Sunday, March 6, 2011

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Google Acknowledges, Handles Malware Issue

Posted: 06 Mar 2011 06:08 PM PST

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Looks like we may finally put an end to this malware nightmare that struck fear into the hearts of all Android users over the past week. A number of fraudulent applications part of an attack called “Droid Dream” have been removed from the Android market by Google.

They state that users on Android 2.2.1 and lower were at risk, so those of you on Gingerbread or Honeycomb shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Furthermore, Google will be employing their kill switch that’ll allow them to remotely remove those applications from any device that has them installed. It’s a security measure we heard about long ago and one we’re appreciating more and more as new attacks are carried out.

This particular attack is first able to send your device’s information to a remote server, but further investigation helped security experts discover code that would allow the application to download additional code. This tactic is by far the most dangerous of them all – users won’t think twice when an application isn’t asking to access all of their device’s information and features.

The skinny of it is that those applications have now been removed and Google says they’re working to make sure incidents like these are minimized in the future. Having an open market is great, but it comes with great responsibility and we hope Google’s doing all they can to make people feel safe about downloading applications in the future. [Google]

Sprint to Have Blockbuster Outing at CTIA? [Nexus S 4G, EVO 3D, HTC EVO View Tablet]

Posted: 06 Mar 2011 05:40 PM PST

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I don’t know why I titled this story as if I am surprised, but I did. Sprint is said to be showing a considerable amount of new goods at CTIA – the same show where they introduced the original HTC EVO 4G That makes the show historically big for Sprint and new rumors are suggesting that history will repeat itself.

Firstly, a Nexus S 4G is reportedly in the works. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a Nexus S with 4G radios.  It’s the high-end stock experience Sprint fans have been dying for as the Samsung offerings came up a bit short in the “oh my god this phone is totally awesome” tests.

Secondly, that long-rumored EVO 4G sequel looks to be a 3D-filled affair: Sprint’s said to be calling it the EVO 3D. It’s a trend that – as far as smartphones go – was quietly sparked by Sharp and further ignited by LG. We’d assume HTC will be the manufacturers behind the sequel, but who’s to say LG isn’t? They’ve already got the Optimus 3D ready for adoption and Sprint never said that the EVO series would be exclusive to HTC. (Don’t take that as law, though. I’m just speculating at this point.)

Finally, a device called the EVO View will supposedly be shown off. Its angle? It’s a tablet by HTC and is supposed to be Sprint’s version of the Flyer that was introduced at MWC. CTIA is just around the corner (about two weeks to be exact) and even if all of this isn’t 100% true, we expect Sprint to come up with just as big a slate of announcements. [Engadget]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Hits the FCC

Posted: 06 Mar 2011 11:25 AM PST

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We’re nearing that time, folks: the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has been approved for the airwaves by our beloved Federal Communications Commission. Carriers are surely getting their prepped to carry the thing. (The only problem is we don’t know who exactly will be doing that just yet.) We don’t expect to go through the entirety of Spring without hearing something, though. Check the listing out over at the FCC’s site. [Electronista]

Rooted Motorola XOOMs to Receive 4G Upgrade, Here’s an SBF File Anyway

Posted: 06 Mar 2011 11:15 AM PST

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We were victims of quite a scare when it was suggested that rooted Motorola XOOM users would not be able to get their free 4G upgrade. While many weren’t concerned considering how easy it is to unroot, it was still a bit of a downer.

Motorola’s saying that’s not the case, though: rooted users can still send their XOOMs in to get the upgrade. The caveat is that you won’t get the software upgrade that may be required to enable the radio that they’ll still install. (We’re sure a ROM or two will pop up anyway, and it’s believed that any OTA upgrade will still prompt rooted users. Installing the update would cause you to lose root.)

Motorola says that you may unroot your device before sending it in if you wish to have the firmware upgrade applied. Thankfully, an SBF file for the tablet has been leaked for those who wish to return to stock. (And for those who somehow find themselves with an $800 paper weight.) You can download the file here. [Droid Life 1|2]

T-Mobile G2x – Magenta’s Optimus 2X? [Rumor]

Posted: 06 Mar 2011 10:25 AM PST

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We know the LG Optimus 2X will soon be headed out of Europe and to North America, but no carrier has yet to announce their plans. T-Mobile may be the latest to jump into the pool according to new evidence.

Their version of the phone will apparently be called the T-Mobile G2x – an extension of the sequel to the original Android device. Details are scarce, of course, but there is reason to believe that the device could come preloaded with pure Android and not LG’s custom UI.

It’s said that T-Mobile wants all their “G” devices to have stock Android, so this naming scheme tips us to as much. It’s a little too early to say for sure, but I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that many of you will skip whatever HTC has in store with the Pyramid and will look to get this dual-core beast. [via TmoNews, Thanks Jdog!]
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