Virus Shield , a virus to your money | Top Android Paid app a Scam

Before it was flagged and removed, one of the most successful apps on Google Play for over a week was an "antivirus" app that did nothing other than change an image.

Samsung Galaxy Grand and Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos get their final update, Android 4.2.2

Even as Android 4.3 Jelly Bean starts to make its way into Nexus devices and the latest smartphone models, some slightly older phones are still being updated to Android 4.2.Announced initially for India last January, the Galaxy Grand DUOS is simply a dual SIM variant of the Galaxy Grand which, in turn, was announced in December 2012. Despite the name, the phone’s specs are not so grand but not so terrible either. Running on an unnamed 1.2 GHz dual core processor with 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage, the phone’s biggest drawback is it’s 5.0-inch display, which only supports a resolution of 480×800 pixels.Well, the saga of the mid-range devices receiving an official taste of Android 4.2 before the high-end ones continues: Samsung had announced that the upgrade cycle for its Galaxy Grand smartphone would officially end with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. The last major update for the device is now seeding in Russia and the South Korean manufacturer is expected to roll out the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean ROM globally in the coming days.This comes after Samsung updated the Galaxy S II Plus, Galaxy Note 8.0, and the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 to the newer Jelly Bean iteration.

The update’s build number is I9105PXXUBMG8, which is newer than the build that earlier leaked for the Grand. 

The latest update for the Samsung Galaxy Grand brings cool features such the lock screen widgets, advanced toggles menu, daydream screensaver, improved task switching and a few minor tweaks to enhance the overall user experience.

As one can expect, the update also brings a few software goodies from the Galaxy S4, the company's flagship smartphone

The firmware update files have been pushed out via Over-The-Air (OTA) and Samsung KIES software. Check your device’s notification panel or connect it with your computer and run KIES to verify the availability of new firmware versions for your device.

Here are the update details:

• Model Name: Galaxy Grand Duos
• Model Version: GT-I9082
• OS Version: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
• Build Date: 29.07.2013
• PDA: I9082XXUBMGA
• If you didn’t get the OTA Update on your device, then you shouldn’t panic as we will post a ‘how-to’ guide that you can use to update your Galaxy Grand Duos to Android 4.2.2. For this you will need the Odin app and then simply flash it over your current firmware. The new XXUBMGA Android 4.2.2 build is unbranded which means that you can flash it for any Galaxy Grand Duos device that is factory unlocked. The file has been uploaded and released on SamMobile‘s web site. Note that if you flash this file on any Grand Duos device that is not from Russia, then you might lose all data from your device.
  Also, the Android 4.2.2 XXUBMGA firmware update will be released only for devices that are 100% stock, as you won’t get the OTA Update notification in case your device is rooted or running any custom ROMs. Do you own a Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos? If you do, then did you receive the update? Users who managed to update their devices with the new firmware build should start testing all of its new features and see if there are any big improvements from the previous firmware build. Post your thoughts in our comments section below.

Android or iOs ? Why not both ! Dual-boot dual-OS Android +iOS ultraphone concept

Google Inc.  Android and Apple Inc. ) iOS combined control more than 92% of global Smartphone market. However, never-ending race between the two is showing no sign to slow down. While Apple has tried to scale up the benchmark of Mobile OS with the latest launch of iOS7, Samsung – a company primarily driving the growth with 51% of Android market share – is also not letting it go by improving hardware capabilities in new Android Smartphones. Though, Apple has kept the ecosystem closed, Google has allowed almost every mobile device maker to play in Android ground including HTC and Huawei. Consequently, each Android maker is also trying to catch the eyeballs of billions of Smartphone users by introducing new features in their various models.

Unfortunately, Smartphone has yet not reached to the stage where users can customize the device with best-of-all-worlds. But what if you could pick the best parts and features of each Smartphone to build the world’s greatest Smartphone? Here is a 3D concept Smartphone video that brought together the most admirable elements of Apple, Samsung, HTC, Sony and Nokia. The concept phone, dubbed as Ultraphone, is a mix of best hardware, Operating system, features of all above smartphone makers.
Ultraphone With Bests Of Android and iOS

The concept Smartphone contains dual OS capabilities – Android and iOS. Interestingly, it also contains other features, derived from respective makers, like longer battery life, high-resolution camera, 2X quad-core processor for ultimate processing, Super AMOLED 3 Gorilla Glass Screen, 41 Mega Pixel camera, dual-boot of latest iOS 7 and Android 4.2.2 and powerful 6100 mAh battery.

We can’t say whether the phone could ever come into existence – which seems quite difficult if not impossible – but definitely it’s an admirable thought process of the ‘day dreamer designer.

VIA DAZE INFO

New Instagram 4.1 brings video import feature and support for Android 4.0 ICS

Facebook's Instagram, which had recently added short video sharing support to its mobile application, has now issued a new update for its mobile apps on Android and iOS platforms . The biggest update is the ability to import video from your library, meaning you can share video you've previously recorded with another app. There's also a straightening tool for iOS users, which fixes your photos that are slightly crooked.

Mind you, this may not work for your several minutes long videos(Once the video is uploaded, providing it's shorter than 15 seconds, users can choose to record more video after the pre-recorded footage.). Using the new Instagram app 4.1 , users can import videos and then trim the best parts they wish to be portrayed in the short video. The square-crop will let the user place the action scenes in the center. After trimming, user can apply the filter and choose a frame as the cover.The great thing about the update, which might not so good news for Vine, is that users can add two or more shorter pre-recorded videos into one Instagram post until the 15-second limit is reached.This gives a way for those Vine users who fancy transferring their social video skills to Instagram to upload two of their saved six-second Vine video files from their camera roll into one Instagram post, giving them a reason to leave the Twitter app for good.Those who aren't Vine users wanting to convert to Instagram can now spend time in the app editing together old video clips into one post. However, it does pave the way for the posting of many more nonsense posts, such as ads, spam and pornography.

"We've also made it so that you can choose how you square-crop your clip so you can keep the action front and centre," Instagram wrote in a blog post."There are few things more distracting than a crooked horizon in a photo," Instagram explained. "We're happy to announce that we've developed a brand new technology that brings you straight photos instantly."

The new app also brings automatic straightening of the photos instantly on the iOS mobile platform. The new Straighten icon will appear after the user has clicked an image using the Instagram's in-app camera.Straightening for iOS is a very basic addition, allowing users to straighten their photographs before posting. Unfortunately there's no straightening for Instagram videos.

Instagram has also extended the support of the app to the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update running significant number of devices out there. Previously, video was only available to Android users running 4.1 and up.

The Instagram app 4.1 is already available in the Google Play store for Android devices and Apple App store for the iOS devices.

LG G2 full information that you needed

Abandoning the Optimus for its highest-end devices, today LG finally announced their latest flagship - the LG G2.

At 5.2-inches, the LG G2 has a slightly bigger screen than the current crop of high-end smartphones. The resolution however, is the same at 1920 x 1080 px. The screen is a IPS unit with a brightness rating of 450nits. The LG G2 display uses something called Graphic RAM (GRAM) to reduce power consumption up to 26% when displaying a still image. LG claims this increases the expected overall battery life by up to 10%.

What's particularly striking about the phone is ultra-slim bezel and the lack of any hardware keys on the front (or sides, for that matter).

The only hardware key is actually positioned on the back. It's actually a combo of several buttons in one. That's the power/sleep key dead center along with the volume keys. The volume keys also double as shortcuts for the camera and Quick Memo feature. The reason behind the decision to position this key here is to make handling extra large smartphones easier and less prone to dropping.

The LG G2 is based around a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 chipset with 2GB of RAM and an Adreno 330 GPU. According to Qualcomm's CEO, who appeared in stage today, the G2 is the first phone to launch on a world-wide scale with this top-shelf processor.

The storage capacity is set at either 16GB or 32GB. Supposedly, there is a microSD slot as well, but it seems that will only be available in certain markets and the units LG brought to NYC didn't have such a thing.

The 13MP camera is on par with the rest of the top notch hardware. It's got optical image stabilization (OIS) and can record FullHD 1080p videos in up to 60fps.

LG has also worked hard on the quality of audio output. The phone can reproduce Hi-Fi 24 bit/192kHz. LG has also collaborated with the Vienna Boy's Choir to freshen up the available sounds and ringtones on the device.

The LG G2 runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean out of the box.

As customary for Android flagships, the LG G2 offers several proprietary features to differentiate. You can double tap on the screen to wake it up and tap again to turn it back off. The phone will readily auto answer a call when you pick it up to your ear. There is an innovative Guest mode to secure the privacy of your data when friends want to check out your new smartphone or when you hand down your phone to your kid.

Finally, you can get rid of a currently active app and minimize it by a three-finger swipe across the screen.

Speaking of multi-tasking, the G2 can store your app progress in up to three different apps. The screenshotting feature can capture a whole webpage or a long email, not just the content in your viewport.

The LG G2 also has an Infrared port that can be used to remotely control home entertainment devices by learning from their conventional remotes.

Connectivity-wise, the LG G2 makes use of the latest generation LTE-A connectivity (up to 150Mbps), as well as dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

For power backup, the LG G2 relies on a 3,000mAh Li-Po battery.

LG G2 will be available in black or white and will launch to over 130 carriers in the next eight weeks starting in South Korea, followed by North America, Europe and other key markets.

Mere hours before its official launch at the company's New York event, the LG G2 has showed its face again in a couple of live photos. Best of all, it poses right next to the Samsung Galaxy S4 begging for a comparison treatment.

Both smartphones are dressed in white for the occasion, which really helps the comparison. The first thing that we notice is that the G2 is bit larger than the Galaxy S4 due to the 5.2" display. However, the LG G2 has far thinner bezels, so the difference is pretty minor.

Just as earlier leaks pointed out, LG has opted out of placing a physical buttons below the display. Instead, the smartphone bets on software onscreen buttons, allowing better space efficiency above and below the screen.

At the back, things get interesting for the LG G2, which features three keys - the volume rocker and an additional button of unknown purpose. The LED flash sits on the right of the rumored 13MP camera. Both phones support LTE-A connectivity, although this particular version of the Galaxy S4 features the standard LTE radio, and not the newest LTE-A one.

Update: A hands-on video just surfaced. It's in French and lasts for 6 and a quarter minutes, giving you a very detailed look at the hardware and the UI of the smartphone.

We'll have the full scoop of the LG G2 in a couple of hours as the announcement event kicks off. Stay tuned!

LG finally announced its G2 flagship smartphone at its event today. The 5.2-inch device comes with a very sleek design and packs a punch with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. The good news is that LG G2 will be available on all 4 major US carriers - Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint.

LG G2 will hit the stores by the end of August and the smartphone will also be available on 100 different carriers within 90 days. Unfortunately, there is no official pricing details of the LG G2 at the moment.

The only hardware key on the LG G2 that is positioned at the back of the device has been the talk of the town. LG G2 also has an impressive sounding 13 megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization and comes with a few other exciting features.

Check out our detailed launch post for more information on the LG G2 smartphone.

LG uncovered its new smartphone beast, the G2 an NYC press event yesterday. Back then LG focused more on the ultra-slim bezel, the impressive design and the lengthy list of hot features of the smartphone, but didn't say anything about pricing. Well, thanks to some online retailers that information is no longer a mystery.

The LG G2 has been spotted on a German retailer and according to the listing, the 16GB variant of the SIM-free G2 will cost €599 (about $800), while the 32 GB unlocked version will sell for €629 (about $840). Those prices seem pretty reasonable and we suspect they will carry over to the rest of Europe.

Sadly, there is no official word on the availability of the LG G2 on the Old continent, but is should be no later thanSeptember.

Android v5.0 Key Lime Pie starts to be visible on Nexus range of devices

Though often rumored and even mentioned by Google, Key Lime Pie hadmissed its speculated Google I/O debut a few months ago and has not appeared publicly on a device to date. However, it looks like that may soon change as two of Google’s popular Nexus devices are appearing on a Chromium bug tracker log, according to CNET, showing what may be early Key Lime Pie builds.

Key Lime Pie was at one point rumored to be Android 5.0, suggesting that it will offer a significant update to the Android experience that we have today.

Both the Nexus 4 smartphone and the Nexus 7 tablet were shown to have the KRS36B build of Android. With Google build numbers for Android, the first letter usually stands for the operating system version it is running. In this case, “K” would refer to Key Lime Pie if Google continues its Android build numbering style.

Both the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 were recently updated to a newer version of the Android Jelly Bean build. The two devices are now on build JSS15J and JWR66V.

Unfortunately, other than the build number, no other information was revealed about Android Key Lime Pie in the bug tracker. At this time, it’s still unclear what Google will number the build as, though Android 5.0 seems to be a popular speculation. Google could potentially give the build a version number of 4.5, for example, though this would suggest a more incremental update than a significant revision to the OS. To be clear, Google has yet to formally introduce Key Lime Pie or indicate its arrival on a device. It's also too early to say that Key Lime Pie will tie in to Android 5.0 or, say, Android 4.5.

Unfortunately, there's nothing in the Chromium bug post that sheds any additional light on Key Lime Pie. It is noteworthy, however, in that there are versions of Android out there that are more current than 4.3 Jelly Bean.

Perhaps the next Nexus smartphone will be announced later this fall with an Android Key Lime Pie build that comes with the cool, new features Android fans eat up like candy.

It’s speculated that Android Key Lime Pie will debut this fall alongside a new Nexus 5 smartphone.

Micromax testing Android's latest 4.3 JellyBean for its Canvas series of smartphones. CanvasHD to get the first update

Few days ago Google Announced a new android OS version 4.3 JellyBean while some of us were expecting 5.0 Key Lime Pie but atleast the OS got updated The News is : India-based Micromax is currently testing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The first handset that might get the latest version of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is none other than Canvas HD. The reveal was made by Twitter sensation @MMXNewscaster. It's not a silly prank played by @MMXNewscaster because the alleged image showing off Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is clearly visible. If it's true, Micromax would be the first Indian smartphone manufacturer to provide Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in India. What else? The tweet reads "Micromax testing Android Jelly Bean 4.3. #Canvas HD #ComingSoon." This could mean that the Canvas 4 hit maker is almost ready to release Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for Canvas HD. This news came as a surprise for many, as Micromax could have opted to release the latest Jelly Bean update for Canvas 4 rather than Canvas HD. Hence, GizBot contacted Micromax to confirm the news, where the officials responded to us by saying that, "at this point of time, we would not be able to provide any confirmation on the same." However, concluded that, "Wait and watch out for new updates.  Your Mobile But, if the update comes out on Canvas HD, it would also makes sense to push Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on a more popular handset in terms of broad base. Meanwhile. the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update brings new updates; however, the look and feel remains the same.If this is to be believed, then it would please and make all Micromax customers anxious when the other Canvas series will be receiving Android 4.3 Jelly Bean The new version of Android supports multi-users at a same time. It not only stop alleged purchases of apps , but also give an option to developers in designing apps in much manner that each app behave differently to a child and parents. Another notable feature is the coming of revamped dialer with the introduction of Autocomplete feature. The update will bring native Hindi support for the first time.  we can confirm that Micromax Canvas HD users soon will be getting Android 4.3 Jelly Bean officially OTA (over-the-air) by this month or even earlier in just few days (the wait is unpredictable). As You all know Micromax has started providing the updates via OTA where users can manually update their phone OS . For this you need to Follow this process – Menu–>Settings–>About Phone–>System Updates –>Check Now! Else Take your phone to the Micromax Service Center and ask them to update your Phone’s Android OS . Before doing this make sure you backup all your personal data . The update is expected to come in canvas series in the fourth quarter of 2013 .
Expected Handsets to get this update : Canvas 4 , Canvas Doodle , Canvas HD , Canvas 2 Plus , Canvas 3D, etc . NOT SURE for other handsets whether they are going to receive this update or not . Micromax Canvas HD is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones available in the Indian market. The device packs a 5 inch HD IPS display having resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels at 294 ppi. It is powered by a 1.2GHz quad core Cortex A7 processor coupled with 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal memory (expandable up to 32GB via microSD card). As of now, the phone supports Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. There's an 8MP rear camera at the back with Auto Focus and LED flash. Also add a 2MP front facing camera on the front panel. The makers have added a 2000mAh Li Ion battery. Other essential connectivity options include: 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS , and FM Radio

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Simmtronics to launch a completely "Made in India" Android device

Indians commonly associate local devices from companies such as Karbonn, Lava, Micromax, or Onida, as Indian phones when, in fact, they're not. 

Technically, these devices are not Indian as the components come fabricated from abroad, primarily China. They are then assembled and sold domestically but, in essence, they're not really Made in India. 

Well, Simmtronic plans to change all of that very soon with the launch of its first fully Indian manufactured Android device from the company's factory in New Delhi. In terms of hardware and software, it will be similar to other devices from the other Indian brands, but it will be the first one that is really Made in India--100 percent from start to finish, reports The Times of India. The only parts that would still be imported from China or Taiwan are the chips, but the circuit boards and main boards will be made locally at Simmtronic's New Delhi factory. Simmtronics Semiconductor Ltd. is an Indian privately held, multinational computer technology company that develops, manufactures, sells and supports - Memory Module, Motherboard, Tablet PC, Simmbook, Low cost PC and other computer related parts.

By manufacturing devices in India, the company saves about 6 percent in import duties, compared to importing them from China. The difference obviously should then be passed on to the consumer who can purchase the devices at even lower prices, and trust me, they've gone quite low in the past. Simmtronics officials said they were putting in place necessary tools and machines needed to manufacture and assemble a smartphone in the company's factory near Delhi. They said that even if they sourced the first batches of their phones from China to meet the launch schedule, they would soon switch to manufacturing the devices in India. "We will manufacture the phones in India. We will get chips like processors from Taiwanese or Chinese firms and manufacture the printed circuit boards and mainboards for the phones in our local factory." said Indrajeet Sabharwal, MD of Simmtronics 

However, because of the weak Indian rupee at the moment, the prices for devices have slowly increased and companies are scaling back on their promotional tradein with 0 percent EMI (equated monthly instalment) offers. It's a money losing scheme for all involved.

Simmtronics has made tablets for other companies in the past, before deciding to enter the market on its own selling its tablets under the XPad brand. The company launched its the latest tablet called XPad Mini today with a price of Rs 9,999. The manufacturer also exports to countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Until today, I've never heard of Simmtronics. I look forward to seeing its devices in shopping malls or local bazaars in the near future. But at the same token, it also isn't the only small company to come from nowhere and begin manufacturing and selling mobile devices.  

Apart from selling India-made tablets within the country, Simmtronics also exports units to Middle East and Africa. Recently, it entered into a partnership with Jumbo Electronics, which manages a chain of electronics retail stores in Dubai, to build tablets for Middle East consumers. 
Sabharwal said he was happy the way Simmtronics had grown but added that Indian government could do more to promote manufacturing in India. He said that Indian manufacturers did not get enough incentives from the government to do well on the global stage and found the going tough due to lack of infrastructure in the country.

There is another popular computer accessory company in India, called Intex, specializing in accessories such as keyboards and speakers. The company now has begun selling mobile devices in India and judging from its commercials, these devices look sleek. However, I've yet to actually see one of Intex's devices in store shelves.

It will be good to see the label 'Made In India' now ! The only question that arises in my mind is that will the devices be powerful enough ? Only time will tell

Coming soon ; 4 OS for mobile phones that can create a huge buzz and be a damage to Android, iOS and Windows Phone 8 (Ubuntu Touch, FirefoxOS, Jolla sailfish , Tizen)

We have seen very few OS for mobile phones (iOS, Android , WP8 , BBOS , Symbain) but in the coming year we are going to see a lot more with 4 OS for mobile coming up. Can these OS make a difference only time will tell. Here we take a look at them : 

1.UBUNTU TOUCH

Ubuntu Touch is a touch-friendly interface based on the desktop Unity interface. It is based on Qt and QML and various software frameworks originally developed for Maemo and MeeGo such as oFono as telephony stack, accounts-sso for single sign-on, and Maliit for input. Utilizing libhybris the system can often be used with Linux kernels used in Android, which makes it easily ported to most recent Android smartphones.
Ubuntu Touch utilizes the same core technologies as the Ubuntu Desktop, so applications designed for the latter platform run on the former and vice versa. Additionally, Ubuntu Desktop components come with the Ubuntu Touch system; allowing Ubuntu Touch devices to provide a full desktop experience when connected to an external monitor. Ubuntu Touch devices can be equipped with a full Ubuntu session and may change into a full desktop operating system when plugged into a docking station. If plugged the device can use all the features of Ubuntu and user can perform office work or even play ARM-ready games on such device.

2.FIREFOX OS

Firefox OS (project name: Boot to Gecko, also known as B2G) is a Linux-based open-source operating system for smartphones and tablet computers. It is being developed by Mozilla, the non-profit organization best known for the Firefox web browser. It is designed to provide a "complete" community-based alternative system for mobile devices, using open standards and approaches such as HTML5 applications, JavaScript, a robust privilege model, open web APIs to communicate directly with cellphone hardware,and application marketplace. As such, it competes with proprietary systems such as Apple's iOS, Google's Android, and Microsoft's Windows Phone as well as other upcoming open source systems under development such as Ubuntu Touch.

Firefox OS was publicly demonstrated in February 2012, on Android-compatible smartphones, and again in 2013 running on Raspberry Pi. In January 2013, at CES 2013, ZTE confirmed they would be shipping a smartphone with Firefox OS, and on July 2, 2013, Telefónica launched the first commercial Firefox OS based phone, ZTE Open, in Spain which was quickly followed by Geeksphone's Peak+

3.JOLLA SAILFISH

Sailfish is a Linux-based mobile operating system developed by Jolla in cooperation with the Mer project and supported by the Sailfish Alliance. It is to be used in upcoming smartphones by Jolla and other licencees. Although it is primarily targeted at mobile phones, it is also intended to support other categories of devices.

4.TIZEN

Tizen  is an operating system for devices including smartphones, tablets, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) devices, and smart TVs. It is an open source system that aims to offer a consistent user experience across devices. Tizen's main components are the Linux kernel and the WebKit runtime. The Tizen project resides within the Linux Foundation and is governed by a Technical Steering Group (TSG) composed of Intel and Samsung

Android rules with 80% market share. iOS and WPOS in 2nd and 3rd spot. BBOS and SymbianOS at the depth

Android is marching its way toward outright dominance in the smartphone operating system market.

During the second quarter of 2013, Android captured a record 80 percent of the worldwide smartphone market, research firm Strategy Analytics reported Thursday. Out of the 229.6 million smartphones that shipped during the period, 182.6 million of those were Android-based handsets. Apple's iOS came in second place with 13.6 percent market share on 31.2 million shipments. Windows Phone was able to nab 3.9 percent share on 8.9 million unit shipments.

"Competitive licensing costs, numerous hardware partners, and a large apps store continue to be among the main drivers of Android's success," Strategy Analytics executive director Neil Mawston said in a statement. "Apple iOS reached 14 percent global smartphone share in the quarter, its lowest level since Q2 2010."

Despite the decline for iOS, it was still a strong quarter for Apple, which saw shipments rise from 26 million in the second quarter of 2012. Android device shipments were 108.7 million in the second quarter of 2012. All told, just 156.5 million smartphones were shipped in the second quarter of 2012 -- 73 million less units than this year.

Strategy Analytics noted that Windows Phone is making some strides in the mobile space, but cautioned that the only way for Microsoft to nab serious market share is if the company charges less for software licensing, making its platform "more competitive to compete with Android in lower price-bands." The other section has BlackberryOS which had its way below the WindowsPhoneOS (something for Microsoft to cherish about) and Nokia's soon-to-vanish Symbian OSIt's clear that the days of neck and neck competition are behind us.

HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S IV Google Play editions get Android 4.3 update

The Google Play editions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One are receiving an OTA update that will upgrade them to Android 4.3.

The update arrives merely a week after it was officially announced and started rolling out for the Nexus devices. In fact, many of the Nexus devices are still to receive the update, so you can say the Google Play editions are more or less on par with the Nexus devices in terms of receiving updates.After Samsung and HTC shared their respective Android 4.3 source code for their Google Play edition phones, the OTA update for both devices started rolling out. Samsung build for the Galaxy S4 weighs in at 150.7MB while the HTC One’s is a but heftier at 185.5MB. The Android 4.3 update for both phones delivers Bluetooth Smart, OpenGL ES 3.0 for better 3D graphics, dial pad auto-completion and a few more technical changes like security and network enhancements. Other tweaks include larger app icons, a functional IR blaster on the HTC One and Bluetooth tethering on the Samsung Galaxy S4.

When Google announced the Google Play edition of the S4, they promised quick updated along with a stock Android experience. These are two of the main reasons to get these devices over their standard versions that come with OEM customizations and are bound to receive the 4.3 update much, much later.

The Android 4.3 update was announced last week at an event, alongside the new Nexus 7 tablet and the Chromecast media streaming device. Although not a major update, it brings features such as restricted user profiles (only on tablets), Bluetooth Low Energy profile, virtual surround sound, autocomplete for dialpad, improved keyboard, OpenGL ES 3.0 support and a handful of other things. You can find a list of Android 4.3 features here.

Over and above these features, the Android 4.3 update enables Bluetooth tethering on the Galaxy S4 and the IR port on the One.

HTC One – HTC Dev Center

• Kernel source
• Framework files
• Rehosted OTA courtesy of XDA Senior Member LOCKDOC_UA

Samsung Galaxy S 4

• Open Source Release Center - MH1 Release
• Captured OTA Link courtesy of XDA Senior Member tublah

FBI can remotely activate your microphone in your Android device and Netbooks

Google Android mobile operating system has been the constant target of the hackers and Google's team has worked hard to patch all possible holes. However, there are perhaps several workarounds in Android that are not publicly talked about. Now according to a report of The Wall Street Journal , a former US Government official said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation uses sophisticated tools that can remotely activate the microphone on the Google Android based devices.

As per the report, the FBI uses some internally developed tools to collect information from the cyber space, computers and even mobile phones with the help of some private companies.

There are tools that can remotely activate the microphone on any Android OS running smartphone and the conversations can be recorded. This can be done remotely and the user would have no clue about it. This is just one of the methods that have been revealed. It is quite possible that any legitimate third party app can access the data on the phone and pass it on over the mobile internet without the knowledge of the user. Everything lies deeply under the permissions allowed to particular app.

The spying techniques are employed only on target basis, when the FBI finds something suspicious and aims to seek more information on the same, added the report. Unlike the NSA, the FBI claims it only uses surveillance and hacking in specific cases.

The use of sophisticated technology has grown as agents seek to keep up when tackling organized crime, counter-terrorism and child pornography suspects who use cutting-edge technology.

The tools it uses are both internally and externally sourced, with some coming from the private sector. Hacking at the FBI under court order has gradually increased, as law enforcement officials try to find ways to circumvent new communication tech that’s more resistant to traditional surveillance methods like wiretapping. The specifics of its methods are not generally brought to light in public, but a warrant from earlier this year revealed that one request involved using a computer’s built-in camera to take photos of a suspect without their knowledge. The request in that case was denied.The tools used to gather the data are often installed remotely, using essentially phishing style links that injects essentially Trojan software when clicked by a suspect under surveillance. They can also be installed via physical access and a USB drive, the report says, and in all cases the FBI tries to ensure only “relevant data” are gathered by its hacking efforts, through the use of a screening team that checks for relevancy before handing information off to investigators working the case.

 

The bureau is investing heavily in recruiting hackers in order to improve its surveillance capabilities to catch terrorists and criminals in the act.

The FBI is supposed to have a warrant in order to carry out such surveillance techniques, but sources familiar with the FBI say these new methods are increasingly seen as a way of getting round having to apply for a warrant in some cases.

The FBI is investing heavily in recruiting hackers in order to improve its surveillance capabilities to catch terrorists and criminals in the act

However the ex-FBI official told the WSJ that the tools are only used when other surveillance methods won't work. ‘When you do, it's because you don't have any other choice,’ they said.

The concept of remotely forcing a cellular mic to eavesdrop isn't entirely new. 

The FBI's so-called ‘roving bugs’ were used against alleged mobsters in 2004, and in 2002 the FBI kept tabs on supposed criminals using the microphone in a vehicle's emergency call system. 

What is new is that the FBI now has a dedicated hacking group - the Remote Operations Unit. 

‘[The FBI] hires people who have hacking skill, and they purchase tools that are capable of doing these things,’ said the former FBI official.The news that the FBI employs hacker tactics on occasion to gather data about potential suspects is not new, but the specifics of how it goes about it, and how it might be able to employ a user’s own hardware to record conversations remotely is definitely going to raise some eyebrows, especially in light of the attention now focused on digital rights and privacy thanks to the leaks around the NSA’s PRISM and XKeyscore programs. In theory, the devices could even be activated to eavesdrop on an in-person conversation with a potential suspect who doesn’t even own an Android device, perhaps from the pocket of a friend who does. PRISM reportedly involves a number of prominent Internet companies, and Xkeyscore seems to allow the U.S. security agency unprecedented access to information about emails, chat history and more, according to information leaked by former U.S. government security contractor Edward Snowden.

In this case, it sounds like the FBI’s tools might involve Android and desktop PC malware, so Google wouldn’t need to be complicit for claims about using Android device mics remotely to be accurate. 

Neither the FBI nor Google, the tech giant behind Android, has commented on the allegations.

Comparing MotoX with Samsung Galaxy S IV , Nokia Lumia 1020 , Sony Xperia Z Blackberry Z10 HTC One

Motorola has unveiled its much-awaited flagship smartphone Moto X. The all-new smartphone built under the tutelage of Google offers several new features including customizable design.

Wonder how does the phone which some are calling as the new benchmark handset in the Android universe competes with some of the best smartphones in business today? Here’s comparing the new Google phone Moto X with Samsung Galaxy S4, Nokia Lumia 1020, Sony Xperia Z, BlackBerry Z10 and HTC One.




Display

Moto X: 4.7-inch AMOLED display with 1280x720p resolution, 312ppi pixel density

Samsung Galaxy S4: 5-inch SuperAMOLED touchscreen with resolution of 1920x1080p, 441ppi pixel density

HTC One: 4.7-inch Super LCD3 screen with 1920x1020p resolution and pixel density of 469ppi

Nokia Lumia 1020:4.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen with PureMotion HD+ and ClearBlack display technologies; 1280x768p resolution, 332ppi pixel density

Sony Xperia Z: 5-inch TFT touchscreen 1920x1020p resolution, pixel density of 441ppi

Blackberry Z10: 4.2-inch TFT display with 1280x720p resolution and 355ppi pixel density

Operating system

Moto X: Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)

Samsung Galaxy S4: Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) 

HTC One: Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), upgradeable to Android 4.2 

Nokia Lumia 1020: Windows Phone 8

Sony Xperia Z: Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)

Blackberry Z10: Blackberry 10

Processor & RAM

Moto X: 1.7GHz dual-core CPU, 2GB RAM

Samsung Galaxy S4: 1.9GHz quad-core and 1.6GHz octa-core processor options, 2GB RAM

HTC One: 1.7GHz quad-core CPU, 2GB RAM 

Nokia Lumia 1020: 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 2GB RAM

Sony Xperia Z: 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM

Blackberry Z10: 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, 2GB RAM

Storage

Moto X: 16 and 32GB onboard storage options

Samsung Galaxy S4: 16, 32 and 64GB built-in storage, up to 64GB microSD support

HTC One: 32 and 64GB variants

Nokia Lumia 1020: 32GB internal storage

Sony Xperia Z: 16GB onboard storage, microSD support up to 64GB

BlackBerry Z10: 16GB in-built storage, up to 64GB microSD expansion

Connectivity

Moto X: 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0, NFC

Samsung Galaxy S4: 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0, NFC

HTC One: 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0, NFC, Infrared

Nokia Lumia 1020: 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, microUSB 2.0, NFC

Sony Xperia Z: 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0, NFC

BlackBerry Z10: 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0, NFC

Camera

Moto X: 10MP ClearPixel camera with LED flash on the back, 2MP front unit

Samsung Galaxy S4: 13MP rear camera with LED flash, 2MP front-facing shooter 

HTC One: 4MP UltraPixel camera with LED flash, 2MP front snapper 

Nokia Lumia 1020: 41MP PureView camera with Carl Zeiss optics and LED as well as Xenon flash, 1.2MP secondary camera

Sony Xperia Z: 13MP camera with LED flash on the back, 2.2MP front camera

Blackberry Z10: 8MP rear camera with LED flash, 2MP video calling unit

Battery

Moto X: 2,200mAh

Samsung Galaxy S4: 2,600mAh

HTC One: 2,300mAh

Nokia Lumia 1020: 2,000mAh

Sony Xperia Z: 2,330mAh

BlackBerry Z10: 1,800mAh

Another unusual feature of the Moto X, apart from the customization option, is that it's always listening for its owner's voice. When it hears the phrase, "Ok, Google Now..." followed by a command like "Call Bob" it will wake up from standby and execute the command, provided it understands it. Most smartphones offer voice control, but it's usually activated by pressing a button.

Moto X comes with a 4.7-inch touch screen. It runs on a no-frills implementation of Google's Android operating system (Android 4.2.2). This is in contrast to the phones from Samsung and HTC, which put their own stamp on the software with various add-ons.

he smartphone has a 10-megapixel camera at the back, and a 2-megapixel on front. It comes in 16 or 32GB memory options. There is no option to expand, however, Google is offering buyers 50GB storage free on Google Drive for two years.

Moto X dimensions are height: 5.09 inch; width: 2.57 inch; depth: 0.41 inch. The smartphone measures 0.41 inch at its thickest point and weighs 130g.

Moto X comes with a non-user replaceable battery. It offers a talk time of 13 hours, according to the manufacturer.

Google Moto X runs on a 1.7 gigahertz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor. Motorola developed twin lower-powered chips to run alongside Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Pro main processor. The multi-chip system is reportedly designed to save battery life by letting the processor sleep while the lower-power chips work in the background.

The Moto X is due for US release in late August. It will also launch in Canada and Latin America in the same month. The Moto X is going on sale at all four wireless carriers in the US — Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile.

Moto X will have a starting price of $199 in the United States if bought along with a two-year service contract with a telecom service company. Initially, only AT&T will offer the customization option, but Google said it hopes to make it available across all carriers soon. The company will offer 18 different back covers ranging in colour from "spearmint" to "cabernet," a choice of black or white fronts and seven different metallic accents for details like the volume button. That makes for 252 possible style variations of the phone.

The Moto X is the first smartphone to be assembled in the US. Though many phones are designed in the US, the vast majority of phones are assembled in Asia.

Motorola has become marginalized in the global smartphone market, taking just 1 per cent of recent sales, according to research firm IDC. Google has slashed Motorola's workforce to 4,600 people, down from 20,300 last year.