Hmm, thanks IBElite for the heads up on this one, seems that WMP8 likes to keep a history of your streaming behavior on the net too.
Fron MSNBC: Privacy expert Richard Smith Tuesday warned that Microsoft Corp. has implemented a feature in its Windows Media Player that could be used to track Internet users while they surf. Smith termed the feature a “SuperCookie,” but added that it currently doesn’t pose much risk to Internet users. Microsoft admits the feature could be used for malicious tracking, but several months ago updated Media Player to allow users to turn off the feature.
Still, the existence of the ID number is a concern for privacy advocates — particularly because it’s turned on by default.
Windows Media Player by default apparently issues users an ID number, which is even worse than a cookie in terms of being able to track movements online. So far, no sites seem to be using the tracking, but that can change quickly.
Because Windows Media Player is bundled with the Windows operating systems, experts say you "can definitely now track 95 percent of all home users across their every site visit on the Internet."
News source: Privacy issue hits Windows Media - MSNBC
Neowin Tip: Turn off tracking by opening Windows Media Player, go to Tools > Options and unselect the option: Allow internet sites to uniquely identify your player click OK
News source: SecurityFocus.com - BugTraq and updated info here (posted earlier today)
Fron MSNBC: Privacy expert Richard Smith Tuesday warned that Microsoft Corp. has implemented a feature in its Windows Media Player that could be used to track Internet users while they surf. Smith termed the feature a “SuperCookie,” but added that it currently doesn’t pose much risk to Internet users. Microsoft admits the feature could be used for malicious tracking, but several months ago updated Media Player to allow users to turn off the feature.
Still, the existence of the ID number is a concern for privacy advocates — particularly because it’s turned on by default.
Windows Media Player by default apparently issues users an ID number, which is even worse than a cookie in terms of being able to track movements online. So far, no sites seem to be using the tracking, but that can change quickly.
Because Windows Media Player is bundled with the Windows operating systems, experts say you "can definitely now track 95 percent of all home users across their every site visit on the Internet."
News source: Privacy issue hits Windows Media - MSNBCNeowin Tip: Turn off tracking by opening Windows Media Player, go to Tools > Options and unselect the option: Allow internet sites to uniquely identify your player click OK
News source: SecurityFocus.com - BugTraq and updated info here (posted earlier today)
Grant said the new product is aimed at large enterprise customers and will allow them to make use of any IP-based LAN for telephony services.
It can be used to extend VoIP to remote offices without a PBX, but those end-users will need a broadband connection such as DSL.
Strachman said the NEAX 2400 is still a TDM voice product at heart. "This is a hybrid," Strachman said. "NEC is essentially rigging their traditional PBX to handle IP."
He emphasized, however, that this was an appropriate strategy. "There is no reason to do VoIP just for the sake of doing it. NEC has a solid customer base doing traditional TDM telephony. This is a way for them to migrate to IP where they see a need."
Businesses with lots of small, remote offices might find this appealing, Strachman continued. "You could give all those offices four-digit dialing without having to install a PBX in each one," he said.
Grant said NEC's strategy is to end the debate about pure VoIP vs. TDM. "With our new NEAX 2400 you get to keep all your old PBX functions and still move to VoIP."
According to Strachman, about 15 percent to 20 percent of businesses in the United States are now using some VoIP.
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