It’s not the first method we’ve seen for blinding security cameras, but this new DIY / art project from the folks at Oberwelt e.V. looks to be one of the simplest, and one of the few that could conceivably be used on an everyday basis. Dubbed the I-R.A.S.C. (for “infra-redlight against surveillance camera”), the device apparently consists simply of a series of infrared lights connected to a battery, which combine to blot out your face with a slightly unnerving glow. Needless to say, while it appears to hide your identity quite effectively, it doesn’t exactly scream subtlety, so you’d best think of some excuses to explain yourself if you actually plan on trying this thing out in public.

[Via Coolest Gadgets]
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from engadget

There’s no shortage of “world’s smallest camcorders,” but Spy Gadget’s Micro Camcorder is definitely one of the most diminutive that we’ve seen. Designed to actually slip inside an empty pack of gum, this device features a “one touch record button,” captures video at a less-than-stellar 15fps, holds footage on a microSD card, and can be recharged via USB. Reportedly, users can capture up to 33-hours of low-res video on a 1GB card, and two hours of that can be captured on a single charge. ‘Course, whether or not this all is worth the stiff $295 asking price is certainly debatable.

[Via The Raw Feed]
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from engadget

Face detection on your average digicam may not seem that special, but strapping the feature atop your steering column can certainly make for a more enjoyable (and safer) driving experience. Lexus‘ new LS600hL sports a Driver Monitoring System, which places a detection device in front of the driver’s seat that keeps a close eye on the orientation of the his / her face, and if it sees that you’re peering off at the continually changing MINI billboard or checking out the overhead wind energy producer, it kicks into action. The system will send audible and visual alerts at first in an attempt to get your attention back, and can eventually “apply the brakes on its own” if the previous warnings prove futile. Moreover, it can reportedly “reprogram the steering ratio and amplify the intensity and quickness of the steering response” to keep motorists safe, but there’s no word on whether or not a retinal scanner add-on will be available to automatically adjust user preferences depending on which driver hops in the seat.

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from engadget

Hacking into sensitive machines and playing brain games on them certainly isn’t new — and a pair of researchers at Cambridge have already done just that on a “tamper-proof chip-and-PIN payment terminal,” — but in a recent (and more serious) development, they’ve extended the exploit to demonstrate how they can “compromise the system by relaying information between a genuine card and a fake one.” Saar Drimer and Steven Murdoch, members of the Cambridge University Computer Laboratory, have not only played Tetris on a banking machine, but have devised a scenario where a terminal is actually connected to a thief’s laptop (instead of a bank, for instance), thus passing through crucial information without throwing a red flag to the now-screwed customer. Through a series of RFID, WiFi, and SMS connections, the duo even explains how something so simple could be used to steal thousands of dollars in diamonds and jewelry if working with a trained crew. Still, it’s noted that this kind of stunt would be “difficult to execute in practice,” and of course, whoever tries it runs the risk of being imprisoned for quite some time, but if you’re interested in an eerily detailed description of just how beautiful you life can become if you actually pull this off, the read link demands your attention.

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from engadget

For $1082, you could own a real shocking suitcase — 80,000 volts to be exact. The electric shock alarm is activated at the push of a button via remote control. A built-in secondary 107db alarm keeps would be thieves away. Available in brown or black colors, this suitcase comes packaged with 16 batteries and two remotes.

“Nobody will be able to grab or take the suitcase. So your valuables are safe.”

[Source]
from techeblog

This shows why everyone should use stronger Windows passwords for security reasons. You know what they say: “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Click Video link for more info. Short disclaimer from the video’s creator:

Why should you use strong passwords? This video shows how to crack windows passwords. It is only intended for educational purposes, to show you why it is important to use stronger passwords. Don’t use this information illegally

Video here
From techeblog