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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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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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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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.

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