Hasta La Gadget!

A research consultant has revealed to Ars Technica that he can force NFC-equipped Android and Nokia phones to run malicious code in several ways — but only with specific devices and constraints. The first violation used the near-field Google Beam function, but only affected certain NFC phones running ICS or Jelly Bean. This could allow an evildoer to send a malicious website to an unsuspecting victim to possibly compromise their data. The next exploit was limited to a Gingerbread-equipped Google Nexus S, since later Android releases patched the bugs necessary for the hack. It allowed a so-called tag to access the NFC functions in the OS, and with a little more legwork could offer up access to more malicious programs. The final invasion was made on the Meego-powered Nokia N9, which the expert controlled by Bluetooth, using NFC — as long as the dupe overrode the defaults and enabled that function. If so, a hacker could dial out from the phone, send messages or upload and download files, depending on which security settings were enabled. Fortunately, exact hardware and software combinations aside, nefarious types would still have to be within an inch or two of your phone to enable their NFC box of tricks. Take a look at the source for the full interview.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Security expert shows that Android and Nokia NFC can be hacked — under certain conditions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple wants to be master of the house — yours, in particular. At least that’s the vision put forth by this latest patent application, filed back in March of this year, that would give iOS-wielding homeowners control of virtually all Cupertino-sanctioned gadgetry within the confines of domesticity. It’s really as basic as that, given that the doc clearly outlines a method for discovering, selecting and operating a multitude of tech from a handheld device (insert your iGadget of choice here) over WiFi. Could this connected (and likely, Siri-voiced) home network in the making streamline remote manipulation of everyday household items, like setting refrigerators to make ice from the comfort of your couch, DVRs to record while you work in the garage or thermostats to lower as you laze about under the bedsheets? As always, only time and the combined ingenuity of designers and engineers hiding out in R&D bunkers somewhere beneath One Infinite Loop will tell.

Filed under: Handhelds, Wireless, Internet, Software

Apple patent application could make you Master and Commander of the iHome originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint has revealed that it’s aiming to axe Nextel platform in its entirety by June 30th, 2013. The company has already moved well ahead of schedule in deactivating 9,600 iDEN sites — a third of its network. The company admitted that it’s battling with Verizon to coax former Nextel users onto its service, but hopes that since it’s got a shiny new Direct Connect platform, the Now Network will be able to keep hold of far more of them than it has done so far.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Sprint’s final deadline for Nextel shutdown is June 30th, 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 08:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Getting online during the Olympics in London will probably be a chore thanks to the jammed mobile networks, but companies are doing their best to roll out free WiFi across the city. Recently, Virgin equipped multiple Tube stations with free WiFi access on platforms, and now O2 has announced that it will be rolling out free WiFi access outdoors in certain parts of the city.

Typically O2 offers WiFi access to those that subscribe to its service plans, but this latest WiFi scheme is open to anyone. Users simply need only sign up with an email address to receive free access that will be available in multiple parts of the city, including Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Regent Street, Exhibition Road, and High Street Kensington. There’s no word on if the company plans to do the same closer to the Olympic Stadium.

The service may be free for now, but O2 hasn’t indicated what will happen to the hotspots in the future. The company could pull them altogether, or begin charging for access, but we’d hope they remain active for the foreseeable future. Virgin, meanwhile, is currently offering free access on the Tube, but has dropped hints that users will be charged for access sometime later this year. Still, it’s faster than most people’s home broadband, so maybe it really is worth the price of admission.

[via Pocket-Lint]

O2 rolling out free WiFi across London is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

O2 is making good on its promise to coat the busiest parts of London in free WiFi. Between now and the end of July, seven locations including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Exhibition Road, Leicester and Piccadilly Squares will offer unfettered access — even if you don’t subscribe to O2’s cellphone network. There’s no word on if the network will remain free forever, but given the painful time we spent crouching in Starbucks doorways on recent trips to New York and Paris, we hope the company does the right thing for the sake of harassed visitors to the capital.

Continue reading O2 offering free WiFi around London’s busiest streets

Filed under: Wireless, Internet

O2 offering free WiFi around London’s busiest streets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 06:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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