Thursday, December 16, 2010

Mobile Buzz

Mobile Buzz

The Patriot App – for Government Snitches

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 09:19 PM PST


iphone-patriot-appBig Brother is watching … and he has an iPhone.

It's now easier than ever to become a government snitch. This iPhone app, Patriot App, gives you almost instant access to the following US agencies:

  • FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
  • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
  • GAO (Government Accountability Office)
  • CDC (Centers for Disease Control)

I don't know if you'd call this patriotic though. Most Americans value their personal privacy, and the thought of their neighbors instantly reporting them to Uncle Sam is scary. It's already easy enough to call the local authorities, why do we need this? Have you ever heard of 911?

the-patriot-app

The name of this app will surely remind people about the controversial Patriot Act, which allows the US Government broad powers to bypass Constitutionally protected rights.

It's one more sign of our times. Privacy is becoming a joke, but I'm not laughing.

Quote: "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." – Benjamin Franklin


The Patriot App – for Government Snitches originally appeared on Techie Buzz written by Clif Sipe on Friday 17th December 2010 12:19:47 AM under Mobile News. Please read the Terms of Use for fair usage guidance.

How To Root The Google Nexus S

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 11:48 AM PST


The Samsung-manufactured-Google-branded Nexus S has hit the retail stores of Best Buy across the United States and many people have already managed to get their hands on the device. Now, the crazy folks over at XDA have already started tinkering around with their Nexus S and have managed to gain root access to the handset.Google_Nexus_S

The steps to root your Nexus S handset are pretty simple. Users need to follow the steps listed below to root their device -:

1) Switch off your Nexus S. Then press the Volume up button and the Power button together. Your handset should now boot in the standard recovery mode.

2) I hope you guys know your way around ADB and Android 2.3 SDK. Extract the Android 2.3 Gingerbread SDK and go to that folder via Command Prompt. Then after starting the adb daemon, user need to enter "fastboot devices" to make sure that their handset is properly recognized by adb. After this users need to enter "adb reboot bootloader".

3) Once adb reboots your handsets bootloader, users need to enter "fastboot oem unlock" and press enter. Bingo! Your Nexus S is now rooted!

However, after unlocking the bootloader, the Nexus S will factory reset itself once.

Yes, you have successfully managed to root your Nexus S in three simple steps. Hopefully, a custom recovery like ClockworkMod Recovery for the Nexus S will soon be out to replace the stock recovery.

(Source)


How To Root The Google Nexus S originally appeared on Techie Buzz written by Rajesh Pandey on Thursday 16th December 2010 02:48:52 PM under Mobile News. Please read the Terms of Use for fair usage guidance.

Google Maps 5 Now Available For Download In Android Market

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 09:50 AM PST


The highly anticipated update of Google Maps – version 5 – has finally hit the Android Market. The new update brings with it tons of new features like 3D maps, new multi-touch gestures and offline maps. Here is the small change-log posted by Google in the Android Market –:

  • Explore the map in 3D. Two finger drag down/up to tilt; twist to rotate on supported devices.
  • Use compass mode to rotate the map to where you're facing. Center the map with My Location then tap again.
  • Improved map caching and offline Navigation rerouting if you lose your connection.

snap20101216_230942

However, not all Android handsets will support the new features offered by Google Maps 5.

Here is the list of handsets that fully support Google Maps 5 –:

  • Galaxy S
  • Droid
  • Droid X
  • Droid 2
  • Droid Incredible
  • EVO 4G
  • Nexus S
  • T-Mobile G2/ HTC Desire Z
  • HTC Desire HD

The upcoming high-end Android handsets will also be able to make use of all the features of Google Maps 5. Other handsets like Nexus One, HTC Desire won't be able to enjoy the new multi-touch gesture feature offered by Google Maps 5 due to hardware restriction.

Here is the official blogpost from Google about Google Maps 5.


Google Maps 5 Now Available For Download In Android Market originally appeared on Techie Buzz written by Rajesh Pandey on Thursday 16th December 2010 12:50:01 PM under Mobile News. Please read the Terms of Use for fair usage guidance.

HTC EVO 4G Maintenance Software Update Rolling Out Now

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 09:45 AM PST


HTC is rolling out a software update for the first ever 4G phone – the HTC Evo 4G. The software update is basically a maintenance update and updates some applications of the phone along with adding some bloatware. The update also includes SWYPE keyboard, Kindle eReader and a demo version of NOVA game from Gameloft.

HTC_EVO_4GHere is the full change-log thanks to Android Central –:

Blockbuster (including WM DRM 10)

  • Kindle eReader
  • Preloaded try/buy video game: NOVA from Gameloft
  • Sprint Zone update
  • Latest Telenav
  • Latest VVM App
  • Latest Sprint TV app
  • SWYPE Keyboard
  • Scan Now Widget for 4G (does not need to be available on any panel, just a widget option users could find and use).

As you can see from the above change-log, this OTA update basically adds more bloatware to the EVO 4G.

The software update also breaks root so rooted users should not install this OTA. Alternatively, they can install this rooted and deodexed RUU based on the OTA from teshxx.


HTC EVO 4G Maintenance Software Update Rolling Out Now originally appeared on Techie Buzz written by Rajesh Pandey on Thursday 16th December 2010 12:45:31 PM under Mobile News. Please read the Terms of Use for fair usage guidance.

Google Nexus S Now Available at Best Buy for $529

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 09:29 AM PST


The Google Nexus S, the official successor to the Google Nexus One is now available at Best Buy. It was unveiled by Google on December 6 and has had Android fans salivating since.

It will retail for $529 at Best Buy for the unlocked version and $199 with a 2 year T-Mobile contract. It is one of the best Android phones yet, and is very similar to the Samsung Galaxy S, the most popular Android phone of 2010.

It comes with a 4 inch Super AMOLED display and a 1 GHz processor with 512 MB RAM and 16 GB internal storage. It also sports a 5 MP camera as well as a secondary camera for video calls. It also has all the usual connectivity options – GPRS, EDGE, 3G HSDPA, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and GPS. It is the first phone to run the new version of the Android OS – Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Head over to Best Buy to get it now!

Google Nexus S


Google Nexus S Now Available at Best Buy for $529 originally appeared on Techie Buzz written by Pathik Shah on Thursday 16th December 2010 12:29:32 PM under Mobile News. Please read the Terms of Use for fair usage guidance.

Honeycomb Could be Android 2.4; To be Launched at MWC 2011

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 06:29 AM PST


Android HoneycombAndy Rubin unveiled a Motorola tablet powered by the next version of Android codenamed Honeycomb at the D: Dive into Mobile conference.

It has been called Android version 3.0 by the tech press, but now we have a new rumor which says that Honeycomb will actually be Android 2.4, not 3.0.

It has been assumed that Honeycomb will be Android 3.0 because it will support the tablet form factor and will come with a new user interface, but it seems that Google is planning to do something more special with version 3.0.

Android 2.4 Honeycomb (rumored) will probably be launched at MWC 2011 in Barcelona in February 2011 while Android 3.0 will be launched at the next Google I/O event in May 2011, like Froyo. Android 3.0 will probably be named Ice Cream, going by the current naming convention.

via AndroidAndMe


Honeycomb Could be Android 2.4; To be Launched at MWC 2011 originally appeared on Techie Buzz written by Pathik Shah on Thursday 16th December 2010 09:29:16 AM under Mobile News. Please read the Terms of Use for fair usage guidance.

Windows Phone 7 Marketplace Now Offers More Than 4000 Apps

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 05:53 AM PST


Windows Phone 7 is slowly but steadily adding apps and games to its online application store, the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace. We had reported that it offered 3000 apps just 20 days back; but now it has more than 4000 apps and games to offer.

According to WP7 Applist, the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace sports 4159 apps. Of those, 29% are free while the rest are paid apps with an average price of $1.41. 22% of the total apps are games.

While the growth is quite decent, the numbers are still nothing compared to the Android Market or the iPhone App Store. The WP7 Marketplace should overtake the Palm Appstore in Q1 2011, going by current trends.

Windows Phone 7 Marketplace
Source: WP7 Applist


Windows Phone 7 Marketplace Now Offers More Than 4000 Apps originally appeared on Techie Buzz written by Pathik Shah on Thursday 16th December 2010 08:53:57 AM under Mobile News. Please read the Terms of Use for fair usage guidance.

Smartphone Anti-Virus Protection – Is it Necessary?

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 05:00 AM PST


malwareUntil recently, smartphones and mobile devices have seemed all but immune to viruses and malware. All of that changed in the summer of 2010, when the first round of viruses hit Androids and iPhones, two devices that were thought to be completely resistant to attacks. Even before the first attacks, companies had been busy making antivirus software for mobile devices. Is it something you should be thinking about too?

Why You Need Smartphone Antivirus Software

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IT experts overwhelmingly agree that every mobile user needs some form of protection. We've been doing fine with just the default settings for a long time, but there are some serious reasons why this isn't enough.

First of all, you'd never even think about using your personal computer without some form of protection. Why not consider it for your mobile? On our PCs, we keep sensitive information, including financial records and passwords. Increasingly, we're using our mobile devices for the same thing.

In the last year, we've seen a dramatic increase in the number of people using iPhones, Androids and other smartphones. There's been an increase in not only personal use, but business use as well. Cyber criminals are going to target the systems that are used by the most people. This makes it inevitable that, as smartphone use increases, they'll be working hard to create malware to attack these devices.

We've all been lulled into a false sense of security with our smartphones. For example, many people believe that Androids are immune to viruses because they use the Linux system. This leads people to believe that it's enough to simply use the default settings. However, Android has already had its first major virus, and the virus had no problem getting past the Linux security features.

This is definitely the most compelling reason – There have already been attacks. Computer security companies like Norton and Kaspersky started developing their anti-virus software long before the first attacks, in anticipation of them. Now that it's become a reality, it's essential for all smartphone users to make sure they're covered.

Let's look at the three major mobile systems and see how they've fared so far in fighting off viruses.

iPhones

iPhone has its own built-in security system that's pretty effective. It limits what other computers, applications and networks you interact with. Although there have been many attacks, they've usually been against iPhones that had their security settings unlocked (also called "jailbroken"), which means that if you use the default settings and let it do its thing, you have little to worry about. However, in the dreaded summer of 2010, iPhone got its first serious virus. Hackers developed a code that could get around its security settings, which means that even ones that weren't jailbroken were open to attack.

Blackberry Systems

Blackberry phones can do nearly everything your computer can do. People use applications, store sensitive data and surf the web with them. Because they function like little computers, Blackberry smartphones are used by lots of businesses. Unfortunately, like personal computers, they can get spam, malware and viruses too. A number of malware programs have already attacked Blackberry smartphones, using scams like automatic dialers that call sex chat lines and rack up phone bills.

Androids

Androids were thought of as invincible. Users were convinced that no virus could penetrate their Linux security systems. However, this presumption was blown away in the summer of 2010 when the first Android-specific virus swept through. It attacked media applications and called pay phone numbers. This surprised users everywhere and sent them scrambling for anti-virus protection.

As you can see, there is a definite need for protection. Long before the first attacks, Internet security companies began introducing their software packages. Here's a review of some of the best in the business.


The best known Phone Security software

Norton Smartphone Security

clip_image004Norton is one of the most well-known anti-virus protection software companies. They make this package for smartphones and, like the version for the PC, it does a great job of warding off evil malware. It also has a spam protection program to get rid of annoying messages and pop-ups.

Kaspersky Mobile Security

clip_image006Kaspersky is another popular brand known for its high quality system. This is one of the oldest smartphone anti-virus systems. It fights viruses and all sorts of malware, including Trojans, worms, adware and pop-ups. It also offers spam blocking and anti-theft features. Kaspersky uses a removable SIM card to back up your data in case your smartphone disappears.

McAfee Mobile Security for Enterprise

clip_image008McAfee also makes its own smartphone anti-virus software. It's known as one of the easiest to use, and comes with anti-spam as well as anti-malware protection. In addition to your mobile device, McAfee's software also protects any system that your smartphone is connected to. While the other programs listed here are made for both Windows and Symbian operating systems, a Symbian version of McAfee Mobile Security hasn't been released yet.

F-Secure Mobile Security for Business

clip_image010With more people using smartphones for their businesses, F-Secure made this program to focus on business applications specifically. It protects data stored on the device and keeps away malware. This program is an all-in-one business package with anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-theft settings.

ESET Mobile Antivirus

clip_image012

ESET's anti-virus software does a little of everything, including fighting viruses, spyware, spam, Trojans, worms and adware. They're known for their PC software for Windows, and this product has many of the same advantages. Another bonus is that it's very easy to use.

BullGuard Mobile Antivirus

clip_image014

BullGuard is another system that's designed to be user-friendly. Once it's downloaded and installed, it should run without any kind of user interaction. Like many of the programs listed here, it has its own firewall to protect your smartphone from questionable sites. It also protects integrated memory and memory cards.

SMobile Systems

clip_image015SMobile protects your smartphone against viruses, malware, Trojans and more. It also has a unique anti-theft feature. If you lose your smartphone, SMobile helps you find it again using GPS tracking.

Trend Micro Mobile Security

clip_image016Trend Micro Mobile Security is also a great program for businesses. It offers all the usual anti-virus protection, but has special features to protect PDF's, which are especially prone to attack.

There are lots of programs to choose from. The key is to find one that you like and that offers the features you need. You can usually download free trial versions of these programs to give them a test drive and see how you like them.

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Guest post by Steven Papas, the owner of the VeryBestSoftware.net. In his blog you can find Internet Security and Parental Control software reviews, as well as Acronis coupons and Norton 360 coupons.


Smartphone Anti-Virus Protection – Is it Necessary? originally appeared on Techie Buzz written by Guest Posts on Thursday 16th December 2010 08:00:09 AM under Mobile News. Please read the Terms of Use for fair usage guidance.
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