Charlie Miller, Independent Security Evaluators researcher, and Collin Mulliner, a Ph.D. student at the University of Berlin, demonstrated during a Black Hat presentation that hackers can break into an iPhone via the SMS protocol to launch a denial-of-service (DOS) attack or take control of a victim’s phone.

“Its lots of fun to kick friends off the network, but it’s even more fun to own their phone,” Miller said, who demonstrated the exploits on both the iPhone and Android.

Google has already patched the vulnerability that Miller identified in Android and Apple has been working on a patch for the iPhone OS. An O2 spokesperson told BBC News that a patch would be available via iTunes on Saturday, though Apple has not confirmed that information. Miller told Ars that Apple has asked him to help test a patch, though that test hasn’t yet happened. Miller did confirm that the problem affects iPhone OS up to 3.0, and he suspects it also affects current 3.1 betas. Other phone operating systems would also need patched to the fix the problem.

“We always recommend our customers update their iPhone with the latest software, and this is no different,” the O2 spokesperson told the BBC.

The Apple iPhone hack stems from the manner in which the iPhone handles the SMS protocol, according to Miller. The flaw, if exploited, could shut off the smartphone, deface text or reconfigure keys. The DoS hack floods a victim’s iPhone with hundreds of text messages that essentially allow the hacker to keep owners off the network.

“Basically what happens, you send a bad SMS, you can’t use your phone,” Miller said Thursday. “Literally the phone is working, you just can’t press any of the buttons.”

When T-Mobile describes the myTouch 3G, it emphasizes its design focus on personalization, and how users can customize menus, wallpapers and icons and choose among more than 6,000 Android Market applications.

G1 delivers an extraordinary browsing experience. The G1’s browser comes with a clever multi-page window pane; it lets you surf multiple websites at the same time. Drag the page around with your finger to pan, or move from one link or textbox to another with the handy trackball positioned perfectly for your thumb. And don’t worry about waiting for pages to load. The G1 is equipped with 3.5G and Wi-Fi technology… seamlessly switching to always offer you the best connection.

Instant notification bar discretely alerts you of emails, text messages or IM sent your way. Whether you’re getting mail from Gmail™, another POP or IMAP account or receiving IMs from any of the most popular services, you’ll be alerted as soon as a new message comes in.

Make the G1 your G1 with instant access to Android Market™. The market is constantly updated with exciting new applications for your T-Mobile G1™. Download and install your favorite software, music or games and more. The fully customizable home screen lets you put all the tools and gadgets within your finger tips.

The MyTouch 3G will sell for $200 with a two-year service plan. It has a 3.2 inch touch-screen and a 3.2 megapixel camera that supports video for use with MMS.

Oxnard, CA – July 30, 2009 – Scosche Industries, an award-winning innovator of mobile electronics and iPod accessories, today announced availability of the new “Works With iPhone” and “Made for iPod” certified IDR350M (Increased Dynamic Range) noise isolating earphones for the iPhone 3GS, iPod shuffle (Gen 3), iPod touch (Gen 2), iPod nano (Gen 4) and iPod classic 120GB.

The IDR350Ms feature Scosche’s integrated tapLINE control technology that allows users to play/pause,  adjust volume, skip tracks, navigate playlists, record voice memos, activate the voice control feature, and answer/end calls without having to take their iPod or iPhone out of their pocket or bag.

This functionality is particularly useful for iPod shuffle Gen 3 users given that model’s lack of control buttons. The earphones compatibility with Apple’s new Voice Control Technology allows iPhone 3GS users to speak the name of a contact or say a phone number to place a call.  IDR350M users can say the name of a song to play a specific track, ask the iPhone what song is playing, or even ask the iPhone to play similar songs with the Scosche earphones.

The IDR350Ms also give users a chance to customize their earphones with six different interchangeable color caps to match their mood or color coordinate with particular outfit.

The Scosche IDR350M earphones are available now on www.Scosche.com for $49.99 MSRP, and will go on sale at several other fine retailers around the world in the coming weeks.

Scosche will also begin shipping the IDR350MD in August.  These darker models offer the same feature set and great sound as the IDR350M, and will be available at Apple stores across the country.

The SignalBoost Mini-Mobile Amplifier features a slim, compact design for inconspicuous installation and is powered by the vehicle’s cigarette lighter. The amplifier is bundled with an interior antenna available in two package options. The first is Wilson Electronics’ Cell Phone Cradle Plus, a cell phone docking cradle that doubles as an antenna, offering hands-free operation. The second is an Ultra-Slim Antenna that can be installed on the side of the driver’s seat or under the seat fabric. A magnet-base external antenna that attaches to the roof of the vehicle completes two of the four product bundles. The remaining two bundles do not include an external antenna, giving users the option to customize their installation to suit specific needs by using a marine, RV or trucking antenna.

The plug-and-play SignalBoost Mini-Mobile Amplifier, like other Wilson products, extends signal range and increases data rates for cellular users by amplifying signals to and from the cell tower. The Mini-Mobile Amplifier provides up to six times more power and substantially higher receiver sensitivity than a typical mobile phone. This solution improves the performance of mobile phones and data cards used in vehicles. Offering a wireless connection between cellular devices and the amplifier, the SignalBoost Mini-Mobile Amplifier supports multiple phones and data cards simultaneously, can be installed in minutes and is easily moved from vehicle to vehicle.

“Wilson Electronics provides the most effective equipment in the industry for enhancing cellular voice and data signal quality. Our new SignalBoost Mini-Mobile Amplifier significantly reduces instances of dropped calls and extends service range for cell phone users,” said Mark Evans, marketing manager at Wilson Electronics. “Whether you’re on a road trip, commuting to work, or in a boat or off-road vehicle in the middle of nowhere, the SignalBoost Mini-Mobile Amplifier ensures you have the highest quality cellular reception possible.”

Unlike some competing products, Wilson’s SignalBoost Mini-Mobile bundles contain two internal amplifier circuits that boost cellular signals to and from the cell tower simultaneously. Weak signals broadcast from a distant cell tower are captured by the roof-mounted antenna, amplified by the highly-sensitive receiving amplifier and rebroadcast with greater strength to cellular devices in the interior of the vehicle through the Cradle Plus or Ultra-Slim Antennas. Conversely, outgoing signals from cell devices in the vehicle are picked up by the interior antenna, amplified by the powerful outgoing amplifier and rebroadcast back to the cell tower.

The SignalBoost Mini-Mobile Amplifier bundles (801230, 801231, 801232 and 801233) are fully compatible with all hands-free devices such as BluetoothTM headsets or ear buds and are available from $329 to $374 MSRP at authorized Wilson dealers, including Radio Shack franchise stores. Visit the dealer locator page at www.wilsonelectronics.com for a list of stores by ZIP code or to buy the product immediately from an online retail partner.

[via - Business Wire]

Customers of MetroPCS pay by the month, no by the minute, and do not require a yearly contract, or deposit. Wireless plans range from $30 to $50 per month with no limit on talk time. Many of the plans include unlimited features such as voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, text and photo messaging, push email, internet, IM and 411 service.

MetroPCS plans to open 60 locations in the greater Las Vegas area, creating approximately 150 jobs by the end of 2008.