, albeit simple, user interface mobile tweeters are accustomed to. At a glance, Tweetie 2 looks pretty similar to the original. All of you tweeters will be glad to hear the the application won't be inducing any headaches, as all of the functions are right where you're used to seeing them. Of course, Tweetie 2 aims higher than to simply provide iPhone tweeters with an updated interface. The real beauty of Tweetie 2 lies deep within its build.

By far the coolest new feature that Tweetie 2 offers is the ability to completely customize/update your tweet at whim. Tweetie 2 acts as an independent application, meaning that it allows the user to create, edit, and delete their tweets all within the client itself. Want to add a URL or photo to your latest tweet? It's as simple as tapping "add photo". You won't have to hassle with opening up Safari and copying image codes or long URLs, now that you can simply copy and paste directly into the comment area. Tweetie 2 gives the user full control over their tweets, allowing you to quote, translate, and even email your tweets to friends and followers — oh yeah, and you can edit your Twitter account profile too!

Another nifty thing that Tweetie 2 offers is full persistence. Let's say you get a phone call while you're tweeting it up. You can close out of the app and answer your call, and when you open the application back up continue tweeting right from where you left off. To tweet now, or tweet later? It's ultimately your call.

Tweetie 2 is chock-full of new features, most of which you probably won't realize are there until you've been using the app for more than a week.

Keep in mind that Tweetie 2 is a standalone purchase, and will set you iPhone tweeters back a whopping $2.99 — a small price to pay for the updated mobile-tweeting experience.

Look out Wii, PS3 and mobile users

Though strongly implying last month they would remain Xbox 360 exclusive, movie delivery and streaming company Netflix confirmed otherwise this week in an interview with Reuters:

"Eventually we want to be on all the game consoles, all the Blu-ray players, all the Internet TVs," said CEO Red Reed Hastings when asked about the service coming to the PS3 and Wii. "So we are working in parallel with all of those efforts. Currently our Xbox deal is exclusive and we haven’t characterized it more than that."

Note the company conducted a survey regarding bringing Netflix to the Wii the preceding March, and published an ad the following month for an Engineering Lead, requiring experience for all current consoles. Sounds to us like they're making some definitive moves towards the aforementioned goal, much to Microsoft's dismay, no doubt.

Hastings also noted eventually they will be pursuing mobile platforms, including the ever-popular iPhone.

For Wii owners interested in this prospect, note there is also the option of PlayOn, currently available in beta form.

No wireless multiplayer, DLC support, or software updates

Sony Computer Entertainment America made an interesting announcement on Wednesday during GDC Austin.  Looks like the PSPgo Minis will be losing some key functions most of us take for granted: wireless multiplayer, DLC support, and software updates.

All in the name of greater efficiency, according to SCEA senior account manager Justin Cooney.  Dropping these features would greatly "accelerate the approval process."  After a GDC session, Cooney explained:

When you look at it from a testing perspective, you have to do more QA.  [Allowing those features] would defeat the purpose of having a dedicated service for smaller content.  It increases the barriers.

From our perspective, if we're going to reduce the time it takes to get through our internal process, it helps that we don't have to check multiplayer features.

He went on to say that the QA (quality assurance) process for PSPgo Mini games is currently three to five days, which is significantly shorter than the average two weeks for original PSP titles. 

Removing downloadable content and software updates are just steps in Sony's "streamlining" process for the PSPgo.  These downloadable Minis can still include "hotseat" multiplayer, which has players pass the handheld around each turn.  Because you know, that's totally the same thing as wireless MP.

It's possible that Sony plans to target a completely different audience with the new Mini games, having eliminated features most core gamers expect from PSP titles.  Mini games will likely attract developers and gamers outside the core market we're used to, essentially ensuring that the original PSP maintains its image.  After all, Sony is no stranger to juggling multiple consoles across generations; we see a similar strategy with the PlayStation 3 and PS2.

Now it's officially on every platform possible!

Electronic Arts and Harmonix have become BFF with Verizon, at least until some other phone service provider pops up with a bigger money bouquet.  This means Verizon Wireless customers will be the first to try Rock Band for mobile phone.

Exciting!  That is, if you like music games on handheld, which I've never particularly cared for; the PSP version felt like one giant quick time event.  At least now Harmonix can say the Rock Band legacy spans across all platforms, including cell phones.  As usual, you can listen to award-winning music while "rocking out" with your phone, with 25 songs from a number of artists.

Adam Sussman, VP of Worldwide Publishing for EA Mobile, revealed some play modes we can expect to see in Rock Band mobile:

"EA Mobile is excited to bring the cultural phenomenon, Rock Band, to the mobile phone platform, allowing players to experience their favorite bands from almost anywhere.  Rock Band has made its way into mainstream culture, and we’re glad to bring a customized mobile version to Verizon Wireless customers. The game includes great features like ‘Cooperative Multiplayer’ and ‘Pass-n-Play’ for play with family and friends, and ‘Tour’ which shadows the life of a real rock star where players can choose any key band position to play."

Bob Picunko, Senior VP of MTV Games, added:

"Rock Band mobile is the next step in bringing the authentic rock experience found in Rock Band and Rock Band 2 to an even broader group of consumers on the mobile platform. We believe fans will respond as they get to enjoy what is sure to be the dominant rock experience on their phones."

Grab some Windows 7 features early

Newly available from Microsoft is a Platform Update for the Windows Vista users out there; the public beta package incorporates a multitude of features from Windows 7 into Vista, a testament to just how similar the architecture between the two operating systems is. A final version of this update will be available to Vista users later this year.

Below is a description of the items included; those most notable to our readers will probably be DirectX 11 support (just in time for the new update) and the Portable Devices Platform.

To acquire the update, grab the Vista script through the Microsoft Download Center linked below, then load up Windows Update to fetch the new content.

• Windows Graphics, Imaging, and XPS Library

The Windows Graphics, Imaging, and XPS library contains the latest advancements in modern graphics technologies for gaming, multimedia, imaging and printing applications. It includes updates to DirectX to support hardware acceleration for 2D, 3D and text based scenarios; DirectCompute for hardware accelerated parallel computing scenarios; and XPS Library for document printing scenarios.

• Windows Automation API

The Windows Automation API allows accessibility tools and test automations to access Windows user interface in a consistent way across operating system versions.

• Windows Portable Devices Platform

The Windows Portable Devices (WPD) Platform supplies the infrastructure to standardize data transfers between an application and a portable device, such as a mobile phone, digital camera, or portable media player.

• Windows Ribbon and Animation Manager Library

The Windows Ribbon and Animation Manager Library includes contains the Windows Ribbon API, a command framework that enables developers to quickly and easily create rich ribbon experiences in their applications, and the Windows Animation Manager API, an animation framework for managing the scheduling and execution of user interface element animations.

Make it really hot, then really cold, and you have music

One of the latest pieces of technological advancement is the Greenergy music player, a device designed by Dmitriy Shcherbakov, which uses constantly changing temperature as an energy source. 

This isn't a totally next energy concept, as the Atoms Clock uses the same technology, and was invented in 1928. Granted, Generty is going to need to use more energy than the clock; the device contains its own "heating module", and "personal light."

It isn't quite clear how much energy is going to be needed to power the weird looking device.  It's still sketchy, but the music player could help push the world to become more "green."

Netflix, Hulu, AdultSwim and lots more coming to your console, hurrah

Plenty of Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 users are already enjoying the benefits of PlayOn, a legal service which allows you to watch the likes of Hulu, Netflix, and AdultSwim on your console (and other DLNA / UPnP compatible devices). Until now, the Wii wasn't able to do such things (not legally, at least); today PlayOn announces a version for Nintendo's console too, which arrives in the beta stage.

Aside from the functionality already noted, there are three other major positives of PlayOn: you can try it free for two weeks, and signing up means only a $40 one-time fee. Plus, it welcomes open source to some extent: third-party developers can create additional plugins to enable further video services to be watched on the systems.

Alright, we're done playing salesman now. Enjoy!

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission not in best interests of ISP customers, says public

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the country's governing body for Internet-related matters, has been taking a lot of flak from the public in recent years for not having customers best interests in mind, despite what then industry minister Maxime Bernier had to say in 2006 about a new "light regulatory touch":

"Canada's new government has again furthered its ambitious policy agenda for the telecommunications sector by issuing the policy direction to the CRTC. Our plan will increase competition in the marketplace, which ultimately will have a positive effect on the consumer who will benefit from greater choices and improved products and services."

The customers it seems have had enough, with one Ottawa software employee, Mike Lerner, starting a petition to outright dissolve the organization; Lerner began his march after being frustrated by Bell's recent decision to implement usage-based billing (the more you download, the more you pay) on wholesale customers, like his company.

Other reasons for the public outlash include impositions on independent ISPs like the highly-rated TekSavvy and also Acanac; these providers rent parts of Bell's network in order to supply their own services, and as a result are now being forced to charge customers based on how much data they download per month. The changes are expected to roll out within three months, and once they do, they'll be virtually identical to Bells, 50GB limit and all, according to the independents -- a bearish approach, and one directly aimed at endangering fair competition.

According to Scott Oosterom, an east coast-based customer and teacher, who encountered the recent 1.5 percent rate hike on his Bell satellite programming and promptly complained, Bell blame the CRTC, and the CRTC blames Bell.

Amusingly, Virgin Media, who just launched a very attractive customer-minded set of Internet rates, and are set to put out a DRM-free subscription-based digital music service, are owned by Bell.

Since the CRTC is apparently on Bell's side, Lerner writes in his petition it has "become a burden on the Canadian public and are failing to perform their duties in the interest of the Canadian public and that of a fair and unbiased telecom policy." His belief is the government needs to instate a new body which is on the level with new technology and the competition models the Internet has brought with it.

Lerner's aim is to acquire 10,000 signatures, then present them to Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore; as of the time of writing, 2,638 is the count, up from just a few hundred yesterday. An anti-CRTC rally on Parliament Hill is also planned. The petition can be signed below.

Update: Michael Hennessy, senior vice-president of regulatory and government affairs for another popular Canadian ISP, Telus, has written a rather frank blog post on the issue, stating the opposition is irrational, and this kind of regulation is standard in industry.  His stance shouldn't be taken lightly either, as he notes: "I measure my effectiveness from various cuts and bruises received from regulators. That's why on bad days I yell like some corporate anarchist about blowing up the CRTC, Industry Canada or whatever government body has upset me." He does feel a better system is indeed desirable, but this petition and its propositions are simply not the best way to achieve it.

Over 1,000 comics set for download

Looks like Sony has just gotten a leg up on the DS: a digital comics store will be heading to the PlayStation Portable (PSP) this December, this resulting from a partnership with Marvel Entertainment.

As of then, you can purchase and download over 1,000 comics from the PlayStation Store featuring the likes of Spider-Man, the X-Men and the Avengers via your handheld or the Media Go service, which connects your PC and PSP. Downloaded comics will be read through the system's digital reader.

A really interesting feature of this whole thing is Autoflow, which lets you zoom in and out and also move from frame to frame on each page, hence recreating an authentic comic reading experience as best as possible.

No word on whether or not other comics publishers will be signing on for the service, but we can hope so.

Check back here and on GameGrep in December for some demo footage of the new shop.

Your high-fives belong to SCEA, now, son

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) filed a patent a couple of weeks ago for an application which will 'collect a user's emotional output' via their PlayStation 3, including laughing and high-fiving. Yes, you heard correctly -- Sony wants your high-fives. Other behaviours and reactions could be tracked, too, including just being plain ol' bored.

The purpose of all this monitoring is to evaluate reactions to media presentations, though it can be used for TV, film and other types; it's not clear exactly if this will be used somehow on regular ol' gamers, but the diagram below -- which indicates a microphone and camera are utilized in tandem with the console -- seems to imply as much.

An excerpt from the filing: "[Our invention] asks and answers such questions as: What makes people happy? What makes them laugh? What do they find interesting? Boring? Exciting?"

More designs and colors available after September 15

With the Xbox 360 soon to be getting more Zune compatible features, Microsoft's Zune HD is now available for pre-order.

You can only pre-order the Zune HD in black or platinum right now.  While both are lovely colors, if you're looking for something a bit brighter, there will be 10 "exclusive" designs and five different colors available to choose from after September 15, when the Zune HD is released.

Features

• touchscreen - Get quick and instant access to your content with multi-touch navigation. With a 3.3 inch screen and vivid 16:9 OLED display (480x272 resolution), premium entertainment is at your fingertips.
   
• HD Radio - Tune into all your favorite stations with crystal clear reception. With an integrated HD Radio receiver, you can access a variety of HD Radio stations at no additional cost. Plus, tag the songs you like for later purchase.
   
• HD video out - Watch supported 720p HD movies, TV shows and videos in high definition on your HDTV through the Zune HD & AV Dock (sold separately). Or take them with you for premium entertainment on the go.
   
• wireless - Connect, update, and buy content wirelessly from Wi-Fi hot spots. Stream millions of songs over Wi-Fi directly to your Zune HD and turn it into a portable digital jukebox.
   
• web browser - Surf the web anytime, anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection. Enjoy your favorite websites with a full-featured web browser including tap to zoom technology, built-in accelerometer, and touchscreen QWERTY keyboard.

For first-gen Zune owners like myself, the Zune HD is quite an upgrade.  It's currently available for pre-order at Amazon.com, the Microsoft Store, Walmart and Best Buy.

Wi-fi functionality used in PS3, Wii and iPhone 3G allegedly infringe upon Bandspeed's patents

Console giants Sony and Nintendo once again find themselves in legal hot water, and they will be sharing the bench with Apple Computer.  Texas-based wi-fi solutions provider Bandspeed wants to take all three to court over patent infringement.

Bandspeed claims the wireless network functionality built into the PlayStation 3, Wii AND iPhone 3G infringes upon two of its patents:  U.S. Patent No. 7,027,418 ("Approach for selecting communications channels based on performance") and 7,570,614 ("Approach for managing communications channels based on performance").  Thus the suit accuses the trio of electronics giants of leveraging Bandspeed's inventions without prior permission and licensing.

The suit, filed in a U.S. district court in Austin, Texas (the state as of late is looking rather attractive for this brand of ligitation!) naturally pursues unspecified damages as well as a permanent injunction against the companies under legal fire.

This one takes the crown

Update: Apple has responded to the story, stating the censorship did not actually occur but was evidently a misunderstanding between the developer and their review team.  Read the full statement here.

So let's recapitulate. Within a 30 day period, Apple had, from its App Store:

• Approved, then pulled a baby shaking game
• Removed the Nine Inch Nails app following an update in which a podcast featured a curse word (meanwhile you can buy the entire NIN catalogue on iTunes, and receive pornographic spam via Apple's mail program)
• Pulled a remote controlling app for a torrent program (torrents can be illegal, the programs are not)
• Rejected a game featuring sexual innuendos, while still selling a previous version

Even with these we can find some vague logic, and could attribute it partly to negligence (there are over a billion apps on there after all), but today's news has no excuse.

Matchstick Software's superb App Store dictionary Ninjawords, by the sounds of it, is the best of its kind on the service, save one glaring flaw: Apple censors all the words it deems "objectionable"; this despite: 1) the App being rated 17+ (yeah, dictionaries are too hot for your 16-year-old, hide 'em), 2) they're the only outlet we know of to do this (even Wal-Mart doesn't), 3) the "offensive" entries only show up if you type in the exact words (excepting one oversight), and 4) you can find all the words on, I don't know, dictionary.com via your iPhone/iPod Touch, or in a real-world dictionary; some even throughout the King James Bible!

Is this 1984? Whatcha got next for us, Apple?

Artists, technology companies, educators and more offer suggestions going forward

Canada at least is in a bit of a state of flux regarding its copyright laws. For example, currently it's technically illegal to record television programming for later viewing, and yet the sale of personal video recorders (PVRs) is perfectly legal. Odd, no?

With notions like this in mind, the federal government met with artists, tech companies, educators and many other kinds of organizations in public consultations which began July 20. The government, which has been typically known for progressive-mindedness when it comes to these matters (excepting a few slimy political types, of course), stated its goal is to achieve a balance between the interests of copyright holders and users of copyrighted material. The consensus among groups was in tune with this, though they have many different ideas as to what should be included in the updated laws. Naturally, some of these ideas conflict strongly with each other, though most seem to have the best interests of the people in mind.

Seven organizations were present, representing everything from TV, radio, actors, and puppeteers to librarians, video games, technology and hardware, to consumers themselves; we'll highlight the most notable suggestions from each.

First we have the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists, who put forth an idea we fully support: imposing a levy (an extra fee) on digital recorders are music players. This worked very well back when everyone was pirating music and burning it to CDs, and it seems overdue to these fellows for it to applied to the more popular technology nowadays. Assuming you shop around and research, you can get a great music player for cheap these days, so a minor extra fee shouldn't be a big deal, and most won't even notice the change, particularly with prices fluctuating as fast as they do in the industry. This allows artists, labels and the like to not lose as much money from pirated copies of records, films, etc.

The Canadian Association of Internet Providers, meanwhile, calls for ISPs to be less intrusive when it comes to pirated content, that is, not to require them to take it down, or cut off service of their customers for acquiring it. Chairman Tom Copeland says, "I don't think Canadians want their ISPs to become agents of law enforcement," adding traditionally they would pass on notices of violation from the rights holder, but that's it. He added that traditionally, ISPs have passed on notices of copyright violation from the rights holder, but that is where their obligations ended.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers is apparently in support of digital lockbreaking, at least under conditions of "fair dealing and use" (which the Canadian Library Association, or CLA, need to be clarified); they're also in favour of Canadian copyright law taking precedent over individual product law, and most interestingly, reduce the amount of time a copyright is in effect for. As it stands, an author's work is protected for his lifetime plus 50 years, which seems a bit unreasonable, really.

The CLA has the interests of the disabled in mind, too. For them, permissions are allowed so materials can be converted, for say, the deaf or blind, however other disabilities are not covered, and this needs remedying. Further, they'd prefer if such materials were allowed freely to cross between Canada and the US before the ban in 2004.

On the topic of video games, which is likely what you're most interested in, the Entertainment Software Association of Canada isn't so progressive. In fact, they directly oppose pretty well all the above mentioned suggestions, and push for protection of protection (i.e. make it illegal to crack disk checks, mod your console, break parental locks, etc.), albeit "supporting some exceptions" like allowing the visually impaired to make copies of a game manual, for instance. On the piracy front, their stance is ISPs should be required to remove illegal content following a notice from the rights holder, though the poster of the content could appeal. At present, an ISP is free to ignore these notices, and a court injunction is necessary to see its removal. Under the previous and dreaded C-61 bill (more information in the link posted at top), ISPs had to pass on the notice, but no further action was required. The suggestions largely stem from "zero day piracy", or piracy which occurs before a street date, or shortly thereafter, when a game makes its strongest sales.

Second last is the Information Technology Association of Canada, who we're fully behind as well. These guys have three main points: let research break digital locks (necessary for advancing security), focus punishment on those who profit directly from violating copyrights instead of pirates, and allow more freedom with technology purchases (e.g. usage on multiple devices or networks, allow "tinkering" for compatibility purposes with networks, older software, etc.).

Lastly is the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), which as you may guess, has you specifically in mind. They support most of the stuff already mentioned -- breaking of digital locks, more flexibility in fair dealing (i.e. remixing music), and more flexibility in media usage too, like legalizing recording of broadcasts, conversion of content to other media (i.e. making a digital copy of a book), and moving of content to other media (i.e. ripping a CD and putting the MP3s on your music player).

As for the results, we'll just have to wait and see, but right now, things sound quite reasonable; even the worst of it isn't so bad compared to what some rights vendors communicated at the Federal Trade Commission's town hall meeting (i.e. "buy the game again if your activations expire").

To end this off, here's a quote from the PIAC's counselman John Lawford we can surely all agree upon:

"I don't think you need to have protection of the protection."

In case you're THAT much of a CoD fan

Activision announced yesterday their plans to release a new Call of Duty on the DS alongside Modern Warfare 2 in November.   And with that announcement comes another -- Call of Duty for your iPhone.

Treyarch made the announcement today, that it has launched its first iPhone app with Call of Duty: World at War Companion.  This app allows players with iPhones to remotely access news and updates.  Additionally, this app will link to player accounts on the CoD website to keep track of stats from the game.

Features

• Stat-Tracking: Check your rank on key stats like K/D ratio, win/lose record and more.
   
• Performance Tracking: Gain quick access to all of your weapon usage.
   
• Link with Friends: Monitor online activity, and the stats of friends with linked accounts on www.codwaw.com to compare progress.
   
• News: Access the latest news/blogs, Treyarch’s community Twitter feed (Twitter: @JD_2020), as well as the latest on new maps, double XP weekends and contests.

So there you go, over-competitive-CoD gamers.  Enjoy the screenshots.

Offers settlement to family under condition of silence

Ah, ye olde iPod. 173 million sold worldwide -- absurdly successful, really. So when its maker Apple bribes a family upon them seeking a refund for its apparently flimsy cousin Touch, it's more than just a little disconcerting.

The story, as it were, sees customer Ken Stanborough and his daughter Ellie (pictured above) seeking a refund upon dropping the device and it exploding.

“It made a hissing noise,” the father said. “I could feel it getting hotter in my hand, and I thought I could see vapour”. At this point he threw the device outside and “within 30 seconds there was a pop, a big puff of smoke and it went 10ft in the air”.

Apple denied liability but agreed to a refund, but only if the family in turn agreed legally to not disclose the "terms and existence" of the settlement -- if they did, their action “may [have resulted] in Apple seeking injunctive relief, damages and legal costs against the defaulting persons or parties."

Stanborough stated he "thought it was a very disturbing letter," and refused to sign it.

“They’re putting a life sentence on myself, my daughter and Ellie’s mum, not to say anything to anyone," he said. "If we inadvertently did say anything, no matter what, they would take litigation against us. I thought that was absolutely appalling. We didn’t ask for compensation, we just asked for our money back."

This hasn't been the first time the company has behaved as such; recently it emerged the same thing has been happening with many other iPods, some to the point of causing injuries. When an American reporter attempted to get ahold of the appropriate documentation, she had to wait months due to "Apple's lawyers [filing] exemption after exemption." Interestingly, the company has recently publicly disclosed the issue's occurrence in its iPhones.

The problem, it appears, is due to the lithium ion batteries which overheat too easily; three years ago, Apple and Dell recalled millions of them due to the issue occurring in laptops and causing fires.