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Buying an iPhone 4 from a Canadian carrier? It's locked
We've been tipped this morning (and have now been able to confirm, thanks to our own Myriam Joire braving the lines) that if you buy an iPhone 4 in a Canadian carrier's store today, you leave with it locked to that carrier -- despite Apple's trumpeting that you can buy it SIM-free. It appears as though the activation process might be responsible for causing the carrier lock -- either that, or the carriers' subsidized models are shipped locked, unlike the full-price devices you can buy directly from Apple. Either way, it's a bummer, and it's certainly something to take into consideration before you buy. [Thanks, Chris] Update: We've now confirmed that the lock is happening at the time the phone is activated -- in other words, it begins life carrier-agnostic. Pretty wild stuff. Update 2: Tipster Mika G. tells us that unlocked phones purchased directly from Apple do not lock upon carrier activation, which jibes with Apple's wording that "you can change carriers at any time." Carrier-purchased phones, however, definitely do lock.
Kensington's Laptop Locking Station is a thief's worst nightmare... maybe
Make no mistake, this one's no docking station -- rather, it's a locking station. Kensington, which has somehow managed to get a self-labeled lock slot embedded into nearly every modern Windows-based laptop, has just introduced a new duo meant to keep your lappie locked down and unavailable for thieves. The Kensington Laptop Locking Station ($79.99) boasts an all-steel backbone (one that resists cutting, drilling or prying), and ideally you'd mount it onto the desk or table where you typically leave your machine for extended periods of time. If you're in need of a little extra reach, there's an optional Tether Kit ($29.99) that keeps things secure regardless of where you're at. Specific details on both -- along with a video demonstration -- are embedded after the break, with the whole shebang capable of handling laptops from 13.3- to 17-inches.
Proposed class action settlement would let you unlock almost any AT&T handset -- except the iPhone
So the good news is that a class action lawsuit out in Cali is on the cusp of coming to a resolution, and the resolution will require AT&T to provide an unlock code for just about any phone it has sold since March 12, 1999 -- in other words, you'll be able to take the phone and use it on any GSM carrier of your choice. We say "just about" because there's one big exception -- any phone for which AT&T secured an exclusivity period of at least ten months -- which naturally includes the iPhone (in fact, it's called out by name in the settlement). There are some stipulations, too; if you're postpaid, you have to have been a customer for at least 90 days, and even devices with exclusivity periods of less than ten months can't be unlocked until the period is over (which admittedly makes good sense). Taking a Backflip somewhere else might not seem like a particularly appealing option, but who knows -- maybe you're a T-Mobile customer with a thing for backward hinges and a disdain for 3G.
Apple patent: use your iPhone as an electronic "iKey"
The Daily Telegraph reports that a new Apple patent has surfaced which could potentially allow the iPhone, or another Apple portable, to act as a sort of electronic key. The potential applications are as limitless as the number of things locked by old-school metal keys. It could be used for cars, offices, homes, or lockers. Basically, anything that could have an electronic receiver mounted to it in place of a metal tumbler-style lock could then use an iPhone as a key. While Ars Technica notes that "the patent application itself merely describes a unique way of using motion detection to generate an input, such as turning a virtual combination lock-style dial," the patent itself, as reported by the Telegraph, says that the device could be "any suitable electronic device such as a portable media player, personal data assistant or electronic lock" that could open up any number of physical lock types just by communicating wirelessly.
Droid security flaw makes lock screen a mere inconvenience for evil-doers
You might recall Apple having a hard time keeping its lock screen locked at one point, and it looks like we've got a common theme brewing here now that Android's suffering from the same drama. Turns out that Android 2.0.1 -- the build currently deployed on the Droid -- suffers from a flaw whereby you can back out to a locked phone's home screen simply by pressing the Back button after accepting an incoming call. Of course, you'd either have to know a phone's number or wait for a call to actually take advantage of this, but we'd argue that it's a pretty low barrier of entry. The bright side of the story, we suppose, is that the phone goes back to being locked as soon as the call ends, but then again it doesn't take much time to peep your juicy emails. Google's aware of the issue, so we're thinking this'll make it into the Droid's next software update; we don't have a launch window for that just yet, so in the meantime... you know, just make sure no one ever calls you and you should be good to go.
Maplock chains GPS unit to steering wheel, dares thieves to interfere
Remember The Club? Sure you do. We can't say that Who-Rae's Maplock is destined to become just as goofy in the pop culture scene, but it's certainly one of the more absurd peripherals that we've seen this year. Put simply, this contraption provides a locking mount for your navigation unit and a presumably snip-proof cable that locks around one's steering wheel. We suppose the point here is to easily show pondering thieves that they should probably select another vehicle to jack, but the easier solution is to figure out a mounting setup that doesn't involve suction cup residue. For those who'd rather be safe than sorry, the Maplock can be procured for right around $50 -- just be prepared for all sorts of jeering from your car club mates. Vid's after the break, vaquero.
The best of WoW.com: September 8-15, 2009
The World of Warcraft is brimming with anticipation lately, from next month's anniversary activities (the game is almost five years old) to next year's expected Cataclysm expansion. Whether you're a Northrend veteran or still haven't seen Elwynn Forest, Joystiq sister site WoW.com has you covered. If it's in Azeroth, we can tell you all about it.
Mac 101: Locking your Mac with a hotkey, like you can with Windows
One of the things that confused me the most when I switched to the Mac platform was the fact that there's no built-in way to lock the computer manually with a hotkey when walking away from it. This is something that was drilled into me from working in an office full of pranksters where leaving your computer unlocked was virtually a guarantee that you would be hosting a party for all of your co-workers that coming weekend. It turns out that this is an oversight in Mac OS X, and a 3rd party utility is required to be able to lock your computer with a hotkey. For a simple solution I would suggest installing a very basic preferences pane called LockTight. LockTight does exactly what you're looking for: assign a specific hotkey that when pressed will lock your Mac, requiring a password to unlock it if you have it configured to require a password to wake from sleep or screen saver (which you should). Update: Reader Chad reminds us that if you actually want your machine to go to sleep with a keystroke (as opposed to simply locking the screen) you can use the Option-Cmd-Eject key combo. [via Lifehacker]
Phoenix Freeze turns your Bluetooth phone into a proximity lock
It may not be the ideal solution for those in need of some military-grade security, but those simply looking to keep their co-workers from snooping on their laptop may want to consider Phoenix's new Freeze application, which promises to turn any old Bluetooth-enabled cellphone into a proximity lock. What's more, you can apparently even use one phone to control multiple laptops, and configure the application to switch the laptop into a power-saving mode when the phone moves outside the proximity zone (which can also be configured to suit your needs). Best of all, the application is available as a free download right now (Windows XP and Vista only, unfortunately), and Phoenix seems to have some even grander plans for the future, with it now apparently busily courting computer manufactures in the hope of getting it offered as a standard option on new laptops.
Fire and Brimstone buffed for patch 3.1.2
When patch 3.1 went live, Destruction warlocks (and 0/40/31s) had a lovely time smacking everything in sight with massive Conflagrates. This was promptly nerfed, for PvP purposes; the devs felt it was overpowered for 'locks to be able to do that much, that fast. However, it was acknowledged that Destro would need some PvE buffing to make up for it. It looks like we'll see that buff in patch 3.1.2, when the deep-Destro talent Fire and Brimstone is currently planned to be changed to: Now increases the damage done by your Incinerate and Chaos Bolt by 15% on targets afflicted by Immolate, and increases the critical strike chance of your Conflagrate by 25% (at rank 5). The first part is entirely reworked, and the second part used to only apply if your target's Immolate had 5 or fewer seconds remaining. There was also a brief and terrifying time where they were considering changing Glyph of Conflagrate to give an entirely different effect, but fortunately, the current plan is to leave it as-is. Will this F&B revision be enough to make Destruction competitive with Affliction again? We'll see; I know I'll be trying it out.
Lindy lets loose another locking HDMI cable
Locking HDMI cables -- ever heard of 'em? Yeah, they're all the rage in the home theater market right now, and given that Lindy has yet to come out with one of its own, well, it definitely had to remedy that. To be fair, the outfit's new Premium Gold HDMI 1.3b Cat 2 Cables don't actually posses the innate ability to clip in, but Lindy's quite clear that you can attach an optional Connector Lock for yank-proof peace of mind. The cables are available with 24K gold connectors and can be purchased in lengths ranging from 0.5 to 20 meters; check 'em right now across the pond for £49.99 ($70) and up.
In the category of "finally": Raid ID confirmation windows in 3.1
The 3.1 PTR has brought a lot of wonderful quality of life improvements, but here's one that players and GMs alike will undoubtedly appreciate more than a lot of them: you finally, finally get a confirmation window when you enter an instance that would lock you to it. You get the option to accept the lockout and stay in the instance or leave the instance and save your ID for later. You have 15 seconds to make said choice. This means no more getting screwed out of heroics by some idiot who forgot he already ran Violet Hold today or any other of the myriad ways you can lose your ID for the day (or week). It's about time. Our good friend BRK found this feature without even realizing it, as WI reader Brandon Tilley discovered it in BRK's screenshots of a PTR raid last night. Thanks for the heads-up on this exciting change, Brandon, and way to miss the boat, BRK! Patch 3.1 brings us Ulduar, dual specs, significant changes to all the classes, and more! We've got you covered from top to bottom with our Guide to Patch 3.1.
Forum post of the day: Raid timers (poll)
Today's forum post of the day serves a dual purpose: it brings up issues with raid timers and it demonstrates how not to make friends and influence people on the forums. Our hot-headed friend Phearing of Silver Hand is a mighty bit miffed that he zoned into a 10-man Vault run only to find that there were no mobs there. He was saved to the instance, and thus does not get another shot at it until the raid timer resets.Nubbyzor of Whisperwind quickly pointed out that if the raid leader is saved to the instance you join their raid ID. This has happened since the dawn of raid timers. People have been mislead into joining raids in progress and cannot get a second shot at a heroic if their group is under par. Heroics aren't really a big deal, if your group fails, you can try again tomorrow. It's lame, but it's only one day. The week-long timer on raids makes this a little bit harder to swallow.
Moritz Waldemeyer's keyhole surgery box tests your nerves
Okay, so let's get on the same page here: Operation. Now that we're all focused on that goofy looking guy flat on a table before we all lost our innocence in this Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, let us introduce you to Moritz Waldemeyer's crafty little box. Simply dubbed keyhole surgery, the device is more or less a 3D version of the aforementioned board game, designed to see just how steady you can hold the key and complete the puzzle without brushing up against the wall. We get this idea this is one of those "easier said than done" thingamajigs, wouldn't you agree?[Via Unplggd]
iPhone 101: Protect your device with a passcode
Are you worried that your iPhone or its data might get stolen? If you are, then this post is for you! Let's take a look at the iPhone's security options, starting in Settings > General > Passcode Lock.If this is your first time visiting the Passcode Lock settings, then you will be prompted to create a 4-digit passcode -- this can be anything, just make it memorable. Once you've entered and confirmed your passcode, you will see a couple options. The first two buttons let you turn the passcode lock off, or change your passcode. The next option, called "Require Passcode," allows you to set the interval between which your iPhone will require you to enter your passcode. For instance, if you set this interval for 5 minutes and you "sleep" your iPhone, you will be able to wake it and start using it again (without entering your passcode) for up-to five minutes after you put it to sleep. After the 5-minute time period has passed, your iPhone will require the passcode upon waking. You also have the ability to turn SMS Preview on/off. By showing the SMS preview, the sender's name (or number) and a few lines of the message will be displayed. If you have this option turned off, you will only see the generic "1 New Text Message" on the wake screen. For more protection, enable the "Erase Data" option. This erases all data from the device if someone tries to enter the wrong passcode more than 10 times. With the passcode lock turned on, you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your device, and data is safe. When you wake your iPhone by sliding a finger to unlock it, you will be presented with a number pad to enter your 4-digit code on. Upon successfully entering your code, the home screen will be displayed. Note that this works for the iPod touch as well.%Gallery-37434%Want more tips and tricks like this? Visit TUAW's iPhone 101 section today!
Scientists copy keys with computer imaging to make sure we feel insecure
Not satisfied with the time-honored traditions of lockpicking or bump keying, computer science professor Stefan Savage and a handful of grad students at the University of California at San Diego have developed a computer system that makes a functional copy of a key based solely on a photograph, regardless of angle or distance -- the image resolution just has to be high enough to make out the details. They claim they did this "to show people that their keys are not inherently secret" so they'll be more careful about flaunting them around in their Flickr photos, but we're worldly enough to know that they really did it to steal beer from rival frat houses. Shame![Via Switched]
USB-authenticated deadbolt lock promises to only let geeks pass
Sure you can go crazy and drop a few hundred bucks on a high-tech door lock, or you can follow the lead of the folks from Makers Local 256 and build this USB-authenticated deadbolt, which should set you back just $60 -- or no doubt less if you can scavenge up some spare parts. The setup is based on Arduino's slightly lesser known cousin the Freeduino, and effectively turns any standard USB thumb drive into a key, which can be just as easily lost or misplaced as a regular key but not as easily duplicated. What's more, it's not the data on the drive that gets read by the lock, but rather the serial number on a chip, which leaves the rest of the drive free for you to use as you please. Head on past the break to check it out in action.
Crit DoTs for Affliction, sorta
The Shadow Priest world was recently pleased to learn that Mind Flay is going to be enhanced in an upcoming beta build with the ability to crit (as well as a 30% increased spell power coefficient). The Affliction Warlock community, meanwhile, just wanted to know if they'd get a similar treatment, and it looks like the answer is: maybe? Kind of? Let me explain. Last night, class designer Koraa said the following in the beta forums: There will be a new talent in Affliction in an upcoming build. Keywords: "DoT" and "Crit" (Well, sorta) How do we interpret that "well, sorta"? Who knows, really. I'm sure we'll all see soon enough. In the mean time, it's always fun to speculate! What's like critting, but isn't actually a crit? Well, there could be a chance of 1.5x/2x damage, without actually being counted as a crit. This way it wouldn't trigger effects that trigger from crits. However, it would then not solve the issue of crit rating being next to meaningless for Aff locks. "Sorta" could also mean that crit mechanics will apply to DoTs, but not in a traditional way: A crit DoT could have each tick do extra damage (this would be the closest analogue of a regular crit, I think). It could be extended in duration, which would save on mana but not really raise DPS. Each tick could have a separate chance to crit. It could actually compress the DoT, making it do the same amount of damage in less time, which would raise DPS and keep DPM constant. I think that last one is my favorite. What do you think they'll do? What do you want them to do? Update: Semi-crit mechanism revealed! New talent: Pandemic - Each time you deal damage with Corruption or Unstable Affliction, you have a chance equal to your spell critical strike chance to deal 33/66/100% additional damage.
Schlage LiNK web-controlled Z-Wave door locks priced right out of consideration
We first spotted Schlage's web-controlled Z-Wave door locks back in May, but Schlage was still working out details on everything from the name to pricing, and it looks like ditching that key for online access will be pretty pricey: a LiNK lock "starter kit" will run $299 for a lock and Z-Wave Ethernet bridge that enables network control, with additional locks going for $199. On top of that, you'll be charged $12.99 a month for access to the LiNK portal and mobile apps, including 100MB of video storage if you add a video camera to the system. Good luck with that, Schlage -- turns out regular keys don't charge a monthly fee to keep doors locked.
Apple acknowledges iPhone passcode flaw, promises fix next month
Apple's taking a pretty lackadaisical attitude toward one of the most easily avoided security flaws in recent memory, calling the iPhone's passcode lock bypass a "minor iPhone security issue" and saying that a fix will be rolled out in September. Thanks, Apple; we suppose it'd be a little too much trouble to ask for a fix sooner, even though you already fixed it once in 1.1.4. For what it's worth, a company spokeswoman is quick to point out that the flaw can easily be hidden by changing the home button double-click functionality to take you to the home screen, but most users don't know that, now do they? Way to show some hustle, guys -- cookies and gold stars all around.
