Self-destructing
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WhatsApp tests disappearing messages in its Android app
WhatsApp is testing disappearing messages. The feature appeared as a beta in version 2.19.275 of the Android app and was spotted by WABetaInfo. In the beta, the disappearing messages are available in group chats only, and they can be set to self-destruct in five seconds or an hour. There's no in-between, and you can't select individual messages to disappear -- they all vanish or none of them do.
Self-destructing book gives you 24 hours to finish reading
Think you're pretty good at speed-reading? You now have a chance to prove it. As part of a publicity stunt, author James Patterson is giving away 1,000 self-destructing digital advance copies of his latest novel, Private Vegas. If you score one, you have 24 hours to finish the entire book before the text vanishes forever. And if that's just not risky enough, Patterson is selling a real self-destructing copy (for a whopping $294,038) that includes a dedicated bomb squad, among other creature comforts. There are likely much better ways to spend six digits in record time, but it'll probably be the most exciting reading experience you ever have -- no matter how good the story might be.
Printer for self-destructing photos brings Snapchat to real life
Normally, you print things out to get a permanent copy. Not with Diego Trujillo Pisanty's new printer, however. His This Tape Will Self-Destruct art project coats its printouts (in this case, Cold War pictures) with glycerol and potassium salt, triggering an exothermic reaction that burns the paper within moments after you read it. Think of it as a real-world Snapchat where photos literally disappear in a puff of smoke.
Digify helps you protect your data by sending self-destructing files
It's understandable if you're nervous about sharing files in this era of widespread surveillance. Can you really trust that a document is safe once it's out of your hands? Digify might just ease your mind now that it has launched Android and iOS apps for sharing self-destructing files. Rather than give people a direct download, the software only allows a peek at a given file for a set amount of time; once the Mission Impossible-style countdown hits zero, the content is gone for good. There are also safeguards against cleverer attempts to steal files. Anything you share is converted to a special format on Digify's servers, for one thing. Recipients can't take screenshots without alerting you (and losing access), and you can revoke access at will if you ever make a mistake.
Virtuity's Backstopp destroys data if laptop leaves DMZ
Though Virtuity's Backstopp technology won't make your laptop self destruct per se, it will keep whatever organized crime unit that's after you from attempting to jack your machine twice -- if you live to have such an opportunity, that is. Nevertheless, said software keeps a constant eye on the location of one's laptop, and if it's moved from a predetermined safe zone, a signal is activated that can inform the rig to vaporize sensitive data. Reportedly, lappies can be monitored with a variety of wireless technologies (WiFi and RFID are mentioned in particular), but considering that such a service will run you £10 ($19.54) per month, you better be one wanted individual to make it worthwhile.[Via Pocket-lint]
Self-Destruction Button returns in miniaturized form
Who could forget the famed Big Red Button of Doom from 2005? Sure, nearly three years have passed since its inception, but there's nothing like a little (literally) impostor to conjure up memories of the not-too-distant past. Available now, the miniature Self-Destruction Button comes in black, white and green motifs, fits snugly in the palm of one's hand and even doubles as a keychain. This highly portable device ensures the instant vaporization of your person and most of your surroundings should you find yourself in some horrifically inescapable situation, or, something to that effect, anyway. Grab yours now for $26.94 -- Y3K is just around the bend![Via AkihabaraNews]
Microsoft patents self-destructing USB key for forgetful types
Our mother always used to tell us, "you'd lose your head if wasn't screwed on," but we're sure that had she grown up in this decade she'd say, "you'd lose a USB key carrying sensitive data if Microsoft didn't patent a technology to counteract the problem." Or something like that. As you might've guessed, Microsoft has a new patent, and this one is to help that hapless soul charged with setting up a wireless home network, who, Microsoft admits, "faces a daunting task" at such a prospect. See, Windows can load network set-up details onto a CD or other form of removable storage, but if the user loses the item, they also compromise their network security. We figured this could be solved by some sort of "don't be an airhead" message on the box, but Microsoft put its brain to the task and came up with self-destructing USB memory keys, with enough juice in them to power the key for one hour, after which the data disappears fuhevah. The keys are brightly colored so the user doesn't slap anything important on them, but it seems like an interesting solution to a completely ridiculous interesting problem.[Via New Scientist]
Philips self-destructing MRAM on the way
Joining the ranks of quintessential kit that any spy (or CuteCircuit-equipped individual) should have on hand is Philips' self-destructing MRAM (magnetoresistive RAM). While securing data typically deals with some sort of password protection or biometrics, Philips' creation takes a page from the Mission: Impossible book by relying on magnetic loops remaining in flux to keep data accessible. Its MRAM chips are wrapped in two layers of soft, metallic foil -- one which is magnetized, and one that acts as a "keeper" by gathering flux from a permanent magnet and maintaining a closed loop surrounding the precious bytes. If a crazed data thief manages to crack open the enclosure and rip into the first layer of foil, all flux breaks loose and magnetic forces immediately raze any top secret files you may have been toting. If you just can't afford to spill those oh-so-privatized digital beans (or you simply enjoy that double agent lifestyle), keep an eye out for the presumably hush-hush release -- assuming, that is, this invention makes it from the patent stage into actual hardware.[Via New Scientist Tech]
