Talk about a vulnerability that’s been around for awhile! Google security engineer, Tavis Ormandy, has apparently unearthed a vulnerability in the Virtual DOS machine found in Windows versions ranging from the current Windows 7 version to versions dating back to Windows NT 3.1. Yes.. that would be circa 1993 (Shoot.. I  just finishing up my freshmen year in college!).

The problem at hand? The Virtual DOS machine can be exploited to enable “unprivileged 16-bit programs to manipulate kernel stacks so attackers could get their own code executed at system privilege levels”. CVE has the following description for the vulnerability:

“The kernel in Microsoft Windows NT 3.1 through Windows 7, including Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2, and Windows Server 2008 Gold and SP2, when access to 16-bit applications is enabled on a 32-bit x86 platform, does not properly validate certain BIOS calls, which allows local users to gain privileges by crafting a VDM_TIB data structure in the Thread Environment Block (TEB), and then calling the NtVdmControl function to start the Windows Virtual DOS Machine (aka NTVDM) subsystem, leading to improperly handled exceptions involving the #GP trap handler (aka nt!KiTrap0D).”

In a Microsoft security advisory, Microsoft claims it is “not aware of attacks that try to use the reported vulnerability or of customer impact at this time.”

Should you be concerned? Not really (unless of course you have a tendency to run 16 bit applications for some awful reason). If you’re really concerned, just disable your system’s DOS and WOWEXEC subsystems.

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Technorati Tags: Windows security, 16 bit windows

As if things weren’t bad enough for Toyota, the company admitted today that 2010 Prius models sold before late January had problems with its anti-lock braking system. According to a report in the New York Times, a spokesperson for Toyota said the company found design problems in these models but have since corrected the problem in later models.

The latest problem comes on the heels of Toyota’s massive recall of vehicles that could suffer from sticking accelerator pedals. No Prius models, including the 2010 Prius, were associated to the sticking pedals problem (although early Prius models were associated to a separate recall involving problems with floor mats).

Braking problems for the new 2010 Prius were reported as early as two months after the car went on sale in May, with problems being reported both here in the U.S. and in Japan. Toyota claims to have received 77 reports of braking problems related to the latest Prius model.

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Technorati Tags: Toyota, 2010 Prius, Braking problems

Motorola brings MOTOBLUR to Verizon Wireless with today’s announcement of the upcoming availability of the Motorola DEVOUR Android handset in March. In case you’re not familiar with MOTOBLUR, it’s Motorola’s unique content delivery service bringing together contacts, personal email, status updates from social networking sites, photos, and more into easily managed streams on the home screen.

Features and specs to the Motorola DEVOUR include:

• Touch-sensitive navigation pad
• 3.1 inch capacitive touch-screen display
• Pre-loaded apps including Gmail, Google Talk, YouTube, Google Search, and Google Maps with Google Maps Navigation
• Access to Android marketplace
• “Happenings Widget” – MOTOBLUR automatically pushes status updates, wall posts, and photo updates from social networking sites to the Happenings Widget. Users flick through updates and send out replies
• Universal inbox for texts, social networking messages, and emails
• Backup data to secure MOTOBLUR portal. Portal also allows users to use the built-in aGPS to help locate the phone if its misplaced. Remote Wipe feature clears information on the handset if it’s deemed lost
• 8 GB microSD card pre-installed
• Bluetooth with support for A2DP, HID, HSP, HFP, AVRCP and GAP profiles

No word on pricing as of yet.

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Technorati Tags: Motorola DEVOUR, Verizon Wireless, Android smartphone, MOTOBLUR

Fans of Dell notebooks and QPI nail polish colors will appreciate the latest color designs available over at the Dell Design Studio. Thanks to a partnership with QPI, Dell has six new color designs available for all Inspiron and Studio laptops. The six colors, inspired by the city of Hong Kong, are Dim Sum Plum, Hot & Spicy, Jade is the New Black, Meet Me on the Star Ferry, Red My Fortune Cookie, and Suzi Says Feng Shui.

Here are the pictures of the Dell Studio 14:

Dim Sum Plum:

Hot & Spicy:

Jade is the New Black:

Red My Fortune Cookie:

Meet Me on the Star Ferry:

Suzi Says Feng Shui:

Here are pictures of the Dell Inspiron Mini 10:

Dim Sum Plum:

Hot & Spicy:

Jade is the New Black:

Meet Me on the Star Ferry:

Suzi Says Feng Shui:

Technorati Tags: Dell, QPI, Dell Inspiron Mini 10, Dell Studio, Dell Design Studio, Hong Kong Collection

Shinobii Technologies announces the release of the new Xcross Remote designed to be an alternative to the Wii Remote for the Nintendo Wii game console. The Xcross Remote comes with a wide directional pad for better control in games and is fully compatible with all nunchuk controllers and additional accessories such as MotionPlus.

Features include:

• Fully compatible with all Wii hardware
• Built-in accelerometer for full motion control
• Wide direction pad
• 5 meter wireless range
• Built-in speaker and vibration
• Compatible with Wii MotionPlus accessory
• Powered by 2 AA batteries (not included)
• Includes free silicon sleeve and wrist strap

The Xcross Remote will be available this month in Europe with a price of €29.95.

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Technorati Tags: Shinobii Technologies, Xcross Remote, Nintendo Wii

NEC Display Solutions of America introduces their latest 17 inch eco-friendly LCD display, the AccuSync AS171. Replacing the ASLCD73VX-BK display, the AS171 is a standard-aspect display designed for small-to-medium sized businesses.

Some of the “green” features of the AS171 include a 21 percent reduction in power consumption and 50 percent less mercury compared to previous models, EPEAT Silver Rating, ENERGY STAR 5.0 and TCO 5.0 compliance, and a 2-step ECO Mode providing two energy-saving modes to users.

Specs include:

• 1280 x 1024 resolution
• VGA and DVI connectivity
• 900:1 aspect ratio
• 5 ms response times
• Tilt adjustability
• Carbon footprint meter for tracking of carbon savings

The NEC AccuSync AS171 will ship this month at an estimated price of $159 dollars.

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Technorati Tags: NEC AccuSync AS171 LCD display

A new study by ABI Research predicts up to 4 million tablets will ship this year growing to 57 million annually by the year 2015.

According to senior analyst Jeff Orr,”Apple’s iPad is not the first media tablet..But it does help define this new device category. The main focus of media tablets is entertainment.”

Furthermore, Orr expects tablets to remain as a “premium or luxury product for wealthy industrialized markets for at least several years” with units not expected to replace laptops, netbooks, or even mobile phones.

Of course things could very well change in a short order especially if additional third party vendors jump into the ring with cheaper, capable devices. We know Windows 7-based tablets will continue to grow but you can be sure Google Chome-based tablets will enter the fray within the next year or two.

On the flipside, Orr believes third party manufacturers will have a hard time generating awareness of their products among consumers/buyers.

“New entrants to this market are at a disadvantage since they lack the retail relationships and network operator agreements already built by the more mature vendors. Surprisingly, Apple may have done them a favor by raising the public profile of the whole media tablet category.”

It’s certainly not surprising when you consider what Apple did for the smartphone industry. Until the advent of the Apple iPhone, smartphones were relegated to the tech-savvy and business-oriented audiences. Now, it seems like everyone has an iPhone or at least some sort of touch-based smartphone.

In our heads, the real question isn’t how many units will ship. The real question is – does anyone actually need a tablet? Forget the price, or units shipped, or availability but focus in on purpose. Buying an iPhone makes sense since nearly everyone needs or wants a mobile phone. Buying an iPod makes sense since most of us enjoy the concept of portable music. A tablet? The case for one still stands on shaky ground – at least until a real killer application or purpose is made available.

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Technorati Tags: ABI Research, Tablets

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, BUILT announces their brand new Alexander Girard collection of bags. The collection spans five bags all available in three classic Girard patterns – La Fonda, January, and Retrospective. The five new bags are the Shoulder Bag, Lunch Purse, Phone Sleeve, Digital Case, and Laptop Sling.

All five bags feature an exclusive Girard print on the inside as well as a love heart charm. The bags are also stain resistant and hand-washable (simply drip dry).

Shoulder Bag:

• Made of extra-thick expandable neoprene
• Inside snap pocket
• Reinforced shoulder strap
• Stores flat
• Measures 14.5 x 22.5 x 6 inches
• MSRP of $70 dollars.

Lunch Purse:

• Insulates up to 4 hours (time varies depending on exterior temps)
• Made from extra-thick neoprene
• Inside pocket and zip closure
• No vinyl or PVC used
• Stores flat
• Measures 12.75 x 15.75 x 6.5 inches
• MSRP of $45

Phone Sleeve:

• Protects iPhone and iPod touch
• Made from extra-thick neoprene
• Elastic opening for easy access
• Measures 3 x 5.25 x 0.5 inches
• MSRP of $25 dollars

Digital Case:

• Extra thick neoprene stretches to fit cameras, MP3 players, PDAs, and cell phones
• Detachable wrist strap included
• Hard EVA back for extra protection
• Built-in pocket for accessories
• Water-resistant
• Measures 4 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches
• MSRP of $35 dollars

Laptop Sling:

• Available in 14-15 inch sizes and 12-13 inches
• Made from extra-thick protective neoprene
• Hourglass design secures laptop in place
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• MSRP of $50 dollars

Technorati Tags: BUILT, Alexander Girard, Shoulder Bag, Lunch Purse, Phone Sleeve, Digtal Case, Laptop Sling

Acer America announced a new high-end GD235HZ display yesterday supporting full HD 3D when combined with NVIDIA 3D Vision active-shutter glasses and appropriate 3D content.

The GD235HZ combines a high contrast ratio of 80,000:1 with Acer’s Adaptive Contrast Management (ACM) which “allows users to adjust images frame by frame to optimize contrast by enhancing detail and gradation.”

Key specs to the GD235HZ include the following:

• 23.6 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 resolution display
• 2ms response time
• 0.2715 pixel pitch
• 120Hz refresh rate
• 80,000:1 Max (ACM)/1000:1 (native) contrast ratio
• 300 cd/m2 brightness
• 170 degree horizontal and 160 degree vertical angle
• Support for 16.7 million colors
• 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI, 1 x VGA input
• VESA 100m wall mount
• Internal power supply

NVIDIA’s 3D Vision is a combination of wireless active-shutter glasses, a wireless USB transmitter, and advanced software.

Expect the Acer GD235HZ early this month at an MSRP of $399.99. The NVIDIA 3D Vision Kit is available for $199.

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Technorati Tags: Acer GD235HZ, NVIDIA 3D Vision

Samsung announces their latest environmentally-friendly hard disk drive for the desktop market in the form of the EcoGreen F3EG hard drive. Offering two terabytes of disk space spanning across four 500GB platters, the F3EG utilizes Samsung’s EcoTriangle technology providing eco-friendly components, low-power and low-noise operation technology.

“Green” features of the F3EG include:

• Eliminates halogen compound and brominated flame retardant from the PCBA
• Model produced from eco-friendly materials
• Meets environmental regulations including RoHS
• Utilizes low-noise operation technology SilentSeek and NoiseGuard for quiet operation
• 40 percent lower in power consumption in idle mode and 10 percent lower in reading/writing mode than competing drives
• Zero percent failure rate in unstable voltage environment test

Specs include:

• 3.0 Gbps SATA interface
• Native Command Queuing features
• 16MB/32MB buffer memory

The 3.5 inch F3EG drive is available in 1.5 TB and 2 TB capacities in the U.S. and EU markets with an MSRP of $179.99.

Technorati Tags: Samsung EcoGreen F3EG Hard Drive