Hello Barbie and connected toys hacked
Remember Hello Barbie? It's the first Barbie from Mattel which can talk back, with the ability to answer questions about anything from friendship to God.
When Mattel first announced the AI doll (only available in the US for $80), children's privacy groups raised concerns about a connected toy that could record children's voices asking sensitive questions.
Now researcher Matt Jakubowski has found hackers could pull out Wi-Fi network names (possibly giving away a child's location), account IDs and MP3 sound files.
ToyTalk, the company that provides the tech for Hello Barbie, said this data was already available to customers through the app.
Meanwhile, kids' electronics maker VTech admitted it had been hacked this week, with the breach affecting five million accounts, including those of children. Data lost includes email addresses, encrypted passwords, and physical addresses. VTech sells devices like child-safe smartphones and baby monitors.
VTech said it had taken actions against future attacks.
Uber launches cab-sharing in London
Uber has launched UberPool in the UK, offering 25% off cab rides if customers are willing to share with other people.
UberPool now appears as a new ride option on the Uber app. Customers can hail a cab as usual, but will be paired with other riders going in the same direction.
The launch is likely to heighten tensions between Uber and the black cab industry, further undercut by the new service.
Source: The Telegraph
Samsung replaces mobile chief amid profit fall
Samsung will replace the head of its mobile arm, with current chief Shin Jong-Kyun stepping down for Koh Dong-jin, currently head of mobile research and development.
Shin was responsible for the successful Galaxy smartphone series, but while Samsung still remains the biggest phone maker in terms of sales, profits have been falling.
Shin will remain a co-chief executive at Samsung, but step back from day-to-day operations.
Source: Financial Times
In case you missed it...two longer reads
Read the key features from our November 2015 issue on postcapitalism
This month we looked at new economic models and how marketing fits into a future of potential postcapitalism. Read all our insights and news from the theme in one place.
Lidl's Arnd Pickhardt voted Marketers' Marketer of the Year as he scoops German role
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If you watch one video today...
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