This Week In The News: Fake Processors, Energizer Bunny is Evil, and much more!

This week in the news we have several newsworthy topics to cover.
-Newegg Ships Fake Intel Processors
-Energizer DUO usb Charger = Security Risk for PC Users
-Apple giving the App Store a 'Weight-Watchers' Treatment?
-Mac Gamers <3 Steam?  Coming Soon!


First up is the 'Newegg Controversy'.  For those who don't know, Newegg.com is one of the leading online computer/computer parts and accessory retailers.  Over the weekend it was reported that a small number of 'fake' processors where shipped to and sold by Newegg.  According to reports, there were 300 counterfeit Intel Core i7-920 processors shipped to customers.  I hate this for Newegg, because even if this is just a mishap it could negatively reflect on the company. Personally, I have used Newegg several times and have been thoroughly satisfied each time.  According to reports the packaging looks pretty genuine, but the instruction manual is a stack of blank pages stapled together, there were no pinouts on the processor, and the packging included a bogus fan.  See this site for more details: http://hardocp.com/article/2010/03/05/newegg_selling_fake_intel_cpus



Next in the news, is the Energizer Bunny Evil?  Turns out, no is the answer.  But it's software utlility might be.  The product in question is the Energizer DUO USB charger for NiMH batteries.  The product is safe for use; but for  Windows computer users who downloaded the software utility for monitoring the recharging batteries via your computer, not so much.  According to reports, the software tool creates a 'back access' for someone to remotely see/send/recieve or even execute a file.  Don't worry, the trojan can be easily deleted without much trouble.  This issue did not affect Mac users.  Energizer has discontinued this product before this issue was ever brought to light, but the product is still out the for purchase.  Please keep in mind that the battery charging hardware itself has no known issues; only the extra software (which isn't required to operate the product).  For more info on how to remove this trojan, check here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/190990/the_energizer_duo_trojan_what_you_need_to_know.html



Thirdly this week, Apple is doing some Spring Cleaning in their App Store.  Over the last couple of weeks, the hot topic has been the removal of some 'promiscuous' apps in the Apple App Store.  This involved removing a lot of 'softcore' type apps which depicted sexually/sensual pictures of women and or parts of the female anatomy.  As a user of the App Store, I was personally glad to see some of this go.  If kept unchecked, eventually apps like this would overrun the app store if not careful.  However, now Apple is going after apps that allow Iphone/Ipod Touch users to locate or find Wi-Fi hotspots.

Apple's reasoning is that these apps use 'undocumented or private APIs'.  If an app violates this part of the developer agreement, Apple axes it.  Why should it matter?  Have you ever needed to get quick web access and wasn't sure were the nearest public library or Starbucks was located?  I have used these tools before on PDA's and even laptops to locate the nearest coffee shop with free wi-fi for email access (who hasn't?).  One of the reason's I suppose Apple is aiming at these apps is due to the slow decline of Iphone user's who are seeking wi-fi access over using their 3G data connection on their Iphone.  Phone providers put a data cap on how much data can be used via that connection during the course of a month.  Using Wi-Fi does not.  Common sense in my book.

Apple has a lot going on in the coming weeks, with their iron handed rule over the app store, the upcoming release of the iPad (which may or may not revolutionize table computing, who knows).  Apple has their hands filled.  Apple owns the App Store and technically they can do whatever they like, regardless how user's feel about it.  But also, when Iphone/Ipod Touch user's get ticked off at Apple's decisions regarding their platform; said user's have been known to take drastic measures in forms of jailbreaking their devices which brings a whole new set of challenges for Apple.  And with Apple's recent banning of several prominent members of the jailbreaking community from the App Store; all we can do is sit back and watch with great anticipation of months to come in the Apple world.


And finally, Mac user's rejoice!  Steam is on it's way to the Mac.  Look for it this coming May.  And with it's release, Portal 2 is expected to be one of the premier games available for the Mac.  This is a huge step in the right direction as far as gaming on a Mac is concerned.  Why?  Mac's have never been known for their gaming abilities.  Games have always been on the back burner, but never really delved into on a Mac.  Hopefully, this will bring a welcome addition to the gaming community.  Steam is one of the largest digital distribution platforms in the world and is widely adopted on Windows based computers.  All I can say is, 'It's About Time'.

Have a great week everybody!