Sony BMG Music Entertainment and the Electronic Frontier Foundation digital rights group jointly announced they had found, and fixed, a new computer security risk associated with some of the record label’s CDs. The danger is associated with copy-protection software included on some Sony discs created by a company called SunnComm Technologies. The vulnerability could allow malicious programmers to gain control of computers that have run the software, which is typically installed automatically when a disc is put in a computer’s CD drive. The issue affects a different set of CDs than the ones involved in the copy-protection gaffe that led Sony to recall 4.7 million CDs last month, and which has triggered several lawsuits against the record label.

Electric Pocket announces a collection of 20 free Christmas and New Year ringtones that will be provided with all new Ringo purchases, and separately to existing Ringo users. The festive ringtones collection includes seasonal tunes to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

DeadMan’s Handle, the innovative concept in notebook security, has now been released as version 1.4. The software now inter operates with laptop tracking software, further enhancing its security capabilities. This advanced software protects sensitive notebook information when it is lost or stolen. It does so by invisibly erasing it, providing an additional layer of security that complements technologies now in use.

Protective Solutions announced the invisibleSHIELD Screen Protector for the Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable). The invisibleSHIELD Screen Protector is a transparent film covering that protects PSPs from scratches and damage that can occur from handling and everyday use. The protector covers the top side of a PSP, including the device’s screen–a highly critical area that is most relied on during gameplay. The invisibleSHIELD Screen Protector is the strongest PSP protective solution available, designed to last for five years or more and comes with a complete, money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.

BoxWave announced the Dual Handsfree Stereo Headset for Treo, Samsung i730, and other handhelds. The Dual Handsfree Stereo Headset allows you to enjoy high performance stereo music and easy handsfree communication all in a portable and compact design. You can receive an incoming call while listening to music, you can answer your phone with one simple touch of a button, and the integrated microphone allows you to talk handsfree.

PDAMill is offering a 35% discount on select titles for a limited time. Use coupon code SANTA2005 during checkout to take advantage of this discount.

iAnywhere, a subsidiary of Sybase, announced the availability of the latest release of its M-Business Anywhere. The solution provides developers with a platform for delivering Web-based content and applications to mobile devices rapidly and cost-effectively for online and disconnected use. M-Business Anywhere 6.0 new features include Web Services integration support, Asian localization as well as improvements in management, performance and security.

A Chicago man who bought Microsoft’s new Xbox 360 has sued the software maker, saying the new video game console has a design flaw that causes it to overheat and freeze up. The proposed class action suit claims that in Microsoft’s bid to gain share in the $25 billion global video game market, the company was so intent on releasing the Xbox 360 before competing next-generation machines from Sony and Nintendo that it sold a “defectively designed” product.

Sony has added support for RSS and Windows Media Audio files to its PlayStation Portable with a firmware update. Users can add RSS feeds from Web sites they visit by clicking on the relevant RSS feed buttons or links and then check these feeds through the RSS Channel menu. Support for podcasts is also included. The Windows Media Audio support allows playback of WMA files through the PSP’s music menu.

Increased funding is essential if Europe is to exploit robotics’ vast economic potential and compete with projects in the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Each year, the commission and EU nations combined spend $100 million on robotics research. Japan and Korea each spend about the same, while the United States spends up to $500 million–largely because of the huge demand for military-related robotics.