Intel + DRM: a crippled processor that you have to pay extra to unlock

Intel’s latest business-model takes a page out of Hollywood’s playbook: they’re selling processors that have had some of their capabilities crippled (some of the cache and the hyperthreading support are switched off). For $50, they’ll sell you a code that will unlock these capabilities. Conceptually, this is similar to the DRM notion that I can sell you a movie that you can watch on one screen for $5 today, and if you want to unlock your receiver’s wireless output so you can watch it upstairs, it’ll be another $5 — via redwolf.newsvine.com

4chan DDoS Takes Down MPAA and Anti-Piracy Websites

Following a call to arms yesterday, the masses inhabiting the anonymous 4chan boards have carried out a huge assault on a pair of anti-piracy enemies. The website of Aiplex Software, the anti-piracy outfit which has been DDoSing torrent sites recently, is currently down having been DDoS’d. They are joined in the Internet wasteland by the MPAA’s website, also currently under huge and sustained attack — via redwolf.newsvine.com

Facebook stalker a 12-year-old girl

A mother’s fear that her 12-year-old daughter was being stalked by a paedophile on Facebook sparked an in-depth, almost month-long investigation involving the Australian Federal Police.

But police have been left dumbfounded by the discovery that the person who harassed and sent pornographic images to the girl via the site was another 12-year-old girl — via redwolf.newsvine.com

eBay who?

Not that eBay has an awareness problem in Australia, but Dr Mumbo understands that the company recently attempted to have some promotional products produced for it.

The company – a banner maker – was convinced it was a scam and refused to accept the business — via redwolf.newsvine.com

John’s Phone: the minimalist anti-smart-phone

John’s Phones sell no-frills mobile phones that send and receive calls and pretty much nothing else (though there’s a place to keep your pen). Warren Ellis likens it to a phone from minimalist Japanese housewares/clothing company Muji.

Finally a separate unit with no frills and conditions. A simlock free phone with large keys, an address book, a pen and over three weeks time standby… John’s Phone is simple and easy for young, old, holiday, grandfathers, grandmothers, athletes, national and international business traffic.

— via boingboing