Monday, January 30, 2012



Posted: 29 Jan 2012 01:29 PM PST
A couple of days ago we told you about Koush’s new project, a touch version of ClockWorkMod. We weren’t sure how long it would take for us to get our hands on it, but he just announced it’s now available as a beta for download for the Galaxy Nexus (GSM and CDMA) and the Nexus S (GSM). Download links below. If you want to see a video of it in action, checkout our previous post here.
Download Galaxy Nexus (GSM and CDMA version)
Download Nexus S (GSM version)
Posted: 29 Jan 2012 12:54 PM PST
A few weeks ago, at CES, Sprint made the announcement that they would bringing the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in the 32GB variety to their newly minted LTE network. If you are one of those folks on Sprint that are looking forward to this device and you’re impatiently waiting it appears that the release is coming soon. The registration section for the Sprint device has gone live on the official Galaxy Nexus site which will allow you to be notified when the phone goes up for sale.
The Sprint version will come with Google Wallet installed unlike Verizon‘s, and will also be free of any bloatware, again unlike Verizon’s version. However there is nothing to suggest what the phone will be going for when it becomes available on Sprint but if you are interested in being one of the first in knowing when it’s available you can hit the source to sign up. You can check out our hands on with the Sprint Galaxy Nexus at CES. Also if you’re interested you can check out the review on Verizon’s version here. While it’s on a different network I am sure it’s essentially the same device. Enjoy!
Posted: 29 Jan 2012 12:08 PM PST
Symantec is reporting they found what they’re saying is the “highest distibution of any malware identified so far this year.” According to them, up to 5 million users are affected, but before everyone gets their panties in a bunch, they list the risk level as “very low,” not to mention this probably isn’t malware.
It’s called Android.Counterclank, and it can be found in the following applicatons:

Publisher Malicious App Title Category
iApps7 Inc Counter Elite Force Arcade & Action
iApps7 Inc Counter Strike Ground Force Arcade & Action
iApps7 Inc CounterStrike Hit Enemy Arcade & Action
iApps7 Inc Heart Live Wallpaper Entertainment
iApps7 Inc Hit Counter Terrorist Arcade & Action
iApps7 Inc Stripper Touch girl Entertainment
Ogre Games Balloon Game Sports Games
Ogre Games Deal & Be Millionaire Sports Games
Ogre Games Wild Man Arcade & Action
redmicapps Pretty women lingerie puzzle Photography
redmicapps Sexy Girls Photo Game Lifestyle
redmicapps Sexy Girls Puzzle Brain & Puzzle
redmicapps Sexy Women Puzzle Brain & Puzzle

The malicious code is grafted in a package called com.apperhand, which is found in each of the above apps. Upon installation the com.apperhand package could complete any of the below functions:
  • Copy bookmarks on the device
  • Copy opt out details
  • Copy push notifications
  • Copy shortcuts
  • Identify the last executed command
  • Modify the browser’s home page
  • Steal build information (for example: brand, device, manufacturer, model, OS, etc.)
It may also try to connect to a couple of remote locations.
A major competitor, Lookout Mobile Security, a company we support here at TalkAndroid, say that this isn’t malware and is legitimate. The apperhand package is actually an aggressive advertising component, and part of a modified version of the “ChoopCheec” platform or “Plankton” SDK that caused a stir in June 2011. This newer version is cleaner, and Lookout said the following:
  • It is capable of identifying the user uniquely by their IMEI number, for instance. But unlike some networks, this SDK forward-hashes the IMEI before sending to its server. They're identifying your device, but they are obfuscating the raw data. (That’s a good thing.)
  • The SDK has the capability to deliver Push Notification ads to the user. We're not huge fans of push notifications, but we also don't consider push notification advertising to be malware.
  • The SDK drops a search icon onto the desktop. Again, we consider bad form, though we don't consider this a smoking gun for malware provided the content that is delivered is safe.  In this case, it is simply a link to a search engine.
  • The SDK also has the capability to push bookmarks to the browser.  In our opinion, this is crosses a line; although we do not believe this is cause to classify the SDK as malware.
And finally Lookout said:
“Of the applications that were originally identified as malicious, a subset of them have subsequently been pulled from the Android Market. However, it's important to note that this does not include all identified applications, and reasons for removal may also include content, copyright, or other violations of the Android Market's Terms of Service.”
The story of Android security continues, and it simply creates great press. Is malware and trojans an issue for Android? I won’t say it isn’t, but there really hasn’t been any major catastrophes as some of these articles and posts would like you to believe. It’s the job of the security firms to make money, so putting a little extra fear into the public’s mindset isn’t a bad thing to them, but at the same time we have to educate ourselves by reading beyond the titles.
source: symantec, lookout
via: androidcentral
Posted: 29 Jan 2012 07:48 AM PST
Amazon is at it yet again with another great deal for customers interested in grabbing a great phone. Today, it is offering the awesome Beats Audio-powered HTC Rezound 4G LTE phone for a stunning $79.99 for new Verizon Wireless customers when you sign a 2-year contract. That means you’ll be able to grab the phone featuring 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM and of course the custom Beats Audio Headphones for less than some Beats By Dre Headphones. If you’re a current customer and it’s time to upgrade that old Droid X finally, Amazon is also offering the upgrade to you for a mere $159.99, which is still quite a bargain. Don’t forget kids Amazon is offering free 2-day shipping when you order the phone by 3PM (Monday-Friday).
If or when you do go to Amazon to grab the phone, be sure to let us know how you like phone and thank us in the Comments section. Naturally, you’re all going to rave about the killer Beats Audio headphones and EQ setting on the phone, right?
Posted: 29 Jan 2012 07:27 AM PST
Siri may be the most familiar personal assistant around, but there are a growing number of personal assistant apps for Android too. Enter Evi– the “Ask Me Anything” app. Developed by True Knowledge Ltd., the app understands what you want to know and gives back exactly what you’re after. If you need to know where the nearest bank is, Evi can tell you. If you’re going out for dinner but can’t decide where to go? Evi can help with that too. Evi is a personal assistant who looks to evolve with the individuals it is assisting. In addition to answering your common questions, the app features the following:
  • Voice or text input – Chat to Evi in plain English and she will understand
  • Local information for UK and USA – Shopping, news, dining and more. Evi knows where you are and gives answers based on your location
  • Built in browser – No need to swap to a different browser, view web links within Evi’s app
  • A learning and adapting intelligence – Rate Evi's answers to help her learn more about the world

Evi is available for free today for any Froyo 2.2+ user. You can hit up the Android Market or scan it to your device using the nifty QR code found below.
Posted: 29 Jan 2012 05:37 AM PST
What do you get when you combine 3D graphics, flying saucers and cats?  One heck of a ride for Android with SpaceCat 3D.  The glasses free 3D game allows you to enjoy a rich graphics quality platform landing game on your Android smartphone.  The challenge is to dodge both moving and stationary walls, lasers and tight spots all while snatching up all of the floating space mice you can find. On your quest, be sure to take out all of the annoying SpaceRats you can for the crew of humans you’re loyal to.  You can even share your score with the rest of the world via ScoreLoop.
In the year 3122, man has conquered space and has taken his favorite pets with him: Cats.
Did you know which are the favorite toys of cats on space? Flying saucers! Even better, chasing mice while flying around! They are the only ones that can go into the narrow spaces and capture the SpaceRats, an evolved species that keeps annoying the crew of the spaceships.
You’ll have the option to choose from 10 different cats for game-play and several spaceships to match them up with.  Each ship has different characteristics and themes that you can choose from as well.  Ready to give the game a go?  Hit the break for some screen shots of the game and check out the quick video demo of the app in action.  Feel free to drop a comment or two below as well of what you think.
Click here to view the embedded video.
SpaceCat3D Main SpaceCat3D_8 SpaceCat3D_1 SpaceCat3D_2 SpaceCat3D_3 SpaceCat3D_4 SpaceCat3D_5 SpaceCat3D_6 SpaceCat3D_7
qrcode
From The Developer:
== Something more ==
* Feels like is not a real lander? Try the realistic control.
* To enable XPeria Play / Gametel support you need to select on-screen controls.
* We recommend a minimum hardware of Motorola Droid, Nexus One, Galaxy S or HTC Desire.
* For low end devices, touching the screen can slow down the gameplay, alternatively you can use the menu button to thrust.
* The search button makes a screenshot of the game (in /sdcard/spacecat), just in case you want to show how cute your cat is with his spaceship. I know, you have never figured this out.
* 3D engine: jPCT-AE
* Sound effects from The Freesound Project (http://www.freesound.org/)
Because the world will be a better place with more cats in flying saucers.

Posted by at 11:54 AM

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