New Video Game Steeped in Surveillance, Wiretapping and SpyCaming

One of several surveillance-related games at E3, "Watch Dogs" casts players as Aiden Pearce, a vigilante who can tap into security cameras and listen in on phone calls across a virtual rendition of an automated Chicago...

The timing of "Watch Dogs" is remarkable in light of recent revelations about the National Security Agency's controversial data-collection programs. They were revealed in media stories by The Guardian and The Washington Post, leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. 

Is "Watch Dogs" a case of a video game imitating life — or the other way around? (more)

Spy Camera Glasses - Austin Powers is Thrilled

Question Mark & the Mysterians may sue... 

from the manufacturer...
"Ankaka launches Innovative Spy Camera Glasses Espionage. The high tech spy gadget manufacturer Ankaka is back!

This time they bring people the Spy Camera Glasses espionage-spy-camera-sunglasses; Very stylish and comfortable to use, this latest make of high quality spy gadgets enables people to walk around with no worries as people spy on their subject..." (more) (video)

CUT! 
Enough already. This insults the word covert. It's time to stop applying the word "spy" to everything. (grab your glasses and sing-a-long)

Hobby Drones Under Fire

On Dec. 26, a grand jury handed down several indictments against the owners of the Columbia Packing Company for dumping pig blood into a creek. They now face hefty fines and even prison time stemming from the water pollution, and the plant has since been shuttered. 

Neighbors had complained about noxious fumes and other issues for a while, according to the local news. But investigators didn’t get involved until this drone pilot took his pictures.

Under a new law proposed in the Texas legislature, sponsored by a lawmaker from the Dallas suburbs, this type of activity could soon be criminal. Not the pollution--the drone. (more)

And from down under...

One Tasmanian man is using a drone to help take video in tricky places and some of the video has gone viral. (video)

New Report: Drones Could Be Used for Stalking, Voyeurism

The sight of a drone in flight is likely to become a regular occurrence in the United States within the next few years. But the rise of unmanned technology could lead to new crimes like “drone stalking” and “drone trespassing,” lawmakers are being told. 

A Congressional Research Service report published Wednesday, Integration of Drones Into Domestic Airspace: Selected Legal Issues, sets out the many contentious areas around unmanned aircraft. It cautions that in the future, as drones become more easily available to private citizens, we may see the technology used to commit various offenses. This could mean neighbors using drones to infiltrate one another’s gardens as a means of harassment, or a voyeur using one strapped with a camera and microphone to photograph women and listen in on people’s conversations.

“Traditional crimes such as stalking, harassment, voyeurism, and wiretapping may all be committed through the operation of a drone,” the report says. “As drones are further introduced into the national airspace, courts will have to work this new form of technology into their jurisprudence, and legislatures might amend these various statutes to expressly include crimes committed with a drone.”

Of particular note is a section in the report titled “Right To Protect Property From Trespassing Drones.” It outlines that in certain instances, under a section of tort law, “a landowner would not be liable to the owner of a drone for damage necessarily or accidentally resulting from removing it from his property.” This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can “use force”—like shooting the thing down—if someone flies an unmanned aircraft onto your property. But it does mean you could remove a drone from your property without resorting to force, and if it were “accidentally” damaged in that process, you might not be in trouble. (more)

Pocket 3G Spy Car (Yes, it rhymes with noodle.)

This just in...

Click to enlarge.

 from the seller... "See live video on your Mobile phone from anywhere in the world. No time limit no distance limit No internet or IP address needed. Just simply call your 3G camera and see live video of your home, office, car, or even your Nanny." (more)

Why do I mention it?

So you will know what you're up against.

"I'm Dreaming of a Spy Christmas"

Toy helicopter with a built-in 1.3Mp camera for sneaky aerial snapping.

Specifications:
• Take up to 3 minutes of video (at resolution 640 X 480) or take hundreds of photos (at resolution 1280 X 960).

• 3-Channel control allows flying up and down, forward & backward, left and right

• Stabilized by sophisticated built in gyroscope for the clearest pictures

• Use the remote transmitter button to take the pictures and video

• Plug in computer to download the video and photos

• User friendly Graphic Unit Interface on PC to adjust the photo or video setting.

• Real time capturing to see the effect on screen.
White color LED to indicate photo capturing or video recording.

• Download videos and photos through USB
Charging through transmitter or USB (more)

--------

Fei Lun Full Function Radio Control Spy Video Car

• Audio & Video (with Night Vision Transmitter)
(more)

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Using Spy Gadgets: The Definitive Guide to Finding Out Anything About Anyone Using Spy Tools, Spy Gear, Spy Equipment, Spy Cameras, Spy Toys, or a Spy Bug From a Spy Shop
By Dick Peplowski

Are you constantly wondering about certain people and wondering about their real past or present lives? You’ve surely thought, “That guy just seems to have something “off”” as we all have and want to know the truth. So how do you find the truth? Sadly, to find out the real dirt on someone, you’ve had to pay a fortune for a private investigator to get it for you. The good news is that is no longer the case! You can literally become your own Sherlock Holmes and find out all the dirt on people that you want. The best part is that you are going to be learning how to do this through the use of awesome spy tools that you can easily obtain. These will give you the power of Inspector Gadget when it comes to finding out the real dirt on someone. You learn about all the spy tools you could ever want to use plus many more in Dick Peplowski's "Using Spy Gadgets: The Definitive Guide to Finding Out Anything About Anyone Using Spy Tools, Spy Gear, Spy Equipment, Spy Cameras, Spy Toys, or a Spy Bug From a Spy Shop." This is all broken down in an easy to understand and easy to apply system for personal surveillance success. (more)

You'll Look So Dorky Nobody Will Think You Are a Spy

Real spy gear disguised as a kid's toy - with NIGHT VISION!

The SpyNet Night Vision Mission Video Watch's secret... It looks like a children's toy, but is a whole lot more. Let's run through the features... sound recorder, video recorder, still picture cam (with time lapse) - check, check, and check. Downloadable spy missions, games, and apps. Check. And, it tells time, too! 

If you really need to go covert, there is the Snake Cam Add-On. It plugs into the watch and lets you look around corners (or hide it in your sleeve and have it peek out a button whole).

Modes:
Time Mode
Alarm Mode
Timer Mode
Stop Watch Mode
Video Recorder Mode - preview or super-spy mode (watch face just shows time)
Audio Recorder Mode - wave form preview or super-spy mode (watch face just shows time)
Still Picture Recorder Mode - still image (again, with preview or without) or time lapse mode (5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes)

Secrets Mode
Missions Mode - downloadable from SpyNet HQ
Games Mode
Spy Apps Mode
Playback Mode
Capacity: Up to 20 mins of video; over 4 hours of audio; up to 2000 pics!
Snake Cam Add-On: Allows you to record pics/video around corners or hides in a button hole for super covert missions (unable to film using night vision, however). Can also be used as a plug and play USB webcam.
Watch Includes: Watch (duh), USB connector, and instructions.
Dimensions: Watch - 2.5" x 2.25" x 1" (watch body) - 1.4" TFT display.
Snake Cam - bendy part: 20"; overall length: 38" 

Why do I mention it?

So you'll know what you're up against, or the holidays are coming.

...Keep an eye out for the snake coming over the cubicle wall.

Sony Shuts Down Online PlayStation Network - Personal Data Hacked

Sony Corp. said a hacker has obtained customer information, potentially including credit-card numbers, for the 77 million members of its online PlayStation Network, which has forced the company to take down its service.

The Japanese electronics giant said it has informed PlayStation Network customers that personal information—including names, addresses, billing history and birthdays—was obtained by an "unauthorized person" following a hacking attack that caused Sony to shut down its Internet gaming service last week. Sony said customer credit-card numbers may also have been compromised.

The Japanese game maker said it has hired a security firm to conduct an investigation into what happened. In the mean time, Sony said it expects to restore its Internet gaming service within a week. (more)

Did You Know Uncle (ant farm) Milton Died

He did die, we're sad, and nature abhors a vacuum... (digital ant farm)

Uncle Milton's (the company) is still alive and well, however... unlike the ants in your old ant farm. 

His new ant farms are now high tech; filled with green gel instead of sand, LED back-lighting, fancy frame, etc. In fact, these ant farms are no longer called farms. Too bucolic. They have been up-scaled. Call them colonies now. Fortunately, the gated community concept survives. But...

Some people worry about leaving ants too close to the microwave, radon in the soil or cosmic rays (from the ants being delivered via air mail). 

One can't be too careful. I saw some Milty Mutants at the Atlanta airport. 

What does this have to do with spying?

Nothing. Just keep your knees loose, your eyes open and take good care of your ants. ~Kevin

Toy Fair Spy Ware

via pocket-lint.com...

With a new age group demographic comes the opportunity to “gadget up” and with that Playmobil has launched a wireless digital video camera and remote control car to appeal to the masses keen on their tech.

The idea is that using the camera to give you a point of view from within the car, with the signal from the video automatically relayed back to a display you’ve bolted on to the remote control and Pocket-lint were at the Toy Fair to have a go. (more)

via toyxplosion.com...

 Here’s a fun, new and exciting toy to tell you about from Playmobil. It’s the Playmobil Spying Camera Set. According to the PlaymobilUSA website, the camera will be launched in the US in August. Or, you can pay a heftier amount to purchase it now on Amazon.

The Spy Camera Set includes a camera with USB port and a color monitor. The images shot from the camera are displayed on the monitor via wireless transmission.

"Bug-in-a-Book" project at the Spy Museum

via David Simpson

We all love spy gear, from the wacky Maxwell Smart rotary-dial shoephone to the grab bag of goodies Bond always so nonchalantly snares from Q. Thank you, MAKE, for Volume 16, the "Spy Tech" issue, which featured Mad Magazine's iconic Spy vs. Spy on the cover. In that issue, you can find my wireless "Bug-in-a-Book" project. The guts come from readily available Radio Shack components (a mini FM transmitter for listening to your iPod through the car stereo and a grandpa-tech amplified listener). 

Fast forward: I'll be leading that workshop at the Spy Museum at the end of January.

The session will open with an "NCIS-like" briefing, laying out an impeding threat and mission, but I can't divulge the full details here. Let's just say that this whole thing was triggered by an encrypted message intercepted by an allied listening post off the coast of Algeria on one of the long wave frequencies known to be used by a US-based black market arms dealer and certain intermediaries representing a radical militant religious group targeting pro-western nations. Maybe by now it's becoming clearer; the well-being of the free world lies in the hands of the young makers that attend this workshop and the intelligence they're able to gather during surveillance using their field-made Bug-in-a-Book. (more)

...thus giving Santa a run for his money in the spying department.

If the popularity of spy toys as holiday gifts is any indication, the future of our TSCM services to business and government is secure for decades to come. Kids learn through play.

The only thing that has changed since my last big review in December, 2006 is the sophistication of the toys themselves. There are some amazing gadgets out there this year.

Check out this toy... 

"The Spy Net Secret Mission Video Watch is the ultimate infiltration tool and comes packed with high-tech features. The working video camera and microphone record over 20 minutes of video, 2,000 photos or 4 hours of audio. The watch's full color 1.4" TFT screen lets you watch recorded videos and provides live playback. Onboard memory lets you store your secret evidence, which you can then load onto your home computer with the included USB cable. Video missions are available for download on the cool Spy Net website."

 Only one of their many spy tools for kids...

"Spy Net takes high end electronics and interactive gadgets and puts them in the hands - and on the wrists! - of burgeoning young secret agents. For undercover surveillance, detection and communication, Spy Net provides all the technology you'll need to tackle any secret mission!"

Think this is a myth meme? 

Google "spy toys for kids" you will see about 756,000 results in .2 seconds. (sing-a-long)

Spy Holiday Gifts & and a Free offer from me!

This year, I'm giving lock picks.
What's your cool spy gift going to be?

My friends at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC have a few suggestions. My personal favorite is the Spy Gnome. Put him anywhere and your statement is made... "You don't know-m me!"

Here are some more of their suggestions...

Kryptos Replica
Stealth Secret Amplifier

Watch Phone
Mission Video Watch

Spy Video Trakr (free gift with purchase)

Of course, they have hundreds of other cool spy gifts to choose from. Hey, you're in the security business. What are you going to give? Socks?!?! Heck, no. You have a reputation to uphold.

Yes, they sell lock picks. But they are not half as cool as mine. :)

Hey, if your business card says "Security Director" or similar on it, and you want one of our complimentary stainless steel lock pick cards, just sign in here and let me know before December 24th.

P.S. - The International Spy Museum offers Free shipping on orders over $25. Use secret coupon code "fs25" at checkout.

Merry Christmas, kid.

"Mommy has a new toy she would like you to play with."

 "Find out who's telling the truth—and who's not—by giving your suspect a lie detector test! Attach the sensor to your suspect's finger. Ask tough questions to really make 'em squirm! The indicator lights light up when your suspect isn't telling the truth. Busted!"

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town... (sing-a-long)

Business Espionage - Bratz v. Barbie

Mattel Inc will answer accusations it spied on rival toymakers by infiltrating their private showrooms around the globe, after a U.S. court denied its motion to dismiss claims filed by rival MGA.

In an escalation of a long-running battle over MGA's popular "Bratz" dolls, MGA Entertainment Inc accused Mattel of gaining entry to toy fairs with false credentials to steal trade secrets. It says Mattel then concealed evidence about these activities, according to court filings.

MGA has accused Mattel employees of gaining access to private showrooms of toy makers -- including Hasbro Inc, Lego and Sony Corp -- armed with fake business cards and spy cameras, to steal price lists and other sensitive information. (more)

Hot Kid Spy Gear

This spy-kid toy is getting rave reviews. 

via thingiemajig.com

"The Ultimate Spy Watch is equipped with 8 thrill seeking features. First is the motion sensor with alarm and date stamp to protect your valuables and to alert intruders whenever they might come. Second is the message decoder to read messages from your fellow spies. For sending messages, it can drop message capsules with a spy paper. A night vision light is included to gain an advantage against your enemies during night time covert operations. A crosshair can definitely make a shot hit or miss, making it an indespensable tool for a spy, is built in too. Of course, watch functions are also a must such as world time for some international missions, stopwatch for time critical missions up to the last mili second, and a wake up alarm which can be very handy for some early morning operations or training. As for an added feature, this 10 inch watch is protected by a locking armor for increased durability - a must for tough agents."

Need more Paper for your Capsules? 

Download and Print Spy Messaging Paper Here." 

(more) (instructions)

"Is that a snooper in your pocket, or are you just glad to hear me?"

...via the seller's web site...

Works on wooden walls, doors, windows, steel plates, etc. 

Highly Sensitive, carefully adjust audio slowly, as not to cause discomfort to your ear-buds.

This product is being sold as an investigative tools for law enforcement or licensed investigators. Anyone else ordering this device should only be ordering it as a simple toy since MANY COUNTRIES STRICTLY PROHIBIT OWNERSHIP OF SPY DEVICES. (more)

Why do I mention it?

So you will know what you're up against.

Stare Bear "I don't want him daddy, he's creepy."

via ThinkGeek...

"The Tell Me Your Secrets Bear is an adorable plush that will be your wee geek's closest confidante. When hugged, he'll profess his love for your child, and stress that friends always share their secrets. He'll ask, "Do you have a secret, best friend? You can tell me anything." When the bear completes a trigger phrase, the audio and video turns on, recording your child's secrets, which are then wirelessly transmitted to you via email (or Twitter). Of course, mostly you'll hear things like, "I really wish Mommy would cook more bacon" or "Is this real life?" but every once in a while, you'll get valuable intelligence that will help you become a more casually despotic parent. We guarantee it." (more) (funny video)

"Your moment of Zen" Barbie

[Insert your snappy spycam caption here.]

...thus creating future Wall Street's Spy Games

NYC - The American International Toy Fair began today. This is the annual event where toy makers show off new offerings that will make their way into next year's stockings. Previews from toymakers and interviews with analysts make clear that the focus is on innovation and price....

Jakks Pacific is offering some high-tech spying gear for kids in its Spy Net line, including a video spy watch for $54.99 and a Pen Audio Bug for $24.99. Yes, they're just what they sound like — miniature video and audio recorders. (more)