Updated Evernote v3 app rolled out for Android

Mobile users who rely heavily on the Evernote app for remembering a multitude of tasks have good news in store for them. Evernote has introduced an updated version of its Evernote app for Android-powered handset owners.
The updated software app includes new features such as enhanced text editing, better security options, improved views, a refurbished widget and more. Users can now seamlessly edit, browse and link shared notebooks to their accounts.
On tapping the new Shared icon present on the Evernote home screen, the list of shared notebooks is showcased. Furthermore, editing contents is also made possible only if the individual sharing it is a Premium subscriber. It now enables quick and easy posting of notes on websites like Facebook or Twitter for sharing it with family and friends.
The updated app proffers better searching capabilities within any selected notebook. Also, the creation of a new one is no longer limited to desktop. Users simply have to select the Menu button and click on New Notebook option. Additionally, it includes augmented support for Notebook Stacks. On GPS-enabled devices, anyone can see all the notes on a map when they tap on the ‘Map’ option via menu.
The latest updated app permits adding location information to existing notes by choosing the Set Location alternative. It integrates the highly-awaited PIN lock feature which allows locking the Evernote app with a PIN Lock setup available in settings. The upgraded Evernote features revamped widgets for quick accessibility, new progress bar as well as nested tags created on the desktop. Apart from many additional attributes, the offering also boasts of performance improvements and bug fixes.
The updated version 3 of Evernote app can be downloaded via the Android Marketplace for free.

G'Five to launch Android tablet

G'Five, a Chinese mobile handset maker, is planning to launch an Android based tablet PC in India within the next one month.

The tablet will be a 7 inch capacitive touchscreen device based on Android 2.1. The choice of Android 2.1 is surprising as version 2.2 is already available in a wide variety of phones, including handsets from Indian brands such as Micromax and Spice.

Other hardware details were not disclosed. However, we expect the device to run on VIA processors, with a rating of 600 MHz or more.

Jaideep Chopra, vice president, G'Five, says, "We are ready with the product; we are just waiting for the right time to introduce the device. The pricing will be competitive with what is available in the market."

Given the fact that the tablet will be based on an older version of Android, we are expecting it to be priced below Rs 15,000 as competitors such as Olive Telecom have got devices with the latest version of Android currently selling at Rs 19,000. HCL too has entered the market with its own tablet starting at Rs 14,900.

Google’s Android System Faces More App Attacks in New Security `Frontier'

Google Inc. (GOOG)’s Android mobile-phone platform faces soaring software attacks and has little control over the applications, according to security firm Kaspersky Lab.

Applications loaded with malicious software are infiltrating the Google operating system at a faster rate than with personal computers at the same stage in development, said Nikolay Grebennikov, chief technology officer for Kaspersky. The company identified 70 different types of malware in March from just two categories in September.

“The growth rate in malware within Android is huge, in the future there will definitely be more,” Grebennikov said in an interview in London. Kaspersky will offer security on Android in the third quarter of this year.

Hacking into mobile-phone software has become increasingly sophisticated, forcing Mountain View, California-based Google to remove malicious applications that were available from its Android Market store last month. The applications, which were remotely disabled, gathered information about mobile devices and could be used to access personal data.

Google spokesman Ollie Rickman referred back to the company’s comment in a blog post last month.

“We are adding a number of measures to help prevent additional malicious applications using similar exploits from being distributed through Android Market,” Rich Cannings, an Google engineer who works on Android security, said in the blog post.

Popular and Targeted

Android will run on 38.5 percent of smartphones sold this year, according to market research firm Gartner. The Google software is moving into cheaper hardware and starting to compete with high-volume, low-margin phones made by companies such as Nokia Oyj. (NOK1V)

“Any time a technology becomes adopted and popular, that technology will be targeted by the bad guys,” said Jay Abbott, Director of Threat and Vulnerability at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

The proliferation of mobile app stores at platforms from companies including Google, Apple Inc. (AAPL), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), Research in Motion Ltd. (RIM) and Nokia has made the functions and devices harder to secure, said Richard Overill, a senior lecturer in computer science at King’s College, London

“It is a new frontier,” said Overill, who has been researching the industry since 1992. “It’s been an area that the criminal fraternity hasn’t gone into before because they are doing quite nicely thank you in the computer space.”

Software Code

Google, owner of the world’s most-popular online search engine, offers Android to handset manufacturers for free and allows developers access to some of its code for writing software. Apple, whose iOS software trails Android in smartphone market share, requires every application to be approved before being sold in its online store.

Android’s open model is “a benefit but equally a drawback,” said PwC’s Abbott. “Anyone can develop anything at any time,” he said, adding that the “model makes it a lot easier for people to exploit it.”

Other experts such as Overill say Android’s model may not make it more vulnerable to attack than a closed platform as its community of users can watch out for and report on any evidence of malware to ensure it gets fixed.

Aad van Moorsel, the director of Centre for Cybercrime and Computer Security at Newcastle University, said that closed systems also face threats. “The fact that Microsoft is a closed system in the personal computing space hasn’t stopped it from being attacked,” he said.

Infected Devices

Google removed more than 50 applications containing malicious code known as DroidDream last month, according to San Francisco-based mobile security firm Lookout. The code enabled the software to gain a “substantial amount of control in the infected device,” and could help to install additional applications, Lookout said.

Google doesn’t have antivirus protection on the file level within its operating system, Grebennikov said.

“The malware was not like before,” Grebennikov said. Previously mobile attacks were limited to sending text messages to premium numbers hitting the user with high charges, he said.

Kaspersky Lab, Russia’s largest maker of antivirus software, this year sold 20 percent of its shares to private equity group General Atlantic LLC. The Moscow-based company, founded by majority shareholder Eugene Kaspersky, is aiming to become the world’s largest provider of end-user Internet security software.

Virtual Zippo Lighter app enters Android Market

Zippo’s Virtual Lighter app that offers many interactive fun moments was released in 2008 for devices based on iOS and Nokiaplatforms.Extending its availability, Zippo and skyrockit have officially released the Virtual Zippo Lighter app in the Android Market.
This app provides Android device users with the ability to see and feel Zippo’s popular lighter, coupled with interactive action that imitates the authentic lighting experience. The app’s virtual lighter opens by a flick of the wrist and ignites on turning the flint wheel. The flame sways back and forth as the device is moved.
“Virtual Zippo Lighter is the cornerstone of our mobile efforts. It’s an organic extension of our music-focused communications initiatives, provides valuable insight on consumer preferences, and is helping us shape how we go to market with new products,” commented Brent Tyler, Event Marketing and Promotions Manager at Zippo.
“The Virtual Zippo Lighter app continues to spread like wildfire. Mobile users are downloading more than 70,000 of these apps each week, and this is with no paid media support,” expressed Jon Vlassopulos,Chief Executive Officer, skyrockit. “In addition, the in-app store’s premium items have been well received by users and their active purchasing is creating a whole new revenue stream for us and Zippo which is really exciting and transformational for brand marketing.”
This app offers a wide range of designs to customize the exterior of the lighter. It also features an animated flame which instantly moves in a direction corresponding to any movement of the handset. Following this launch, Android users can now experience the famed ‘Zippo Moment’ during various concerts while swaying to the entertaining music.
The Virtual Zippo Lighter app can be downloaded via the Android Market absolutely free of cost. Additionally, more than 250 premium lighter skins may also be bought from the in-app store for $0.99 each.

Samsung Galaxy S Android 2.3 update confirmed by Vodafone

Just days ahead of its replacement landing fully equipped with the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system, Vodafone has officially confirmed it is to begin rolling out the 2.3 update for existing Samsung Galaxy S users.

 

Having taken Samsung into the mainstream of smartphone production and challenged the likes of the HTC Desire and Apple iPhone 4, the Galaxy S is to add the UI enhancements and new Android keyboard with easy copy and paste features found within the latest Google OS update.

Currently limited to Vodafone tied Galaxy S devices, the Android 2.3 update will also see the smartphone add improved battery life, reduced lag, multiple camera management enhancements and the ability to switch handsets to 2G signals. 

Set to hit the UK on May 1st, the Samsung Galaxy S II, is to launch pre-installed with Google’s Android 2.3 OS, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, front and rear mounted cameras and a beautifully crafted slim line, light weight form factor.

Angry Birds Seasons Gets Easter Update

Rovio on Monday launched an Easter version of Angry Birds Seasons, available now for iOS, Android, Symbian, and Palm devices.

"Spring is upon us and the time is ripe for some chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies! So shed the winter gear and get in—Easter Eggs have never been this delicious!" Rovio said in its update notice. "If you think St. Patrick's Day was a blast, well, you ain't seen nothing yet! This episode will again prove that Angry Birds is the most generous update giver of them all!"

The Easter update includes 15 new springtime levels. Rovio also promised that it "will soon launch the biggest alternate reality game with Angry Birds ever—be prepared to seek for clues around the world to discover the secrets hidden in Angry Birds Seasons!"

View SlideshowSee all (5) slides

More

Angry Birds Seasons is available for $0.99 on the App Store and free from Android app stores and the Ovi Store. Players who have already downloaded Angry Birds Seasons will get the Easter version as a free upgrade.

Seasons also includes versions forSt. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day,Christmas, and Halloween.

app picks for April 17, 2011

Beautiful Widgets

Since we’re doing widgets this week, I feel like I should highlight the widgets I use more than any other: Beautiful Widgets is a collection of widgets that provide very useful actions for your Android device. With the app you get a bunch of toggle widgets including WiFi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, GPS, Vibrate, Silent, 4G and Rotate. In addition, there is a gorgeous weather and time widget that will display the current conditions wherever you happen to be. This was one of the first apps I installed on my device and one that I recommend to new users almost immediately. It costs $2.88 from the Android Market, but it is worth every penny. Very recently the developers added support for Honeycomb (currently in beta), so check it out if you have a Xoom. [Market Link]

Taskos

On its surface, Taskos looks like a simple To-Do list app, but it has a couple of featuresthat I really enjoy. The first, to follow the theme for this week, is the widget. Other apps (like Wunderlist) might have a slicker looking UI, but they don't have a widget option, and I like being able to just swipe right on my home screen and glance and what I have to do. More importantly, the widget lets me add new tasks without having to launch the application, which is really nice if I want to add something short. Secondly, Taskos will sync automatically with Google Tasks but this is a common enough feature. As petty as it sounds, the reason I use this app over the others is that it allows me to "swipe" right to mark a task complete, which is a neat little UI tweak. Available for Free in the Android Market. [Market Link]

Circle Battery Widget

Android's battery meters are at times deceiving, and not always accurate to the actual remaining battery life of the device. Personally I don't enjoy to clutter my notification bar with an extra battery meter to show the percentages, but circle battery widget was the perfect solution for me. With various sizes, and the ability to change the color of the widget it allows for use with nearly any screen set up and wallpaper preference. The market has a free, as well as a paid version, so if you enjoy to know your battery percentage, and love the novelty of widgets, be sure to check this out! [Market Link]

Calendar Pad

Calendar Pad is a great widget that allows you more detail about your upcoming calendar events than the stock widget. You can get the widget in various sizes and, most importantly, can choose if you want a day, week, or monthly view. I love using the full-screen 4x4 size widget in week view because you can quickly see what you have upcoming without having to launch the calendar app. Calendar Pad is incredibly easy to use if you are already using Google Calendar as it pulls information in without you having to do any manual imports. If you are someone who needs to keep track of multiple appointments or events Calendar Pad will help you keep organized (and on time). Free and paid versions are available with the Pro version offering added customization.[Market Link]

Claystone launcher for Android mixes 3D interface, media bar

A new home screen replacement for Android is starting to make the rounds. It’s called Claystone and it features a 3D user interface with integrated apps for viewing photos, videos, files and other content. You can download the latest beta from the xda-developers forum.

The main screen features a window with  series of shortcuts for launching apps, viewing running or recent apps, or browsing for media, email or news. Claystone also includes its own contact manager and photo and video viewers.

There are two features that make the app really interesting. First, when you open a new window such as the app launcher or contact list, you can flip between the home screen and the secondary window by swiping left or right. There are slick 3D transitions when you slide between windows.

The other interesting component is the media bar above the launcher window which shows photos, local videos, YouTube videos, or home screen widgets. You can click on these thumbnails to make them larger and then flick left or right to move between the widgets.

Claystone is still a work in progress and there are a few things about the app that are still rather awkward. While you can add home screen widgets to the media bar at the top of the screen, it seems you can only choose one widget per window. The bigger problem is that you only see a tiny thumbnail icon for each widget before clicking on it — which kind of defeats the purpose of widgets that are supposed to let you see weather, news, or other information at a glance.

It also takes a little while to launch some of the apps such as the contact list or media browsers. But that’s why the developers have launched a public beta rather than a full build. Claystone’s not yet available in the Android Market, but if you’re interested in checking out the beta, the developers are still looking for feedback.

Is the Walkman set for a comeback with Android?

The Sony Walkman was a big success when it first came out over 3 decades ago, starting it’s life as a portable casette player, moving with the times introducing a CD-capable player, and then in more recent years integrating it’s ideas into Sony Ericsson mobile phones. However with the rapid pace at which smartphones are becoming the “standard” mobile phone, the needs of the integrated Walkman phones are becoming obsolete very quickly.

In an effort to revive the decreasing platform, Sony Ericsson are said to be working on an Android Walkman phone – the W15, which according to GSM Arena, is based on the existing Mini Xperia X8 with a 3-inch 480×320 resolution screen, a reasonable 600MHz clock speed processor and a 3.2MP rear camera.

It is expected to launch within the next 2 months and also have support for lossless audio through a specialised audio chip and a heavily customised interface on the device itself.

SKYPE REPLIES TO ANDROID VULNERABILITIES

Yesterday, we reported that bloggers had found a vulnerability in the Skype App which allows hackers to harvest data from a user’s Android handset with no need to root a phone or gain special permission. The problem was discovered during the testing of a leaked version of Skype for Android’s new Video App. But it didn’t take long to notice that the flaw was carried over from the already released Skype for Android App that’s currently in the Market. Skype has responded to the news in their security blog, admitting that the flaw exists and they’re working hard to fix it. But what can a user do to protect themselves in the meantime?