Symantec calls Apple's iOS more secure than Google's Android

Recently, Symantic came out with its latest report, in which it ranked Apple's iOS as more secure in comparison to Google's Android. The report dubbed "A Window Into Mobile Device Security," includes 23 pages, in which the security approaches used by Apple and Google in its mobile operating systems are described. Apart from this, the report also emphasizes the past and possible future holes found in the iOS and Android platforms.

The report made close comparisons of both the platforms and reached on the conclusion that iOS offers full protection against malware attacks, while its counterpart offers only a little.

The report also ranked iOS higher than Android for protection against resource abuse and service attacks, data loss, and data integrity attacks. Moving further, even the fields like access control, application provenance, and encryption were found to be more securely protected by iOS.

Isolation was the only security category, in which Google's Android was termed as better than iOS. Android received highest marks for this category, while iOS was told to offer moderate protection.

On the whole, the report by Symantec credited the provenance approach of Apple for building a steady security barrier. This because all of the apps, before getting launched on the App store has to undergo vetting procedures. The report said that this avoids malware attacks, data loss attacks, data integrity attacks, and denial of service attacks.

While coming over to Android, Symantec pointed out two major weaknesses in it. The report said, “First, the provenance system in place enables attackers to anonymously create and distribute malware. In addition, its permission system relies upon the user to make the important security decisions, and considering most of Android users are not of high technical capability, this causes problems.”

But the report did term Google's mobile operating system as an enormous improvement over traditional desktop operating systems.

The Verizon iPhone 5 alone will present a formidable challenge.

As Apple prepares to finally launch its iPhone on Verizon’s store shelves Feb. 10.But just the Verizon iPhone 5 alone will present a formidable challenge, and by all measures, it will easily beat any Android handset it’s up against.


Here’s why: The iPhone will increase Verizon’s influence.


Verizon in no way prefers one platform over another, unless one of those platforms offers more revenue potential. Going forward, it’s quite possible that the current-generation Verizon iPhone will usher in many more customers to the carrier’s network, and effectively put it ahead of AT&T and all other competitors in the United States. If that happens, Verizon will have no choice but to give preferential treatment to Apple. It’s quite possible that the next version of the iPhone on Verizon’s network will capitalize on that treatment.


The forgotten platform?


At the same time, the iPhone's and iphone feature success could have a negative impact on Android. Prior to the iPhone’s arrival, Android was the go-to platform on Verizon’s network, and companies like Motorola and HTC were capitalizing on this situation. But if Verizon sees more revenue potential with the iPhone than with Android—which seems quite likely—and pushes the iPhone to the top of its marketing strategy, Android handset sales could drop off. As a result, Android devices will have an even harder time competing with the iPhone 5 across the smartphone market.


The 4G possibility: One of the key factors in the Verizon iPhone 5 will be 4G. Currently, Verizon has the potential to reach more than 100 million people with its 4G network. It expects to bring it to even more customers through the end of 2011. Most reports suggest Apple will capitalize on that and bring 4G connectivity to the next Verizon iPhone. If that happens, currently scheduled Android 4G handsets won’t have that advantage. The onus will be on those handset makers to find another way to appeal to customers. That might be more difficult than some think.


If the current iPhone software programming is so appealing to customers, how many more will jump at the chance to buy an iPhone with the many features Apple will likely be making available in the next iteration of its smartphone?

Google Earth Available for Android

Nexus One, which runs Android 2.1 and Motorola Milestone known as Droid, which runs on Android 2.0.1 has become an august platform to illustrate the rich and highly technical features of Google Earth. Nexus One carries a lot of performance in a slender package.

After a lot of touches and experiments, the app is ready with the bouncing features for Android. This is the fastest mobile version of Google Earth yet, with a smooth frame and a beautiful 800 x 480 screen.
With the release of Google Earth for Android, Google has also introduced the Roads layer, a very prominent feature of the desktop version of Google Earth. Thus, giving you a better sense of where you are with road labels drawn on top of the satellite imagery.

In addition, Google has taken advantage of the integrated voice recognition potentialities of the Android platform to support the best Google Earth experience yet -- a pocket globe that responds to your every command. Try speaking "Eiffel tower" or "best burrito Mission district of San Francisco." Maybe you're trying to find some nice lodging for an upcoming getaway to Lake Tahoe. Just say "romantic getaway Lake Tahoe."

With Google Earth for Android, the app has brought together the convenience of Google Search by voice with the power of Google Local Search to make it easier than ever to navigate the globe and find whatever you are looking for.

As with other versions of Google Earth, the users can also browse photos, places, and local businesses, whether it is in your local community or on the far side of the globe. Click on an icon to see photos, videos, and read about prominent places in the world. You can easily customize your version of Google Earth to display the layers that most interest you.

In addition to Nexus One, Google Earth will be available in Android Market on most devices that have Android 2.1 or later versions. So as devices such as Droid get updated to Android 2.1, others will also be able to fly to the far reaches of the globe with a swipe of their finger.

Android 1.6 SDK is here

I am happy to let you know that Android 1.6 SDK is available for download. Android 1.6, which is based on the donut branch from the Android Open Source Project, introduces a number of new features and technologies. With support for CDMA and additional screen sizes, your apps can be deployed on even more mobile networks and devices. You will have access to new technologies, including framework-level support for additional screen resolutions, like QVGA and WVGA, new telephony APIs to support CDMA, gesture APIs, a text-to-speech engine, and the ability to integrate with Quick Search Box. What's new in Android 1.6 provides a more complete overview of this platform update.

The Android 1.6 SDK requires a new version of Android Development Tools (ADT). The SDK also includes a new tool that enables you to download updates and additional components, such as new add-ons or platforms.

You can expect to see devices running Android 1.6 as early as October. As with previous platform updates, applications written for older versions of Android will continue to run on devices with Android 1.6. Please test your existing apps on the Android 1.6 SDK to make sure they run as expected.

Over the next several weeks, we will publish a series of blog posts to help you get ready for the new developer technologies in Android 1.6. The following topics, and more, will be covered: how to adapt your applications to support different screen sizes, integrating with Quick Search Box, building gestures into your apps, and using the text-to-speech engine.

VIA::http://android-developers.blogspot.com/

Android Market Now More than 10,000 Android Apps!

Following a tip from a Tweet by AndroLib.com, an Android App Market website (non-Google Website yet far better), reporting real-time stats that Google’s Android Market has more than 10,000 Android Apps.

At the time of this post, there were 10,072 to be exact; 64% of the apps are Free while 36% are Paid apps. According to that,the best resources for Android App Reviews, only reviewed about 2% of the Android Market apps… but I always say it’s about Quality and NOT Quantity. We’ve seen some really good and really crappy apps… even those that tried to pull the get-rich-on-an-idiot scheme by uploading $200 apps.

Recent outcry or better yet outrage on poor sales in the Android Market can make developers weary of the OS. Not to mention the numerous things wrong with the current state of the Android Market itself; but with a little time, Market corrections, more cellular carriers, improved SDK… Android can soon surpass other platforms as demonstrated in recent mobile operating system growth statistics.

Though nowhere near Apple’s one billionth iPhone app download by a teenager a few months ago… The Android Market shows strong potential as a mobile operating system and 3rd party software eco-system.

Source for story:http://www.androidtapp.com/android-market-now-more-than-10000-android-apps/

Image source:androlib.com

Android Enterprise App Support “as Soon as This Year”

You thought Exchange support was as a big deal for Android? Well, enterprise-grade applications are also in the pipes for a future release of Android, according to GoogleVP Andy Rubin.
Of course, Google’s attitude remains somewhat laissez-faire, riding primarily on the hope that manufacturers will do what they will to the Android source code for their handsets.

If Android wants a reasonable chunk of the enterprise market, manufacturers will have to make exceptionally good use of tose tools, especially if RIM keeps getting special treatment from Google with things like with the BlackBerry Apps Connector. Rubin says we could start seeing enterprise Android apps as soon as this year, although it depends largely on what manufacturers do.

[via : http://www.intomobile.com]

Google Android 2.0 “Donut,” : Entrancing Treat for Developers

Google Presents a delectable treat for the Google Android developers. Google has released Android OS 2.0 Donut for the adventurous developer community.

Donut, with lots of sweetness inside, offers a whole new world of improvement that should give Apple iPhone developers a run for their money.

This new improved version, includes text-to-speech, gesture support, universal search and a 5-in-1 toggle switch for home screen use that can help manage Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity among other user set options.

The users will find a lot of new features in the improved “Donut”, like Universal Search with an automated back-ups. The developers are already excited about the huge amount of performance that should hopefully see the platform running more smoothly even on existing hardware.

More technical issues have been tweaked, too, with WPA Enterprise encryption support together with VPN functionality.

A-1 developers are best in industry to offer best and cost effective iPhone Apps developlment. So visit A1technology.com to get the best services.Or Visit www.androidsoftwareprogramming.com

Will Android 2.0 Be Released Later This Summer?

We hate to start the waiting game so soon, especially since we're just comfortable and enjoying Cupcake now, but the AndroidGuys have reason to believe that Android 2.0 Donut will be released later this Summer. The developers of The Weather Channel Android application have admitted that the next update to their application, slated for late summer, will be built for Android 2.0.

This could mean a few things: The Weather Channel could be jumping the gun with an Android 2.0-ready update or Android 2.0 will be released by the time The Weather Channel update is available. Obviously, we're pulling for the latter. In the meantime, we wouldn't start any Donut-related movements, after seeing T-Mobile bungle the Cupcake release, it could be months before T-Mobile even acknowledges Donut on the roadmap.


Source:http://www.androidcentral.com/

Sony Ericsson's Upcoming Android Phone

You can feel the presence of a new kid on the block...!!! Code-named Rachael, Sony Ericsson's Android based Device, currently in development phase, will hit the market later this year, according to information obtained by the Danish Mobil Magazine.

Everyone is aware for some time now that Sony Ericsson (SE) is working on a Google Android-based smartphone, but the company has placed the details under the sheets. However, pictures leaked by a Danish site appears to reveal snaps of what it looks like.

Now, we can review the details regarding the first Sony Ericsson Android device. The Android based device will be part of SE's XPERIA series, which so far includes the Windows Mobile-based X1 model.

The leaked information also reveals that the SE's upcoming Android phone featuring an 8.1-megapixel camera with autofocus and flash. At the top of the phone a 3.5mm headphone jack and a miniUSB port are also present. No specific details on the phone's display size or resolution were released, but the Danish magazine says it has a pressure-sensitive touchscreen.

The Sony Ericsson Rachael, as the rumors go, will get powered by an extra-speedy 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8250 chip. It supports high definition video decoding and the phone is likely to sport a broadcast T Android based, Wi Fi, and GPS.

First Android Phone in India launched today

Taiwanese handset manufacturer HTC launched India's first smartphone on Tuesday that will run on Google's open-source Android operating system.Sources tell ET NOW that Bharti Airtel will be the exclusive carrier for the device that is priced at around Rs 30,000.

The device is likely to provide stiff competition to existing smartphone handset cum application offerings such as Apple's iPhone and iTunes App Store as well as Nokia's N97 and Ovi Store. While both companies declined to comment, a spokesperson for Google told ET NOW that "Android is a freely available open-source platform that anybody is free to develop and use without Google's formal involvement".

The Android phone provides free 100 MB monthly download for Airtel customers.

The phone thus is clearly not going to be branded a 'Google Phone' like the HTC Dream was when it launched late last year in the US as the T-Mobile G1. Since that first commerially available model, HTC has also launched the "Magic" which is identical to the Dream except for a touch-screen keyboard instead of a sliding one.

The phone did not receive the same manic reception in the US as did the Apple iPhone but is expected to emerge as Apple's stiffest competition going forward. The G1's key feature was its ability to wirelessly sync with popular Google web applications such as Gmail, contacts, calender and Google Talk. Apple on the other hand has had little success in getting iPhone users to sync with its propreitary "Mobile Me" web services which are nowhere on the radar when compared to Google's web presence.

Android is a software platform for mobile devices, including netbooks, based on the Linux operating system and although it is officially administered by a consortium of companies called the Open Handset Alliance, Google is the original creator and the unofficial 'anchor company'. Developers can write code for the platform using a flavour of the Java programming language developed by Google. Some open source evengelists have criticized Android for not being "100% open source" accusing Google of keeping some components of the code propreitary in order to control it.


Read on for more about launching of Android Phone at: Economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Is Android the real Linux desktop threat to Windows

Android is perceptive and user friendly on mobile hardware such as the HTC Dream. There is no doubt that Android in comparison to full blown operating systems like Windows and Mac OSX.

Though Android is gaining more popularity these days but a very big benefit of Windows mobile is its stiff incorporation with Exchange, and through that to Outlook on the Desktop. If android gets together with Google Apps, then it is the first real competitor to MS Exchange but for it is necessary that we can get our Desktops to Integrate with Google Apps.

Presently we're at the native Linux desktop and drifting towards the Android desktop. The question that comes into mind is that what would then bridge those two environments? It’s damn sure that whatever be the bridge, it will offer a second Linux sandbox which runs along with Android.

Whenever we make comparison between Android and Windows it is like making comparison between Google Apps to Microsoft Office. Starting from the mobile phones environment and running uphill, Android, backed by Google, is likely to be successful where other Linux distributions have failed. It is likely to harvest support from both device manufacturers and applications vendors.

It is well known that Android has a very particular architecture. It has its own libraries and non-X based GUI, which are not favorable to running standard Linux/X applications. Also its libc version (bionic) neglects certain POSIX features and due to which it is not fully compatible. For permitting native Linux apps to run, a second sandbox atmosphere is required that can co-operate with Android. Then Android would be the master environment so as to provide all the kernel, hardware drivers, and complete software stack that it already does. A separate set of non-kernel components would be provided by the co- Linux environment. The components would be like libraries, configuration and administrative files, applications, etc.

The main reason behind this trend is that, consumers and business users equally want something they can take on the road with them. In the era of hotspots and fast speed Internet, people are opting mobile computing instead of desktop computing is- low-power consumption mobile devices which favors lightweight operating systems.

Co-Linux would be a advantage for coming netbook platforms, where some users may want to chose from the accessible native Linux apps, including educational, gaming, just plain familiar, or otherwise. It would be really unruffled if the co-Linux environment itself could be bundled as an Android app. At A1 technology our developers are working hard on this so as to overcome the limitations faced till day.

Android Phones Coming Soon with Paid Applications

One of the biggest areas where the HTC G1 phone on T-Mobile's network lags Apple iPhone is the app store.

So far, the Android Marketplace allowed only free apps in its online store but that is set to change this week. Google is expected to allow developers to start charging for programs sold through the Android market place, says The Wall Street Journal.

Unlike the iPhone App store that has splits the revenue with the developers, Android allows for third party programmers to keep the profits to themselves. Apple keeps 30 percent of the revenue from apps sold through the iPhone store.

The Android marketplace is also open. Apps do not have to be approved by either the carrier or Google which developed the Android mobile operating system. That is in contrast to Apple's walled garden approach that requires all apps to be scrutinized by the company. iPhone users are billed for paid apps through their iTunes account. It is not clear what kind of payment framework Android will use.

Paid apps should help improve the Android marketplace.

Android - The complete story

Ever wondered how Android came into being. I found this somewhat dated but riveting story in wired. As you read it, you know that Android is going to be big. I have had an Android for a while (along with an iPhone) and can attest that as a productivity device for business, if you are comfortable relying on Google (Gmail/Contact), it is unbeatable. The iPhone still has an edge but we are looking forward to what the next iteration of Android will do!

"Rubin said his startup, called Android, had the solution: a free, open source mobile platform that any coder could write for and any handset maker could install. He would make his money by selling support for the system — security services, say, or email management. Android would have the spirit of Linux and the reach of Windows. It would be a global, open operating system for the wireless future."

Wired Magazine