Hasta La Gadget!

Most browsers will ask if you want your passwords saved so when you’re next jumping around the web, logging into sites is that bit easier. Of course, you’d like think those passwords are squirreled away where no one can dig them up, but in Chrome they’re pretty easy to find. As highlighted by software developer Elliott Kember recently, getting access to the list of saved passwords requires only that you point the browser at “chrome://settings/passwords” (or simply find the password management option in advanced settings) and click on one of the saved entries. A small “show” button will then appear next to the hidden password — hit that and it’ll be revealed.

Calling this a major security flaw, as some have, is obviously a tad sensationalistic. Nevertheless, recent attention has shown that making saved password access so simple is a concern for some. Several other browsers give users the option to protect that list with a master password, but Chrome does not — even if you sign out of the browser, data linked to your Google account remains visible on that computer. Justin Schuh, Chrome security tech lead, has responded to internet chatter on the topic, saying that once past the OS login stage, someone can theoretically find your passwords and all manner of other browser info out anyway, using various underhand means. His statement isn’t likely to calm those who’d like to see their passwords more secure, but perhaps the fact people are talking will force Google to consider some changes.

Update: This post has been edited with some additional context and commentary.

Filed under: Software, Google

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Via: Business Insider

Source: Elliott Kember

For years, folks in the US have been able to purchase PC and Mac software from Amazon and minimize delivery time by downloading it immediately. The online retailer has now launched the same service in the UK, so from today, you can simply download software and games, including some free-to-play titles, right after checkout. You can also buy extra in-game content or currency straight from Amazon. Whatever you’ve purchased will be tied to your account, so you can re-download everything when you switch computers. You can also preorder software so it’s ready to be pulled down as soon as it’s released, and pick up codes that can be redeemed on other services, like Origin and Xbox Live. Hit the source link to browse the launch selection of downloadable games.

Filed under: Gaming, Internet, Software, Amazon

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Source: Amazon.co.uk

Got an itchy update trigger finger? If so, your Windows Phone is patiently awaiting. Skype for WP8 just been refreshed to version 2.9, which offers up a couple UI enhancements that should be pretty useful. First, you’ll now be able to filter your People list so that you can choose to view only Skype contacts if you prefer; there’s also a new contact layout within the app that lets you see more people on one screen. On top of this, you’ll also benefit from the obligatory bug fixes and speed improvements — after all, who doesn’t love fewer bugs and getting things done faster? If you do, head straight for the Store and get up to date.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft

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Source: Skype

Say what you will about Microsoft’s ecosystem struggles, but no one can fault it for trying. In an effort to get more developers to give Windows Phone 8 more than a passing glance, the outfit has just launched a beta version of Windows Phone App Studio — a web-based dev environment that’s “designed to help anyone quickly bring an idea to life by applying text, web content, imagery, and design concepts to any one of a rich set of customizable templates.” Moreover, Microsoft is now allowing any dev to unlock and register a single phone to use with up to two apps, and it’s also offering a $19 “Summer Break” Dev Center registration offer for those looking to actually publish software to the store. Finally, a new “Click To Chat” support program is being instituted to help those who can’t quite seem to overcome a programming hurdle. Take a look at the company’s blog post for the full skinny.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft

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Source: Windows Phone Developer Blog, Windows Phone App Studio

Welcome to the wild world of security and surveillance. From CCTV to massive government spying initiatives, there’s no escaping it. Recent high-profile leaks have served as a sobering reminder of just how present it is in all of our lives, so we figured what better time to take a deep dive? We kick things off with one of the strangest (and raciest) segments in Engadget Show history: a visit to the set of John McAfee’s latest web video. The one-time security software guru and fugitive discusses the state of antivirus, bath salts and offers some unsolicited advice to Edward Snowden, one exile to another. Trevor Timm of the Electronic Frontier Foundation sits down for an animated discussion of recent NSA surveillance revelations, including a breakdown of which major tech companies are doing right by their user base.

Boing Boing editor, sci-fi author and privacy activist Cory Doctorow climbs a tree in San Diego to discuss Wikileaks, the NSA, the “surveillance state” and more. “Edward Snowden is a hero,” he begins, not speaking on behalf of the EFF, mind you — and things get really good from there. Cryptographer and computer security specialist Bruce Schneier also chimes in on wiretapping, whistleblowing and “security theater.”

Next up, we pay a visit to The New Yorker‘s midtown office to talk Strong Box, the magazine’s secure deposit box for anonymous whistleblowers. The team behind Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs joins us to discuss partnering with computer security company Kaspersky to bring a realistic portrait of the world of hacking to its much anticipated title. And one-time hacker turned head of security community outreach at Microsoft, Katie Moussouris, discusses Redmond’s Bluehat bounty program and working with the hacking community to build safer software.

All that, plus the usual prognosticating from resident philosopher John Roderick in this month’s Engadget Show, just after the break.

Filed under: Cameras, Gaming, Wireless, Internet, Software, Microsoft

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