VideoLan releases VLC media player fix

Developers of the VLC media player have released a new version that takes care of several bugs and adds other improvements.

The latest version is now 1.1.3, which repairs a memory corruption problem in the TagLib plug-in that is rated as “critical” and affected VLC versions 0.9.0 through 1.1.2.

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to crash the application or execute arbitrary code by tricking a user into opening a malware-laden media file, according to an advisory from Vupen Security.

via VideoLan releases VLC media player fix.

Indigo 4.1.13 Released

Perceptive Automation has just released Indigo v4.1.13.

In addition to the major 4.0 improvements and 4.1 features, this update includes:

  • Added UI to set default ramp rate and brightness for In-LineLinc Dimmers.
  • Fixed bug that sometimes caused PowerLinc links sync error after creating a new database file.
  • Fixed very minor bug that caused a bogus “objects in use” delete warning alert.

See more at Indigo 4.1.13 Released.

Police crack criminal conspiracy to make millions from stolen iPhones

Nine people accused of co-ordinating the sophisticated scam were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud in a series of early morning raids.City of London Police detectives swooped on homes in Forest Gate and Southall in London, Southend, Walsall, central Birmingham and Middlesbrough.

They seized dozens of mobile phones, hundreds of Sim cards, computers, documentation, stolen bank cards, several fake passports and cash.The raids followed a month-long investigation into a rapidly growing criminal conspiracy profiting from the theft and illegal use of almost 1,000 iPhones.Police were called in after mobile phone company 02 watched the scam spiral out of control, with £1.2 million stolen through premium phone lines in July alone.

Read more via Police crack criminal conspiracy to make millions from stolen iPhones – Telegraph.

Dresden Files – Book 8 – Proven Guilty

You know, some series just seem to keep your attention for a impossible number of books…  So far, I have devoured the Dresden books by Jim Butcher.

I don’t know quite what it is about the series, maybe it’s the throw back to the Private Investigator genre, maybe it’s the fact that’s he’s a Wizard that is advertised in the yellow pages….

In the world of The Dresden Files, magic is real, along with vampires, demons, spirits, faeries, werewolves, and other mythical monsters. Harry Dresden works to protect the general public, who are ignorant of magic and the dark forces conspiring against them. This makes it difficult for Harry to get by as a working wizard and private eye. The Chicago PD’s Special Investigation unit, when led by Karrin Murphy, regularly employs Dresden as a consultant to help solve cases of a supernatural nature.

Maybe it’s the fact that he reminds me of Peter Parker…

Yes, I’ve said it.  He’s a wise-arse insult slinging bad joke throwing wizard…  That has authority issues…  Sound like anyone else?

How about this quote:

“Oh, come on”, I said, louder.  “I’m starting to feel a little insulted, here.  If you guys keep this up.  I’m going to take drastic, cliched measures.  Maybe walk backward through a doorway or something.”   As he is trying to find some hidden minions in a horror showing theatre.

Sound anything like a spider related humanoid that we know?

I highly recommend the series:

  • Storm Front (Book 1)
  • Fool Moon (Book 2)
  • Grave Peril (Book 3)
  • Summer Knight (Book 4)
  • Death Masks (Book 5)
  • Blood Rites (Book 6)
  • Dead Beat (Book 7)
  • Proven Guilty (Book 8)
  • White Night (Book 9)
  • Small Favor (Book 10)
  • Turn Coat (Book 11)

Torchwood – The New World

Well, it appears that the next Torchwood series will be continuing in the vein of an conspiracy / thriller?

Starz have published more details of the upcoming Torchwood co-production with BBC Worldwide. The series is due for transmission in the summer of 2011.

SERIES SYNOPSIS

When C.I.A. agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy, he finds himself unearthing a threat which challenges the entire human race. The answers seem to lie within an old, secret British institute, known only as Torchwood. But Torchwood was destroyed, years ago, and the keys to the institute are held by its only two survivors – former Police Officer Gwen Cooper, who has long since disappeared along with her husband and child, and the mysterious Captain Jack Harkness, a man whose history seems to stretch back centuries.

With Rex under attack from all sides, in both the US and the UK, he soon discovers there are forces at work within every level of society, determined to stop Torchwood’s return. As a chain of events across the world links together the most disparate and unlikely individuals – including a surgeon, a killer, senators and CEOs – a new Torchwood team takes shape. But this time, the threat is much closer to home, as they realize that their greatest enemy is mankind itself…

If it’s half as good as Torchwood: Children of Earth, then I think we’ll be in good hands.

But, with the move to StarZ…  We’ll have to see how well this holds up…

Portal 2 release date – Feb 9, 2011

Valve has officially revealed the release date for its highly anticipate puzzle/shooter sequel, Portal 2. Fans will be able to return to Aperture Science and suck sentient turrets through giant tubes on February 9, 2011!

The game was originally slated for release this year, but got pushed back, reasons unknown.  Also, Stephen Merchant will be playing Wheatley, the AI sidekick in the game as well.    I think Glados will have some competition this time around…