BGR Daily Breaking Stories

Daily Headlines FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2014

Sony hackers’ worst nightmare: ‘The Interview’ is the most popular video on YouTube Sony Pictures Entertainment’s “The Interview” went from being just another mediocre comedy to being the most talked-about movie of 2014, and it’s all thanks to hackers’ efforts to prevent the movie’s release. The massive Sony hack has been front page news for the past few weeks, and the story was particularly interesting because it appeared as though the attack was perpetrated by hackers with ties to North Korea. That conclusion is now in question despite the fact that the FBI and President Obama have publicly pinned the cyberattack on North Korea, but the hackers had still demanded that The Interview be shelved if Sony hoped to prevent further data from being released. After initially caving, Sony decided to go ahead with the movie’s release anyway — and now it looks like the Sony hackers’ worst nightmare has come true.  MORE → Hack update: PSN remains offline and some Xbox Live services still down for the count Both Sony’s PlayStation Network and Microsoft’s Xbox Live services were hit on Christmas Eve with DDoS attacks, with hacker group Lizard Squad taking responsibility for the hits; the group did warn users a few weeks ago that such an attack on Sony’s and Microsoft’s online gaming services was planned for Christmas. While both Sony and Microsoft have managed to bring their networks back online on and off since then, it appears that many gamers are still unable to log into either PSN or Xbox Live. Currently, PSN is still offline for many users, with some Xbox Live services also unavailable to Xbox owners.  MORE → Class action suit takes Facebook to court over scanning private messages ad practice Facebook is again accused of violating the privacy of its users, Reuters reports, in a new class action suit that alleges the social network has been scanning the private messages sent by users in order to better target them with advertisements.  MORE → Walmart has figured out what to do with all those Christmas gift cards you don’t want Gift cards are popular Christmas gifts for some people, though recipients might not always be thrilled to receive one, and might even forget to spend them later. But Walmart has figured out what to do with gift cards, The Boston Globe reports, in order to motivate customers to actually use them.  MORE → This 4K video shows an incredible Christmas light display like you’ve never seen You know your annoying neighbors down the block who suck up 10 times more power than anyone else from your local grid for four weeks every year when their Christmas light display goes up? You know exactly who we’re talking about. There’s a giant inflatable Santa on their front lawn that’s even taller than their house, and about 10,000 seizure-inducing light bulbs strewn about behind him that blink incessantly at all hours of the night. For whatever reason, those neighbors think that you’re impressed by their horrid display. But if you want to see what an awe-inspiring light show really looks like, you’ll definitely want to check out this incredible video of a light show captured in space.  MORE → You could win an Android smartwatch Wearables, such as Android smart watches, provide users with high tech convenience and stylish design. They’re primary purpose is to keep time, but they also do so much more. You could win one of the hottest wearables available today with The Choose Your Own Android Smart Watch Giveaway at BGR Deals.  MORE → What architects think Santa’s headquarters should look like Finnish construction company Ruuki and Helsinki Design Week decided to hold a special competition for architects, tasking them with designing Santa’s modern “logistics center.” The competition’s theme appears to have been very appealing to architects out there, with more than 240 proposals being submitted from 59 countries, complete with some amazing visuals.  MORE → How to watch ‘The Interview’ on your iPhone, iPad, Roku or Apple TV Though hackers tried as hard as they possibly could to prevent its release, the most talked-about movie of 2014 can now be seen in theaters. Sony Pictures Entertainment’s “The Interview” is showing in small theaters across the country beginning on Christmas Day, and here’s a complete list of every theater showing the film. As many of you also know, the movie was released on Christmas Eve Day online as well. Through partnerships with Google and Microsoft, Sony was able to offer The Interview for rental or purchase to YouTube, Google Play and Xbox users. Of course, you can also watch the movie on a wide range of other devices including iPhones, iPads, iPod touch handhelds, Roku boxes and Apple TVs.  MORE → How to double your iPhone 6’s battery life Tens or even hundreds of thousands of people woke up this morning to find that Santa had brought them a brand new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus for Christmas. Either phone makes an amazing gift, of course, and people will spend hours today ignoring family members and instead getting to know their shiny new iPhones. There is undoubtedly plenty to love about your new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, and you’ll discover tons of great stuff in the coming days, weeks and months. Of course, there is also one area where you’ll wish your new iPhone performed better: Battery life.  MORE → Merry Christmas, from hackers: PlayStation Network and Xbox Live both attacked A hacker group known as “Lizard Squad” has claimed responsibility for attacks targeting both Microsoft’s Xbox Live and Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) on Wednesday evening. FROM EARLIER: The iPhone 6 might be low-res, but Apple’s highest-resolution device ever is coming soon  MORE →

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