Technology

The Flame virus, described as one of the most dangerous and powerful forms of malware created is being blamed on Israel for its destruction and damage throughout the Middle East. Some experts say it serves the same purpose as an earlier virus, Stuxnet, that disabled Iranian nuclear facilities.

The Flame virus has affected largely Iran, disrupting computers and being spread rapidly, though no one is completely sure of how it is communicated. Although Iran is the country most affected, Israel and Palestine come next on the list, followed by Sudan, Syria, and Lebanon.

The reason the Flame virus is so dangerous lies in its various data-collecting methods. Where other malware or spyware is designed to attack email or steal money, the flame virus takes screenshots, records audio through the computer's microphone, and accesses nearby devices via Bluetooth. more >>

New details have emerged regarding the upcoming Google Nexus tablet that reveal some of the specifications for the device.

A source close to the situation recently spoke to YouMobile and told the site that the tablet will feature a Tegra 3 Quad-core processor. Another interesting feature rumored for the device was Android 5.0, JellyBean coming pre-installed on it.

The Nexus line was used to launch Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich last year with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The company is expected to use the same strategy with its next-generation software and this tablet could be one of the first devices to have it. more >>

The Samsung Galaxy S3 has launched in certain countries located in the Middle East.

Samsung fans in Dubai, UAE and Qatar can now purchase the company's latest flagship smartphone before most others in the world.

The price of the 16GB version of the device in those nations is 2699 QR (Qatar Rial), which is approximately $750. The company will also offer the 32GB version for 2899 QR and the 64GB model for 3099 QR, but the 16GB version is the only one that is available now. more >>

Yahoo has unveiled Axis, a new browser tool designed to enhance its search, in a move to drive itself into the mobile Web market.

Axis will be available as an app for Apple mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad, as well as on desktops as an add-on to browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari.

Ethan Batraski, Yahoo special project director, has confirmed on the company's search blog that it will "set out to completely re-think and re-design how users search and browse the Web." more >>

Facebook could be set to launch its first smartphone as early as next year, according to new reports.

Engineers have been sought by Facebook recruiters to work on creating advanced hardware for a smartphone, according to a report in The New York Times.

It wouldn't be the first time that reports have suggested Facebook is looking to develop a smartphone; on at least two occasions in the past the social networking company has been rumored to be looking into the market. more >>

The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station yesterday completing its mission and first official test run.

This is the first time the station has ever made an official "hook-up" with a commercial spacecraft and first time it has had contact with the U.S.-made ship since last year's retirement of NASA's space shuttle fleet.

The SpaceX capsule is the first of many commercial cargo spacecraft the U.S. plans to send to the International Space Station. These types of capsules could eventually be used to transport astronauts to and from the station as well. more >>