Researchers can take complete control of Android phones
The wave of security issues with devices, cars and even skateboards continues as Check Point researchers presented a vulnerability at the Black Hat conference that could potentially open millions of Android up to hackers. Dubbed Certifi-gate, the researchers say that vulnerabilities in the OEM (manufacturers of Android devices like Samsung, LG and Sony) implementation of Remote Support allows a third party app’s plugins to access a device’s screens and actions using an OEMs own signed certificates.
That means a nefarious individual could see what you’re doing and control your phone or tablet. And according to the researchers, there’s no reasonable way to revoke the certificates as an end user. Check Point noted that the devices that could suffer from Certifi-gate are from LG, Samsung, HTC and ZTE and that these OEMs have released updates to mitigate the issue. Both Check Point and Google have noted that Nexus devices are not prone to the vulnerability.
Check Point’s Technology Leader of Mobile Threat Detection, Avi Bashan told Engadget that the vulnerability stems from an issue in Android’s security architecture and that OEMs created flawed implementations of the remote support tools to get round the Android issue. The companies jsut didn;t do a very good job at it. Bashan also noted that for many, the vulnerability may not go away any time soon because of the long update time associated with Android devices.
Concerning the vulnerability Samsung issued the following statement: “At Samsung, we understand that our success depends on consumers’ trust in us, and the products and services that we provide. We are aware of Check Point’s alleged claims, and Samsung has addressed this issue. Samsung encourages users not to execute unsecure apps.”
A Google spokesperson told Engadget: “We want to thank the researcher for identifying the issue and flagging it for us. The issue they’ve detailed pertains to customizations OEMs make to Android devices and they are providing updates which resolve the issue.”
Like Samsung, Google urged Android users to get their apps from the trusted sources, “in order for a user to be affected, they’d need to install a potentially harmful application which we continually monitor for with VerifyApps and SafetyNet. We strongly encourage users to install applications from a trusted source, such as Google Play.”
Bashan said that it’s possible for an app that exploits the vulnerability to get through the Google Play verification service because the app can look perfectly legit while its associated plugin could lead to the device being compromised. Either way, until your phone gets the update, it’s probably a good idea to skip side-loading apps.
Check Point has made the full report of their findings available online and has created a free app that scans for apps that use the Certifi-gate vulnerability.
Filed under:
Misc, Internet, Sony, HTC, Google, LG
Source:
Check Point
Tags: Android, BlackHat, CheckPoint, google, htc, lg, Security, sony
HBO Now, Travel Channel, Food Network and more gain Chromecast support
The new HBO Now streaming service just launched last week on Android, giving users the ability to stream Game of Thrones, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Veep, and other great shows on the network to their mobile devices for a low monthly fee. We knew that the app would gain Chromecast support soon, and that day has finally come. The update is now rolling out in the Google Play Store, so if you’re a subscriber to the service, you’ll want to head to the Play Store to grab the latest version.
The HBO Now update also brings some performance tweaks and push notifications to the app, which will allow users to get show recommendations and reminders.
Related: Deal: Pick up a refurbished Chromecast from Groupon for only $20 ($15 off)
HBO Now isn’t the only major service to gain Chromecast support, though. Google has just announced that Watch Food Network, Watch Travel Channel and Pokémon TV are all gaining support for the streaming stick, as well as a few apps and games including Pixlr, Catch Phrase Blitz, FitFlap and Tricky Titans.
Have you signed up for HBO Now? If not, does the addition of Chromecast support change your mind? Let us know what you think!
HBO Now finally gets Google Chromecast support
A few weeks after HBO Now hit Android, HBO is continuing to roll out the new streaming service beyond Apple’s devices. Next up is Google’s Chromecast, the company announced today. HBO Now’s iOS app currently lists Chromecast support, and its Android app is expected to be updated today as well. While flinging shows from your smartphone and tablet to a Chromecast might not be as convenient as a standalone Apple TV app, the slight inconvenience is probably worth the gadget’s low $30 price. HBO also plans to add support for Amazon’s Fire TV devices soon. The big missing platform for HBO Now is Roku’s devices, which already support the HBO Go app. A rep from the network couldn’t divulge when we’d see HBO Now on Roku’s wares, but noted that the company intends to bring the service to all of the devices that support HBO Go.
Filed under:
HD, Mobile, Google
Via:
TechCrunch
Source:
Google
Tags: Chromecast, google, HBO, HBONow, hdpostcross, mobilepostcross
YouTube changes up the views
For quite some time, YouTubers and users alike, have been frustrated by the algorithm behind calculating the amount of views a specific video has. Yesterday, YouTube revealed that the frustrating counter of “301+” was explained, as well as changes that will be put forth.
The YouTube Creators Google+ page and Twitter page posted an infograph of how the views counter worked before, as well as how the new views counter will work. Previously, the reason why viewers would see the 301+ was because view needed to be verified as a real view, and not just a bot or anything of that nature. Then after a few hours, the actual view count would be shown.
Now, YouTube is relying upon their experience and will go through the various “fake views” and remove them from the counter. These stats won’t be updated in real-time, meaning you can’t watch a video on three different devices and see the counter go up. However, you won’t have to wait for hours to see an updated views counter.
This isn’t the most earth-shattering change, but it’s cool to know exactly how YouTube came to the 301+ conclusion, and that they are trying to update things a bit quicker than before. Let us know what you think about this little change to YouTube, on top of the new video player UI that was released this week?
Source: Phandroid via: YouTube Creators Google+
The post YouTube changes up the views appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Huawei Nexus allegedly stars in a ten second video
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All the Nexus news is flowing now – after getting an idea of what the LG Nexus is going to look like, we’re treated to what is apparently the Huawei Nexus in a brief, ten second video. While it’s only fleeting, the presence of a fingerprint scanner below the camera on the device is an unmistakable hallmark of a Huawei flagship device. While the device could easily be the Huawei Ascend Mate 8 that the Huawei Nexus is allegedly based off, we’re happy to give the video the benefit of the doubt – for now. Check out the video for yourself down below:
The Huawei Nexus is suspected to be a 5.7-inch device that will take the spot of the Nexus 6 in Google‘s line-up of Nexus devices. While there’s plenty of unconfirmed rumours flying around, the most credible rumour from leaker @evleaks suggests the device will have the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, a Quad HD display, and a metal body, something that isn’t quite clear from the video. Then again, the device in the video is likely only to be a prototype, so even if it was the actual Huawei Nexus smartphone, chances are it would look quite different when it is eventually released.
What do you think about the Huawei Nexus in this video? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: YouTube via Phone Arena
The post Huawei Nexus allegedly stars in a ten second video appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Google announces new Nexus update policy, devices to see monthly security updates
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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will at least have heard something about the security scare that was Stagefright. Fortunately Google has already come up with a solution to the problem and has started to roll out updates to its Nexus devices – everybody else, you’re at the mercy of your manufacturers and carriers. However, in announcing its fix for Stagefright, Google also formally announced what its Nexus update policy is going to be moving forward. Rather ambitiously, it’s going to be releasing security updates monthly for Nexus devices, starting this week with the Stagefright patch.
Also notable is that Google said it would only be supporting devices for 3 years from its initial availability or 18 months from when it stops being sold on the Google Store, whichever ends up being longer. While that’s good news for recent Nexus devices, the Nexus 10 and Nexus 4 look like they won’t be getting updates for much longer – not that the development community won’t keep these devices alive, however. While it’s a bit sad knowing exactly how much longer the Nexus devices are going to be supported, it’s still better than being left in the dark.
What do you think about Google’s Nexus update policy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Android Blog via Android Police
The post Google announces new Nexus update policy, devices to see monthly security updates appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Google releases Stagefright security update for seven Nexus devices
Google’s latest Android 5.1.1 update is now available for the Nexus 4, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013, WiFi), Nexus 9 (LTE and WiFi) and Nexus 10. You can download the upgrade instantly as a factory image or you can wait for it to roll out as an OTA later today.
For those unaware, this long-awaited update carries the build number LMY48I and brings a much-needed fix for the Stagefright security exploit, in addition to several other bug fixes, stability improvements and speed optimizations.
Hit the source link below to download the factory images from the official Google Developer Blog.
Source: Google Developer Blog
Come comment on this article: Google releases Stagefright security update for seven Nexus devices
Is this a prototype Huawei Nexus?
For the past month, we’ve heard rumours suggesting that Google was planning two Nexus handsets for later this year and was working with LG and Huawei to make the two handsets. LG’s Nexus is expected to be the lower spec version of the two and today, we’re getting a first glimpse of what might be a prototype Huawei Nexus smartphone.
The video in question comes from Steve Hemmerstoffer, the man behind the @onleaks account, who has a pretty decent track record when it comes to leaking as-yet unannounced smartphones. Based on the design of past handsets, the Huawei Nexus definitely looks like it has been designed by Chinese manufacturer Huawei but does seem to sport a matte rear cover like the Ascend Mate 7 and Huawei Honor 7.
Huawei in video:
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One of the features in Google’s upcoming Android M operating system is native support for fingerprint readers and it’s unsurprising to see the Huawei Nexus sport one on the rear, underneath the camera like Huawei’s previous handsets and future Nexus devices are also likely to have the feature. The camera sensor also looks similar to that found on the Nexus 5 and doesn’t sport the design traditionally used by Huawei in its smartphones.
The Huawei Nexus is expected to also be a first for Huawei thanks to its Quad HD display, which should be accompanied by a large battery, pure Android experience and a Snapdragon 820 processor. The LG Nexus on the other hand is expected to have lesser specs but should still have a smaller Full HD panel, an octa-core processor with 2GB/3GB RAM and possibly a 13MP camera, like the one found in the Nexus 6 and Motorola Moto G.
Would you buy the Huawei Nexus if it looked like this leak video? Let us know your views in the comments below!
Target launches Bluetooth beacon pilot program in 50 stores
Bluetooth beacons are already helping London’s visually-impaired subway riders navigate the Tubes, now they’re going to help shoppers find great deals at their local Target stores. The retailer recently announced that it is implementing a pilot beacon program in 50 of its stores. These beacons will send push notifications to shoppers phones whenever they browse within range of the device, similar to the Tips system that Facebook is working on.
In order to keep this system from spamming customers, Target is requiring that shoppers first download and install the Target iOS app (an Android version is in development), then actively opt-in to receive the notifications. What’s more, the system is designed to push a maximum of just two notifications per shopping trip with the rest of the deals appearing in the app itself. That way customers can get the maximum number of deals without becoming overwhelmed. Future iterations will reportedly feature the ability to resort your shopping list as you browse so that you won’t have to retrace your steps to finish your shopping.
Stores in Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, New York City, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle have all been selected to participate. Target will reportedly use data gathered from this pilot to fine tune the program ahead of a nationwide rollout around the Holidays. Target did admit to TechCrunch that it plans to harvest user data to “understand shopping trends and preferences.” Given that Target was recently hacked, it will be interesting to see how many shoppers will be willing to not only share their data with the company but also tool around its stores with their Bluetooth radios on.
[Image Credit: Getty Images]
Filed under:
Internet, Apple, Google, Facebook
Via:
TechCrunch
Source:
Target
Tags: Android, apple, beacon, Bluetooth, commerce, facebook, google, ios, pilot, retail, shopping, Target
Google brings new features to Keep and Slides
Google has rolled out a new update to Keep and Slides. Both bring some useful tools.
Slides now allows users to present their presentations within a video chat. This means you can show your Slides presentations to anyone around the world within Hangouts. Google has included a new present button within the app that enables users to see who is in the call before you start.
In Keep’s update, users can export their notes as a copy to Google Docs. Keep notes can already be shared with any Gmail account, but this enhances the experience by giving it more options to edit and share.
Via: The Next Web
Come comment on this article: Google brings new features to Keep and Slides
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