In this week's wrap, a flaw in some pacemakers could allow hackers to kill someone several metres away using their laptops, and a French engineer has designed a grape-harvesting robot that is set to make the lives of wine growers a little easier. Get the details on these stories and more below.
Pacemaker hacking could be deadly
New research from Barnaby Jack of security vendor IOActive has found that pacemakers from several manufacturers can be commanded to deliver a deadly 830-volt shock from someone on a laptop up to 15m away. According to Jack, the flaw is the result of poor software programming by medical device companies.
Via TechHive
Vineyard robot harvests grapes
A French engineer has designed a robot that makes the grape-harvesting process simple. The robot, termed Wall-Ye, will make the lives of wine growers a little easier by pruning the vines for them. Wall-Ye is still a work in progress.
Via Reuters
Say goodbye to your keyboard and mouse
George Fitzmaurice, head of user interface research for US software maker Autodesk, describes the keyboard and mouse as "a hard act to follow". But there are plenty of ideas in the pipeline. As Apple's iPhone and its rivals introduced touch-screens to the masses, new technologies now promise to change the way users interact with computers forever.
Via BBC
Apple 1 to auction for over $90 000
One of the first computers built by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs will be auctioned, priced at about $90 000. The famed Apple 1 was not only built by Wozniak's own hands back in 1976, but it was also Apple's first production computer and sold about 200 units.
Via SFGate
James Bond goes Android
In the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall, Bond will use an Android smartphone. Google, via Sony, wants to market Android in the same way that Apple has done so well in the past - promoting a gadget through product placement in Hollywood blockbusters. This is not the first time strategic product placement has been featured in a Bond flick, with Blu-Ray disc players and Sony Ericsson phones appearing prominently in Casino Royale.
Via The Next Web
'Password' top password of 2012
SplashData has released its annual list of the most common passwords used on the Internet and "Password" has topped the list of the most popular - and worst - passwords of 2012. Other popular choices in 2012 include "123456" and "12345678". According to Mashable, with the high-profile hacks of Yahoo, LinkedIn and other passwords this year, one would expect Internet users to give some additional thought to their online security, but apparently this isn't the case.
Via Huffington Post
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