PHONES AT RISK FROM TEXT MESSAGE HACK

As we previously reported, Google has placed a 'bug bounty' for research teams to discover potential threats to the Google Chrome web browser. Google has paid out $4 million since the bug bounty begain in 2010 and it seems a researcher named Zimperium, has uncovered a new vulnerability that has the potential to wreak havoc on our beloved Android devices.

This researcher states that the flaw exists within a media playback tool within the mobile software called Stagefright. By simply sending a text message, hackers could acquire complete control over the device and allow them to steal any content on it. The malware hides inside of a short video and as soon as the text is received, built in features to reduce time for viewing processes the video. It seems that short amount of time to process the video is enough for hackers to take control. This would include all personal information or credit cards.

A Google spokewoman had this to say regarding the mobile threat,
"The security of Android users is extremely important to us and so we responded quickly and patches have already been provided to partners that can be applied to any device." The Google spokeswoman went on to add, "Most Android devices, including all newer devices, have multiple technologies that are designed to make exploitation more difficult. Android devices also include an application sandbox designed to protect user data and other applications on the device."

Zimperium sent the patch that has been accepted to Google. He told the National Public Radio that he estimates only 20 percent to 50 percent of Android devices will actually get the updates due to vendors being slow to react -- if they react at all. You see unfortunately, fixes to the popular mobile operating system take time. To resolve issues within Android, Google provides patches through software updates handed down to device manufacturers. These manufacturers include Samsung, LG, HTC among many others to then provide these software updates to the cellphone service providers. It is then up to these carriers to push the updates to each phone. You can start to see how long this process could take. Thus many devices rarely receive the latest software available to them.

Currently, Zimperium tells the National Public Radio that the flaw has not been exploited. However, expressing the severity in a recent blog post, he states that 95 percent of Android devices worldwide are vulnerable.

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TOP 3 REASONS TO UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 10

The launch of Windows 10 actually has people exciting about the operating system again because it seems Microsoft actually got the message from it's users regarding Windows 8. Here are a few reasons to upgrade.

Number three: it is free! How will Microsoft get all of it's current users to update from your current operating system? By not charging for the new one. Windows 10 will be free for one year, for anyone running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. If you're running an earlier version or don't upgrade by that time, you will be able to pick up Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro ranging from $119 - $199.

Number two: Cortana. Microsoft's virtual assistant called Cortana has made the jump from smartphones and tablets to desktop. Simply say "Hey, Cortana" after activating the voice recognition feature and the user can give commands to the PC. Examples include searching for directions or checking the weather. Cortana also has the ability to send emails that you dictate to your contacts.

Number one: the return of the Start Menu. If you disliked the windows 8's full screen start menu as much as we do, you are in luck. The new and improved start menu relates back to the good ol' days located in the lower left corner of the screen. It features the familiar pop-up column and provides a few tricks including the Live Tiles that were found on Windows 8.

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ONEPLUS 2 LAUNCH SUMMARIZED

After months and months of leaks and teasing, the highly anticipated OnePlus 2 has officially been confirmed. The Chinese startup OnePlus took the unveiling of their newest smartphone to a place where no other company had ventured before; virtual reality. Last night was the world's first ever product launch in virtual reality. Here are our impressions and coverage regarding the unique presentation.

 

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SECURITY FLAWS PATCHED IN CHROME UPDATE

As part of Google's bug bounty program, researchers have been granted financial rewards based on the severity of the issue. Nearly, $40,000 has been awarded to security researchers in total. Bug bounties continue to be a valuable way for software vendors to use third-party specialists to detect security flaws. This results in problems being addressed faster and updates being provided to users, thus keeping them safe from exploitation. 

On Wednesday, Google provided the public release of Chrome 44 for Windows, Mac and Linux. As part of the Chrome 44 update, 43 bugs have been fixed. The most severe issue include universal cross-site scripting, a flaw which allows executable files to run immediately after download and a content security policy bypass in the Chrome browser. 

 To protect yourself against some of these potential security flaws, Google recommends setting up auto-downloads of the browser updates. If you do not have this feature set-up you will need to manually update your Chrome browser. This can be done by opening your Chrome browser and locating the three horizontal lines at the top-right position of the browser. These lines indicate the ability to customize and control the browser settings. Click this for a drop-down menu to appear. Select "About Google Chrome" toward the bottom of this menu for the browser to search for the most recent update available. Approve this update to protect yourself from potential security flaws.

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GOOGLE+ PHOTOS SHUTTING DOWN

The new Google Photos application has been available for nearly two months now. It appears that the time has come for the original Google+ Photos to be discarded to the trash can. Today Google announced that on August 1 of this year, the photo section that was integrated into the Google+ will be shut down in favor of the new stand-alone Google Photos application. This just in from Google:

 "In an effort to ensure everyone has the best photos experience we can deliver, on August 1st we'll start to shut down Google+ Photos — initially on Android, and soon thereafter on the Web and iOS." 

 This means that if you are not already ahead of the game, to be sure to make the switch to the new Google Photos app ahead of August 1. All of your photos and videos will transition to the new application, so you don't have to worry about losing any of your content. All you are actually doing is breaking the original functionality from Google+ and continuing with Google Photos.

If you are unfamiliar with the Google Photos app our lead product reviewer has provided a video review regarding this recently released cloud storage application.

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ANDROID M DEVELOPER PREVIEW #2

We recently received an over-the-air update for the second preview of Android M on our LG Nexus 5. This is a video of what we received. Enjoy.

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Our 1st Android M video: http://tinyurl.com/qceowab
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GOOGLE HELPS YOU PICK A NEW PHONE

Shopping online or in a retail store for a new phone may become a little overwhelming when you realize just how many options are available. If you are in the market for a brand new Android smartphone, Google may have a new tool to help you make a decision.
This new tool from Google is simply called Which Phone and it is a website designed to help the user choose the right Android phone based on their personal preferences. The site starts by asking, "what you would like your new phone to be used for?" Options include taking photos, listening to music, being productive, social media and gaming among others. This selection process repeats at least twice more with the option to continue to narrow down the suggestion. Once the user decides to proceed, the "show me phones" icon appears with the ability to choose your wireless carrier.

After doing so Google's new tool provides at least one match for the user. In our testing, we decided to chose what we repeatedly do with our current device which was taking photos, being productive and watching videos. The results were well received with the Nexus 6, LG G4 and the Galaxy Note 4. The Nexus 6 is our current daily driver, while the G4 is our latest favorite device and will soon become our next phone to use and review. Also the Note 4 is one that we recommend often.
While our testing results were favorable, expect most suggestions from Google's tool to vary between the latest flagship devices from the most popular manufacturers. One option we would like Google to add is price. You can't assume everyone has the means to afford the latest and greatest devices.
The results from the Which Phone website from Google may not be accurate for every user but it is very helpful to have one more resource available in your search for a new Android phone.

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SAMSUNG GALAXY S6 VIDEO REVIEW

Samsung's Galaxy S6 flagship phone was released early April of this year. Is this device still worth your hard earned money? Cody Lopez finds out in our latest video review.



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