Google removes 32 apps from Google Play over malware concerns

Yesterday, the folks over at Lookout divulged their latest find. 32 applications, mostly Russian language, were found to contain what Lookout calls "BadNews" -- a new piece of code that facilitates easy installation of malware onto users phones who have it installed. They estimate that apps containing BadNews have been installed over 2,000,000 times. While this is but a small drop compared to the hundreds of millions of Android devices and 25+ Billion apps installed from the Play store, it's still quite the eye popping number.

BadNews is disguised as an ad network. Besides serving ads for other less popular apps containing the BadNews code, it has the ability to send some of your private data (including your phone number and IMEI) to a server. It also displays fake news messages about app updates and links to actual malware that a user could install outside Google Play. 

The offending applications, distributed across four different developer accounts, have been purged from Google Play. If you think you may have been affected, or are running one of the apps, Lookout's security application can assist in identifying the things you need to remove.

We appreciate a well researched and legitimate look at malware like this news, and don't want it to get buried like the so many FUD stories around the Internet that are speculation with no numbers. For a list of the applications, and a look at how this was discovered, click the source link below. Carry past the break for some further discussion.

Source: Lookout

Now to talk a bit about how and why this happened, and what users could have done differently to protect themselves. To start with, over 2,000,000 people downloaded an application from Google Play, and said "yes" when asked if they wanted to allow the downloaded application to have access to their phone number. We understand that all the app permissions can be confusing, and that often there are legitimate reasons for apps to request permissions to sensitive information. But we have to be diligent and read those permissions, every time, and pass on the apps we think have requests that sound fishy. While this means that we'll likely have to pass on a few apps that are innocent, it also means we won't have some spammy app sending all our contact data off to some server in the Russian Federation. This is the price of having an open application store, and while Google can come back and remove apps that have gone wild after they are found, we have to practice a little care of our own.

The second one is a no-brainer. If you click an ad banner that promises an update to an app that you downloaded from Google Play, or directs you to download and install any files to your phone, you have to say no. This is why it was a big deal when Facebook decided to go rogue and update their app in an unapproved manner, and why many folks were calling for their heads and removal of their app from Google Play for doing so. If you allow things like this to happen, nobody can help you. This time, these apps would have been detected by a security app like Lookout, but next time they may not. Just Say No.

It's relatively easy to write malicious code and inject it into an application that users want. It's not so easy to distribute it from Google Play, and as a result we see convoluted methods like BadNews to get the job done. Be diligent, be safe, and whenever you're in doubt ask for advice in the forums. We may be bickering between ourselves over whether Samsung or HTC makes the better phone, but we all work together when a friend is in need.

Galaxy tab 3 7.0: an official ad but not at the price of the Tablet 7 inch

While we you tomorrow to the next Galaxy tab 3 8 inches, which is spoken today that Samsung only lift the veil on the Galaxy 3 7.0 tab is a new Samsung 7 inch Tablet expected for the month of WiFi versions can in the WiFi during one + 3 G will be available in June. A formal announcement, but still no detailed technical specifications of the price.

Featuring, like Galaxy leads touch 8.0 by three physical keys, the new Tablet 7 inch Samsung Android 4.1 user the TouchWiz overlay. Technical characteristics, it is clocked at 1.2 GHz with shoulder 1 GB RAM, and 8 or 16 GB of storage space on the midrange market with a dual-core processor expandable via MicroSD card Add.

A bit disappointing, this Galaxy tab screen resolution 1024 X 600 pixels is 3 7.0. Ditto for the only 1.3 megapixel camera, accompanied 1.3 mega pixels of a front camera.

It is to point out that the official press release from Samsung with focused largely the download on the multimedia performance of the aircraft, for argument offered speed of processor and its storage capacity. Entries are now found in every shelf. If the alleged "of life capture 1.3 mega pixel camera moments in stunning clarity", it goes for comments. I personally I expect version 8.

The Galaxy tab 3 7 inch is official.

With a performance that 7 inch Samsung takes the introduction of second generation of nexus 7, this new Tablet signed a few weeks ago a slight edge on the next Google tablet, but considering the fact the Google rather in relation to the configuration will offer, is Samsung who both count if it is sufficiently attractive to the price, and on the strength of the brand.

HTC One pictured in black on AT&T site

We know the black version of the HTC One was coming to AT&T eventually, but tonight we're seeing it on their website. There was no availability announcement, no details on the page and it's not available to buy just yet, but it is there. We're not sure if this means anything, but we thought a few of you might want a heads up that it's appeared. Click the link below to have a look.

Source: AT&T. Thanks, Patrick!

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Sony Xperia Iizuka and Togari: two new smartphones for the second half of 2013

Sony mobile is currently working on two new Smartphones Sony Xperia in the second half of the year expected. Now we have knowledge about the code names of Xperia honing examination and Xperia Togari for some time, we have then this little detail aside the fact that the second has a larger screen than the first, but several Asian sites a number of quite juicy rumors cover us for a few days.

We learn even after Member a full HD 1080 p with 6.44 inches screen size entitlement of tester for smartphones Sony Xperia with the Togari, all in a very fine design is with a glass bottom, which is not unlike the Xperia Z Baidu Forum. Will, moreover, be in a 100% version as the Xperia-ZL and in contrast to the Xperia-Z knows that the white version some elements of black colour. He would have expected the Japanese market for the month of July.

More interesting, in terms of technical characteristics, Xperia honing examination is a really high end model. Accordingly, there should be a 5-inch full HD-screen ship, an audio chip dedicated Walkman, that would be probably the MX-S-master digital amplifier and a photo sensor CMOS Carl Zeiss with a resolution of 20-megapixel camera with dual Flash LED. He would processor 2.3 GHz and 2 GB shoulder make also a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 RAM, a GPU type Adreno-330, and a battery with a capacity of between 2700 and 3000 mAh. As stated in the so-called Tester, it would be a more attractive Smartphone that Sony has never done. It had expected for the month of July.

Second half of two new smartphones Xperia for 2013.

Keep in mind that both devices should offer resistance to water and dust.

These two new Sony Xperia smartphones the theme of an international launch between August and September, probably on the occasion of the Salon of the IFA in 2013 should be expected in Asian markets this summer.

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Shown Android 4.3 jelly bean finally before Android 5.0 key lime pie?

Would be Android 4.3 jelly bean the next version of Google? Android 5.0 key lime pie could be not presented in fact on the Google i/o, which will be held from 15 May. It is the founder of Android police, Artem Russakovskii, which it claims, and explains the different reasons that led him to this conclusion.

He would have found several nexus 7 nexus-4, and the Android 4.3 jelly bean turns. This is a build number for that noted that this version of the mobile operating system to the various products enabled on the server. Employees at Google could information that he cross with the implementation of IP addresses.

Featured Android 4.3 jelly bean on Google i/o?

Artem says his claims in this way:

"Google does not Android version number before the weeks prior to their presentation. Talking about weeks or a few months. But Google version assigning a number for the testing internally. They are called usually something like JellyBeanMR1 and then get a version number, as soon as their introduction in the vicinity. "said Artem Russakovskii to his statements to the next version of the system to explain.

Android 4.3 jelly bean leake

If there is no doubt that a new version of the operating system on the Google i/o will be presented, doubt exists more than ever to the version number. A presentation of Android 4.3 jelly bean would be surprising, and there is speculation a few weeks after the official presentation. Keep Google version 5.0 for the introduction of new products end of nexus? After doubts about the products, which next month is to be presented, it is the next version of the system itself is not yet fixed.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 kernel source code released

The GPL is a wonderful thing-Samsung has just posted the kernel source code for the three Galaxy S4 model: GT-I9505, GT-I9500 and SGH-I337M. All three sources are currently available for download from the Samsung open source repository. Even if this does not help the average user (plus no one will really have a phone yet), it gives the kernel developers to start tweaking the core in order to install the Samsung zips willing to root users, when the phone launches.

The Galaxy S family has been tremendous in the past, in the aftermarket developer community, and despite the initial bad news, there is no reason that the same level of support and the S4 Galaxy reach the popularity of the ROM and kernel devs. It will be interesting to see how far this powerhouse phone will be in attack. Links to source code can be found below.

Source: Samsung; Via Android police

Galaxy note 3: first photo of the phone with a screen 5.99 inches and 3 GB RAM?

The first photo of the Galaxy note 3 as well as its technical characteristics could also uncovered was are. It is the Chinese MyDrivers website, a picture shows two phones, which would be the next terminal Note: Samsung's offer with a model number stamped i9500 Hello, as the international version of Galaxy-S4...

A list of specifications of the note accompanied 3 Galaxy by this image. With this phone, the Korean maker is reset to high-end segment. In fact, it resembles a 5.99 inches screen with a full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, an eight core Exynos-5410, clocked at 2 GHz, 3 GB RAM. The rest of the leaf shows 32 GB memory, a MicroSD and Android 4.2.2 jelly bean card support.

Galaxy note 3 in the picture?

To restore the image, it shows a Galaxy note 2 on the right side and what would be rated 3 on the left side of the Galaxy. Then the first series had a number of model GT-N7000 and successor to GT-N7100, this reference i9500 Hi note 3 is not really make sense, because it corresponds to the international version of the S4. Once the photograph compared to other Samsung models as the new Galaxy mega 5,8 and 6,3 inch sticks not with the image.

Comparison of Galaxy smartphones

Chinese website, which forwards these relays information display also possible as soon as mid-June, it would be much earlier, as the date she should rather to the month of September or at the IFA Berlin 2013. The Korean manufacturer models are so many and with very different sizes, it very difficult to distinguish, the models to come. All of this is just a rumor and there is certainly this alleged leak to remember the good and less good.

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Galaxy mega 6.3: incompatible with the French 4 G networks

According to the model 3 G HSPA +, around the turn of the century of the version 4 G LTE Samsung Galaxy mega 6.3 appear on the FCC Web site. Grind 4 G a little disappointing and shows not the slightest interest for us, so far as it only the 850 MHz frequency band supported which is used by French operator, no American elsewhere.

How iPhone 5 with 4G-Chip support, that often 6.3 support bands, Samsung Galaxy mega 4 G no French networks. Worse still, it supports also the US networks. The iPhone 5, Bouygues Telecom Consctituer could a competitive advantage compared to other operators on the market MHz, by getting the authority with the frequency band 1800 compatible with the latest Smartphone von Apple, but it is not possible in this case.

Although a mid-range device, the Galaxy mega has presents yet, an advantage, as it itself as "The" largest smartphone market.  It is 5.8 inches, corresponding specifications by a model in accompanied a little cheaper sold.

Announced a few weeks ago, these two new devices are two new range of Galaxy mega from the Korean manufacturer and indexes are likely to for may in Russian and probably the American and European markets in the light of the latest released by the FCC. However, is the first it still not be in which country to welcome them.

The Galaxy mega 6.3 incompatible with French 4 G networks.

In all cases, and despite a few apartments as you make your configuration that remains summary - but has earned at least accessible - allow to close these two new smartphones on the market of for smartphones and tablets but also, once again the screen for smartphones standards define size.

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One Today by Google launches to support non-profit organisations

Google's latest efforts to change the world have been unveiled, with the launch of the One Today app. The app, currently limited to the U.S and only to Android users, is designed to highlight non-profit organizations and their work and allow you to support them through giving $1. Each day a new project is highlighted with a new opportunity to donate. As with so many other Google projects, you will need to request an invite to take part, so if you're interested hit up the source link below. You will need a Google Wallet account to donate, but if you get in and take a look at this, be sure to jump into the comments below and let us know what you think. 

Source: One Today by Google

Google Glass: source suggests the presence of an NFC chip

And if the Google Glass features a NFC chip?This is definitely the source recommend code glasses, unveiled at the weekend provides developers with the ability to tweak a little bit and make some interesting discoveries like this.

While learning these days a bit more on the type of processor by associated Google goggles delivered it is, today ' hui, the possibility of an NFC within the Google glass chip shows the tip of his nose. Although the presence of the component is not clearly mentioned, it seems that all drivers that show support for contactless technology are at the heart of the software.

Information to take, however tentative because although drivers are actually available, no function three letters of contactless technology seems, at the moment of the part. What is rather confusing, because at the moment there is still information set when the technical characteristics of the famous glasses, starting from the processor or the size of the memory.

In addition, we already know that despite because their production by far was not imminent, these have already been Rootees.

Are the Google Glass or NFC?

With regard to the fact whether the Google Glass be NFC, there is also some elements of the response on the side of Google's policy towards this new product due to the recent comments by Eric Schmidt. Eric Schmidt, who said, a few days Google more cautious than usual and permit applications Google glass processor stricter than that of the conventional Android before applications. In addition, it seems that the glasses will be unavailable to the public one or two years ago.

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Samsung Galaxy S4: the story of the designs in video

The design of the Galaxy-S4. This is something interesting and the already much ink. And not since the announcement of the Smartphone, but a bit before when Samsung started, the apology of the plastic more or less explicitly confirmed that iron of the Lance are next to him also in plastic dressed. This was followed by a long controversy over the legitimacy of the choice of this material. That serves a controversy, HTC under his HTC in any case well a last high-end Smartphone, the chassis from aluminium or just Apple, use the new way to continue the so-called "superiority" of the iPhone to Android competitors has seen.

The fact remains that despite his habit of plastic, Samsung Galaxy S4 shows record pre-orders and probably is one of the best-selling models by the year 2013. Samsung table on estimated sales around 10 million units at the start. See, like plastic, it's fantastic!

And it is precisely in this context that in the last episode of his series, the history of design, Samsung says all stages of design of the design of the Galaxy S4 you, in detail. We learn that the mouth (in cases, they have not understood that yet!), that the device, and more an evolution than a revolution, but also an evolution "as you did when had never seen before.

The history of the design of the Galaxy-S4 on video.

So and we learn from it is the designers, the design of the S4 Galaxy expensive items in his heart, the natural look in particular at the level of its rear cover, here compared to a "sparkling gem in the darkness or countless stars twinkle in the sky the night." short, if you have not their skills of designers, you might be subject for their poetic soul.

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Ouya Limited Edition units now quickly follow up the delivery

Ouya wants to be the next big thing in the console gaming. We have heard today that they now have 10,000 developers lined up since the end of March, they have been busy with the production of the songs out of the Kickstarter supporters. They understand that to be successful, they must be in the hands of the unit, wishing that more of everything to keep communicating with people waiting for their order.

They do this weekly delivery updates by email and on his website Kickstarter, as they sent today. There is no real news, tell, but listening to the feedback and adjusted a few things to prove delivery workflow:

The limited edition has been the "urgent" and sent out sooner, cutting almost two weeks away from the original time.Standard orders placed during the orders any longer when the drivers. Orders for making drivers will start shipping at the beginning of next week.They are working on methods to get international orders out the door faster

Good news for all around, and it's amazing to see a company tell us how things are going crazy during Shipping tens of thousands of units. Well done, Ouya.

Source: Ouya

Galaxy tab 3 8.0: new Tablet 8 inch for Samsung?

Without an official announcement from Samsung, the Samsung Galaxy tab show 3 8.0 only to the tip of his nose on the Bluetooth SIG website. Although the information from the website identify not the Tablet 3 8.0 as such and the name Samsung Galaxy tab still has no official, it seems that SM T311, name under which the device with Bluetooth SIG is referenced, the model number is clear this new Tablet 8 inch, Samsung signed.

You can see the details by the Bluetooth SIG, on the page it seems that the SM T311 is in fact, a new tablet on the day of the April 26 on the site registered. If we know that a few days ago the Wall Street Journal has reported that Samsung had to start a new Tablet 8 inch and know that Galaxy 8.0 already is on the market, it might then be that the Galaxy tab 3 8.0.

As learned Bluetooth SIG says, the SM T311 Europe moves. However, if it in fact the Galaxy tab 3 8.0, it is clear that it should be distributed to all markets, like previous generations was the case.

A new Tablet 8 inch for Samsung?

On the side of the technical features, townscape UnwiredView presence status makes an 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 X 800 pixels and a quad-core, Android jelly bean processor. This new Tablet 8 inch Samsung Arborerait 6.95 mm thick, would be released first, in white and Bluetooth 4.0 to build support.

Samsung Galaxy tab 3 8.0 presented by Bluetooth SIG.

Information that once again prove to us in any case, Samsung wants its new range of tablets can flood the market with. Wait to see, what the Korean prepares us on the side of the version 10-inch Galaxy tab 3.

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HTC apologises for the delay, for more about the dev edition

We have just received some more information about HTC, as well as the delay in shipping 32 GB SIM-unlocked HTC is one of the 64-gigabyte "developer edition" in the locked bootloader.

The official wording of the HTC is still "before the end of April," but things very well might not be so bad.

We will tell you ...

Here is the complete, official announcement from HTC:

"We are thrilled that HTC One is now available on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and numerous national retail partners; However, we are experiencing unexpected delays in the delivery of pre-order 32 GB and 64 GB SIM-unlock the developer edition. We are working to fullfill the orders as soon as possible but no later than at the delivery to customers before the end of April. We apologize for the delay to those customers. We know a lot of the excitement of this phone, and we can't wait to get this device to all of our customers hands. "

At the end of April, is, of course, only a week and a half today. And, we are told, it is actually quite the worst delivery scenario at this stage. There is no production problems or anything scary as that-it's just that it has trickled down to the HTC one sorry shipping nationwide have been affected by the floods, as well as the sustained terrorist event in Boston in the Midwest.

It is possible, we have heard, the delivery status can be updated in the afternoon, and we could very well see the phones already before the end of the month. We recommend checking out the HTC's order status page later today.

And if you hear anything new, screaming in our forums.

Dish urges FCC to postpone Sprint-Softbank deal

In a rather curious turn of events on April 15th, Dish made a buyout offer for Sprint of some $25.5 billion dollars, over $5 billion more than what has been agreed upon by Sprint and Softbank previously. In order for Dish to increase the chances of its deal being accepted, however, it is urging the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to postpone its review of the Softbank deal. As Sprint's board looks over the deal independently, the FCC's evaluation of Softbank's proposal will move along as planned if it isn't blocked or postponed.

The original deal, according to chairman of the FCC Julius Genachowski, was expected to go through by the end of May. Postponing the deal would give Dish more of a fair shot at convincing Sprint that its deal is more lucrative. The up-front purchase price being $5 billion higher certainly sounds better on paper, but there are more components to these large deals. Though Softbank's bid has been on the table for some time now, we would expect Sprint to take a long, hard look at the latest offer.

Source: Bloomberg

Facebook Messenger VOIP calling expands outside of Canada

Unlike when it enabled the new Chat Heads feature with an update via the Play Store, Facebook has silently pushed out a feature to its Messenger app today to enable free VOIP calling. If you'll recall back to the beginning of March, the same happened to iOS users and Android users in Canada, but now we're looking at expanded availability in the U.S. and several more countries as well. The calls are of course completely free, and work between two Facebook users over data rather than the carrier's voice networks.

To check and see if you have the option available, tap into an ongoing chat and hit the "i" button in the top right corner. You should then see a simple "Free Call" button. It isn't the most elegant solution, but as a first release we're not going to complain much. Are you seeing the feature enabled in your own Messenger app? Let us know in the comments below.

"Forever tinkering with gadgets."

Google's Q1 2013 earnings

Google has just released its Q1 2013 earnings. The big numbers:

Nearly $14 billion in consolidated revenue, up 31 percent from the first three months of 2012.GAAP operating income was $3.48 billion.Motorola Mobility revenue was $1.02 billionGoogle's got about $50 billion in cash on hand

We're kibitzing on the conference call this afternoon, so stay tuned for any Android-related snippets.

Source: Google

"Phil is a recovering print journalist, editor of Android Central, subtitles and street signs."

Mobile Kansakuntien podcast: kamera-uusinta

Mobile Nations podcast: State of the camera art | Android Central Android BlackBerry iPhone / iPad Windows Phone webOS SIGN UP|LOG IN Android Central Forums News Reviews Help & how to Apps Devices Search Downloads: Free Android Wallpapers Weekly podcast From the Forums: Get the app Today's Posts Getting Started All Forums Cases Docks Batteries Chargers Screen Protectors Lloyd Gear Select your phone HomeArticles Mobile Nations podcast: State of the camera art Podcast By Rene Ritchie  | Apr 21 2013 | 9:04 am  | 4 Comments