Nintendo Wii modding is easier than you think
Hacking your Nintendo Wii may seem like a daunting task, but it's really quite simple. All you've got to do is grab a computer, a spare SD card, and follow directions. Get an overview on how easy it is to mod your console in the video.
Cable modem hacker could get 20 years in jail
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Ryan Harris, most famous for selling hacked modems capable of increasing broadband speeds, has been charged with wire fraud, conspiracy, and aiding and abetting computer intrusion. Harris claims that he did not knowingly sell his modems to anyone who intended break the law and says he will plead not guilty. If found guilty, Harris faces a $250,000 fine and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Use Google Voice to get unlimited free calls on your cell phone
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Lifehacker has published a great post showing how to get free calls using Google Voice. Google Voice works by routing calls through Google's servers and then to the desired number. Many cell phone carriers allow subscribers to call a number of friends for free, so if users set one of their favorite numbers to the Google Voice number, they will be able to make unlimited free calls.
iPhone OS 3.0.1 Software Update released Friday, fixes SMS security hole
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Apple has released OS 3.0.1, not too long after BBC reported that Apple will do such to fix the SMS security hole present in not just the iPhone, but Windows Mobile and Android too. Hot on the heels of security experts demonstrating another security concern over the iPhone's "poor" implementation of encryption, this is much-needed good press for the company.
Windows 7 RTM cracked in under a week
Microsoft's much lauded new Windows 7 operating system just released to manufacturer but it seems that hackers have already found a way to steal it by using Lenovo's OEM product key. The crack works for both 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 7 Ultimate on computers made by HP, Dell, Lenovo, and possibly others. This crack was discovered quickly because it is almost identical to a crack in Windows Vista that Microsoft never patched.
iPhone to be cracked via SMS text message
Many folks are reporting a security researcher will unveil an exploit tomorrow at the Black Hat conference which allows unsigned code to be sent and executed via text message to any iPhone worldwide. The bad side? Malicious hacker-types could have access to any iPhone's data they'd like. The good side? Jailbreaking and other less-authorized hacks could take place via SMS. Expect Apple to be watching closely, and fixing the security hole shortly after its revelation.
AT&T blocking controversial site after DDoS attack: Reports
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TechDirt, and others, report AT&T is blocking access to 4Chan, a controversial internet site known as being a place for internet pranksters to cavort (more on its Wikipedia page). Apparently, the move started after 4Chan launched some sort of DDoS attack against AT&T, a claim that can't be verified. If true, AT&T's stance would likely violate net neutrality mandates and could serve as additional provocation for the 4Chan tricksters to perform more pranks on the company.
Update 8:44 AM EST: Apparently, the site is back, but suffering its own DDoS attack from attention. Expect this story to continue over the next several days.
Update 10:31 AM EST: One of our commenters points to this post, where a network engineer points out they were trying to save 4chan from the mess. If the posts are to be believed, looks like AT&T was actually the good guy in this case.
[Originally posted July 27th at 7:14AM]
Twitter: Can it be the “pulse of the world?”
TechCrunch published some internal Twitter documents, courtesy of a hacker who exploited extremely lax security, that listed the company's stated goal to be the pulse of the world. We've seen situations, like the protests in Iran, where people did successfully use twitter to share their take on world events, but can the service go truly mainstream and change the world? We ask two tech journos that question, Matt Buchanan from Gizmodo and Josh Lowensohn from CNET.
Guests:
Palm pre is on the road to user-friendly homebrew applications
A group of three Pre hackers have released the first demo app for the Palm Pre that doesn't need any risky software hacks, and was compiled without any help of the Pre SDK. The application itself is simply a proof of concept, adding an icon and launching nothing of immediate value, but the road to this application is the important part. Homebrew apps can now be installed rather easily, showing up as a legitimate, authorized application that runs with next to no end-user effort.
Palm has been sending messages don't totally condemn the idea of homebrew apps, and the fact that the WebOS is relatively easy to dig deep into has led to a healthy community of developers that can couple their previous work with this breakthrough.
Palm Pre firmware leak already spawning goodies
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Very recently, the OS files for Palm's Pre smartphone have been leaked. Within 24 hours of the leak, enthusiasts are already finding bonuses.
Gizmodo reports that developers have already started modifying the OS, taking baby steps to alter things like frequency and duration of call vibration, to the first unapproved "Hello, world!" application. Those who have played with WebOS at that level say that developing for it is rather easy.
A "developer mode" has also been unlocked to users, previously unknown until the leak. Entering the famous "Konami code" on the keyboard unlocks a special mode on the phone, though what exactly becomes available is unclear.