Microsoft Natural Keyboard With Covert Keylogger (Not An Official Feature)

When I first read about this Microsoft Natural Keyboard that had a secret keylogger inside I assumed it was just an official feature that MS never bothered to mention. (For obvious reasons.) But in reality this keyboard has been specially modified to include the keylogger inside so that it’s completely undetectable by either the user or a piece of anti-virus or anti-spyware software.

And from what I can tell this keyboard is actually a few years old since it boasts a massive 2MB of storage (which can capture up to 2 million keystrokes) and requires a computer with a PS/2 port. I particularly like that in order to access the keystroke logs you have to open a text editor like Word, Notepad or Wordpad and type in a secret password you previously assigned. While the password can easily be changed you’ll want to go out of your way to ensure it’s not something your intended spy victim would ever type. I suggest phrases like “happyworkenvironment” or “wholeheartedlytrustmyboss” etc.

Unfortunately the keyboard is a one-off design so once it’s bought there’s no additional stock. But again, given how old the keyboard appears to be (PS/2) I guess the $434 price tag is too much for even the most mistrusting of persons.

Logitech Announces AudioHub for Notebooks

Logitech announced a new product today called the AudioHub that combines two things that most notebook users will need like a USB hub and a set of decent speakers. The system uses a three-chamber speaker system that has an integrated subwoofer.

The AudioHub draws power for the speakers, the built-in three port USB hub and gets sounds from your PC from one single USB connection. This also means that disconnecting the AudioHub to take your notebook on the road requires only one plug to be undone.

The device is designed so that the speakers are width adjustable allowing you to position them to the sides of your notebook, rather than behind it for better sound quality. On the rear of the device is a cable organizer to help keep things tidy. Logitech says the AudioHub will be available in October for $99.99.

TicTalk Mobile Phone For Kids

The must-have kid’s toys of the past like Cabbage Patch Kids in the 80’s and Tickle Me Elmo in the 90’s are being replaced by high-tech must-have items such as cellphones these days. Of course no parent should give an irresponsible 10-year-old a completely unrestricted phone so kid-friendly cellphones are becoming more popular. Like the Firefly or Migo the TicTalk is a fully working GSM/GPRS capable cellphone that is only restricted when it comes to how the child can use it.

The phone uses a pay-as-you-go rate plan that runs about $25 for 100 minutes but the parent can also limit how many of those minutes the child can use on a daily basis. These restrictions including a pre-approved phone book can all be setup by logging into the TicTalk website since the phone itself only has a minimal set of buttons. (No keyboard.) Syncing is all done wirelessly but you can connect the TicTalk to a PC via USB in order to upload photos. But given it only has a black and white screen that functionality seems rather pointless.

As an added incentive to entice parents the TicTalk also includes a set of educational Leap Frog games for teaching math, spelling, science and social studies. And to encourage the kids to actually touch those games they can earn additional reward minutes by playing them.

The TicTalk runs about $99 in addition to the pay-as-you-go rates but the activation is free.