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.

FOLLOW US: Same name. Different content.
Facebook.com/TechcellentNews
Twitter.com/TechcellentNews
Instagram.com/TechcellentNews
Google.com/+TechcellentNews
Youtube.com/c/TechcellentNews

UNDO SENT EMAILS WITH GMAIL

We all have been there; having second thoughts immediately after sending an email. Whether it was because of a lack of proof reading or maybe you said something you didn’t mean to. Don’t you wish there was a way to prevent your email from being received? Google has finally provided the answer to one of the most serious email pain points. After six years in the lab, “Undo Send” is finally available for Gmail.

This feature is current only available through the Gmail website but after testing you can be sure that it will make it’s way into the mobile application as well.

To enable this new feature, you will first need to log into your email account on the Gmail website. Afterwards navigate to your “Settings” pane located directly below your profile picture and you’ll be given the option to “Enable Undo Send.” Additionally you are provided with a drop-down that lets you choose the undo period for the feature: 5, 10, 20 or 30 seconds.

We have ours got set to 30 seconds because it is not too long or short of a time frame plus you can never be too careful. So give the new feature a try and who knows, maybe you will be able to sleep easier knowing you didn’t send that article to your boss with all of those grammatical errors.

UPDATE: The app Inbox which was created by Gmail now supports this “Undo Send” feature in it’s mobile application which also leads us to believe it it definitely make it’s way to the Gmail app as well sometime soon.

Follow our social media profiles:

Facebook.com/TechcellentNews

Twitter.com/TechcellentNews

Instagram.com/TechcellentNews

Google.com/+TechcellentNews

Youtube.com/c/TechcellentNews

WHAT'S AFTER 4G LTE SPEEDS? ENTER 5G.

The Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance states that, “5G is an end-to-end ecosystem to enable a fully mobile and connected society. It empowers value creation toward customers and partners, through existing and emerging use cases delivered with consistent experience and enabled by sustainable business models.”

Essentially, LTE is the foundation of the 5G radio access network below 6 GHz while the frequencies from 6 GHz to 100 GHz will explore new technologies in parallel. 5G raises the bar to a massive multiple-input multiple-output technology, a large array of radiating elements that extends the antenna matrix to a new level and takes a leap of faith in wireless network speed and coverage.

The overall goals of 5G technology are to increase capacity by a thousand, support more than a hundred billion connections up to 10 GB/s speeds and keep latency below one millisecond.

The early blueprint of 5G pilot networks mostly comprises of beam-forming technology and small cell base stations. Companies like Nokia, Samsung and Ericsson have launched pilot projects and so far the results have been encouraging.

The wireless industry is broadly targeting 2020 for the widespread deployment of 5G networks.

GOOGLE PHOTOS APP REVIEW

Google recently re-released their Google Photos application. They decided to break it away from Google+ and make it a stand alone app with many new features and improvements. 

This new Google photos app offers the user free unlimited storage of all photos and videos. With an auto backup feature from it's Android and now iPhone apps, you don't ever have to worry about saving your photos again. Google is able to provide free unlimited storage through compression. Photos above 16 megapixels or videos over 1080p will be compressed down, although Google states that the visual quality is virtually untouched. Google also gives you the ability to store up to 15GB of your original file resolution for free with the option to purchase more storage. Doing this, Google Photos can help you clear backed up camera content from your device so you never have to worry about deleting to make space.

Visual Search which provides the user the ability to search their photos by people, places or things. For Example, simply search "food" to locate all photos of food even if it doesn't have a description.

Another feature this application provides is called Photos Assistant. This allows the user to create montage movies, interactive stories, collages and more. Transform your photos with simple but powerful photo and video editing tools.

Sum up this new application with the ability to share your photos instantly with shareable links and the usual social media apps. We continue to use this app ourselves and recommend that you try it out for yourself. After short usage of Google Photos, you will find it to become the home for all your organized videos and photos, searchable by the people, places and things that matter to you.


Visit our website TechcellentNews.com or our YouTube Channel to see a video review of this application featuring our publisher, Cody Lopez.

Watch Google I/O 2015 Live!

Google I/O was started in 2008 and focuses on building web and mobile applications for the Chrome and Android operating systems.

Watch the keynote and select sessions live from your computer or mobile device May 28th at 12:30pm EST.

WATCH IT HERE LIVE

Money Making Apps Part 1: App Review

Most users are unaware of the potential extra income you could receive simply by installing a few apps on your smartphone or tablet. This article will be the first of a few that will help you obtain gift cards, rewards and even a little extra spending money merely by using a preselected app a few minutes each day.

First and foremost, you should know that there are plenty of "make money with apps" on the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. That being said, these applications will not allow you to quit your day job or retire early. Also if an application that promises you "rewards" or money sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. 

Now that we have gotten the formalities out of the way; let's jump right into our first money making app review. This application also happens to be our personal favorite because of how easy it is to use. The application is called Google Opinion Rewards and yes, unfortunately it is only available to Android users currently. 

While this application doesn't provide cash, it does reward the user with Google Play credits. These credits can be redeemed for additional applications, music, books or movies in the Play Store. Simply sign-in with your existing Google account after installation; answer the surveys (with honesty or not) to start receiving the credits. Rewards vary from 10 cents to a dollar depending on the length of the survey. It takes time to earn enough credit for decent games or movies, but you can earn enough for an app after just one or two surveys.

The sheer ease of this money making app is the reason behind our number one listing. The only negative is that you are not receiving cash for your information or time. Overall, we believe the Google Opinion Rewards app to be a must have for any Android user interested in purchasing content without reaching for their own wallet.

Why Techcellent News?

Have you ever found yourself unfamiliar with the specifications of the latest smartphone or gadget? Have you ever wondered what seperates one device from another? Unable to keep up with the rapid pace of this tech savvy world? You are not alone. But guess what, I have tech-cellent news for you. We are here to help.

Techcellent News is the latest tech media website that provides news coverage, reviews, videos and blogs on all types of consumer electronics. Our passion for all things tech allow us to provide the highest quality of content on a consistent basis.

Follow us on this journey through tech. It will be updated as frequently as these gadgets do.