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When Edward Snowden leaked a number of top secret documents detailing National Security Agency’s spying programs, a lot of questions were raised regarding the alleged participation of some of U.S.A’s top software and internet companies. Microsoft was named in those documents as one of the participants of NSA’s PRISM program. A German publication called Zeit Online claims to have obtained leaked documents that reveal IT experts within the German government believe that Windows 8 is a “security risk.”

According to the publication, the experts contend that Windows 8 contains a backdoor which cannot be closed. They’re concerned about how Windows 8 works with Trusted Platform Modules. It is believed that the backdoor might allow Microsoft and even the NSA to remotely control any computer running Windows 8. From 2015, every computer will come with Windows 8.x, thus leaving simply no way for a user to tell what Microsoft might be doing to their system via remote updates. The experts reportedly conclude that due to the “loss of control over the capabilities of information technology” the security principles of confidentiality and integrity are no longer achievable. While Windows 8 is termed “unusable” due to the alleged backdoor, one document is cited as saying that Windows 7 can be securely used until 2020, after which they will have to find other solutions.

German Government IT Experts Reportedly Consider Windows 8 A ‘Security Risk’ original content from Ubergizmo.

Most unmanned aerial vehicles are intended for government use. 3D Robotics’ new drone comes preassembled, can survive multiple crashes, and won’t cost you $7.4 million. The 3DR Iris, (full disclosure: 3D Robotics was founded by former Wired Editor-In-Chief, Chris Anderson), …

Three of the biggest U.S. carriers, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, are backing a mobile payments solution called Isis. The solution is currently being tested at more than 4,000 locations in Austin and Salt Lake City. The company said last month that national rollout of the service will begin this year. T-Mobile stores are now receiving Isis ready SIM cards ahead of the nationwide rollout.

Some of these SIM cards are said to be pre-packaged with the Samsung Galaxy S4. Isis is currently on track for nationwide launch later this year, out of the top 100 retailers 25 have already jumped on-board. Isis will work with American Express, Chase Freedom and Capital One credit cards. The app will store credit cards, loyalty cards and offers. NFC technology plays a pivotal role, users will be able to make payments at terminals and registers by simply swiping their phones. The Isis app is only available for Android right now, seeing as how there’s no iPhone out yet that comes with NFC built-in. Isis said recently that iPhone support is coming soon. The next generation iPhone that Apple is expected to release next month is said to have NFC technology, but there’s no confirmation about that just yet. [Image via TmoNews]

Isis Ready SIM Cards Arriving At T-Mobile Stores original content from Ubergizmo.

There was a time when BlackBerry’s phone unit was thriving. It ruled the corporate market, governments and militaries around the world chose BlackBerry phones for communications. In recent years the company’s market share has significantly declined. Devices from companies such as Apple and Samsung have not only beaten it out in the consumer market, they’ve also established a footing in the corporate market. BlackBerry recently announced that the board has formed a special committee which is probing “strategic alternatives,” a sale of the company is one of those alternatives. Analysts believe that BlackBerry will be broken up and sold in parts. Bloomberg reports today that if the company is broken up, its likely that the once mighty phone unit might offer “zero value.”

BMO Capital Markets believes that if a buyer were to shut down this unit, it would cost them roughly $800 million. Brian Huen of Red Sky Capital Management says that the company is “effectively killing its business” by saying that its up for sale. He says that nobody is interesting in acquiring the entire company and BlackBerry now seems to be in a position of doing anything to maximize value, which may include selling the company off in parts. BlackBerry’s patents are considered to be quite valuable, an analyst recently estimated that they might net the company up to $5 billion if a bidding war begins. A BlackBerry spokesperson declined to comment if the company is considering to sell itself off in parts.

BlackBerry’s Phone Unit Will Reportedly Have ‘Zero Value’ If Its Broken Up original content from Ubergizmo.

August is a month where you’re thinking about ways to keep yourself cool. However, the colder months aren’t quite as far off as you think. Before long you’ll be dragging out your sweaters, thick coats, and gloves. While there are plenty of things to keep most of your body warm, there are two things that always seem to end up freezing, no matter what you do. Your feet. What you need is a little technology to help you with this issue.

The ThermaCell Rechargeable Heated Insole promises to heat your feet without being too intrusive. The insoles come in five different sizes, and can be trimmed down to fit your exact shoe (so you’ll want to buy it larger than you’ll need). With the wireless remote, you can select one of three settings: Off, medium, and high. Medium will keep your toes at around 100 degrees (Fahrenheit), while high kicks things up to 111 degrees.

These insoles don’t come cheap, as they range from around $100 to $200, depending on the size you need. However, if you work in an environment where you’re exposed to the cold for hours at a time every day, it might be well worth the investment.

[ ThermaCell Rechargeable Heated Insole keeps your toes from freezing copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]