A vulnerability found in open-source MPEG audio player mpg123 received a “highly critical” rating Tuesday from security information provider Secunia. The software vulnerability may lead to an exploit in which a specially crafted MP2 or MP3 file could cause a memory problem called a “buffer overflow” that could allow an attacker to run malicious code.

The new Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Game Adapter solves the connection cord problem by enabling your Xbox or PlayStation 2 to hitch a ride on your wireless home network without the need for any cabling. This small hardware device from Actiontec Electronics contains built-in 802.11g wireless technology that allows a game console to communicate with a wireless router for high-speed gaming with another player in the house or across the world without a wired connection. Just plug the adapter into the Ethernet port on the back of your console with the cable provided in the package, find an online gaming companion, and escape over your cable or DSL superhighway.

A Japanese consortium of robotics experts has thrown down the gauntlet to future players of football (soccer for us Yanks), by claiming their engineered humans will play mankind off the park within 45 years. “By 2050, our aim is to beat the winners of football’s World Cup and we are very confident that we will be able to do that,” said Shu Ishiguro, who heads Robot Laboratory in Osaka. “When we have accomplished that, we will have a society in which humans and artificial intelligence are completely in harmony.”

Microsoft is killing off its Pocket PC and Smartphone brands in preference to the Windows Mobile name, an indication of how PDAs are merging with phones. The decision will simplify Microsoft’s product line by replacing three overlapping brands with one. However, it could cause confusion since that brand will cover radically different types of devices.

iGolf Technologies announced they will begin distributing and selling an SD GPS receiver with their proprietary SD GPS driver exclusively for the new Palm powered Treo 650. The SD GPS receiver is the most convenient way to obtain GPS functionality using the Treo 650. In addition to the SD GPS receiver, the package will also include a complimentary copy of iGolfgps v.2 and a discount link for Mapopolis Navigator.

iAnywhere Solutions launched the latest version of its AvantGo service, delivering features for managing and viewing mobile Internet content offline or online, anywhere at anytime. Enhanced capabilities allow for improved wireless synchronization, easier on-device Web channel management and an expanded support system for AvantGo users, resulting in a more robust online and offline user experience.

Chapura released KeySuite 3.3, an update to their handheld companion software to Microsoft Outlook. KeySuite includes synchronization software and five integrated handheld applications that allow comprehensive and efficient management of Outlook Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Notes, and Today information on a Palm OS handheld.

Toyota Motor will introduce robots which can work as well or better than humans at all 12 of its factories in Japan to cut costs and deal with a looming labor shortage as the country ages. The robots would be able to carry out multiple tasks simultaneously with their two arms, achieving efficiency unseen in human workers and matching the cheap wages of Chinese laborers.

I’m not exactly sure how, but we managed to miss this release back in December. Thanks go out to author Heather Wardell for bringing it to my attention.–Ed. During December and January, Handango customers can get a different free software application each week. All customers have to do is register with Handango and they can get up to eight free applications.

Creative Algorithms announced the release of updated graphics for Trip Boss, all-in-one travel manager for the Palm OS handheld. The graphics update includes a complete redesign of the tab presentation along to top of the screen. In addition, the update adds all new color icons (standard (160×160) and hi res), high resolution (320×320, 240×240) icons, new grayscale icons, and enhanced monochrome icons. The color and resolution will adjust accordingly to what each device supports.