Geekly Update May 25

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

The Universities of Washington and California San Diego teamed to form the Center for Automotive Embedded Systems Security to see if they could wirelessly hack into car security systems. They succeeded in creating a device able to remotely kill the engine, disable the brakes, sound the horn, control the radio and lock the doors of a test car. I'm thinking "Norton Anti-Virus Automotive Edition" can't be far off...

A decade-long international study researching the effects of cell phone usage and cancer has found that (drum roll, please)... the results are inconclusive. However, the most frequent users did show "a suggestion" of increased risk for brain tumors. The investigators also say that more studies are needed to assess the risk of mobile phone use for children, who may be more susceptible to the effects of radiation.

Trying to keep current, Amazon is releasing an Kindle app for Android phones, similar to those for the iPhone and BlackBerry. Read, navigate and purchase books and sync reading progress. Sign up now to be notified when the app becomes available this summer.

Some iPad users are having a problem when trying to use their Hotmail accounts. Program Manager Mike Schackwitz says they are working with Apple on the issue and, in the mean time, advises utilizing the mobile Hotmail site or set the iPad email client to use POP to download it.

An in-store Fun and Free eBook Promotion is being held by Barnes & Noble over the next five weeks. If you own a Nook, iPhone/iPod Touch, HTC HD2 or other supported ebook reader, you will get an access code to receive 5 free bestsellers that can be used online.

Apple has finally started paying attention to the MacBook again. The latest version packs 2GB RAM, a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics card and a longer battery life of 10 hours. The MacBook will set you back $999.00 and for an extra $200 you can bump yourself up to the Pro.

Best Buy is sinking its teeth into the movie download biz with CinemaNow. They will start out with video-on-demand rentals/sales and, if successful, may move on to subscription service.

Not For Sale Now is an interesting free startup meant for those who want to assess the worth of an item without committing to its sale. It also features a "Gotta Have It Now" option for those who are looking for something specific and want to make a high offer.

Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit has been targeting pay-per-click (PPC) advertising fraud. They have already filed two lawsuits and will continue to pursue click fraud scammers.

Stay tuned for Google TV, which is basically a browser that lets you search for a program or channel online and save it for watching at your convenience. Watch for companies to create set top boxes to make the transition simpler.