Apple envisions touch screen to control your car's key features

Apple is trying to integrate itself even further into your car with a freshly patented dashboard touch screen.

Granted Tuesday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, a patent dubbed "Programmable tactile touch screen displays and man-machine interfaces for improved vehicle instrumentation and telematics" (patent number 8,482,535) describes a tactile-feel touch screen that would let you adjust several of the key features and functions in your car.

The patent discusses such options as controlling the temperature, the wipers, and the radio all from one panel. And in a nod toward safety, certain controls would be enabled only when the car is stopped.

For example, a transparent knob on the touch screen could be used to alter the temperature or turn on the wipers when the car is in motion. But that same knob could also activate your e-mail and Web browser when the car stops.

The touch screen's tactile-feel approach is also designed to help drivers push the right buttons without having to take their eyes off the road.

The patent itself touts the invention as "a revolutionary form of dashboard or instrument panel results which is stylistically attractive, lower in cost, customizable by the user, programmable in both the tactile and visual sense, and with the potential of enhancing interior safety and vehicle operation."

The whole concept could complement Apple's upcoming "iOS in the Car," a feature that would let you control your iPhone directly through your auto's onboard receiver.

Posted by Admin on 09:40 in news, tech news

Bluebox Reveals Android Security Hole,which may affect 99% of Devices

Researchers at Bluebox Security have revealed a disturbing flaw in Android's security model, which the group claims may affect up to 99 percent of Android devices in existence. According to Bluebox, this vulnerability has existed since Android 1.6 (Donut), which gives malicious app developers the ability to modify the code of a legitimate APK, all without breaking its cryptographic signature -- thereby allowing the installation to go unnoticed. To pull off the exploit, a rotten app developer would first need to trick an unknowing user into installing the malicious update, but hackers could theoretically gain full control of a user's phone if the "update" posed as a system file from the manufacturer.

Bluebox claims that it notified Google of the exploit in February. According to CIO, Bluebox CTO Jeff Forristal has named the Galaxy S 4 as the only device that's currently immune to the exploit -- which suggests that a security patch may already exist. Forristal further claims that Google is working on an update for its Nexus devices. In response to our inquiry, Google told us that it currently has no comment. We certainly hope that device manufacturers do the responsible thing and distribute timely security patches to resolve this issue. Absent that, you can protect yourself by installing updates through the Play Store and Android's built-in system update utility.

Posted by Admin on 09:25 in news

Yahoo to shutdown a dozen services by September

As the latest of many changes that have been made to Yahoo! under CEO Marissa Mayer’s reign, the company announced via Tumblr that it will be shutting down a dozen services over the new few months, with the last one going down on September 28. This move in part removes services that have received little attention in modern times – some of them perhaps being unknown to most of Internet users – while others are more known. Regardless, the purpose is to do away with the old and draw the company’s users towards a more cohesive, modern Yahoo!.

In every instance, the removed services are replaced with Yahoo!’s current services, leaving users with alternatives that they may or many not be happy with. The first three on the list were slashed today: Yahoo! Axis, Yahoo! Browser Plus, and Citizen Sport. Those who use the Axis plugin will find that it stopped working today, while those using the apps will continue to have access, but they won’t be updated. Citizen Sports users are being directed to Yahoo! Sport, while Browser Plus users are encouraged to check out the company’s developer page for new options.

Yahoo! WebPlayer will go down on June 30, with the player no longer loading. Users are encouraged to remove its code from their websites. The day after that, both FoxyTunes and RSS Alerts will be slashed, with the former being replaced with Yahoo! Music and the latter with Yahoo! Alerts via a Keyword News subscriptions.

Perhaps the most notable service to be taken down is AltaVista, with users being pushed towards Yahoo! Search instead. On the same day – July 8 – Yahoo! Neighbors Beta will also be removed, and users are encouraged to replace it with Yahoo!’s Local Search instead. The last two services to be removed in July are Stars India, replaced with India OMG!, and Downloads Beta, which will switch to only supporting Yahoo! product downloads.

Nothing will be removed in August, oddly enough, with the final two being taken down by the end of September: Yahoo!’s Local API, as well as its online documentation from the developer’s portal, and Term Extraction API, with direct access being replaced with access via YQL. Developers are encouraged to migrate away from this before September 28.

Posted by Admin on 05:51 in news

Most Android threats would be blocked if phones ran latest Android version, report says

Over three quarters of Android threats are malicious apps that send SMS messages to premium rate numbers and could be mitigated by a protection feature present in Android 4.2, according to researchers from networking vendor Juniper Networks.

However, because manufacturers and carriers fail to update Android end user devices in a timely fashion, only 4 percent of devices currently run Android 4.2, even though this version was released more than six months ago.

From March 2012 to March 2013 the number of mobile threats grew by 614 percent to reach a total of 276,259 malicious samples, researchers from Juniper Networks’ Mobile Threat Center (MTC) said in a report released Wednesday. Of those malicious applications, 92 percent target the Android operating system, they said.

The surge of Android malware in the past two years is consistent with the findings of other security vendors that track mobile threats. This growth is primarily driven by Android’s “commanding share” of the global smartphone market, the Juniper researchers said.

The majority of Android malware, 77 percent, are apps that earn money for their creators by either requiring users to send SMS messages to premium rate numbers or by surreptitiously sending such messages on their own. These threats usually masquerade as legitimate applications or come bundled in pirated apps.

The Juniper researchers estimate that every successful attack using such an app can bring an immediate profit of $10 for the attacker on average.

What Android 4.2 provides

Android 4.2 introduced a feature that detects attempts to send SMS messages to special rate numbers, also known as short codes, and prompts users for confirmation. Unfortunately, due to the Android market fragmentation, only 4 percent of Android devices are currently running Android 4.2.x.

This estimation is based on data collected from Google Playover a 14-day period ending on May 1, 2013, the Juniper researchers said. Based on the same data, the most common versions of Android found on devices are Android 2.3.3 to 2.3.7, also known as “Gingerbread,” with a 36.4 percent coverage and Android 4.0.3 and 4.0.4, also known as “Ice Cream Sandwich,” with 25.5 percent.

The lack of regular updates for Android devices contributes to the growth of Android malware, because the latest protections added by Google to the operating systems reach users too late or never, the researchers said.

Spyware

The second most common type of Android threats are spyware applications that capture and transfer sensitive user data to attackers. These account for 19 percent of all malicious samples collected by Juniper’s MTC.

Some information-stealing Android Trojan apps discovered during the past year and distributed through drive-by downloads or phishing emails could also pose a threat to enterprise environments, the Juniper researchers said.

Data collected from enterprise mobile devices running Juniper’s Junos Pulse endpoint collaboration and security software showed at least one infection on 3.1 percent of such devices.

While that figure is not large enough to raise a significant alarm, it is proof that the threat of mobile malware to corporate devices is not only theoretical, the Juniper researchers said. “We expect the presence of mobile malware in the enterprise to grow exponentially in the coming years.”

Posted by Admin on 05:25 in news

Sony Xperia M 'coming soon' in India

Sony's latest mid-range NFC enabled smartphone, Xperia M, has been listed at online retailer Infibeam as 'coming soon'. The listing does not reveal the India pricing of the smartphone as well.

To recall, Sony had announced the Xperia M earlier this month. The smartphone runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and is powered by a 1GHz dual-core Krait processor. Dual-SIM version of the smartphone will also be available.

The smartphone sports a 4-inch FWVGA (854x480 pixel) TFT display, that is powered by Adreno 305 graphics, and features 1GB of RAM. There's 4GB of built-in storage along with a microSD slot for additional storage.

The smartphone also features a 5MP camera that boasts of an Exmor RS sensor, and 720p HD video recording. A front-facing 0.3MP camera is also available. Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, 3G HSPA, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and FM radio.

Posted by Admin on 05:00 in news

Firefox Gets A New Logo

Firefox is an ever evolving beast, and that includes both its friendly orange fox logo, and its Beta channel browser. Today Mozilla unveiled the fourth Firefox logo, a (slightly) less textured and glossy icon for its favored web browser. Meanwhile, the latest update for for Firefox Beta brings access to the company's Social API and, consequently, Share buttons to the platform -- so Facebook fanatics can have one-click sharing of images, articles, videos and links from the Firefox toolbar. The new Beta is also getting a Mixed Content Blocker that prevents HTTP (read: nonsecure) content from loading on HTTPS websites. Plus, there's a new Network Monitor feature to let devs see how quickly individual page components load and optimizations for OS X 10.7 that enable its scrollbar style and and the scroll bounce behavior Apple fans love.

Oh, and for you mobile fans, the Android Beta was updated today, too. Now, it's got an auto-hide Awesome Bar, a URL auto-complete function and an updated RSS feed reader that allows you to add feeds to with a long press on the aforementioned Awesome Bar. Pretty awesome, gents, now let's get these Beta features into a full release, and it'll be really awesome.

Posted by Admin on 09:41 in news

What is Windows Blue?

Microsoft has sold 100 million Windows 8 licenses. Next up is Windows 8.1, aka 'Windows Blue'. Here we look at what is Windows Blue (Windows 8.1).

The software giant has said that it will change 'key aspects' of its Windows 8 operating system for PCs, laptops and tablets, admitting that the steep learning curve for users is 'definitely real'.

"Not only will Windows 8.1 respond to customer feedback, but it will add new features and functionality that advance the touch experience and mobile computing’s potential. Windows 8.1 will deliver improvements and enhancements in key areas like personalization, search, the built-in apps, Windows Store experience, and cloud connectivity."

Read on to find out exactly what Windows Blue is and how it will affect you.

Windows Blue release date

Windows 8.1 will be officially launched at the Microsoft Build developer conference in San Francisco on June 26. But you won't be able to get hold of it immediately. The final version will be available as a free downloadable Windows 8 update 'late 2013', according to Microsoft. At that point also expect some new Windows Blue hardware in time for Christmas.

What is Windows Blue?

Windows Blue is a new version of the Windows 8 operating system which Microsoft is working on. Instead of releasing service packs, Microsoft will issue new versions of the OS much like Apple does with OS X.
The firm already does a similar thing with Windows Phone, for example, 7.5 'Mango' and 8 'Apollo'.
Tammi Reller, head of marketing and finance for the Windows, said: "It will deliver the latest new innovations across an increasingly broad array of form factors of all sizes, display, battery life and performance, while creating new opportunities for our ecosystem. It will provide more options for businesses, and give consumers more options for work and play."

Windows Blue: Will it be called Windows Blue?

Windows Blue is the codename for the new version of Windows 8 so it will get a different name when it is released. Microsoft has confirmed it will be called Windows 8.1, as expected.

Windows Blue: What features will it bring?

Microsoft has given a 'first look' at Windows 8.1, detailing some of the new features which will arrive with the update.

Posted by Admin on 09:12 in news

HP Announces 21.5-inch All-in-One That Runs on Android, Slate 21 AIO

While Google has long touted its “Chrome OS” as an alternative to Windows – the platform hasn’t exactly taken off outside of a limited yet dedicated group of web-centric users. Does this mean that Microsoft can continue on in the desktop world, uncontested save for Mac OS, Linux, and the limited Chrome OS niche? You’d think so, but apparently Android is more than ready to step up to the plate and steal away some of Microsoft’s marketshare.
We’ve seen several hybrid laptop/tablet devices this year, and now comes a new desktop all-in-one from HP, the HP Slate 21 AIO. This 21.5-inch desktop computer has a touch display, Nvidia Tegra 4 processor and is powered by Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. For those wondering this isn’t a true tablet – meaning that there is no battery on-board and it must be powered by an outlet at all times.
So is Google ready to move on from Chrome OS and position Android as a Windows alternative? Hardly.
It’s important to note that Google is still very much dedicated to its web-focused Chrome OS platform and that any efforts to bring Android over to desktop or laptop devices have been moves by manufacturers and not directly efforts from Google.


Still, it’s hard to deny that there is a growing number of PC-like devices that are utilizing Android over Windows, Linux or Mac OS. And honestly these types of devices could be perfect for folks with limited needs: typing, emailing, checking Facebook and just general browsing of the web.
When is the Slate 21 AIO coming? The device will arrive sometime in July to Asia, with a very friendly price of $359. No word on if and when the unique desktop AIO might make its way over to Europe, North America and the rest of the globe.
What do you you think, could you see yourself replacing a traditional PC desktop with something that runs on the power of Android, or is a mobile OS just too limited for use outside of tablets and smartphones? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Posted by Admin on 09:03 in news

Best 10 Custom ROM's this month

10. Liquid Smooth ROMS

Liquid Smooth ROMS are available for multiple devices, and while the project started off with the Motorola Droid, Droid 2, Droid X, Droid Incredible, and HTC Thunderbolt, it's also available for the Galaxy Nexus and a few other devices, although you'll have to poke around the forums a bit to find them. The banner feature of Liquid is that it's probably one of the fastest ICS ROMs available, faster even than the stock install that comes on the Galaxy Nexus. You don't sacrifice features for the speed, but the overall size of the ROM is still nice and small, leaving more space for the apps and features you choose to use, as opposed to ones forced on you. GApps are baked right in, and the ROM offers theme support so you can customize it to your liking. All in all, if you have a supported device, it's probably the leanest, meanest ICS ROM you can download.

9.Vanilla RootBox

This is another newer ROM you may or may not have heard about. It was the first ROM in our weekly 

Custom ROM Spotlight, this one is built from source with some features from CM, AOKP, and Paranoid 

Android. Including features like Per app DPI, Per app Tablet UI, OTA updates, Navigation bar color and 

much more. You can download Rootbox for your device by hitting me.

8. Slim ICS

If you have a Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, Samsung Galaxy S or Galaxy S II, Slim ICS may be the ROM for you. Not only will Slim ICS bring your device up to Ice Cream Sandwich, it's also a super-thin, lightweight installation that's remarkably easy to install, even though it's clearly aimed at advanced users. Slim ICS already has GApps rolled in, so you don't need to install them later. Where other ROMs try to add tons of new features and tweaking options, Slim ICS is designed to trim the fat down to the bare essentials and give you a fast and clean ICS installation. It's only available for a handful of Samsung devices and there's pretty much one developer and a few beta testers behind the scenes, so don't expect a ton of feature additions or new devices, but it is updated weekly and sports a good number of third-party mods.

7.Xylon

Xylon is another custom ROM that is built off of AOSP, which means you’re getting stock Android with 

some added features. They bring features from FNV, CM, AOKP, TeamBAKED, and Paranoid Android. 

In addition to Linaro and CodefireX. It’s a really smooth ROM, and I hear battery life is pretty great too. 

Unfortunately at this time it’s only available for Nexus.

6. MIUI

MIUI has beautiful user interface and elegant it made Android look and feel. It's not the most feature-packed or hackable ROM, but it's definitely one of the most customizable and elegant, and it's seriously fast. MIUI started life as a modded version of Android localized in China, but fans of the mod have since localized it for dozens of languages and countries. It offers strong theme support, beautiful stock apps, customizable lockscreens, support for GApps, and complete root access. You're not going to get a wealth of niche features here, but you will get a device that's much easier and more fun to use once you install MIUI. You can find a list of  supported device here.

5. Euroskank

Euroskank is basically just a kang of CyanogenMod, but they do bring in new features and newer versions of 

Android quicker than CyanogenMod, which is why they are on the list. For the most part it’s stock Android, 

with a few cherry picks from CyanogenMod 10.1. And available for a slew of devices, which all downloads 

can be found on their website.

4. Android Open Kang Project (AOKP)

The Android Open Kang Project (AOKP) is a relative newcomer compared to many of the other popular ROMs already available, but it's rapidly growing in popularity. It offers many of the features that CyanogenMod has, and at first blush you may mistake one for the other, but as soon as you start looking at the options and add-ons, you'll see the differences. AOKP has earned high marks for add-ons and tools that you can't get in CM, centralized control over ROM options, and overall more customization options than CM. At the same time, its development community is smaller and it may not have the same polish and device support that CyanogenMod has. Still, it's super-fast, it's stable, and definitely worth a look. You can find a list of supported devices here.

3. P.A.C. True All in 1 ROM

P.A.C brings the best of CyanogenMod 10.1, AOKP, and Paranoid Android all into one ROM. Hince the 

name P.A.C. As you can see there’s PIE from Paranoid Android, along with the tablet UI’s. The theme 

engine also works, along with all the other features in CyanogenMod and AOKP. For more about it features 

and downloads check this xda thread here.

2. CyanogenMod

CyanogenMod is arguably one of the (if not the) most installed Android ROM in the world, and for good reason. It offers a ton of great features, is available for more devices than most other ROMs of its type, and has the type of polish and support that makes it easy to fall in love with. There are builds of CyanogenMod for Android phones and tablets, and slowly but surely the developers behind CyanogenMod are rolling out Ice Cream Sandwich versions for devices whose manufacturers have given up on upgrading the device entirely. To boot, CyanogenMod includes features you won't find in stock Android, like support for OpenVPN, support for downloadable themes, more privacy tools, and more. You can find a list of supported devices here.

1. Paranoid Android

 Paranoid Android introduced itself over past few weeks, it had to be number one on our list this month. 

It’s built from Android 4.2.2 source, and includes a ton of added features like Pie, per app colors, per app 

dpi, tablet/phablet/phone UI, and much more. You can find a list of supported devices here.

Posted by Admin on 03:41 in app, custom rom

HTC Releases Butterfly S Phablet Into the Wild

HTC's latest handset has emerged from the proverbial cocoon, but it's no tiny newborn. Rather, the Android-powered Butterfly S has "phablet" proportions, meaning it's larger than the traditional smartphone but smaller than a tablet.

Packed with a quad-core 1.9GHz Snapdragon 600 processor, a 3,200mAh battery, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage, the nascent device sports the 5-inch HD screen common to the emerging phablet class of devices.
Announced on Wednesday in Taipei, the device -- which is actually an updated version of the original HTC Butterfly launched last fall -- will be available in select Asia Pacific markets starting in July.

The Specs
It addition to its oversized 1080p display, the Butterfly S features front-facing Boom Sound stereo speakers and runs Android 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean." Also included are a quad-band HSPA/WCDMA radio and an HTC UltraPixel Camera with HTC Zoe and Video Highlights, which provides 300 percent more light than traditional smartphone camera sensors while also offering advanced editing capabilities directly from the device, HTC says.
The handset also offers a 2.1-megapixel wide-angle camera on the front. Its battery is apparently the highest capacity battery in any HTC smartphone.
Pricing is expected to be about US$766.
'Bigger is Better'
Coming hard on the heels of reports that Apple may be considering launching a line of phablets as well, HTC's latest addition suggests continuing momentum for the category.
"Like with so many things, bigger is better, and that is particularly true with screen size," Roger Entner, principal analyst at Recon analytics, told TechNewsWorld. "You are trying to go as big as possible while still fitting into pockets."
The target market for such devices is primarily video enthusiasts, Entner added: "Bigger screens are particularly valuable for video viewing," he explained.

Posted by Admin on 09:00 in news, phablet, tech news