Researchers find Android factory reset faulty and reversible
Android’s factory reset function isn’t as effective as we’d all like it to be, according to a team of Cambridge University researchers. The group estimates that as many as 500 to 630 million Android devices might not be capable of completely wiping the data saved in their internal disks and SD cards. They came to that conclusion after testing 21 devices running Android 2.3 to 4.3 from five different manufacturers that already went through factory reset. During their tests, they were able to recover at least part of the data stored in each sample device — even if it was protected with full-disk encryption.
The data they recovered includes contacts, images and videos, texts, emails and log-ins for third-party apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. They were also able to retrieve the master token needed to access all Google user data in 80 percent of the phones. There are many possible reasons for reset failure: according to the researchers, manufacturers sometimes don’t load a phone’s software with the drivers needed to completely wipe its internal disk or SD card add-on. Also, flash drives are notoriously difficult to erase.
It’s unclear at the moment if Google or any of the manufacturers whose phones were tested are doing anything about this issue. But if you really want to protect your info before tossing, selling or giving away an old phone, use the most complicated password you can whip up… or, you know, go to town on it with a hammer.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google
Via: Ars Technica
Source: Cambridge University
Top 6 cloud storage apps for saving across devices [May 2015]
There are many reasons as to why you should backup your smartphone and data to the Cloud. After all, you want to ensure your files are secure and have are in a safe place in case of an accident with your smartphone or tablet. But, it’s difficult to do that when you don’t have access to any cloud storage. I’ve put together a list of my favorite cloud storage apps that offer free storage solutions. Some of them even have fantastic pricing for either hundreds of gigabytes of storage or unlimited storage.
Be sure to check it out below!
Dropbox
Dropbox is my all-time favorite cloud storage app. Not because I have any affiliation with Dropbox, mind you, but I’ve been using it since the day it launched, and have it across all my computers and devices. I haven’t had much need to look elsewhere, as they offer plenty of free storage for what I use. Not to mention the fact that you can get more free space through inviting friends and other minor tasks.
If the allotted space they give you isn’t enough, Dropbox will give your 1000GB of space to use for $10/month or an unlimited amount of storage for $15/mo.
Google Drive
Google Drive is another cloud storage staple, offering 15GB of free data across all of Google’s services, such as Gmail, Drive, and Google+ Photos. You can store just about any data you need in Google Drive, and out of all the apps listed, they do provide the most free storage. Drive is also seamlessly integrated with Docs, Sheets, and Slides, making it insanely easy to store and work on important documents.
If you use up the 15GB, Google has rather cheap storage options, similar to Dropbox’s pricing. For $2.99/mo you can get 100GB of storage or for $9.99/mo you can get 1000GB.
OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft’s solution to Cloud storage, and similar to Google Drive, Microsoft gives you a free 15GB of storage. You can get an additional 15GB of storage for free by simply turning on camera upload on either your smartphone or tablet. For the everyday user, 30GB is more than enough to store photos and video.
OneDrive offers cheap storage plans at 100GB for $1.99/mo, 200GB for $3.99/mo, and 1000GB for $6.99/mo. If you go for the 1000GB plan, Microsoft will throw in free access to Office 365, which gives you access to all of Microsoft’s Office applications, and let’s you work on them across all your devices.
Amazon Cloud Drive
Amazon Cloud Drive is, well, Amazon’s solution for Cloud storage. With Amazon Cloud Storage, you have the option to get a three month trial, where you can store unlimited photos for free, and up to 5GB in videos and files. After the trial ends, you’ll have to pay $11.99/year to continue using that service. If you’re just looking for somewhere to store your photos, you can store unlimited photos for free with an Amazon Prime subscription. You may not need to pay that $11.99/year at all.
Amazon Cloud Drive has another subscription option, where you have access to unlimited everything for $59.99 a year, which is a much cheaper solution than anything on this list.
Box
Box is another excellent Cloud storage service, offering 10GB of free storage space. While it does have more of a business focus than personal, the 10GB of free space is still excellent to have in your back pocket. One of the fascinating benefits of Box and its business-focus is that documents can be commented on in real-time, giving you instantaneous feedback. In addition to that, it has a lot of great features to effectively share files between coworkers.
If you need more storage space, the starter pack will get you 100GB for $4.99/mo. The business package, requiring a minimum of three users, will run you $15/mo, but gives you unlimited storage space.
MediaFire
MediaFire is another common Cloud service, offering 12GB of free storage space. One of the unique things about this service is that you can earn up to 50GB of free storage, which should be just enough for the everyday user. It’s certainly not enough for power users, but that’s not to worry, as MediaFire offers some excellent packages, which are all 50% off right now.
For a mere $2.49/mo you can get yourself 1000GB of space. If that’s not enough, for $24.99/mo, they’ll give you up to 100TB of space. And if that’s not enough, I’m not sure what will satisfy your craving for data. At normal prices, you can expect to pay $4.99/mo and $49.99/mo, respectively.
Wrap Up
There are plenty more Cloud storage apps out there, but these six are my top favorites, as they have a wide variety of free storage options. If you need more, a lot of the storage subscriptions are the price of a McDonald’s cheeseburger. It isn’t bad at all. Either way, I’m sure I’ve missed some great ones. What are your favorites?
Come comment on this article: Top 6 cloud storage apps for saving across devices [May 2015]
Google opens up code for Chrome for Android
Google’s Chrome for Android development team has announced the mobile version of the Chrome browser is now “almost entirely open source.” The parts not open sourced include some media codecs, plugins, and Google service features that are restricted due to licensing issues. The team open sourced over 100,000 lines of code, including the entire user interface layer. For developers, this move means they can built their own versions of the browser for Android devices.
The mobile Android version of the browser now mirrors the desktop version in having the bulk of the code being open sourced. On the desktop, this has resulted in a variety of third-party web browsers being built. They range from the popular and relatively well-known Opera browser to lesser known variants like Vivaldi which targets developers.
Based on the ecosystem of browsers built for the desktop, users can expect to see a similar pattern develop for mobile platforms running Android, so keep an eye on the Play Store for new browsers.
source: OMG! Chrome!
Come comment on this article: Google opens up code for Chrome for Android
Gartner: Worldwide Chromebook sales to reach 7.3 million units in 2015
Manufacturers have been releasing a slew of new Chromebooks throughout these past few months, and it looks like it’s paying off. According to technology research firm Gartner, a total of 5.728 million Chromebooks were shipped in the year 2014, with 4.820 million units being sold in North America. 72% of those units were sold to the education market alone. In fact, at the rate Chromebooks are currently selling, the report states that worldwide sales are on track to reach 7.3 million units by the end of 2015, which would be a 27% increase year over year.
In terms of specific OEMs, Acer surpassed Samsung to become the number one worldwide Chromebook vendor in 2014, selling more than 2 million units. Samsung took the second place badge with 1.7 million units, and HP came in third with 1 million units.
Although the consumer and education segments may have held strong numbers for 2014, Google has been struggling to gain a foothold in the business sector. From Gartner:
In the business segment, purchases of Chromebooks remain low despite interest from small and midsize businesses (SMBs) and vertical industries. Google is increasingly targeting the business segment with its Chromebook for Work suite of office applications and has continuously improved access and functions by making more applications and services available offline.
Though it’s still a way off, the report also states that worldwide Chromebook sales could reach up to 7.953 million units in 2016. Do you own a Chromebook? If so, would you recommend one to a friend or family member?
Google’s Project Fi backlogged, invite requests to take until mid-summer to complete
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8150504804865896″
data-ad-slot=”8461248232″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
Gogole’s Project Fi, the pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi/cell service, was officially announced on April 22nd. At that time would be users had to sign-up and keep their fingers crossed for an invite to use the low-cost alternative. No doubt many of you pushed your details through hoping for a chance to give it a shot. I know I have seen a few people I follow on G+ get in, while many more are checking every email notification intently. It now looks like you can save some battery life, quite refreshing your email account and making sure it didn’t hit the spam folder for some odd reason.
The above image is an email I received last night from Google in regards to my Project Fi submission. As you can see, they are projecting a mid-summer completion. While that is some sad news, there is a small light at the end of the tunnel. They also mentioned that they will be launching a way for you to check on your Project Fi status invite. I am assuming they will list out something like your current position on the list so you can watch the count down. Hopefully it isn’t just a page that say “processing”. That would be irritating.
How many of you that signed up on announcement day already have your invite in?
The post Google’s Project Fi backlogged, invite requests to take until mid-summer to complete appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Nexus 6 may get Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update with T-Mobile Wi-Fi calling sometime soon
A good amount of Nexus devices have already begun receiving the update to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, though the update for Google’s most recent flagship is still nowhere to be found. No, it’s not the most important update that Google has ever pushed out, though it would still be nice to see it make its way to the Nexus 6 in a timely fashion. As it turns out, we might not have to wait much longer, according to Des, a Product Evangelist at T-Mobile.
Related Videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 335px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
#page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
A little over a week ago, Des mentioned on Twitter that T-Mobile and Google are still working on bringing Wi-Fi calling to the Nexus 6, and that the update would begin testing within 7-10 days. Take a look:
We’re still working with Google on WiFi Calling for the #Nexus6 – bug was found over the weekend, looks like 7-10 days to fix & test
— Des (@askdes) May 12, 2015
Now that it’s been ten days, many folks are probably wondering the status of the update. Thankfully, Des came back this morning to give everyone a little teaser on what’s to come for the weekend.
This is shaping up to be a very Happy Memorial day weekend… #Nexus6 — Des (@askdes) May 21, 2015
We’ll have to wait and see whether or not Google and T-Mobile have worked out all of the bugs associated with this update. But as for right now, Nexus 6 owners can expect to see Android 5.1.1 roll out sometime this weekend.
5 Android Apps you shouldn’t miss this week! – Android Apps Weekly
Sponsor: Transformers: Battle Tactics
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Transformers: Battle Tactics is an online game where you assemble a team of Transformers and duel it out online versus other players in real time. The premise is fairly simple. You build a team that can have Autobots, Decepticons, or both and then you take that team online to face other people. In battles your Transformers have their own stats and you have extra bonus powers to help you along the way. There are a whole bunch of ways to build your team and use your powers to your advantage. DeNA also throws events fairly frequently where almost every player gets a little something. It’s a good time and free to download so it won’t hurt to give it a shot.
Welcome back to Android Apps Weekly! Here are your headlines for this week:
- Last week we talked about Sega’s plans to remove games that didn’t fit their standard. This week, three apps got the chop including After Burner Climax, Jet Set Radio, and Super Monkey Ball 2. On top of that, 16 games were removed from the Apple App Store. We expect the removals to continue.
- A new Humble Bundle is out now and this time it’s all about developer Artifex Mundi. You can pay whatever you want and get three games, pay the average and get four additional games, or pay a flat $9 and get all nine. These games would cost $41 if you bought them individually and it’s a great way to give to charity.
- There is now evidence to support that Google will begin its “Designed for Families” program at Google I/O this year after developers received an email asking them to opt in by May 28th. For those who don’t know, “Designed for Families” is essentially a family friendly version of Google Play that will feature apps and games for all ages.
- According to a report from Bloomberg, Google may be launching a new photo sharing service at Google I/O this year. It would be totally separate from Google+ photos and would let you share to other social media like Twitter and Facebook. We’ll tell you more when we find out more.
- In our last bit of news this week, Spotify has announced a slew of new features. Among them is a new Now start page, Spotify Running which is music to specially picked for exercising, video clips, news clips, original content, and a lot more. If this hasn’t already rolled out, it will be soon.
For even more Android apps and games news, updates, headlines, and new releases, don’t forget to check out this week’s newsletter! There we round up everything that happened this last week and it’s the best way to stay up to date in the world of apps. If you’re so inclined, you can sign up using your email address and we’ll beam that straight to your inbox every single Friday.
Subscribe to our Android Apps Weekly newsletter!
Twitch
[Price: Free]
Twitch released a sort-of update this last week that includes some security fixes, on-demand video, and the usual array of bug fixes and performance improvements. The interesting part is that instead of just releasing an update, Twitch has actually released a whole new application that starts at version 4.0. This is due to the security fixes that could not be implemented properly if it’d just been updated. So in order to get it, you’ll have to delete your current installation and download the new one which is linked using the button below.
Ire: Blood Memory
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Ire: Blood Memory is the first action RPG out of developers Tenbirds and this one is rather interesting. It adheres to an old-school feel which means it’s tough as nails, you will die a lot, and that’s perfectly okay with us. The game also features the ability to summon companions, and a combat system that requires actual thinking, strategy, and your environment. It’s definitely no Dark Souls, but it’s pretty fun.
Layout from Instagram
[Price: Free]
Layout from Instagram has actually been around for a long time as an iOS exclusive but no longer because it has been released for Android. This application allows you to create collages from your photos and then post them to Instagram. Some other features include the ability to find pictures with faces in them, integrated Instagram filters, and more. The best part is you don’t actually need to use Instagram to use this application. In fact, you don’t need an Instagram account at all. It’s worth a shot if you like collages.
Sunburn
[Price: $2.99]
Sunburn is a new game out of Noodlecake Studios, the developers responsible for Mikey Shorts, Punch Quest, and many others. In this retro-style game, you play as a ship captain that has lost your ship and your crew. You must navigate the harshness of space using your jetpack and find your crew without being hit by a comet. You must also do so before you run out of oxygen. It’s $2.99 with no in-app purchases and it’s a pretty decent little retro game.
MixRadio
[Price: Free]
MixRadio has finally made its way to the Google Play Store. The UK-based streaming service is a competitor to Pandora and attempts to create playlists of music based on your tastes. The idea is that the more you listen, the better it gets at predicting what you like but you can listen to curated playlists as well if that’s your thing. It also supports offline mode, has over 35 million tracks, and a fairly modern design.
Wrap up
If we missed any great Android apps or games news, let us know about it in the comments!
Project Fi invites should be sent to everyone by mid-summer
Chances are that you still have not received an invite to Project Fi. Relax, the wait will not be much longer. The Project Fi team sent emails out this morning to those interesting to give an update on when you and everyone else can expect their invite. The team is monitoring the service as it adds more users and, because of this, everyone should receive an invite by mid-summer.
Here is the email:
Hello!
Thanks for requesting an invite to Project Fi. We’re really excited that you’re interested in trying our service! Over the past few weeks, we’ve been happy to bring the first customers onto Project Fi and the initial feedback has been very positive.
We’re sending invites as quickly as we can, while ensuring a high-quality experience. Given the number of requests we’ve received, we currently estimate that it will take until mid-summer to get everyone.
In the coming weeks we’ll have a way for you to check the status of your invite – stay tuned for more information.
Thanks again for your interest in Project Fi. We’ll get to you an invite as soon as we can!
– The Project Fi team
So there you have it. Project Fi invites should be in the inbox of everyone by sometime in July.
Come comment on this article: Project Fi invites should be sent to everyone by mid-summer
Google’s upcoming ‘Brillo’ operating system will be for Internet of Things
Having an operating system that works with phones, tablets, wearables, cars, and televisions is no longer enough for Google. Now, the company is targeting the Internet of Things with a new operating system that connect everything from your fridge to your thermostat to your light bulbs.
The Information reports that Google’s upcoming ‘Brillo’ operating system will work with low-powered devices. It could take as little as 32MB or 64MB of RAM to allow such devices to function. This is in comparison to the usual 512MB of RAM that is normally required by low-powered and low-end devices.
The project, which is said to be watched by Android’s development team, could be branded as another Android variant.
We may see Brillo debut next week at I/O 2015 and we will be there live with full coverage.
Source: The Information
Via: The Next Web
Come comment on this article: Google’s upcoming ‘Brillo’ operating system will be for Internet of Things
Google heads list of 16 companies trying to kill passwords
People don’t put enough thought into passwords because it’s a pain, but that creates security problems for the whole internet. Google, Microsoft and others in the FIDO Alliance want to replace passwords with fingerprint scanning and other techniques, and just unveiled 31 products from 16 companies that conform to the new standard. The most recognizable of those is Google’s login service, which implemented USB key locks that eliminate mobile phones in 2-step identification late last year. Others on the list include Samsung’s PayPal authorizing fingerprint system, and Nok Nok, which allows Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint scanner to work with third-party apps.
FIDO also announced a certification program for its version 1.0 specification. Conforming apps will authenticate using biometric data like voice prints and fingerprints, while never storing them to ensure privacy. In addition, certified apps will theoretically work with any biometric system, depending on what a vendor wants to implement. The standard makes it easier for companies to incorporate FIDO into apps, while the official logo assures consumers that a product is conforming. Despite that, lots of companies still haven’t boarded the alliance, and some are still waiting — like Microsoft, which won’t certify Windows 10 for FIDO until the next spec is released.
Filed under: Peripherals
Source: FIDO Alliance
AIVAnet 