Google adds USB Security Key support to make their 2-Step Verification more robust
Google’s 2-Step Verification is currently the most secure method of signing into your Google account but today the search giant have one-upped their own robust security system by launching Security Key. Security Key is similar to 2-Step Verification except instead of typing in a unique code, you simply insert the USB Security Key. The USB first verifies that the site you’re on is a legitimate Google site and then prompts you to tap the USB key.
The Security Key and Google Chrome use the Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) protocol so this verification process can easily be implemented into other sites and browsers. While Security Key works with Google Accounts for no extra charge, users will have to purchase a U2F-compatible USB device from the vendor of their choice. Hit the source to learn more about Google’s awesome new security measures.
Source: Google
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Gmail 5.0 will make the stock Email app obsolete by including Exchange support
Yesterday we reported that the Gmail app in Android 5.0 Lollipop would also be able to handle Outlook and Yahoo accounts natively. We now know that on top of support for those clients, Gmail will also support Exchange mail, removing the need for the AOSP Email app. In fact, when opening the Email application in Lollipop, users will be prompted to use the Gmail app instead.
Its safe to say that the Email app will probably be performing a vanishing act in the near future as Gmail continues to add support for more email services. It will be interesting to see how this change is received by users. Let us know in the comments what you think of Google’s new all-in-one approach to Email.
Source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Gmail 5.0 will make the stock Email app obsolete by including Exchange support
Google publishes guide for switching from iOS to Android
With a handful of new devices right around the corner and a major Android update coming up, there are going to be many people that decide to test out Android for the first time and leave iOS. Switching over from a different ecosystem can be a pain when you don’t know how to move contacts, photos, and other information, so Google has posted a very useful guide to help users get started on transferring their stuff over to a brand new Android device.
Most of the guide is common sense for more experienced and tech savvy users, but it still has some helpful info, including showing you how to turn on Google+ auto-backup, how to set up email accounts on an Android device, and there’s even a reminder to turn off iMessage so you don’t get hit with Apple’s infamous iMessage bug.
You can find the guide below. It might not hurt to brush up on a few things if you’re planning on helping a family member make the switch this year.
source: Android
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Samsung launches Galaxy S5 Plus in the Netherlands with Snapdragon 805
A couple months ago Samsung treated Singapore to the Galaxy S5 4G+, a slightly upgraded S5 with the Snapdragon 805 processor, most recently found in the Galaxy Note 4. Today it seems that Samsung is taking orders for this device in the Netherlands, with other markets presumably on the way. The device is officially called the Galaxy S5 and features the same specs as the S5 (2GB of RAM, 16-megapixel camera, 1080p Super-AMOLED display) but with the aforemention Snapdragon 805 under the hood, clocked at 2.5GHz.
The S5 Plus also features the same dust and water-resistant shell, so for those of you holding out for a metal body similar to the Note 4, you’re out of luck. One notable improvement is the increased LTE speeds of up to 225Mbps thanks to that 805. No word on pricing or stateside availability, but it will obviously be more expensive than the companies current flagship. Let us know in the comments if that boost in processing power is enough to pique your interest.
Source: Samsung
Via: Sammobile
Come comment on this article: Samsung launches Galaxy S5 Plus in the Netherlands with Snapdragon 805
Pre-orders for Nexus 9 cover and keyboard folio hit Amazon
The release of the Nexus 9 is just around the corner, and preorders are already live on the Play Store. Also on the Play Store are pre-orders for the official “Magic Cover” and the very attractive (but over-priced) keyboard case. For those who use Amazon as their retailer of choice, both of these cases can now be pre-ordered from the popular website. Both cases are priced identically as they are on the Play Store ($39.99 for the Magic Cover and $129.99 for the keyboard). If you’ve been waiting for them to hit Amazon, hit the source links below and order today.
Buy: Magic Case | Keyboard Folio
Come comment on this article: Pre-orders for Nexus 9 cover and keyboard folio hit Amazon
LG G Watch gets update that brings new music features
LG has pushed out an update to the G Watch that brings some new features that music listeners will be very excited about. The Android Wear update matches what Google announced earlier this year and brings some new music cards and music playback controls, plus the ability to sync a Bluetooth headset to the device.
Now, Google’s promised Android Wear update also mentioned some new GPS features, but considering the G Watch lacks any GPS hardware, those obviously won’t be present.
With the Sony Smartwatch 3 right around the corner, we’ll probably see this update hit some other Android Wear devices, too. If you have a smartwatch, keep an eye out for the update over the next few days.
source: Reddit
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TWRP custom recovery gets support for unlocked 2014 Moto X
If you own a 2014 Moto X and wanted to get into flashing custom ROMs, we have good news and bad news.
The good news is that TWRP now officially supports Motorola’s latest flagship. The recovery will allow you to flash custom ROMs like Cyanogenmod, install custom kernels, and make full system backups and restores. TWRP is one of the best custom recoveries available for users that like to flash their device with new software.
The bad news? You’ll only be able to install the recovery on Moto X models with an unlocked bootloader. As of right now, that’s just limited to the “Pure Edition” device, and devices outside of the US that have been unlocked with Motorola’s developer tools. For right now, it looks like AT&T and Verizon users are out of luck, at least until someone comes along and figures out how to get past the locked bootloader on the carrier devices.
On the bright side, Motorola typically updates their devices extremely quickly, and they definitely have the least offensive OEM skin, so you shouldn’t have to wait too much longer for a Lollipop update. If you fit the bill for being able to flash the recovery, though, hit the link below and get started.
source: TWRP
Come comment on this article: TWRP custom recovery gets support for unlocked 2014 Moto X
Samsung donating phones to help U.N. combat Ebola
Samsung has announced that they are donating 3,000 Galaxy S3 Neo smartphones to the United Nations to help in the fight against Ebola. The donation of the smartphones is part of an aid package that Samsung is providing to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs and will be used in the Humanitarian Connectivity Project. That project is the U.N.’s initiative to provide humanitarian support through utilization of mobile devices.
The smartphones will be used in 60 medical clinics in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, the three hardest hit countries. Some of the Galaxy S3 Neo’s will be loaded up with the U.N.’s Smart Health Pro app so medical professionals can use the smartphones for treatment activities and to collect medical data. Some of the phones will be used by patients who have been quarantined so that they can maintain contact with their families.
In addition to the smartphone donation, valued at approximately $1 million, Samsung is also providing financial support to help with the purchase of hazmat suits in Ghana and for the distribution of hand sanitizers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In South Africa, Samsung is helping with the launch of an Ebola SMS text service.
source: Samsung
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Engadget giveaway: win an Oppo Find 7 courtesy of OppoStyle!
If you’ve been eager to test drive one of the many global smartphone brands that are starting to surface in the US, then this week’s giveaway will put a smile on your face. OppoStyle, the official online store for all things Oppo, has given us its flagship Find 7 smartphone, along with an Easy Cover and a set of iLike Bluetooth headphones for one lucky winner this week. This unlocked, 4G/LTE-capable handset boasts a 5.5-inch quad HD (2,560 x 1,440) display and a 13-megapixel camera, which gets a software boost via UltraHD mode to produce 50-megapixels images. It’s wrapped in an Astro Black titanium-aluminum alloy frame, while the inside packs a 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor and 32GB of storage. If you want to break away from the pack, this Oppo gear is just the thing. All you need to do is swing by the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning.
- Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
- Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
- Winners will be chosen randomly. One (1) winner will receive one (1) Oppo Find 7 (Astro Black), one (1) set of ilike Bluetooth headphones and one (1) Find 7 Easy Cover.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes your real name and a contact email or Facebook login. We do not track any of this information for marketing or third-party purposes.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Oppo, Oppostyle and Engadget / AOL are not held liable to honor warranties, exchanges or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until October 22nd at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Filed under: Announcements, Cellphones
NPR: ’80s ads are responsible for the lack of women coders
Back in the day, computer science was as legitimate a career path for women as in medicine, law or science. But in 1984, the number of females majoring in computing-related subjects began to fall, and is now as low as 20 percent compared to those other three. It’s a surprising trend that NPR’s Planet Money has uncovered, and the show’s latest episode seeks to answer a simple question: Why? According to the show’s experts, computers were advertised as a “boy’s toy,” and combined with early ’80s geek culture staples like the novel Hackers, as well as movies like WarGames and Weird Science, the knock-on effect was to exclude women. It wasn’t long before those female computer science majors decided to switch programs to ones where they weren’t made to feel inferior, and while there are now signs of recovery, you have to wonder if those same decisions aren’t the cause of the current toxic environment for women in technology. If you’d like to hear the show, we’ve got it embedded after the break.
[Image Credit: Quoctrung Bui/NPR]
http://www.npr.org/v2/?i=356944145&m=357036571&t=audio
Filed under: Internet
Source: NPR
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