Latest Gear Live Videos
Security Bots Double as Domestics
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Household, Misc. Tech, Science
In an effort to make a few extra holiday bucks, Mobile Robots has decided that its surveillance bots can do double duty. Jeeves will greet your friends at the door with “Welcome to our home” and a tray of drinks, but we are assuming that you have to open the door yourself. Brewskibot is capable of carrying 2 6-packs in its fridge and can patrol your home or office in its spare time. Agent 007 will also serve as security with its built-in camera but can scare your buds by yelling, “Police, freeze!”
The real point that they are making here is that you can make your robot a part of the family, rather than just a service object. Now if they could just offer them cheaply enough for us to bring one home. The bots will set you back $30,995.00, $31,995.00, and $34,995.00 respectively.
Read More 
| Mobile Robots
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Fool Burglars with this Faux Security Camera Set
Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Cameras, Misc. Tech
So you’ve just bought a new home or opened a store…and you don’t have enough money (yet) for security cameras. Or maybe you just don’t want to deal with all the wiring and agita. So how about this fake security set? It includes two cameras that not only look authentic, they have a working LED and video cables that appear to connect to the wall-–giving the impression of a complex security setup inside. Plus, the camera’s anodized aluminum casing will withstand the elements. Each camera requires 2 AA batteries and measures 8.5”L x 3.5”W x 4”D. Available for $60 USD.
Read More | Hammacher Schlemmer
Protect Your Bluetooth Device from Hackers
Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Cell Phones, Corporate News, Misc. Tech, Mods / Hacks
A study by InsightExpress uncovered that 73% of mobile device owners are in the dark about protecting their device and data from Bluetooth hackers. If you fall into this bracket, listen up. There are three ways your gadget can be hacked: with Bluejacking, you’ll start receiving unwanted spam text messages, which can send your monthly bill (and mental state) skyward. The next level is Bluesnarfing, in which a hacker gains access to your data – and copies it for themselves. Most disturbing is Bluebugging, where a hacker can completely control your phone and make calls, obtain data, send texts and even eavesdrop on your calls. Prevention methods are amazingly simple, according to Ooi Szu-Khiam, a Symantec senior security consultant:
1) Turn off any Bluetooth features you’re not using.
2) Try to keep your device’s Bluetooth ID visibility setting at “hidden” so hackers can’t scan and find it.
3) Use passwords with a lot of digits, say 10. The more digits, the longer it takes to crack, if at all.
Read More | ZD Net
iPhone password entry in software version 1.1.1: seriously flawed
Posted by Sparky Categories: Apple, Cell Phones, Handhelds, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Product Reviews, Software, Wireless / WiFi
In a previous post, Gear Live discovered that the new iTunes WiFi Music Store has a few bugs here and there. The bug I encountered prevents some users from authenticating easily to purchase tracks. With a little sleuth work I managed to track down the problem: the password fields in the new iPhone software version 1.1.1 don’t work well with capitol letters in passwords. Click through for a full run down of the problem, and how to fix it if it affects you.
Click to continue reading iPhone password entry in software version 1.1.1: seriously flawed
Panasonic Eye Scanner, Security at a High Price
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Misc. Tech
Panasonic has developed a BM-ET200 Eye Scanner. Guided by voice, the device identifies you at high speed within about .3 seconds. It will even chastise you to “stand up straight” without Mom being around. The scanner is usable for a maximum of about 50 individuals although it can be modified to hold over 10,000 total. At a cost of ¥315,000 ($2,732.00,) we suspect that after we are made to remove our shoes, we will soon be subject to another humiliating experience when trying to fly home for the Holidays.
Read More | Panasonic (translated) via Gear Fuse
Beo5 Arrives Open Minded
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Home Entertainment, Misc. Tech, Movies, Music
For those with bucks, Bang & Olufsen is introducing its Beo5 Remote that features a universal language and the ability to be programmed for any combination of functions after purchase. It can be customized at your local store for home entertainment, security, appliances, lighting, etc. At a size of 69.3 x 115.8 x 32.3 mm and a weight of 205 g, its ambidextrous functions and buttons can be changed, added, or removed. On a full charge, it will last about 18 hours and comes with a decent 3.6 meter cable for flexibility. Available any time now, expect the adaptable Beo5 to set you back $560.00.
Read More | Bang & Olufsen
Security Stepped Up After VT Tragedy
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cell Phones, GPS, Handhelds, Misc. Tech
Ever since the tragedy at Virginia Tech 5 months ago, many colleges and students have been purchasing devices to ensure their safety. The Rave Guardian has a “safe walk” feature that lets students set a timer when they want to be watched while crossing a dark campus. It also features the means of allowing administrators to contact students in an emergency.
Napco Security offers a Gem-WP Panic Button that can be placed on a key chain or pendant. The system features radio waves to find student locations. Other colleges and universities now have installed systems such as Send Word Now, so that students can receive instructions in case of an emergency.
Many of the institutions require scholars to purchase equipment after enrollment. It makes us sad that it took an extreme incident to make the schools sit up and take notice, but happier knowing that our kids are safer when going to and from classes.
Read More | CNN Money
Destroy Sensitive Discs With Aplomb
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Movies, Music, USB
There are paper shredders, but what do you do when you want to get rid of a disc with sensitive data? Sure, you can key them or melt them in the microwave, or you can be an adult about it and use the USB powered CD Destroyer. The gadget can be used on CD/DVD/CD-R/RW, DVD-RAM, and DVD-ROM, can take care of the evil discs in only 5 seconds, and claims a lifetime of 100,000 CDs/DVDs. At a size of 60 x 120 x 50 mm, it weighs only 130 g, and comes with a 50 cm long power cable at a price of $29.99 at Brando.
(Thanks, Fanny)
Read More | usb.Brando
Cell Phone Numbers Made Public
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cell Phones, Corporate News, Internet
Intelius, the online people search site for names, addresses, phone numbers, background checks and more is now selling cell phone numbers at $15.00 a pop. The company claims it has 90 million such listings now and will have an additional 70 million in the coming weeks. How many senators and representatives will get constant phone calls before they decide to pass a bill making this illegal? None, we think. Although cell phones are seemingly the last bastion of privacy, it seems more likely that this will go the way of landlines, where you have to pay to be unlisted.
Read More | ABC
NeoFace Identifies The Bad Guys
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Misc. Tech, Science
NEC has created a GLVQ-based NeoFace biometric recognition system that can identify humans as they drive past borders. Combined with their electronic passport technology, after a camera scans a vehicle’s license plate, a combination of eye-zone extraction and facial recognition matches parts of the face. The cameras are being installed on 40 checkpoints on a new road which connects Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and will be upgraded to include 8 passengers by August.
At this point the NEC system can only make an ID on the driver, so the obvious thing to do here is if you are one of those who probably shouldn’t be traveling so publicly, you might want to hang in the back seat while watching another viewing of “The Falcon and the Snowman” on your portable DVD player.
Read More | Pink Tentacle
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