The 404 880: Where we separate the hacks from the cracks (podcast)
If you leave your Facebook logged in on a friend's computer and that person posts an embarrassing photo for all your friends to see, would you say you got hacked?Today's episode of the podcast takes issue with the misuse of the word "hacked." With news stories about Stuxnet, PlayStation 3, and News of the World throwing around the term with no specific definition, we hope to define exactly what it means to hack...at least according to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.First, we'll explore the origins of hacking by breaking the definition down into subcategories like phreaking, cracking, and spoofing. Then we'll tell you why the courts decided that sending out too many e-mails to someone can be considered computer hacking, and we'll introduce the 23-year-old Assistant Commissioner hired by the NYPD to spearhead its new social media unit.Finally, we close today's show with an exploration into the changing landscape of "Sesame Street," and why some of the LGBT community is pushing Bert and Ernie to finally tie the knot on the air.The 404 Digest for Episode 880DragCloseThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Stock art meant for news stories about cybercrime.NYPD forms new social media unit to mine Facebook and Twitter for mayhem.Court deems e-mail spam is considered a form of computer hacking.iPad cases made out of Bernie Madoff's auctioned clothing.Slice Harvester shows every pizza spot in NYC on a Google map.Petition asks Bert and Ernie to get married already.Working in an office is bad for your brain.Episode 880PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Pioneer unveils AVIC-X920BT with Pandora Link
Pioneer unveils AVIC-X920BT with Pandora Link
LAS VEGAS--Pioneer unveiled the latest addition to its AVIC line of in-dash navigation solutions and its first Pandora Internet radio-enabled car stereo, the AVIC-X920BT, during its CES 2010 press conference.The X920BT's navigation features enhanced ECO routing functionality.PioneerOne of the most notable changes to the AVIC's software is Pandora Link, which adds the ability to stream audio and display metadata from the Pandora Internet Radio app on a connected iPhone with a 3G connection. Users are also given access to album artwork and controls such as skip track, thumbs up and down, bookmarks, and station changes from the X920BT's touch-screen interface.The X920BT bumps the AVIC-X chassis' screen size to 6.1 inches with a WXGA resolution and a new touch interface. Features such as voice recognition, Bluetooth hands-free calling/audio streaming, and USB connectivity for iPhone/iPod carry over from our current Editors' Choice title holder, the flagship AVIC-Z110BT, as do an updated version of Pioneer's ECO routing and fuel cost monitoring function.New to the AVIC-X series is compatibility with Pioneer's AVIC Feeds iPhone app for wireless transfer of POIs and routes via Bluetooth.Could this be the way drivers navigate their media in the future?PioneerFinally, there's a new interface throughout that makes turn-by-turn navigation and search of music libraries easier. A feature called MusicSphere interfaces with an iTunes plug-in that analyzes music files and creates specialized mood-based playlists--for example, gloomy, bright, or energetic--and presents up to 40 of these playlists in an animated 3D sphere interface.Pioneer claims this will provide quick access to the user's music, but we maintain that it's hard to beat an old-fashioned fast-scrolling list. We'll wait until we get a hands-on before we pass judgment.The AVIC-X920BT will be available in 2010 with an expected suggested retail price of $1,200.
LAS VEGAS--Pioneer unveiled the latest addition to its AVIC line of in-dash navigation solutions and its first Pandora Internet radio-enabled car stereo, the AVIC-X920BT, during its CES 2010 press conference.The X920BT's navigation features enhanced ECO routing functionality.PioneerOne of the most notable changes to the AVIC's software is Pandora Link, which adds the ability to stream audio and display metadata from the Pandora Internet Radio app on a connected iPhone with a 3G connection. Users are also given access to album artwork and controls such as skip track, thumbs up and down, bookmarks, and station changes from the X920BT's touch-screen interface.The X920BT bumps the AVIC-X chassis' screen size to 6.1 inches with a WXGA resolution and a new touch interface. Features such as voice recognition, Bluetooth hands-free calling/audio streaming, and USB connectivity for iPhone/iPod carry over from our current Editors' Choice title holder, the flagship AVIC-Z110BT, as do an updated version of Pioneer's ECO routing and fuel cost monitoring function.New to the AVIC-X series is compatibility with Pioneer's AVIC Feeds iPhone app for wireless transfer of POIs and routes via Bluetooth.Could this be the way drivers navigate their media in the future?PioneerFinally, there's a new interface throughout that makes turn-by-turn navigation and search of music libraries easier. A feature called MusicSphere interfaces with an iTunes plug-in that analyzes music files and creates specialized mood-based playlists--for example, gloomy, bright, or energetic--and presents up to 40 of these playlists in an animated 3D sphere interface.Pioneer claims this will provide quick access to the user's music, but we maintain that it's hard to beat an old-fashioned fast-scrolling list. We'll wait until we get a hands-on before we pass judgment.The AVIC-X920BT will be available in 2010 with an expected suggested retail price of $1,200.
NTP scores legal victory in patent case, report says
NTP scores legal victory in patent case, report says
Bloomberg reported today that a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that seven of NTP's e-mail-related patents remain valid and enforceable, and ordered the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to reconsider a recent ruling that called them invalid. The court upheld the ruling on an eighth patent found to be invalid. The patents are being used by NTP, which makes its money extracting licensing fees from companies, in patent infringement lawsuits against Apple, Google, Microsoft, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Yahoo, and T-Mobile USA. The cases have been on hold pending the review of the patent offerings, Bloomberg said. The patents are defined as a way to send information, such as e-mail, through a radio frequency wireless network, which could be broadly applied. NTP sued RIM in 2001, and in 2006 the two companies came to a settlement to avoid the shutdown of the BlackBerry e-mail system.
Bloomberg reported today that a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that seven of NTP's e-mail-related patents remain valid and enforceable, and ordered the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to reconsider a recent ruling that called them invalid. The court upheld the ruling on an eighth patent found to be invalid. The patents are being used by NTP, which makes its money extracting licensing fees from companies, in patent infringement lawsuits against Apple, Google, Microsoft, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Yahoo, and T-Mobile USA. The cases have been on hold pending the review of the patent offerings, Bloomberg said. The patents are defined as a way to send information, such as e-mail, through a radio frequency wireless network, which could be broadly applied. NTP sued RIM in 2001, and in 2006 the two companies came to a settlement to avoid the shutdown of the BlackBerry e-mail system.
Now you can choose an iPhone carrier with the Apple Store app
Now you can choose an iPhone carrier with the Apple Store app
Apple customers who buy products through the iOS Apple Store app will find a couple of helpful updates in the latest release.Launched yesterday, version 2.1 of the Apple Store app now lets U.S. buyers of a new iPhone choose a plan from among all three carriers--Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint.Users can also manage their accounts directly through the app. You can now update both your billing and shipping information without leaving the app, a process that previously required you to log into the Apple Web site.And to kick off this week's opening of a new Apple retail store in Amsterdam, (English translation) the app itself is now available for users in the Netherlands.The last update to the app in November added a couple of major improvements, including the ability to pick up items ordered online at your local Apple Store and pay for items in the store via your iPhone.The latest version of the app requires iOS 4.3.3 or higher. The app is compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, though Apple has yet to create an iPad-specific version.
Apple customers who buy products through the iOS Apple Store app will find a couple of helpful updates in the latest release.Launched yesterday, version 2.1 of the Apple Store app now lets U.S. buyers of a new iPhone choose a plan from among all three carriers--Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint.Users can also manage their accounts directly through the app. You can now update both your billing and shipping information without leaving the app, a process that previously required you to log into the Apple Web site.And to kick off this week's opening of a new Apple retail store in Amsterdam, (English translation) the app itself is now available for users in the Netherlands.The last update to the app in November added a couple of major improvements, including the ability to pick up items ordered online at your local Apple Store and pay for items in the store via your iPhone.The latest version of the app requires iOS 4.3.3 or higher. The app is compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, though Apple has yet to create an iPad-specific version.
WSJ- Foxconn gearing up for iPhone launch next month
WSJ: Foxconn gearing up for iPhone launch next month
Apple's given Hon Hai Precision Industry the green light to begin mass producing both high- and low-end iPhone models, according to a new report.Citing sources, The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) says Apple's gearing up for an early September launch of those devices, and has put in the orders with its usual assembler, Hon Hai, which goes by Foxconn. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on the report.The news comes amid numerous leaks of purported parts for both high-end and lower-end iPhone models, expected to be unveiled at an event in early September. Most recently that's taken the form of a gold-colored iPhone, which several reports have since claimed will be the real deal in this next set of updates. Related storiesiPhone 5C aims to replace iPhone 5, not iPhone 4S -- analystWhy a gold iPhone makes senseNew, high-quality shots of 'iPhone 5C' casing appearThe Journal's report is the latest in a series to suggest that work has already begun to produce Apple's next iPhones. Japanese Apple blog Macotakara suggested Apple was building an "S" model of the iPhone back in March. More recently, China Business News last month suggested that Foxconn was in the throes of large-scale recruiting for workers to build the device. Apple is expected to unveil two new iPhones next month: a high-end 5S model that will add new hardware features to last year's iPhone 5, as well as an iPhone 5C that will feature plastic components to cut down on costs. Myriad components for both devices, including rear casings, have cropped up online over the past few weeks, suggesting Apple is on the brink of preparing the gadgets for consumers.
Apple's given Hon Hai Precision Industry the green light to begin mass producing both high- and low-end iPhone models, according to a new report.Citing sources, The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) says Apple's gearing up for an early September launch of those devices, and has put in the orders with its usual assembler, Hon Hai, which goes by Foxconn. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on the report.The news comes amid numerous leaks of purported parts for both high-end and lower-end iPhone models, expected to be unveiled at an event in early September. Most recently that's taken the form of a gold-colored iPhone, which several reports have since claimed will be the real deal in this next set of updates. Related storiesiPhone 5C aims to replace iPhone 5, not iPhone 4S -- analystWhy a gold iPhone makes senseNew, high-quality shots of 'iPhone 5C' casing appearThe Journal's report is the latest in a series to suggest that work has already begun to produce Apple's next iPhones. Japanese Apple blog Macotakara suggested Apple was building an "S" model of the iPhone back in March. More recently, China Business News last month suggested that Foxconn was in the throes of large-scale recruiting for workers to build the device. Apple is expected to unveil two new iPhones next month: a high-end 5S model that will add new hardware features to last year's iPhone 5, as well as an iPhone 5C that will feature plastic components to cut down on costs. Myriad components for both devices, including rear casings, have cropped up online over the past few weeks, suggesting Apple is on the brink of preparing the gadgets for consumers.
Wozniak warns Apple must stay 'cool' -- or else
Wozniak warns Apple must stay 'cool' -- or else
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has a warning for Tim Cook and his executives: stay cool, or you'll have trouble.Speaking to Bloomberg in an interview published today, Wozniak said that while Apple is still "really good at setting a standard with a new device," it's starting to lose its standing as the coolest company in the technology industry."We used to have these ads, 'I'm a Mac and I'm a PC,' and the Mac was always the cool guy," Wozniak told Bloomberg. "And ouch, it's painful, because we kind of are losing that."According to Bloomberg, Wozniak said that Apple's products are no longer able to easily trump competing devices from Amazon and Google because those companies "all have great ideas." He added that Apple should at least consider opening iTunes to Android and Windows Phone users.Wozniak has been surprisingly outspoken about Apple over the last several months. In October, he called the company "arrogant" and lamented that it believed it was "the only one with the right clue." In November, he said that he was worried that Apple is "just used to cranking out the newest iPhone and falling a little behind." He also took a jab at the late Steve Jobs, saying that he didn't have "to be as much of a real rugged bastard, put people down, and make them feel demeaned."Despite the negative talk, Wozniak told Bloomberg that he was hoping Apple would launch the rumored iWatch -- a device, he said, he would definitely buy.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has a warning for Tim Cook and his executives: stay cool, or you'll have trouble.Speaking to Bloomberg in an interview published today, Wozniak said that while Apple is still "really good at setting a standard with a new device," it's starting to lose its standing as the coolest company in the technology industry."We used to have these ads, 'I'm a Mac and I'm a PC,' and the Mac was always the cool guy," Wozniak told Bloomberg. "And ouch, it's painful, because we kind of are losing that."According to Bloomberg, Wozniak said that Apple's products are no longer able to easily trump competing devices from Amazon and Google because those companies "all have great ideas." He added that Apple should at least consider opening iTunes to Android and Windows Phone users.Wozniak has been surprisingly outspoken about Apple over the last several months. In October, he called the company "arrogant" and lamented that it believed it was "the only one with the right clue." In November, he said that he was worried that Apple is "just used to cranking out the newest iPhone and falling a little behind." He also took a jab at the late Steve Jobs, saying that he didn't have "to be as much of a real rugged bastard, put people down, and make them feel demeaned."Despite the negative talk, Wozniak told Bloomberg that he was hoping Apple would launch the rumored iWatch -- a device, he said, he would definitely buy.
Woz- Zuck = me + Jobs
Woz: Zuck = me + Jobs
Is Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg a combination of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak?That's how Woz himself paints the 28-year-old CEO.Offering his insights on Facebook as the company Zuck founded and runs preps its IPO, Wozniak told Bloomberg that he sees Zuckerberg as a "real acute" businessman who has both technical abilities, like Woz himself, and the vision and corporate smarts of Steve Jobs."I was thankful to have a partnership with Steve Jobs and I see Mark Zuckerberg closer to the combination of us," Woz said in the Bloomberg interview. "When he speaks he speaks with a lot of idealism for the users and a lot of good ideas for the product overall."Related storiesFacebook's IPO said to have more demand than shares availableFacebook amends IPO filing: Mobile a growing problemFacebook IPO has some investors wary (video)Woz himself plans to invest in Facebook after the IPO launches, no matter what the price.The popular social network said it wants to raise as much as $13.6 billion in its initial offering, valuing the company at up to $96 billion. Facebook is looking to price those initial shares between $28 and $35 as they prepare to start trading by the end of this week.Wozniak may have trouble getting in on the ground floor and will likely have to wait until after the stock hits the market. Reports say that Facebook's IPO is already oversubscribed.Woz also praised Facebook for staying private for so long, showing other companies that going public doesn't have to be the only goal for a thriving and innovative business.
Is Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg a combination of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak?That's how Woz himself paints the 28-year-old CEO.Offering his insights on Facebook as the company Zuck founded and runs preps its IPO, Wozniak told Bloomberg that he sees Zuckerberg as a "real acute" businessman who has both technical abilities, like Woz himself, and the vision and corporate smarts of Steve Jobs."I was thankful to have a partnership with Steve Jobs and I see Mark Zuckerberg closer to the combination of us," Woz said in the Bloomberg interview. "When he speaks he speaks with a lot of idealism for the users and a lot of good ideas for the product overall."Related storiesFacebook's IPO said to have more demand than shares availableFacebook amends IPO filing: Mobile a growing problemFacebook IPO has some investors wary (video)Woz himself plans to invest in Facebook after the IPO launches, no matter what the price.The popular social network said it wants to raise as much as $13.6 billion in its initial offering, valuing the company at up to $96 billion. Facebook is looking to price those initial shares between $28 and $35 as they prepare to start trading by the end of this week.Wozniak may have trouble getting in on the ground floor and will likely have to wait until after the stock hits the market. Reports say that Facebook's IPO is already oversubscribed.Woz also praised Facebook for staying private for so long, showing other companies that going public doesn't have to be the only goal for a thriving and innovative business.
Woz says he'd mull return to Apple if asked
Woz says he'd mull return to Apple if asked
Steve Wozniak, the man who co-founded Apple with current CEO Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne says he'd "consider" coming back to work for the company if asked.However that statement, which came out during an interview with Reuters, comes with some strings attached, specifically about the openness of the company's products."My thinking is that Apple could be more open and not lose sales," Wozniak told the outlet. "I'm sure they're making the right decisions for the right reasons for Apple."Wozniak is a well-known tinkerer and put together the predecessor to the first Apple computer out of off-the-shelf components, as well as writing his own version of BASIC to run on it. Following that, and before teaming with Jobs to produce computers Apple would go on to sell commercially, Wozniak even distributed the design to others in a computer club so they too could make their machines.Apple now sells devices that have done away with the idea of self-servicing, instead pushing customers to go through the company's support network when seeking repairs, as well as selling just one computer (the Mac Pro) that's fully customizable postpurchase.Wozniak, who has not actually worked for Apple since 1987, still receives a paycheck and holds stock in the company. For the past three years, he's worked for data storage company Fusion-io as its chief scientist. The question of whether Wozniak would rejoin Apple to play an active part in product development and production comes at a time when current CEO and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is on his third medical leave, and after a group of shareholders unsuccessfully pushed the company to set up and detail a CEO succession plan.
Steve Wozniak, the man who co-founded Apple with current CEO Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne says he'd "consider" coming back to work for the company if asked.However that statement, which came out during an interview with Reuters, comes with some strings attached, specifically about the openness of the company's products."My thinking is that Apple could be more open and not lose sales," Wozniak told the outlet. "I'm sure they're making the right decisions for the right reasons for Apple."Wozniak is a well-known tinkerer and put together the predecessor to the first Apple computer out of off-the-shelf components, as well as writing his own version of BASIC to run on it. Following that, and before teaming with Jobs to produce computers Apple would go on to sell commercially, Wozniak even distributed the design to others in a computer club so they too could make their machines.Apple now sells devices that have done away with the idea of self-servicing, instead pushing customers to go through the company's support network when seeking repairs, as well as selling just one computer (the Mac Pro) that's fully customizable postpurchase.Wozniak, who has not actually worked for Apple since 1987, still receives a paycheck and holds stock in the company. For the past three years, he's worked for data storage company Fusion-io as its chief scientist. The question of whether Wozniak would rejoin Apple to play an active part in product development and production comes at a time when current CEO and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is on his third medical leave, and after a group of shareholders unsuccessfully pushed the company to set up and detail a CEO succession plan.
Woz- No, Apple was not started in a garage
Woz: No, Apple was not started in a garage
If you didn't start your company in a garage, it can't be much of a company, can it?After all, a fine modern company needs a legend of bootstrapped pain, dripping roofs and hordes of chilly engineers huddled in a place only big enough for a Honda Legend.Sometimes, though, that's what these stories are: legends.For decades, many thought that Apple's formative years were spent with a whiff of gasoline hanging in the air. Yes, it all happened in the garage of Steve Jobs' childhood home in Los Altos, Calif. Or did it? In an interview with Bloomberg, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak poured cold water on the story.He said: "The garage is a bit of a myth. It's overblown. The garage represents us better than anything else, but we did no designs there. We would drive the finished products to the garage, make them work and then we'd drive them down to the store that paid us cash."Woz explained that the fledgling Apple "outgrew that garage very quickly."More Technically IncorrectStephen Hawking: Humans evolve slowly, AI could stomp us outTwo-phone standoff after cop stops man for 'walking with hands in pockets'Pilot survives second crash; should he give up flying?He added: "There were hardly ever more than two people in the garage and mostly they were sitting around kind of doing nothing productive."Well, yes. But it's a great story, isn't it? Once you're a success, tossing your company's history into a field of magical distortion makes it all sound a little more romantic than it probably was.We don't need people and companies to be successful. We also want their stories to be moving, inspiring and, most of all, movie-worthy.Who wants to see a movie about a company with a good idea that buys a big factory, employs lots of people and pleases even more? How dull.
If you didn't start your company in a garage, it can't be much of a company, can it?After all, a fine modern company needs a legend of bootstrapped pain, dripping roofs and hordes of chilly engineers huddled in a place only big enough for a Honda Legend.Sometimes, though, that's what these stories are: legends.For decades, many thought that Apple's formative years were spent with a whiff of gasoline hanging in the air. Yes, it all happened in the garage of Steve Jobs' childhood home in Los Altos, Calif. Or did it? In an interview with Bloomberg, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak poured cold water on the story.He said: "The garage is a bit of a myth. It's overblown. The garage represents us better than anything else, but we did no designs there. We would drive the finished products to the garage, make them work and then we'd drive them down to the store that paid us cash."Woz explained that the fledgling Apple "outgrew that garage very quickly."More Technically IncorrectStephen Hawking: Humans evolve slowly, AI could stomp us outTwo-phone standoff after cop stops man for 'walking with hands in pockets'Pilot survives second crash; should he give up flying?He added: "There were hardly ever more than two people in the garage and mostly they were sitting around kind of doing nothing productive."Well, yes. But it's a great story, isn't it? Once you're a success, tossing your company's history into a field of magical distortion makes it all sound a little more romantic than it probably was.We don't need people and companies to be successful. We also want their stories to be moving, inspiring and, most of all, movie-worthy.Who wants to see a movie about a company with a good idea that buys a big factory, employs lots of people and pleases even more? How dull.
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