| Apple drops iOS update to plug securty hole, but OS X may be affected too Feb 22nd 2014, 13:49, by Chris Smith 
Apple has dropped iOS 7.0.6 to fix a previously unheard of security issue, which left iPhones and iPads vulnerable to hackers operating on the same unsecured wireless network. The flaw in the way iOS devices handles secure sockets layer (SSL) and transport socket layer (TSL) authentication could allow for data to be intercepted by third parties the company said. In its release notes, Apple claimed to have had restored "missing validation steps" in order to nix the bug, but said it did not divulge the full nature of security issues until an investigation had taken place. It wrote: "Impact: An attacker with a privileged network position may capture or modify data in sessions protected by SSL/TLS "Description: Secure Transport failed to validate the authenticity of the connection. This issue was addressed by restoring missing validation steps." OS X affected too?It is not known whether the flaw had been exploited, but one expert, Johns Hopkins University cryptography professor Matthew Green, called the oversight "as bad as you could imagine." Security firm CrowdStrike took a look around the iOS 7.0.6 and concluded that Mac OS X devices are at risk from the flaw too, and said it expects Apple to launch an update for its desktop software too. Explaining the nature of the flaw in layman's terms, Crowdstrike wrote: "To pull off the attack an adversary has to be able to Man-in-The-Middle (MitM) network connections, which can be done if they are present on the same wired or wireless network as the victim. Due to a flaw in authentication logic on iOS and OS X platforms, an attacker can bypass SSL/TLS verification routines upon the initial connection handshake. "This enables an adversary to masquerade as coming from a trusted remote endpoint, such as your favourite webmail provider and perform full interception of encrypted traffic between you and the destination server, as well as give them a capability to modify the data in flight (such as deliver exploits to take control of your system)." So there you have it. We have no idea how long these "missing steps" were missing, or whether they've always been absent. Needless to say, it's advisable to get on that iOS 7.0.6 update with a quickness.        |  | Fighting Talk: Google's KitKat clampdown will save Android Feb 22nd 2014, 10:39, by Stuart Houghton 
A leaked memo suggests that Google may be about to make a very smart move that could bring some order to the chaos of the Android operating system. The memo was reportedly sent out to several of the Android world's leading 'original equipment manufacturers' (OEMs) - in other words the people who actually make the smartphones and tablets that run versions of Google's mobile OS. In it, according to Mobile Bloom, Google gently suggested that unless new Android devices were released with the most current version of the OS then it might withhold access to certain key Google services like Maps or the Play store, collectively known as Google Mobile Services or GMS. Approval windowUnder Google's new regime, each major Android OS release would have a GMS 'approval window' that closes roughly nine months after the next OS release. If a vendor tries to launch a new device with an older version of Android after its approval window has closed then Google will simply bar that device from using Play, Maps, Gmail and all the other GMS goodies. The reason for this rule change is fragmentation. Google's most recent figures show that around 60% of Android devices are running some flavour of Jelly Bean while the latest release, KitKat, is on under 2% of systems. Perhaps more worryingly, Honeycomb (Android 2.3.x) is still on 20% of devices and there are untold numbers running versions older than 2.2 as that's the point where Google's census cuts off. By way of contrast, Apple recently crowed that in the magical land of iOS more than 80% of devices are now running the latest version of the OS, iOS 7. One of Android's strengths is that it is easily modifiable to run on different hardware and that OEMs can build cheap, low-end phones and tablets as well as premium devices. The downside to this freedom is that there has been nothing to stop vendors cooking up their own custom builds of Android and then dragging their feet over updates. Until now. CrackdowntimeThere are arguments against this kind of crackdown, however. A deep re-skinning of the Android OS is one of the few tools at the OEM's disposal that can help carve out a real brand identity for a new device. The basic template for the generic smartphone is well established and without the ability to 'add value' in software, the argument goes, then the new phone will be a generic slab with only the number and placement of hardware buttons and quality of its camera to tell it apart from all the other glass oblongs. The reason that existing smartphones can take a long time to receive OS updates - often many months after the official release from Google hits the current flagship Nexus handset - is that OEMs feel the need to make their mark on the new code, adding interface tweaks and changes to core OS functions to make their devices more distinct and support their value-added services. The counter-argument is that I can count on one hand the number of OEM 'enhancements' to the basic Android OS that have actually made it better for the people who use the phones day-in, day-out and still have enough fingers left to do a decent multi-touch gesture. The recent Android releases have solved most of the interface niggles that resulted in heavy-handed skin jobs like HTC Sense and while a complete look 'n' feel change may help boost the brand it does little to make the phone or tablet any simpler or more pleasant to use. The F wordOS fragmentation might seem like the kind of problem that is only obsessed over by phone nerds and people already in the industry - after all, many consumers don't see their phone as an 'Android' device at all but rather a Samsung or a Sony or whatever. It does give the Android OS a disadvantage however and a good case could be made that it is the stability and uniformity of iOS that attracts developers. More developers means better apps, means happier users. Android has done remarkably well considering it has to support a huge range of hardware and the wide spread of OS versions has still, somehow, given rise to a healthy app ecosystem that is finally starting to reach parity with iOS. Imagine how much more could be done if OEMs could be persuaded to add their personal touch in other ways - through better hardware, bundled services, better launchers, bespoke apps - if all this exists outside the main OS it can be kept up to date and bug-free without having to match pace with the rest of the OS. If Google can use its muscle to get all new Android devices on the same page it must be good for developers and, ultimately, better for you.        | | First look at a 3D map created with Google's Project Tango Feb 21st 2014, 21:10, by Kevin Lee 
Google just announced Project Tango yesterday and now we're getting our first looks at just what a 3D scanning smartphone can do. TechCrunch got its hands a new video by Matterport showing a real 3D indoor map of a room captured with one of Google's prototype devices. If you've never heard of Matterport before, it's a computer vision solutions company that creates maps and 3D room reconstructions. Matterport gave Google's Project Tango a whirl and was able to capture the color camera data with a complete 3D mesh of a room at the same time. The resulting 3D image was accurate enough to measure the height from floor to ceiling - and map all the cluttered objects in the room. What's more, the 3D map is interactive. Users will be able to zoom in, pan and rotate the image to explore a three-dimensional digital environment. While the 3D sensing company has built cameras of its own in the past, it said Project Tango was more than capable. Viably accurate
Matterport was impressed with how 3D mapping on mobile devices has become a far more viable capture platform than most people following the tech expected. The only knock Matterport CEO Bill Brown had against Project Tango was the slightly cruder 3D model it produced. But this is due in part to the 4MP sensor on the current prototype and he believes that it can easily be fixed with a higher resolution camera. 3D scanning has been a technology relegated to only robotic vision studies, self-driving cars and tech labs. The arrival of the Microsoft Kinect allowed more software tinkerers to experiment with depth sensing. By adding 3D sensing to mobile phones, Project Tango could open up 3D scanning and depth sensing technology to even more everyday applications including gaming, helping the visually-impaired get around and maps and navigation. - Phone 3D motion gaming could be the future but what's its like on the Xbox One's second generation Kinect?
       | | See the real-world benefits of KitKat on the LG G2, update arriving mid-March Feb 21st 2014, 19:13, by Chris Smith 
The arrival of Android 4.4 KitKat on the LG G2 has been officially pegged for the middle of March, with the manufacturer launching a video teaser showing the speedy improvements handset owners have in store. The two-minute comparison clip shows how KitKat gives multiple features a considerable speed boost, when compared to the current Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS. The KnockOn (double tap to wake the screen) feature welcomes a faster response time, while web pages will load faster thanks to the Chromium engine within KitKat. Further speed improvements come when loading online videos. In terms of photography, the camera app loads faster, the shutter speed is also improved, while loading a photo in the gallery app is twice as fast with KitKat on board. Lastly the video details the faster touch response times in the contacts app. 17% fasterOf course, all of these metrics are taken in milliseconds so it may not seem like a huge deal on the surface, but it all adds up to a device that's 17 per cent faster on KitKat according to the Korean company. Check out the differences in the video, shot with a high frame rate camera, below and, if you're an LG G2 owner circle the entire middle of March on your calendar. YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UcvB4aD0KA  | | WhatsApp and iMessage back up for Vodafone customers after data outage Feb 21st 2014, 18:12, by Chris Smith 
WhatsApp has dominated tech news this week after being bought up by Facebook, but for Vodafone customers it was a case of 'What's up?' on Friday, as network issues prevented them from using the app. The network responded to complaints from Twitter followers, unable to access mobile data services on their devices throughout the day. Vodafone tweeted to tell users it working on the issue, before admitting they may have to deal with intermittent access to messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Apple's iMessage for the time being. As most Brits finished their working week, the company claimed everything was now up and running as normal, but it would continue monitoring the situation. Miffed"We've fixed the issues that were affecting customer access to some mobile data services and Vodafone systems, all are now fully restored," Vodafone tweeted, five hours after acknowledging the issue. While these things do happen from time to time, Vodafone customers are sure to be miffed after the second major outage of 2014, left many on social media vowing to take their money elsewhere. In January the company battled a "nationwide issue sporadically causing problems with voice, data and SMS services," which lasted for a number of hours. It was sorry then too...   | | Sprint launches free Wi-Fi Calling, but only for pair of Samsung handsets Feb 21st 2014, 17:56, by JR Bookwalter 
It was barely a month ago when we first heard rumors that Sprint might soon jump aboard the Wi-Fi calling trend, and that day has finally arrived - but only for owners of two less popular Samsung smartphones. Sprint announced the launch of Wi-Fi Calling, a free service that allows subscribers to use existing wireless networks in place of the carrier's own. The new service is intended to improve voice, data and messaging features in areas where Sprint coverage is limited or entirely absent, allowing unlimited domestic voice calls and messaging. Wi-Fi Calling enhances Sprint's own coverage in existing homes, offices and public areas where a wireless network is available, but it won't do much for international calls or text messages, which will still be routed through standard CDMA service at the usual rates. Mega or miniUnfortunately for Sprint customers, Wi-Fi Calling is getting off to something of a slow start, with only two smartphones compatible at launch - and both of those are from Samsung. Owners of the Samsung Galaxy Mega and Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini will be offered an over-the-air update "during the next few weeks" that enables the Wi-Fi Calling feature on their handsets. After installation, the new feature can be activated by tapping the Wi-Fi Calling icon, which is located alongside other apps already installed on the device. But there's hope for the rest of Sprint's customer base: The carrier plans to expand Wi-Fi Calling to "additional devices" throughout the year.        | | Samsung Galaxy S5 trailer hints at waterproof design, and two handsets Feb 21st 2014, 16:53, by Hugh Langley 
Remember Jeremy from the Galaxy S4 Unpacked trailer last year? Yeah, he's been fired. Samsung has just put out a very different sort of trailer for "the next Galaxy" - i.e. the Galaxy S5 - and we reckon we can gleam plenty of hints about the new flagship from the 36-second video. First, the word "wet" appears early on, soon followed by a picture of a beach - are these hints at the phone's waterproof and dustproof design? We'd say waterproof is definitely looking likely. There's also an image titled "Brothers", which could be a not-so-sly nod at the two different versions of the S5 that we're expecting to see. As for "courage", the slowdown footage there could well be referencing a slow-mo camera element (with other scenes having the same slowdown effect), while "focus" seems to be teasing a background defocus feature. Check out the whole thing below... YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y42eQJmGbxk&       | | In Depth: Samsung Galaxy Gear 2: release date, news and rumors Feb 21st 2014, 16:44, by Gareth Beavis 
The Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 is likely to be a surprising addition to the MWC 2014 party, namely because it's predecessor has been on sale for such a short amount of time. But if you read our initial Galaxy Gear review, you'd see why. A smartwatch may be cool, but if it costs too much, has too short of a battery life and is filled with useless gimmicks, it's not going to sell well – and that's precisely what we found with Samsung's first effort. So the rumor mill has been cranking into full force in recent weeks to talk at length about a possible sequel that will emerge with the Samsung Galaxy S5 – read on to find out what we know will likely be coming as Samsung battens down the hatches ahead of the iWatch release later this year. Galaxy Gear 2 designWhen it comes to the new look of the Galaxy Gear, it's easy to speculate on what it might be, given the first iteration was so chunky. We actually liked the design, as it combined industrial-looking materials with sleek lines – but combined with the camera it was just too large. A Samsung spokesperson late last year dropped some news that the new version was in the works, and that it would be '15% to 20% thinner than the previous production', which means Samsung has realised that the current incarnation is just too chunky. Since then, we've heard some pretty exciting things about the design. The first being that the new Galaxy Gear will be completely redesigned to get rid of the 'dull and boring' elements – and the best of these will be a flexible screen. This would be something that would put the Samsung smartwatch on the map, although we doubt it would be totally flexible, rather curved to make it look a lot nicer. 
The second things is that this might not be the only device that pops up – Samsung's said to be pulling some of the technology out of the Gear and putting it into an advanced fitness band called, cleverly, the Galaxy Band, which would put it in direct competition with the LG LifeBand Touch. Rumors have been put about that reckon multiple versions of the Gear will launch at MWC – if so, the Galaxy Gear 2 and a fitness band would make sense as to the identities. All new OSWe've heard loads about Tizen in the run up to MWC 2014, where Samsung is supposed to be showing off phones using the new operating system. But here's an interesting one: the Galaxy Gear 2 could be running the OS as well. While such a jump in strategy would normally be tossed out as useless speculation, this could have legs as it would make the watch a lot more enticing for developers. Word is that the Gear 2 would use an HTML5 version of Tizen, making it much easier for devs to make apps for the device and therefore increase its appeal – given the UI is already nothing like Android, there wouldn't need to be much of a change to make things look like an evolution. 
And don't worry about the apps that are already created (not that there are a lot of them) for the Gear – as these can be ported over with relative ease. Pricey as before?The new Galaxy Gear needs to be cheaper than the original, coming as it did for £299 or $299 (around AU$333) off the shelf. The good news is that the new version of the device will have chopped the cost a little as it worries about what Apple will be doing with its first wrist-adorning option. Samsung knows that it wouldn't fare well if it pitted its watch against the premium quality of Apple's (just look at some of the high end tablets Samsung offers for the same cost as the iPad Air) and will look to offer a lower cost as well as an enhanced feature set. With that in mind, the Galaxy Gear 2 is a crucial device for the South Korean brand – it's already had one bite with the first option, and if the next iteration fails to ignite then it could be handing the keys to the wearable kingdom to Apple before it's even brought anything out. Galaxy Gear release dateThe Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 launch date is almost certain to be MWC 2014 alongside the Galaxy S5 – pairing the two together will be a no-brainer for Samsung as it looks to maximize the appeal of the new phone. But when it actually reaches shop shelves is yet to be seen, as the brand has a lot of options here. One will be to launch the Gear 2 at the same time as the Galaxy S5, which hints at it being on sale at the end of March. This notion is certainly backed up by the fact multiple US retailers are slashing the price of the current Gear by almost 50% in an effort to eradicate stock – which usually heralds a new device. The other main option would be to tag the new Galaxy Gear release date for the same time as the fancier Samsung Galaxy S5 version, clad in metal and rocking a QHD screen, as many rumors are tagging that as arriving later than the first version due to issues So here's the best case scenario: a Galaxy Gear 2 and fitness band with advanced functionality are announced at MWC 2014, and go on sale a month after launch. It will come at a more palatable price point and feature all-new design… is that wishful thinking?        | | New HTC One camera will apparently turn blur into beauty Feb 21st 2014, 16:00, by Hugh Langley 
We were already 99.7% sure that the the All New HTC One will come with two rear cameras, but we've now got some more information on the specifics of those snappers. According to "sources familiar with the matter" speaking to Pocket-lint, the main rear camera will have the 4-megapixel sensor of the 2013 HTC One, while the second will be a 2-megapixel affair. That second camera will enhance the bokeh (the blur of the out-of-focus bits of your photo) which gives a greater sense of depth, and will allow users to replace the background of any photo. This will reportedly be controlled via an app which HTC is said to be "currently working on". Sensor-bleAdditionally, the same report claims that the front-facing 2-megapixel camera is stepping up to 5 megapixels, as the company looks to put more of a focus on taking those lovely selfies that we're seeing every single day on Facebook. Every. Single. Day. The All New HTC One 2 will be revealed on March 25, and we'll be there to bring you the news as it breaks.   | | New HTC One camera will apparently turn blur into beauty Feb 21st 2014, 16:00, by Hugh Langley
We were already 99.7% sure that the the All New HTC One will come with two rear cameras, but we've now got some more information on the specifics of those snappers. According to "sources familiar with the matter" speaking to Pocket-lint, the main rear camera will have the 4-megapixel sensor of the 2013 HTC One, while the second will be a 2-megapixel affair. That second camera will enhance the bokeh (the blur of the out-of-focus bits of your photo) which gives a greater sense of depth, and will allow users to replace the background of any photo. This will reportedly be controlled via an app which HTC is said to be "currently working on". Sensor-bleAdditionally, the same report claims that the front-facing 2-megapixel camera is stepping up to 5 megapixels, as the company looks to put more of a focus on taking those lovely selfies that we're seeing every single day on Facebook. Every. Single. Day. The All New HTC One 2 will be revealed on March 25, and we'll be there to bring you the news as it breaks.        | | Samsung Galaxy S5 to emerge with two different names Feb 21st 2014, 15:05, by Hugh Langley 
We're less than a week away from the Samsung Galaxy S5, but despite the ever-growing mountain of leaks there's still plenty we don't know. Industry insider and Mobile-Review.com editor Eldar Murtazin took to Twitter to claim that Samsung's handsets will come with their own unique name - the "Samsung Galaxy S5 something". Right now it's anyone's guess as to what those names might be (answers on a postcard please) but we'd expect the higher-end model to have a more premium name such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 Pro. GoldfingersAs well as that, some cases for the S5 have appeared for pre-order on Amazon, and it's not just the colours that vary between the pictures. Two of the images show the S5 with a physical home buttons, while the phone lacks any such button in the others. GSM Arena, meanwhile, has apparently got its hands on a Vodafone internal document which outs a gold version of Samsung's upcoming phone. Another to join the ranks of the iPhone 5S and HTC One, then.   | | TechRadar is an official media partner for MWC 2014 Feb 21st 2014, 13:14, by TechRadar 
TechRadar is once again an official media partner for the GSMA Mobile World Conference - in a show that is promising to offer up exciting new phones and tablets. With the likes of Samsung, Sony and HTC all embracing the Barcelona-based mobile devices showcase, we're expecting big things from MWC 2014. What is MWC? The GSMA Mobile World Congress is where mobile leaders gather, collaborate and conduct industry business. Mobile is a catalyst of change and innovation, and whatever is coming next will likely be born at Mobile World Congress 2014, where we are "Creating What's Next". The yearly event provides the planet's best venue for mobile industry networking, new business opportunities and deal-making. Mobile World Congress includes a world-class conference featuring visionary keynotes and panel discussions; an exhibition with more than 1,700 companies displaying cutting-edge technologies; App Planet, the Centre of the Mobile Apps Universe; mPowered Industries, a new conference and exhibition programme for those in the health, advertising, media and travel verticals; and the annual Global Mobile Awards ceremony, which recognises innovative mobile solutions and initiatives around the world. In 2013, Mobile World Congress hosted more than 72,000 mobile professionals from more than 200 countries. Visit www.mobileworldcongress.com to learn more.   | | Nokia X gives Android the live tiles treatment in latest leak Feb 21st 2014, 11:30, by John McCann 
It seems Nokia really is going to go Android as the pre-MWC 2014 rumour mill continues to churn out Nokia X leaks, with the latest offering a series of images depicting said Android phone. French site Nowhereelse.fr has apparently got hold of more images of the fabled Nokia X (previously known as the Nokia Normandy), showing off the front, back and side of the chunky handheld. The homescreen is visible and the user interface matches previous leaks, showing a highly modified version of Android which resembles the live tile setup of Windows Phone more than Google's own creation. Android, but no GoogleThe Finnish firm's own Here Maps application appears on one of the tiles - as does a simple "Store" icon - suggesting the Nokia X won't come with Google's own suite of apps such as Maps and the Play Store. 
In terms of design the Nokia X is shaping up to be a pretty ordinary slab of plastic, reinforcing the budget credentials it's been associated with so far - although we'll hopefully find out for sure shortly at MWC.   | |
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