This week in gagagadget:
A patent, filed Apple in February, was published early this week. The patent was originally filed as an anti-hacking mechanism, shutting down the phone and sending sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card information, to private Apple server in case of suspected theft. However, Apple also intends to use the mechanism to lock out phones when memory usage spikes, which may indicate hacking or jailbraking. This contradicts the US law passed a few weeks ago which effectively legalized jailbreaking of iDevices.
In more Apple news, Digg founder Kevin Rose confirmed vehemently the rumors about Apple’s new iTV. The set top box, formerly called AppleTV, has been rumored for release for months, but Rose claimed on his blog that Apple will be releasing the device some time this year. According to Rose and his unnamed source, iTV will run iOS and have its own specific apps, including games and interactive news apps, be able to share pictures via MobileMe, and will use the iPad as a super remote control, able to edit video and play games. Rose predicts iTV and similar services will eventually kill cable and satellite television.
Nokia finally confirmed its new budget-friendly music phone. The Nokia 5250, which was seen in images leaked by Nokia’s own Ovi Store some weeks ago, was officially announced by the company on Tuesday. The device, which focuses around music, has an FM radio, comes pre-loaded with the mobile version of Guitar Hero, and can be loaded with tracks from either the owners’ personal libraries or the Ovi Store. The phone will cost €115, and launches in countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America in Q4.
Iomega has announced a USB 3.0 (also known as SuperSpeed USB) external drive at USB 2.0 prices. The eGo external drives can transfer data at a significantly higher rate than its predecessor. The company hopes to release the harddrives in 500GB and 1TB sizes by October.
Panasonic released a set of noise-canceling headphones which can cut almost all noise from outside sources. Although noise-canceling technology has been around for awhile, Panasonic’s RP-HC700 can cut up to 95% of noise, enough to warrant a warning label advising users to not wear the headphones while walking across the street or operating heavy machinery.
Pingback: Tweets that mention This week in gagagadget: August 21 – 27 -- Topsy.com