SanDisk layoffs; PDF flaws

In brief: Responding to a 50 percent drop in the price of NAND flash memory, SanDisk has undertaken dramatic cost-cutting strategies to maintain income. Foremost is the layoff of 10 percent of its workforce, or approximately 250 people. The bulk of the continuing staff will undergo a salary freeze, while executives will bear pay cuts ranging from 10 to 20 percent. Product prices are expected to drop 30 to 40 percent this quarter.... According to PC Magazine, Adobe's Acrobat Reader software may be a vehicle for malware. PDF files send parameters to the application, which can include JavaScript code, whether harmful or beneficial. Only versions 6 and 7 of Reader may be exploited this way however, and an even easier way to block malware is through browser controls.... Sirius and XM today confirmed merger plans, which (if approved) will create a complete monopoly over satellite radio in North America. The companies hope to better compete with technologies such as iPods and HD Radio.... Being aware of the risks, new or curious iPod users may appreciate NotePage's PDF tutorial, which explains some of the features and options not explained in Apple's own instruction material. Some topics include synching, increasing battery life, and buying music from the iTunes Store.

by MacNN Staff