Hasta La Gadget!

You might have heard about the glaring security flaw in Starbucks mobile payment iOS app. A security researcher found that the app was storing information such as usernames, email addresses and even passwords in unencrypted plain text. The company claimed that this issue had been fixed, but the security researcher remained adamant that an update would be required to truly take care of this problem. An update is indeed on its way, this according to Starbucks CIO Curt Gartner.

In a press release issued by the company, Gartner writes that so far there hasn’t been any indication that any customer has been impacted or that any information has fallen into the wrong hands. The company hasn’t shared exactly what fixes have been made, “to protect the integrity of these added measures,” but it has been confirmed that the app will no longer save information in plain text format. Moreover, “out of an abundance of caution,” Starbucks is working to accelerate deployment of an update for the app that adds additional layers of protection. The company says that the update for its iOS mobile payments app is going to be ready soon, so its quite possible that we might see a release within the next couple of days.

Starbucks iOS App To Get New Security Features original content from Ubergizmo.

The second largest carrier in the U.S. today announced a new deal which will certainly appeal to customers who have been holding out on picking up a new LG G2 or a Moto X. AT&T is now offering both devices absolutely free until January 31st. The only catch is that customers will have to sign up for a new two year service contract. LG G2 and the Moto X were both launched back in 2013 and have been well received.

Initially both smartphones were priced at $199 with a two year contract, but a few months after its launch, the Moto X was dropped down to $99. LG G2 retained its price point. So even if these smartphones are being sold for $0 down, customers will still have to be all applicable activation fees as well as subscribe to qualifying monthly data and voice plans. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for instant savings, then this deal would serve your purpose. LG G2 is a bonafide high-end Android smartphone with specifications to envy. Moto G has established itself as a true mid-range device, it offers respectable specifications. Perhaps customers will be better off purchasing the latter off contract, it is available for as low as $99 with no contractual commitments.

AT&T LG G2 And Moto X Free On Contract Until January 31st original content from Ubergizmo.

It’s a new gun industry invention: a "NY legal" 50-round five-magazine part for the AR-15 semi-auomatic air cooled rifle. I can’t understand how can this be legal in NY or anywhere else*. Just look at the description from The Truth About Guns—you can’t miss it:

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Taxpayers, the federal government just announced a new online tool that makes filing a wee bit easier: now you can download your past tax return documents directly from the IRS website. One small step. [WhiteHouse.gov via TheVerge]

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Smartphones with keyboards are increasingly rare, but LG must see some life left in the category — @evleaks has just posted a leaked press shot and specs for the Optimus F3Q, a landscape slider reportedly headed to T-Mobile. While the image doesn’t …