Bump Bumps Android App To 2.0, Brings New Features, UI, Remote Bumping, And Other Improvements

Bump, the popular app that lets users share photos, contacts, and apps by simply bumping their phones together has hit the big two-point-oh today. This update brings many enhancements along with it, including a new UI and a nice performance boost.

  

Not only does it look prettier, but it’s more functional as well. The app now stores a complete list of everything that you’ve sent or received via Bump, including when and where you were at the time of the transaction. This update also allows you to create a connection with specific friends so you can send and receive photos, apps, and messages with each other, even if you’re not currently in the phone bumping distance.

Skyfire Launches 4.0 Version of its Popular Android Mobile Browser with Eight New Killer Features

Skyfire, maker of the award-winning and popular mobile browser, announces the release of Skyfire 4.0 for Android -- its highly anticipated next-generation Android browser. Skyfire 4.0 for Android allows users to personalize their SkyBarTM toolbar, while adding eight new SkyBar features. While the basic browser and toolbar will remain free to Android users,
Skyfire is also introducing a premium in-app purchase to enable its Video feature, which draws on Skyfire's cloud-based servers to optimize videos from across the web. As a thank you to over 3 million early beta users of the app, all existing users will be "grandfathered" in for free access for the lifetime of their device.
Skyfire's SkyBar toolbar is now scrollable and customizable, allowing for a larger and more personalized number of features to be positioned on the toolbar. Beyond the 'Video', 'Facebook', 'Fireplace', 'Popular', 'Ideas' & 'Like' buttons, Skyfire has added full Twitter, Groupon and Google Reader integration, a 'Share' button, Sports, News and Finance feeds, and a 'Settings' button.
Skyfire for Android is one of the most popular applications in the Android Market and has seen over 3 million downloads since launching in April 2010. The mobile browser was upgraded to critical acclaim in November 2010 with integrated social media and Facebook capabilities, and the app currently has a user rating of 4.5 stars out of a possible five stars, based on tens of thousands of reviews in the Android Market. This latest update will continue to build on Skyfire's strong track record of innovation.
With v4.0, Skyfire for Android will begin offering its video optimization as an optional $2.99 premium feature, unlocked via an in-app purchase after a three day free trial. The feature pays for itself for most users around the world by allowing users to watch more video with less data usage (where users have capped or metered data plans), as well as increasing battery life.
Skyfire is offering the video optimization feature at no additional charge for a limited time to all Verizon Wireless customers who download Skyfire 4.0 for Android. Skyfire will soon be available in the Verizon channel of the Android Market™.
Skyfire 4.0 for Android, including the video optimization feature, will remain free for all of the over 3 million beta testers around the globe who have used the app to date, in gratitude for their support in helping Skyfire become one of the most popular apps in the Android Market.
"With Skyfire 4.0 for Android, we're enabling users to customize their browser toolbar to fit their interests, from sports, to social networks, to finance, news, and local deals," said Jeff Glueck, CEO of Skyfire. "While the basic browser will remain free, with the launch of Google's Android In-App purchase platform, the time has come to make our video cloud acceleration service a premium feature that reflects the investment we make to support each user in our cloud. We deliver state-of-the art web video tuned to your current mobile connection speed, saving 75% on average data loads. For users who enjoy web video, or who are on metered data, the service can pay for itself in the first month of use."
New Features in Skyfire 4.0 for Android include:    

•     Customizable SkyBar - Skyfire's toolbar is now configurable and expandable, enabling users to create their own flavor of Skyfire experience. With the new scrollable SkyBar, users now have access to fourteen Skyfire features and have the ability to enable, disable and position each button as they see fit.
•     New SkyBar Features -Skyfire has added eight new features:

  o    Twitter - Login to the 'Twitter' Button to have one-touch access to Twitter streams. Tweet, search, and check in with the Twittersphere without leaving the Skyfire browser. (And yes, watch videos shared on Twitter with just one click.)
    o    Groupon - With the 'Groupon' Button, the SkyBar is now delivering nearby deals so you can do a quick check on the deal of the day at all times.
    o    Share - Easily share websites, articles, pictures & videos with the touch of the 'Share' button, a feature previously accessible through the Skyfire menu.
    o    Google Reader - Use the 'Google Reader' Button to keep up with feeds from your favorite sites. Google Reader keeps you in the know by constantly checking your favorite news sites and blogs for new content.
    o    Sports, News & Finance - Three new buttons, 'Sports', 'News' & 'Finance', have been added to the SkyBar to bring one-touch access to the latest events.
    o    Settings - The 'Settings' button could easily be labeled the 'Customize' button. Use this to enable, disable or position SkyBar features to your personal preferences.

•     General Tips - We've added a host of new in-browser tips, tricks & tutorials to help users get them most out of browsing with Skyfire.

Download Skyfire 4.0 for Android today here: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.skyfire.browser
About Skyfire:
Skyfire is dedicated to using cloud computing to improve multimedia experiences on mobile phones, and has created the first "Compression as a Service" (CAAS) offering for wireless carriers and device makers. Skyfire's technology has been visible to consumers through the Skyfire browser app, which has enabled Skyfire to refine its technology with millions of users.

Galaxy Ace Gingerbread Android 2.3 Update ROM leaks!

Folks at SamFirmware and TSAR3000.com have leaked the Gingerbread (android 2.3) ROM for the Samsung Galaxy Ace. The ROM still has some bugs though. It is possible that the official Samsung Galaxy Ace upgrade is near.The Galaxy Ace was only launched a month back, and it may have gingerbread goodness soon! (hopefully), it would be very nice for a 300$ range phone.

We are testing this now, and will have a step by step for you guys shortly!

Sony Ericsson: From Xperia Play to W8 Walkman Android phone

Sony Ericsson’s strategy: Sell Xperia Play in USA and UK, Walkman Android phone in Asia.

Looks like Sony Ericsson is into “cheaper” Android strategy. According to BGR, the company behind the much talked about Xperia Play will release an Android phone in Asia that will ship with a not-so latest Android version and not-so latest tech specs, the Sony Ericsson W8.

Apparently, the Sony Ericsson W8 will use the “Walkman” branding, suggesting that the phone will focus on music. Plus, the phone also features lower specs compared to other Sony Ericsson phones, with 128 MB of RAM only, 3.2 megapixel rear-facing camera and Android 2.1 version.

The resolution of the Walkman Phone aka W8 is also smaller than other new high-end Android phones, only 480x320. I’m expecting this phone to sport a much cheaper tag price than other popular SE phones like the Xperia Play and the Xperia Arc. The Sony Ericsson W8 Walkman phone is reportedly scheduled to debut in Asia this year, and three colors will be available.

Motorola Defy gets new Android 2.2 software update

Here’s some good news for the proud owners of Motorola’s ultra-trendy yet advanced Defy mobile phone. In order to provide users with enhanced performance and better multimedia capabilities, Motorola and T-Mobile recently announced the new Android 2.2 (Froyo) software update for the above stated handset.
Defy users who are currently benefiting from Android 2.1 (Éclair) software version can take advantage of the new enhancements added by the upgraded version. By downloading the new Android 2.2, users can experience faster user interface, application operation and speedy web browsing.
Those who were bummed out about their handset’s inability to supportAdobe Flash Player 10.1 may simmer down with the offered support for the same. Yes, users can now conveniently access rich web content and games. Apart from this, users can also store their applications on the phone’s microSD card.
Apps can even be set to automatically update by checking ‘allow automatic updating’ under each app’s page in Android Market. The update also brings in added punctuation to the suggestion ribbon and Task Manager app to help users manage applications.
One can add LinkedIn social network to integrate with contacts, social networking updates and messaging. The Defy can now offer an Internet connection for up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices, offers users new security features, including Exchange-based encryption and password security, and has updated the user interface’s design.
The new Android 2.2 software upgrade for Motorola Defy can now be downloaded from the company’s website.

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.