SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 5 AND S6 EDGE+: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

After weeks and weeks of rumors and leaks, we have the official unveiling of Samsung's newest phablet devices. That's right, early today Samsung took to the stage in New York City to announce not one but two large-and-in-charge smartphones. The CEO of Samsung Mobile JK Shin reminds us that Samsung is single-handedly responsible for creating the phablet category stating that the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge+ are the next step forward of their popular flagships. Here's what we will get with the Note 5:

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

• 5.7” Quad HD Super AMOLED display
• Octa-core (2.1GHz Quad + 1.5GHz Quad), 64 bit process
• 4GB RAM (LPDDR4) , 32/64GB (UFS 2.0)
• Rear : 16MP with Optic Image Stabilization , Front : 5MP
• 3,000mAh Battery, Fast Charging both wired and wireless
• Near Field Communication for payments
• Fingerprint scanner for added security and authorization
• Android 5.1 Lollipop

The S pen which is the included stylus pen of the Galaxy Note 5 has received some new improvements as well. Our favorite has to be the ability to jot down notes even when the display isn't on. This is performed when the phone is idel and the display isn't illuminated. Simply, unsheathe the S pen from the phone and write onto the black screen of the idle phone. This new feature is perfect for any user needing to quickly write something down. What's just as interesting but may be more important to some are the features that are missing from the phone. Here is a list of what we won't receive with the Galaxy Note 5:

• No micro SD card slot
• No USB Type C
• No infrared blaster
• No removable battery

Along the side of an improved Note 5 was the unveiling of the Galaxy S6 Edge+. This is the simply a larger version of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge that was released earlier this year. That being said, this version isn't without some perks. The S6 Edge+ sports a larger battery than it's predecessor and it also has improved optical image stabilization for even smoother video recording. The edge display software has received improvement as well with "Apps Edge.” This acts as an area of shortcuts to quickly launch some of your favorite applications.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

• 5.7" Quad HD Super AMOLED display with curved edges
• Exynos 7420 (64bit, 14nm) Octa core (2.1GHz Quad + 1.5GHz Quad)
• 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM
• 32GB or 64GB  storage, non-expandable
• 16.0MP OIS rear camera, 5.0MP front camera
• 3,000mAh battery with fast charging and fast wireless charging
• NFC for payments, fingerprint scanner for authorization
• Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ will be available for pre-order starting today and will be officially on sale August 21st. Although, if you want to get your hands on the phone before launch, the phone should be on display at more than 7,000 stores around the US tomorrow, August 14th. Simply ask your local sales representative to take a peak at these new devices.  Now is the perfect time to upgrade. If you are not a fan of these new phones, remember that their previous models will be going be getting a price drop.

CARRIERS BEGIN PROVIDING FIX FOR TEXT MESSAGE HACK

The first wave of Android handsets obtaining the Stagefright vulnerability patch are here. T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T step-up to provide a few of their respectable Samsung devices with a a software update to protect users against malicious MMS messages. Starting today, the T-Mobile and Verizon variants of the Galaxy Note 4 and Note 4 Edge have begun to receive this update. AT&T provides the same update to Galaxy S 6 and S6 Edge. Additionally, the update can also be found available on T-Mobile's Galaxy S5.

Nearly every cellphone service provider and manufacturer have promised a roll-out of these required software patches. Although, it appears that only Samsung is hitting the gate running and dominating all other Android manufacturers with an urgency demanded from such potentially harmful risks.

Once your device or devices receive the update, do not delay. Protect yourself by taking advantage as soon as possible. To check for it, simply head into Settings > About phone > Software update > Ok.

*Tip: Make sure that you have at least 50 percent battery life and a Wi-Fi connection.

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DON'T WAIT FOR WINDOWS 10 UPDATE

Already reserved your upgrade of the new and improved Windows 10? Still waiting? Microsoft states that the free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 could take as long as "a few weeks." Patience is a virtue. Or is it? This wait seems like far too long of a time frame especially when nearly 14 million users are currently enjoying the new functions of Windows 10. For those seeking instant gratification, we are glad to share with you a completely legitimate way for you to skip the reservation list and start using the updated operating system today.

Warning: Getting this free copy of Windows 10 only applies to Windows 7 or 8 users with valid license keys. All other users will have to purchase an activation key.

To take advantage of this, make your way to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page. Choose either the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version to begin your download. Not sure which to download? Simply match your existing version. Using 64-bit Windows 7 or 8? (Which most users are) Download this version.

Continue through the prompts, select “Upgrade this PC now.” Continue the installation and if you want to keep everything as is, select “Keep personal files and apps.” The download tool provides a confirmation of the settings you’ve chosen for upgrade; if everything looks right, click on "Install."

Microsoft also states that they will continue to provide their latest operating system without any cost for one year to all current users of Windows 7 and 8. Although, we have noticed that Windows 10 software packages are being sold by major retailers between $100 and $200. Our suggestion would be to only purchase this software if you are building a PC. Instead, most consumers should look to purchase discounted computers or laptops that have Windows 8 installed and simply update the software.

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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