MS Vista to take on top hackers

Microsoft is to show off some of the key security features of its new Windows Vista operating system to the world`s top hackers at the Black Hat security conference in August, reports eWeek.

The report says Microsoft will be the first software vendor to present an entire Black Hat Briefing track on a pre-release product. It is also the first time a representative from Microsoft will make an official presentation at the hacker conference.

Microsoft says the day-long track of five presentations is aimed at gathering as much feedback as possible to ensure Windows Vista succeeds as the most secure version of Windows ever released.

Verizon Wireless has joined Sprint-Nextel and the Walt Disney Company in introducing a child-tracking device to the US market that enables parents to monitor their children`s movements using a global positioning system embedded in mobile phones.

TMC Net says the new "Chaperone" service will be available for $10 a month and comes bundled with a child-friendly mobile phone that has a modified keypad to enable children to call four programmable phone numbers plus an emergency number.

The service uses GPS technology in the phone that lets a parent locate the device. The parent can get a fix on their child`s phone using their own phone, or by accessing the information via a PC and Web site set up for Chaperone users.

Sony Pictures will release its first seven titles on the Blu-Ray format on 20 June, reports The Inquirer.

The long-awaited roll-out will coincide with the first commercially available Blu-Ray DVD player from Samsung and a Blu-Ray-compatible PC from Sony.

Sony says the first Blu-Ray titles will include 50 First Dates, The Fifth Element, Hitch and the House of Flying Daggers.

Microsoft has released a dozen security updates to fix at least 21 vulnerabilities in its Windows operating system and other software, including 12 flaws labelled "critical", reports the Washington Post.

The report says the patch bundle is the largest yet for 2006, and includes a patch rollup that mends at least eight different flaws in nearly all versions of Microsoft`s Internet Explorer Web browser.

IE flaws are considered "critical" because they expose users to the risk of having their computer hijacked by inadvertently visiting a malicious Web site, or clicking on a link that redirects them to one.