tough

Hackers release source code for Symantec's PCAnywhere

A group of hackers has released the source code for Symantec's PCAnywhere product.

The public release of the code yesterday came as no surprise as the hackers had been threatening such an action in a series of e-mail negotiations with what they thought were representatives of Symantec. The group, known as Yamatough but operating under the umbrella of Anonymous, had been demanding a $50,000 payoff from Symantec to keep the source code private.

Yamatough was actually negotiating with law enforcement officials posing as Symantec representatives in an attempt to draw out the group. But a "spokesperson" … Read more

Fisher-Price wants your kids to watch TV everywhere

LAS VEGAS--Fisher-Price is coming out with a portable DVR that even a 3-year-old can operate. In fact, that's entirely the point.

Tonight at Pepcom Digital Experience the toy maker showed off its upcoming portable DVR players called Kid Tough, designed for kids 3 to 5. They're rugged devices that come in either blue or pink (clever, huh?) and that can record up to two hours, although the memory is expandable with a micro SD slot. The screen is a small but sufficient 3.5 inches and looks easy to use via a touch interface, which is what … Read more

Case-mate's new tough case is no ghost

Case-mate's latest tough iPhone 4/4S case, the Phantom, just started shipping, but it's worth calling out because Case-mate is officially launching it at CES in Vegas.

This is a "two-piece" case, but it doesn't include an integrated plastic screen cover like some tough cases do (it comes with a stick-on screen protector).

As noted, the Phantom comes in multiple colors and retails for $50. When I get my hands on one, I'll see if it's worthy of making it onto our Top 20 tough iPhone 4 and 4S case list.

V-Moda Crossfade LP2 headphones sport 'tanklike' toughness

V-Moda refines the sound design of last year's original Crossfade LP DJ headphones with a refresh that offers customized ear plates, dual 50mm drivers, and a tough backbone enforced under strict military testing.

For this version, V-Moda displays its newest Live Play sonic signature developed using a 31-band equalizer to ensure a clean space, free of artificial sound spikes. The guts are built around a driver diaphragm model with a hard inner ring that pumps mids and highs, while a softer outer ring on top extends the bass line for harder punches.

V-Moda takes precautions to protect the Crossfade LP2s so you don't have to. The headphones adhere to the military's MIL-STD-810G hardened guidelines and will likely outlive everything else in your DJ bag thanks to a Kevlar wrapped detachable cable, a headband that can bend completely flat, and the shell's resistance to humidity, salt spray, and UV exposure.

The company is also offering customers a chance to personalize their gear with a custom ear shield program that lets you select between 12 colors of interchangeable shields- if you ask nicely, V-Moda will even etch your artwork onto the sides, anything from your name, company, sports team logo, or personal artwork.

The V-Moda Crossfade LP2 headphones are available now for $199.

More pictures after the break.… Read more

Case-Mate Tank: Hard-core iPhone 4S protection

There's a new kid on the tough iPhone 4/4S block and it's name is Tank.

Case-Mate, the company behind Tank, is touting how protective the new "military-grade" case is, and thanks to a partnership with the folks behind the SharkEye cases, it has a unique retractable window that covers the screen but also gives you full access to the screen when needed.

The Tank comes in a few different colors, including the color you see pictured, as well as a simple black-and-white with pink trim. It's got a nice textured finish, and while it'… Read more

Best Buy sitting on a pile of unsold HP tablets

There have been plenty of hints that Hewlett-Packard's TouchPad isn't selling well. First there was a $50 discount. Then there were spot discounts of $100 at outlets like Costco. Then the $100 discount became permanent. Adding insult to apparent injury, a deal on Woot for $120 off an entry-level 16-GB TouchPad netted all of 612 takers.

With HP set to report quarterly earnings tomorrow, sources familiar with the matter tell AllThingsD that TouchPad sales are failing yet another critical test: sales at big box consumer electronics retailer Best Buy.

According to one source who's seen internal HP … Read more

Eco Pod waterproof smartphone case keeps tech dry in wet weather

"I love going to the beach, but hate getting sand on my iPhone. #FirstWorldProblems"

If that tweet sounds familiar, you'll want to add the Grace Digital Audio Eco Pod to your shopping list.

The Eco Pod is an outdoor case for your phone or MP3 player that wraps the device in an airtight valve for complete protection against the elements. It comes with a pair of Grace's Sonar Premium Waterproof Headphones so you can jam without worrying about damaging your gear.

The case features a waterproof IPX7 headset jack that can also pair with any standard … Read more

Speck adds ToughShell case to iPhone 4 line

Otterbox remains king of the rugged smartphone case arena, but there are plenty of alternatives, including Speck's new ToughShell for iPhone 4.

Like other rugged cases, this one has multiple layers of protection (three to be exact) and it comes with the requisite detachable holster with rotating belt clip that doubles as a viewing stand.

Speck, which makes some of the best iPhone cases out there, says the $49.99 ToughShell is the company's toughest case yet (it also has the ToughSkin for iPhone 4).

If this model doesn't do it for you, here are some other … Read more

SharkEye's tough case shutters your iPhone's screen

We've seen some interesting iPhone cases in our time, but SharkEye's rugged iPhone cases add a really interesting twist with its built-in retractable screen protectors.

When you're using the phone, the screen protector lives tucked away in the back of the case. But when you want your screen to be covered, you just pull down the shade, so to speak, and slide the cover over the screen (the video below is worth a thousand words).

SharkEye makes cases for the black iPhone 4 (sorry, the case isn't compatible with the white version at this time), as … Read more